Featured in Issue 31, the couple shared their love story along with so many special moments from their ballroom wedding.
After spotting each other from across the room at The Greatest Bar in Boston, Dario and Monica knew something was different. From their earliest conversation, Monica recalls: “It felt like we already knew each other.”
Going from strength to strength in their relationship, Dario popped the question on October 10, 2020, in a suite decorated with rose petals, flowers, and balloons at Encore Boston. After ecstatically saying yes, the bride-to-be went to work. And yes we mean that literally since Monica just so happens to be a wedding planner! So it was full steam ahead for the couple planning the wedding of a lifetime.
On November 16, 2023, Dario and Monica said their I Do’s during their formal ballroom ceremony in front of their closest friends and family at The Estate at Florentine Gardens. Surrounded by luxurious white roses and greenery which brought the magic of the garden indoors, the grandeur of their surroundings and decor could only be matched by a dress that was fit for a princess.
Monica wore a Martina Liana gown with cathedral skirting, a royal cathedral-length veil, and statement sleeves, looking every inch the glamorous bride. She was accompanied by her handsome groom Dario who chose to be outfitted in a custom tuxedo with black details that gave him a traditional yet modern look.
Scroll down to see more pics from their stunning ballroom wedding!
- Couple: Monica Pontes and Dario Santos
- Occupations: Construction (Local 22) | Wedding Planner
- Venue: The Estate at Florentine Gardens
- Wedding Date: November 16, 2023
Quick Facts:
- Gifts: The Groomsmen received a wooden box with crystal glasses, coasters, and a crystal Decanter. Bridesmaids were gifted hair, make-up, gloves, jewelry, and a spa day.
- Florals: Greenery arrangements and various elements of the decor created a natural and organic feel. These greenery accents add a touch of freshness and bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
- Ceremony Entrance Songs: Groom: Usher “Superstar”, Wedding party: Wale ft Usher “Matrimony”, Bride: Ava Maria Ave Maria (Instrumental) – Schubert – Flute and Piano
- First dance: The Stylistics “You Make Me Feel Brand New”
- Favorite item on the menu: The food at the Florentine was all so delicious! We were beyond impressed with everything we ate and could not pick just one dish!
Fit for a princess…
How we met:
We were out for drinks with friends and randomly saw each other from the other side of the room. We both ended up at the bar and immediately started conversing. It was the easiest conversation and it felt like we already knew each other. From there we became very good friends that flourished into a relationship with an already established foundation.
The proposal:
Dario proposed to me by getting a suite at Encore Boston and having it decorated with rose petals, flowers, and balloons that were set up by my best friend and sister while we were at dinner. I walked into the room after our meal and was completely surprised by the decor and his proposal.
Wedding Style…
Monica: I never expected to wear a ballroom wedding gown but after I booked my gorgeous venue, I figured I should try one. I wanted a classic timeless dress. A dress that I could look back on years from now and still be in love with. I tried on a Martina Liana dress with a cathedral skirt along with a royal cathedral veil to complete the classic look. I added balloon sleeves to give the dress a modern feel.
For my second look, I didn’t want anything that would take too long to change into it. I knew the overskirt was perfect and I was able to slip it off and head straight to the dance floor. I wanted the second look to be sexy and classy. A high slit with the balloon sleeves to give it a couture touch.
The bridesmaids wore Jessica Angel dresses in Hunter green. There were two options: a long-sleeved dress with a slit or a short-sleeved paired with long gloves. I want the bridesmaids to feel beautiful and classy.
Dario: I wanted a custom clean and classic tuxedo. I knew I wanted to wear a white jacket to match Monica. Black is one of my favorite colors so I decided to wear a black wing collar shirt paired with a black vest. I made sure to get the vest made for me to keep a clean and cohesive look once I removed my jacket.
All of the groomsmen got custom-tailored three-piece tuxedos made. We wanted to make sure that when the groomsmen took off their jackets they were still dressed nicely.
Wedding guests wore Black tie Attire. We asked them to wear tuxedos and gowns.
Cocktail Hour:
The Ceremony:
The Reception:
Candles with gorgeous greenery and flowers brought in touches of a romantic garden.
I wanted the second look to be sexy and classy. A high slit with the balloon sleeves to give it a couture touch.
– Monica Pontes (The Bride)
Cultural elements:
We had a melting pot of guests from Cape Verde, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and much more. During our cocktail hour, we incorporated food from different countries. We had flags from all the different countries so guests could get up and dance when we played certain songs.
Favorite Memories:
Our best memories of the wedding include finally getting to see each other dressed at our first look. Followed by walking down the aisle and seeing the beautiful decor and all of our favorite people. All the hard work and time spent planning had finally come together and knowing that we had officially become a family.
We made sure to include Dario’s five-year-old daughter. She was so happy the day of the wedding. She turned to us at the reception and said: “We are the royal family. Dada is the king MoMo is the queen and I’m Princess Zyla.” Giving her that memory was priceless to us.
Advice for other engaged couples:
Plan everything accordingly because the wedding day is here before you know it and goes by so quickly. Try and stay together throughout the wedding so you have memories together and plenty of photos.
Looking for more inspiration like this fairytale ballroom wedding?
Click here!
Vendors:
- Wedding Design Planner: Signature Designs
- Wedding Coordinator: iShine Events
- Floral Design: Adira Design
- Wedding Venue: The Estates at Florentine Gardens
- Photographer: Alicia Rinka
- Videography/Cinematography: Unleashed Vizuals
- BTS Photographer: Fena Fenelon of The Sofenomenal Agency Group
- Bridesmaids MUA: Felicia Graham Beauty
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Jessica Angel
- Barber: Prime Time
- Groomsmen’s Attire: Timmy the Tailor
- Cake: CakedByMek
- Officiant: James Milord
- DJ: VYPER
- MC: Eli C
- Rentals: Labélux Rentals
- Tabletops: Curated Rentals
- Wedding Stationery: Boxed Wedding Invitations
- Acrylics: Mel’s Designs
- Wedding Branding: IYHTVDesigns
- Custom Signs: Slique Designs | Fena Fenelon of The Sofenomenal Agency Group
- Confessional Booth and Design: Kaptured Confessions |Be Seated
- Floor wraps: VGraphics
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