Weddings are such special—and yes, sometimes stressful—moments in our lives. But there's a shift happening. More of us are focusing less on the details people will never remember and more on the ones they will. And one detail that's unforgettable? Our cultura. Whether you're marrying within your own culture or blending traditions, weaving your heritage into your big day adds meaning that lingers long after the party ends.
For me, it was all about creating a beautiful fusion of my Salvadoran roots and my husband’s Peruvian heritage. Here are five ways we made that happen.
1. DECORATIONS
Getting married in Alaska meant I had to be intentional about decorations—everything needed to be lightweight and easy to ship. But this challenge turned into an opportunity to highlight our cultures in creative ways.
2. STATIONARY
We kept our stationery minimal, focusing mainly on the invitations. I wanted them to set the tone, so we incorporated traditional embroidery motifs in bright, bold colors alongside elegant white cursive fonts. Hidden within the designs were volcanoes, torogoz, llamas, and floral patterns—subtle nods to the natural beauty of Peru and El Salvador.
3. LA VIRGENCITA & HER FLOWERS
I’ve always had a close relationship with La Virgencita, the Virgin Mary, and I still do. For me, she’s the epitome of resilience and grace. Back when I had my quince there was a special moment during my misa, church ceremony, where I prayed in front of her statue and gave her her flowers. I asked her to guide me as I transitioned into womanhood. For our misa, I had that special moment again, but this time, my now husband was by my side.
4. MY VEIL
Okay, I’m not usually one to brag, but my veil was absolutely STUNNING. I wanted something colorful yet delicate, an accessory that stood out without overwhelming my look. After searching online, I found an embroidered veil from Oaxaca that I adored—but it wouldn’t arrive in time for the wedding.
So, in true spontaneous fashion, I grabbed my two maids of honor, and we flew to Oaxaca. After some searching and a few dead ends, we stumbled upon a small shop specializing in special occasion attire. The shop owner pulled out two veils—one short, one long. The long one was perfect. The embroidery, the colors, the craftsmanship… it was everything I had dreamed of.
5. BRIDAL PARTY ATTIRE
While I didn’t make my own wedding dress, I knew I wanted Descalza to be part of the day. For my maids of honor, I wanted to make sure their outfits were going to continue to serve a purpose outside the wedding. That’s why we created two-piece outfits: they picked their own skirts, and we provided corsets that could be styled for the wedding and everyday wear. For the groomsmen, we added a Peruvian touch with aguayo fabric ties and pocket squares. The bold colors and patterns tied the entire bridal party together (pun intended).
Six months later, I still smile thinking about all the intentional details we incorporated. Sure, some things took extra time and effort, but it was worth it. Every element told a piece of our story.
And if you're wondering why we chose Alaska for our wedding, just look at the photo below. My husband and I are avid adventurers, and we wanted our wedding to be an unforgettable journey for us and our guests. For me, it was also about showing my parents a part of the world that looks nothing like El Salvador, yet is just as breathtaking.
If you’re interested in having a few pieces custom-made for your wedding, such as your bridal party attire or your table decor, feel free to email us at hola@descalza.co. It would be an honor to make your wedding day extraordinary.
Special shout-out to Donna Marie Photography for taking extraordinary photos on our special day. If you're ever in Alaska and need impeccable photos, we strongly encourage you to reach out to her! She's patient, creative, amazing, and is also Latina!
Learn how to style a colorful statement piece, like your Descalza favorite, with ease and confidence. This article helps you embrace bold fashion choices by starting simple: pair neutral basics like jeans and a white tee with one eye-catching statement piece. Focus on creating a single focal point—whether it's bold earrings, a vibrant skirt, or patterned pants—and let your style shine. As you grow comfortable, experiment with adding more color, texture, and patterns for harmonious outfits that reflect your unique personality. Remember, your style is about expressing yourself and taking up space unapologetically—porque la pena se va por la ventana.
