A Latin American Fiesta Wedding With Tap Dancing, Cacti, Tequila Carts, And Opera Singing
Joanna, Assistant Director of Non-Profit, joined forces with her artistic partner Ben, a PhD candidate in Art History, to create an unforgettable offbeat wedding celebration. The ceremony took place on October 10, 2015, at the historic First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Our special day in Salt Lake City, Utah, was a true reflection of our unique blend. Benjamin and I worked tirelessly to infuse every aspect with our personalities, from the mouthwatering Mexican cuisine courtesy of Red Iguana to the rich cultural heritage that Ben’s El Salvadoran roots brought to the table.
The celebration featured an eclectic mix of performances, including a lively tap dance by my mother and me, a sultry jazz set accompanied by a talented vocalist, and even some opera singing by one of my dear bridesmaids. To add a touch of whimsy, we incorporated homemade cacti centerpieces and a vintage jazz dance routine that had everyone grooving.
As if all that weren’t enough, our guests were treated to Ben’s charming portrait illustrations, which even made an appearance on our wedding invitations – and let’s not forget the tequila cart making its way around the dance floor! It was truly a day to remember, full of laughter, love, and joy.
Tell us about the ceremony:
As we approached our special day, it was crucial for us to infuse our ceremony with personal touches. To achieve this, we wrote our own vows, a meaningful way to express our deepest promises to one another.
In my vow to Ben, I promised to tend to Joanna’s needs, ensuring she starts each day feeling cherished and protected. This includes tucking her into bed every morning and making her breakfast in bed, as well as sharing a new reason why I love her with him every single day.
To Joanna, I vowed to always resolve any arguments or misunderstandings with Ben before we fall asleep, so he can enter his dreams feeling comforted and protected. This commitment to communication was essential in building a strong foundation for our relationship.
In my vow to both Ben and Joanna, I promised to be open to new experiences, embracing opportunities to learn and grow together.
This includes trying new activities, such as ballroom dance and tango lessons, which bring us laughter and joy. I also vowed to celebrate their accomplishments, big or small, and serve as a supportive partner during life’s challenges.
Ben’s vow was just as heartfelt: With this ring, he promised to be loving, honest, goofy, and supportive towards Joanna, his partner, lover, and one true confidant. He pledged to stand by her side for the rest of their lives.
Joanna’s words were equally poignant: She knew from our first date six years prior that she’d found her soulmate in Ben. With this ring, she promised to do her part, 300 percent, to make their decision to become husband and wife the best one they’ve ever made.
Tell us about your reception:
Ben’s cultural heritage played a significant role in shaping our special day. As an El Salvadorian, he brought his Latin American flair to the reception, which was also where we exchanged our vows in Mexico. To add to the festive atmosphere, signature drinks ‘Jo’s Michelada’ and ‘Ben’s Manly Sangria’ were served. My mom, Feeny, got creative by repurposing empty salsa and bean cans as unique centerpieces for the cacti arrangement.
Instead of a traditional guest book, we opted for a piñata that our guests could fill with heartfelt messages for us – a tradition we’ll continue to cherish on our future anniversaries.
As our friends and family indulged in authentic Mexican cuisine, they were also treated to an impressive lineup of performances by my fellow dance enthusiasts. My bridesmaid and OSU dance major friend Meredith kicked things off with a soulful jazz dance routine set to Leon Bridges’ tunes.
Becca and her mother Deborah then took the floor with their lively mother-daughter tap dance performance.
After dinner, the whole group came together to groove to the sounds of a live R&B and soul/funk band. When they took a break, Ben’s El Salvadorian family took over with a Latin playlist that got everyone moving.
And no celebration would be complete without a round of tequila shots making their way around the dance floor – a tradition that added an extra layer of fun to our already unforgettable day.
What was your most important lesson learned?
Our special day wasn’t just a joyful celebration of our love story, but also a heartfelt tribute to the people who matter most. From the talented jazz musicians to the skilled baker behind our decadent wedding cupcakes, and even the compassionate Unitarian Church minister who officiated our ceremony – every single person involved was a cherished friend or family member.
Our goal was to prove that with a little creativity and determination, you can turn your wedding into a one-of-a-kind reflection of your unique style and passions, all while staying within a modest budget.
Vendors
This special day was captured by the talented photographer at Burlap & Blossom. The bride’s stunning dress was courtesy of Maggie Sotero, while the groom looked dashing in his suit from Noose & Monkey and ASOS. The beautiful wedding and reception took place at the historic First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, UT, where the couple was surrounded by loved ones. Music played a big role in the celebration, with the Jazz Vespers Quartet providing the perfect ambiance.
And no wedding is complete without sweet treats – Cupcakes By Kasthuri were a huge hit with guests!
