Ricardo and Michael’s proposal and wedding seamlessly transitioned from a dimly-lit intimate dinner party to a beautifully sexy burlesque on Broadway show between toasts of champagne. Ricardo has a gentle, caring tone that makes him a warm and generous host. You could tell by the look on Michael’s face when Ricardo spoke just how deep their connection ran. By choosing the restaurant Ricardo and Michael were able to share their story with their guests in a space that felt like home with a splash of the old world and a dash of bright lights.
How did you meet?
We met 26 years ago on a night out in Boston. I was with friends visiting from Colombia and Michael was out with his own friends. We went out on our first date the next day and that was it. Together ever since.
What is your proposal story?
We got married first 16 years ago, right after Massachusetts legalized gay marriage. Michael asked me and I said yes. We got married 3 days later. It was a very simple event with our closest friends and family. This time, is our 2nd wedding. Around 3-4 years ago, we made Lev Glazman promise (The Maker owner), that we would be the 1st event at the hotel once he opened. The past 2 years delayed everything, but he kept his promise and I started planning my 50th birthday. We took over The Maker for 3 days to celebrate it. Since we were not able to celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2020 because of covid, I surprised Michael and the entire party with a proposal on the final night of my birthday weekend. The only person who knew was our dear friend Tim Harrington (who is this fabulous hotelier in Kennebunkport Maine). He was ready to perform the ceremony. It was absolutely beautiful! Michael could not believe it. The Maker and the Non Ring Circus kept the whole thing a secret and helped organize the flow of the night, and the performances, including our amazing ringbearer.
Tell us a little a bit about your wedding
I wanted it to be memorable and fun and exciting. Michael and I love our friends and entertaining and to have long evenings filled with unexpected fun. Certainly covid had put a stop to that. So I wanted to bring it back. We made the group small, it was only 22 people. I love black tie, so that was my one starting point. I felt everyone was ready to dress up again. I also wanted to embrace the gorgeous space that The Maker provides. The conservatory, which is were the celebration happened, is a gorgeous glass structure surrounded by warm rich tones and frescos and stunning lighting. I wanted the space to be the focal visual point. Not compete with it but be enveloped by it. We started with cocktails at the library, surrounded by candlelight and simple organic florals. Then the night opened with a very modern bellydance performance to my favorite Colombian singer, Shakira. The 2nd performance was this amazing burlesque/modern dance performer. And ended with a fire dance on the courtyard outside the conservatory. I wanted it to feel simple, not fussy and respectfully decadent. I think we accomplished it. Lev organized at fabulous after-party at his home were we danced until the morning.
Tell us about your attire choices.
We appreciate classic so we dusted our tuxes. Michael went for the black on black look; I went for the more traditional route with an oversized Gucci tie paired with a D&G brooch, a gift of Michael.
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
All I wanted it to be was us. I wanted the entire thing to feel intimate, understated but luxurious, a beautiful experience, with an unexpected rhythm.
What were your favorite parts of the day?
The favorite thing from the evening were the performances. I wanted it to be memorable and sexy and fun, with a touch of cheekiness.
Tell us about your wedding flowers.
I did the flowers. I discussed with The Maker using whatever was available the weekend of the event, that we could get from the local florist.That day I went to the place and thankfully they had those gorgeous Burgundy peonies, which are my favorite flower. We used bedside water pitchers from the hotel as vases and created simple collections around the tables.
Tell us about your wedding cake.
The Maker did the cake. Again, I wanted something sexy and unexpected. So we went for a mirror glazed half sphere cake. It was vanilla cake with mango moose.
What did you do for favors?
As people arrived and checked in a the hotel, we did welcome cocktails (which The Maker had already asked each guest about) paired with a charcuterie and a personal note.
Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions?
My brother in-law (Michael’s brother) lost his husband to AIDS. A couple of years ago he gave me Leo’s wedding ring. We used that ring for me (Cartier). And I had given Michael a couple years ago a wedding band (Tiffany). When we got married first, we used rings we bought at a mall stand. So it was lovely.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
I am sure everyone says the same. It is about your experience. It is your day, your time, make it what you want it to be.