A Carnavale Themed Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C

Leonidas Moncada and William Fritzlen met in 2016 on the Caribbean coast of Honduras. Leo was working as the Human Resources Director for a 5-star luxury resort, and Bill – an international lawyer from Washington D.C. – was visiting mutual friends whose instincts told them that the two should meet. Those instincts proved to be correct, as the two quickly began daily Facetime chats; and within a month, they decided to meet again in Florida.

That Florida trip deepened the growing love and desire for commitment the two felt for each other. After several more months of visits to Honduras and Washington D.C., Bill decided to pop the question. The engagement took place during a vacation with friends in the Caribbean Bay Islands of Honduras, where Bill dropped to one knee and proposed at sunset on a dock over the clear blue waters. A stunned Leo accepted right away. 

The wedding planning process spanned many months, combined with figuring out the logistics of Leo moving to Washington D.C. Eventually, the couple’s dream wedding at The Ritz-Carlton in D.C. unfolded with a reception filled with greenery, candles, and an ambiance of modern elegance. 

Leo and Bill were married by a judge and dear friend in the company of loved ones who had come from near and far. With a guest list of attendees from around the world, the traditions and cuisines of Leo’s Honduras and Bill’s native Kansas City were both reflected. 

The wedding reception was an all-out dance party accented by Latin beats, 80’s music, and everything in-between. To top off the evening, the newlyweds treated their guests to a traditional Carnavale, with Samba dancers, drummers, stilt walkers, funny hats, beads, and more – including an unforgettable performance by DC’s most renowned Liza Minelli impersonator. 

After four days of events with friends and family, Bill and Leo settled into their Washington D.C. home with their miniature schnauzer, Hector. The two are planning an extensive honeymoon in Australia and New Zealand later this year.