Miami weddings are a mix of everything. Cuban, Colombian, Venezuelan, Puerto Rican, Mexican and more, and a lot of couples bring two families with two sets of traditions into one day. Latin wedding traditions are full of meaning, and they're also some of the moments that move the fastest.
I'm bilingual, so I can talk with your abuela in Spanish while we line up family photos, and I can follow along with a ceremony in either language. Here are the traditions I see most often, what they mean and how I plan for each one.
A quick note before we start: traditions change from country to country, from region to region and from family to family. What I describe here is the general idea. Your family's version is the right one, so tell me how you do it.
Padrinos and Madrinas
In many Latin weddings, padrinos and madrinas are more than guests of honor. They're sponsors. Depending on the family, they might be your witnesses, they might present the lazo or the arras during the ceremony, or they might help pay for part of the day, like the rings, the cake or the music.
How I photograph it: Add your padrinos to your family photo list, and tell me which ones have a role in the ceremony. If your padrinos de lazo are walking up to the altar mid-ceremony, I want to know ahead of time so I'm in position for it, not running across the aisle. I also love a photo of the two of you with all of your padrinos together, because years from now that's the photo people point at.
Las Arras
Las arras are coins, traditionally thirteen, that get blessed during the ceremony and passed between the couple. The number is often explained as Christ and the twelve apostles. The meaning most families share is a promise to provide for and take care of each other. In some ceremonies the groom gives the coins to the bride. In others, the couple exchanges them. You'll see arras in Spain, Mexico and many other Spanish-speaking countries, and in Filipino weddings too.
How I photograph it: The arras usually come in a small box or tray, and the exchange happens fast. I'll photograph the coins up close before the ceremony with your other details, then catch the exchange itself during the ceremony. If your padrinos are presenting them, tell me who's walking up so I can catch their faces too.
El Lazo
El lazo is a large loop, often a rosary, a cord, ribbon or flowers, that gets placed over the couple's shoulders after the vows, usually in a figure eight. It symbolizes the two of you bound together. It's a big part of many Mexican and Filipino Catholic weddings, among others. Usually padrinos place it, and later someone removes it.
How I photograph it: This is one of the most beautiful moments of the ceremony, and also one of the hardest to see from the back. I want a wide shot that shows the padrinos placing it and a tighter shot of your faces with the lazo on. Some couples keep it on through the end of the ceremony and some take it off right away. Tell me which so I'm ready, and if your officiant is fine with it, we can take a quick portrait with the lazo after the ceremony.
If you're getting married in a Catholic church, the lazo and arras usually happen inside the Mass. My guide to Catholic church wedding photos in Miami covers timing and church rules.
Family, Abuelos and Big Family Photos
Latin families tend to be big, and that's the best part. It also means family photos need a plan. I always tell couples to write the list down, group it from biggest to smallest, and assign a cousin or tía who knows everyone to call names.
Abuelos come first. I'll photograph grandparents early, sitting down if they need to, before the heat or the long day catches up with them. A photo of you with your grandparents is one you'll keep forever.
The Reception: Toasts, Dances and Money Dances
Receptions are where traditions really show up. In some families there's a money dance, where guests pin money on the couple or pay for a turn to dance with them. In some Mexican weddings, guests play la víbora de la mar on the dance floor. A lot of couples also do a father-daughter dance that turns into the whole family joining in.
How I photograph it: Put these on your timeline, even if they're loose. If I know the money dance is after the toasts, I can grab the room shots before and be on the floor when it starts.
La Hora Loca
La hora loca, the crazy hour, is a high-energy party block that's especially popular at Colombian, Venezuelan and Ecuadorian weddings, and you'll see it all over Miami now. It usually starts later in the night. The music picks up, and the DJ or entertainers bring out hats, masks, glow sticks and noisemakers. Some couples add performers like dancers, drummers or stilt walkers.
How I photograph it: I get in the middle of it. La hora loca is dark, loud and fast, so I use flash and stay close to the action. My favorite shots are the ones where you and your guests forget anyone's taking photos. Tell me what time it starts, because I'll want to be ready the moment the lights change. If your hora loca is late in the night, make sure your coverage goes that long. My post on how much wedding photo coverage you need helps you figure that out.
How to Plan Photos Around Your Latin Wedding Traditions
Tell me what's happening and when. A short list of traditions and who's involved goes a long way. If you have a planner or a day-of coordinator, share the list with them too.
Ask your officiant. If el lazo, las arras or a Marian offering are part of the ceremony, ask your officiant or parish where in the ceremony they happen.
Put your padrinos on the family list. So no one gets missed.
Plan your coverage for the party. If the hora loca is the highlight, don't let coverage end before it starts.
Tell me the language. If your ceremony is in Spanish, English or both, I'll follow along either way.
FAQ
What are common Latin wedding traditions?
Some of the most common are padrinos and madrinas, las arras (thirteen coins), el lazo (a cord or rosary placed over the couple) and la hora loca at the reception. Every country and family does them a little differently.
What do las arras mean at a wedding?
Las arras are traditionally thirteen coins blessed during the ceremony and passed between the couple. They usually symbolize a promise to provide for and take care of each other.
What is the lazo in a wedding?
El lazo is a loop, often a rosary or cord, placed over the couple's shoulders after the vows, usually by padrinos. It symbolizes the couple being united.
What is la hora loca at a wedding?
La hora loca is a high-energy party hour, usually later in the night, with props like hats, masks and glow sticks, and sometimes live performers. It's especially popular at Colombian and Venezuelan weddings.
Is there a bilingual wedding photographer in Miami?
Yes. I'm bilingual and can work in English and Spanish with you, your family and your vendors.
Let's Talk About Your Day
If your wedding mixes traditions from your families, I'd love to hear about them. Take a look at my wedding collections, read what to expect on your wedding day with me, or reach out here with your date, venue and the traditions you're planning.