Today we have a 1920s Miami Art Deco inspired civil union at the Historic Dade County Courthouse. It brought a mix of vintage and modern including vintage Chanel and bird cage veil by French Designer Ann-Marie Faulkner.
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Kevin and I met on Bumble in January of 2019. We are truly polar opposites of each other. Kevin is the CEO and Founder of a cybersecurity company called CycoreSecure and I am a non-profit immigration attorney. I think initially we were both just very taken by each other because we led very different lives. Kevin thought I was very fashion forward and well-dressed. I thought Kevin was such a gentleman, which is rare to find on a first date in Miami.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
Since Kevin and I actually met through Bumble app he sent me his phone number through the app. I messaged him that day and never got a response. A couple of days went by and thought it was really strange since we talked so much during the day. He actually reached out later on the app again and realized one of the numbers was off so we always make fun of the fact that he initially gave me the wrong phone number and good thing neither one of us deleted the app right away because our “connection” would’ve disappeared.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Kevin and I met about a year before COVID hit and changed the world. Our relationship was still relatively new and we had to figure out how to approach the world in a new way together as we were both working from home from a small apartment. It was chaotic because at the time I was working as an attorney full-time but also modeling and creating content from home. Now looking back at it, it’s pretty humorous remembering me shooting content and videos as he was on calls with corporate simultaneously.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Our civil ceremony was incredibly intimate as we were also planning our full wedding – that just took place September 7th, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. We wanted it to be only immediate family so that we wouldn’t lose focus about what was important and just really take in the moment with our parents and siblings.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
The most important part for us was always making sure everything we did felt very authentic to us. I didn’t want to have a civil ceremony just to have one and let it be about the photos. We were very intentional in making it true to us. We chose the historic court house because I work across from that court house every day. The entire process felt very natural to us and we had a true connection with everyone involved.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
I’ve learned to exercise a lot of patience and that simplicity sometimes is key. I think Kevin has learned to see the world a little bit more from my eyes – meaning its okay to sometimes romanticize moments more.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
I love the fact that Kevin is a very grounded person. He always has a very calm and gentle spirit. Kevin’s favorite thing about me is my kindness and softness with others.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
The Miami Dade County Courthouse is one of the few architectural highlights of downtown Miami that still has original 1930s design. All of our references for the civil ceremony were vintage inspired, from Kevin’s suit to my 1920s inspired bird cage veil. It was really fun seeing it come to life so beautifully and researching designers that were all very sustainable.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Enjoy this stage of your relationship – it really goes by so fast. It is truly about enjoying the process.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is a decision you make every day. There are many types of love during our life together that we will feel for our partner, even on the days you don’t feel super connected it’s important to still choose to act with love and grace towards them.
Photographer: Jessica Vilchez Photo/ https://jessicavilchez.com/ / @jessicavilchezphoto
Hair/Makeup Artist: Bri Soffa/ https://www.brisoffamakeupartistry.com/ / @brisoffa
Dress: Andrée Ciccarelli Aronica/ www.andreeciccarelli.com / @atelierandreeciccarelli
Veil: The Fall Bride @thefallbride designed by: @am_faulkner
Shoes: @badgleymischka Satin Pearl Heel Pumps
Earrings: Vintage @Chanelofficial purchased on @therealreal
Suit: Austin Burke/ https://www.austinburke.miami/ @austinburkefl
Venue: Miami Dade County Courthouse https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/About-the-Court/Courthouse-Locations/Dade-County-Courthouse
Bride: Maitte Barrientos Barona / @maittebarrientos
Groom: Kevin Barona / @kevbarona / https://www.cycoresecure.io/
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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