VANESSA AYBAR & CARLOS SALINAS

Vanessa Aybar and Carlos Salinas knew they wanted to spend their lives together early on in their relationship.

“From the moment we met, we have been best friends,” Vanessa shares, “and we agree that we have never met another person who understands our humor the way we do. We already had so many of the same favorite things when we met! Same favorite movies, foods, vacation spots, sports. We are a couple who loves to just laugh together.” 

The couple’s wedding day was a Floridian celebration that truly represented who they are. “Carlos is Mr. Over-The-Top,” Vanessa describes. “He loves everything big and loud, just like his personality. I’m the opposite – quiet, simple, understated, clean, and classic. We chose The Betsy because it felt like a good balance of both – the Miami Beach flavor but still elegant and timeless.”

Since Vanessa and Carlos both love going to the beach, their wedding location and venue couldn’t have been more fitting. The groom is a born and bred Harlem boy (a “Newyorican”) and the bride is a Dominican girl raised in Miami. 

To represent them both, there was plenty of Spanish flair along with nods to New York and Miami throughout their wedding. For the ceremony, the groom made his entrance to the song “Empire State of Mind.” At the reception, he also danced a Puerto Rican salsa with his mother, while the bride danced a traditional Dominican merengue with her father.

“Our afterparty was strictly New York 90’s hip-hop from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. in the B-Bar (the downstairs lounge of The Betsy) with a pizza bar,” says Vanessa. “This is inspired by Carlos’ Harlem/New York roots and both our love for 90’s hip-hop. Our favors were guava and cheese donuts from The Salty Donut, so that’s a little Miami flavor. Our cake topper was a little Superman and Wonder Woman couple to represent our geekiness; we love all things Marvel/DC comics, Star Wars, and Harry Potter. We love to geek out together.”