When Sarah and Carlos first met on a dating app, neither realized they lived directly across the street from one another in New York City. What began as a coincidence quickly turned into something far more certain. “It became pretty clear early on that she was The One,” Carlos smiles. “When I thought about the rest of my life and planning the future, she was there every single time.” After asking Sarah’s father for his blessing, Carlos planned a romantic proposal during a trip to Madrid, Spain.

The couple spent the next year planning a meaningful celebration for themselves and their loved ones, many of whom traveled from the groom’s native Chile to attend. “We wanted it to be a full weekend affair, given many traveled hundreds and thousands of miles, so that we had the opportunity to spend quality time with each guest,” Sarah confirms, noting that there is never quite enough time with those you love.

A traditional ceremony at the iconic chapel Sarah grew up attending was officiated by the same priest who performed her first communion and confirmation – “a full-circle moment,” she smiles. The full Catholic Mass, important to both families, began at 1:30 p.m., with classical music filling the sanctuary as the bride walked down the aisle in a stunning gown featuring oversized floral embroidery, carrying a bouquet of peonies and orchids adorned with her grandmother’s rosary from the Vatican and a handkerchief destined to become a baptism cap for the pair’s future children.

Before the newlyweds exited the church, friends and family formed an archway outside using golf clubs adorned with ribbons in celebration of the new Mr. and Mrs. “In Chile, it is customary in the golf world, but it turns out it isn’t a thing in the U.S. Everyone loved it!” Carlos shares. Loved ones then enjoyed a brief intermission before joining together at a nearby hotel, where most guests were staying, for an extended 4PM cocktail hour at the onsite restaurant showcasing a modern setting that provided the perfect place to gather before the evening festivities.

“We wanted it to be a full weekend affair, given many traveled hundreds and thousands of miles.”

From there, guests were transported to a private club in the city for the 6PM reception. “We wanted modern elegance [and] fell in love with the venue and space – in particular, the ceilings,” affirms the bride of the elegant venue decorated with modern blue, green, and white décor. Before entering the room, attendees located their table assignments etched on a striking acrylic-box seating display filled with hundreds of long-stemmed calla lilies. A topiary of the couple’s beloved dog, Otis, welcomed everyone inside, adding a personal and playful touch.

Views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows wowed friends and family as they found their seats. Round tables were draped in light blue linens, styled with towering modern candelabras or white-and-green floral arrangements crafted by Bella Flora of Dallas, and surrounded by translucent chairs. The head table featured tall, sculptural arrangements of white, green, and blue blooms set along a mirrored table, paired with slate blue velvet chairs with gold bases.

Each place setting included a geode-slice place card and a menu detailing the dinner selections, alongside a description of the wedding cake inspired by the bride’s dress pattern – a motif also carried through the stationery and dance floor – as well as a smaller dulce de leche cake honoring Chilean tradition.

“At weddings back in Chile, everyone always remembers the music and the food. I feel like those two things can make or destroy a wedding,” Carlos says. Thus, a delectable four-course dinner menu delighted, a live band performed classics from the ’80s through the 2000s, and a DJ played Latin favorites to create a fantastic guest experience for all.

The result was everything they hoped for. “All the food was fantastic, and the party was even better than we envisioned,” Sarah muses. “The entire day was just so memorable.”


This real wedding was originally published in the Spring 2026 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

To order a copy of the Spring 2026 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings digital back issues available for purchase.