I'm a total sucker for love stories that just feel like destiny. Cristina and Olmedo were brought together by family that knew they'd be perfect together, and with the way they look at each other, it's easy to see they were right! Erika Diaz Photography documented their handmade, DIY day in one of North Miami Beach's loveliest outdoor spots.
Last year, Cristina was living in her native Colombia, and was visited by her cousin Carolina and Carolina's husband, Fabio; they hadn't seen each other in years, and it was the first time Cristina was meeting Fabio. They had a wonderful time together, and Fabio went back to the States with a plan: he knew Cristina would be perfect for his brother, Olmedo, and pushed him to reach out to her on Facebook. Cristina was confused by the attention at first, and thought they'd just talk and be friends, but then... "Facebook messages turned into Skype conversations, then long phone conversations and this went on for about 6 months... I realized that as time went by my heart would flutter just to hear his voice and I would get nervous when he would call!"
After six months of getting to know each other long distance, Olmedo flew down to Colombia to meet Cristina and her family: "I was so excited and nervous but I knew it was definitive... and I am so glad he did. He came and spent a week with me and my family and I just knew that this was the man I wanted to be with. His kind heart, love for Jesus and sweet soul was what made fall head over heels for him." Cristina made a return visit to the US to see Olmedo and meet his family, and they spent a few more months long distance until he proposed to her on another visit in the States.
Due to all of the expenses involved in their travel and applying for residence, a pricey wedding wasn't in the cards for these two. With a wish for an outdoor wedding, and a mutual love of park-going, they chose Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach for their big day. Cristina's cousin Carolina, who was also her maid of honor, stepped in to help pull together their DIY details. Every element was handmade - Olmedo's mother even designed and made Cristina's dress.
The first kiss was one of the couple's most memorable moments of the day...
“... that moment when you know that ALL that happened was worth it and that you made it. We were finally there and even though at some points it felt so far away and impossible we never doubted our love for each other! The kiss was just a moment of FINALLY!”
After their I-do's, they toasted and shared cake with their family and loved ones, and were sent on their way as newlyweds with a ribbon wand serenade. Says Cristina, "I am so glad we did it this way, even though it was super exhausting I can say that I handcrafted everything with the people I love. Our whole wedding was amazing. We don't have a favorite moment because everything was a dream come true."
