Most recently the set for Brad Pit and Sandra Bullock’s movie, Lost Paradise, the famous Dominican Republic location, Altos de Chavon, set the scene for romance in Iandra & Nathanael’s breathtaking engagement session.
Growing up together in The Dominican Republic, Iandra and Nathanael technically first met when they were very young. Little did they know, their story was just beginning! After Iandra’s family moved to the USA, the pair didn’t meet again until they were teenagers.
…When she was 17 and I was 19, she came to the country to visit, at that moment I would say we got the chance to really meet each other, creating a connection that would last for years to come.”
– Nathanael (The Groom)
After reconnecting once more in 2020, the pair have been inseparable ever since! On one of Iandra’s many trips to the Dominican Republic to see Nathanael, he asked her to be his wife in an elaborately planned proposal at a movie theater in Nagua on December 27th, 2021. Of course, she said yes!
Choosing to have their engagement session in their home country of The Dominican Republic was the perfect ode to their cross-country romance. In every frame, Photo Cine Art effortlessly captured their love and the beauty of their homeland.
Nestled amidst the tropical landscape of the historic village of Altos de Chavon, Iandra and Nathanael posed before the luxurious Casa de Campo and its surrounding architecture. Together, they climbed steep stone stairs and trekked through the tropical jungle hand in hand, symbolizing their commitment and love for one another. They ended their engagement session with a sweet champagne toast to a life of love and adventure!
More sweet details on their love story below!
- Couple: Iandra Cepeda & Nathanael Canario
- Occupations: Math and English Teachers
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: July 31, 2023
- Wedding location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Location of Engagement shoot: Altos de Chavon, La Romana
- Date of engagement shoot: August 29, 2022
How they met…
We have known each other since we were kids, because our families were close, that was before Iandra’s family moved to the USA. When she moved, we were still kids, making it even more difficult for us to meet.
I would say that we got to know each other better when she was 17 and I was 19, she came to the country to visit, at that moment I would say we got the chance to really meet each other, creating a connection that would last for years to come. We reconnected in the summer of 2020 and have been together ever since.
Their first date…
Our first date was at Najayo beach in San Cristobal D.R, although shyly and superficially we talked about our feelings for one another and how long we both kept it hidden. On that day we kissed for the first time. That first kiss marked the beginning of our relationship.
When they knew they found “the one”…
When we realized we were both aiming in the same direction for our future and had aligned values, when we realized that we were ready to do what it takes to be fully committed in a lifelong journey. And we would ensure we would be the best version of ourselves even if it was not going to be easy, that’s when we knew she was the one. We can work as a team and know we can count on each other.
The proposal…
I proposed on December 27th, 2021. Nonetheless, planning for the proposal started months before. I wanted to have our loved ones present and make sure everything was done as carefully as possible so that she would not suspect anything.
The idea was to make sure everything was ready before she arrives in the country so that I have to make no movement that might call her attention, and trust me that was the difficult part.
Arriving in Nagua…
Upon her arrival on December 23rd she prepared a trip to Nagua on December 26th where I was going to meet one of her friends, scared of raising any suspicions though I could not say no. We departed to nagua with the intention of returning to Santo Domingo the next day in the morning. However, her friend was insisting for us to stay, but we decided not to.
Instead they decided to go for breakfast, meanwhile I was going crazy inside, since they were taking their time, forcing me to create a problem at work to make it clear we could not stay too long. I texted my cousin so that he could call me back, giving me a chance to come up with something, so we could leave right away. However, we were still missing a major situation, we were supposed to meet one of her best friends and hangout that same day.
So I managed to find her friend’s contact, someone I had never talked to before, and send it to my cousin to make sure he talks to her and have her concat Iandra to change the plans they had for that day. To which she reacted willingly. She texted Iandra and asked her if we would be able to join them at MegaCentro to watch a movie instead. Now everything was back in the right direction.
A trip to the movies…
After we arrived from Nagua, we started getting ready to meet iandra’s friends. And she had no idea what I had planned. I planned the proposal in the movie theater, so we were supposed to be there at 8:00 PM right before the movie started. Iandra’s friend was in charge of rushing her so we were there on time.
Once in Megacentro we headed to the theater and I told her to line up to buy popcorn, while I was talking to the person at the entrance to let us in without making a line. Then I returned to Iandra and her friend who were making a line for popcorn and told her “let’s go sit the movie is about to start, I’ll come later to get the popcorn”.
When we were going in, the staff at the entrance asked us to wear a white whole-face mask using the excuse that it was related to the theme of the movie we were about to watch. Everyone was wearing masks and watching the big screen when she walked in. After 1 or 2 minutes the movie started and what they were screening was a video of some of our memories together, a video of our story together .
Popping the question…
When the video stopped, it was my time to speak, sure of what I was going to say. I grabbed a microphone and the background music started, I asked her to come closer up front and have her facing me. I could see how my nerves were taking over while I was admiring all of her beauty, I could barely remember my name, the only thing I had clear was that I wanted to marry the amazing woman standing in front of me.
After wording a couple of thoughts with a shaky voice I kneed and made the biggest question I’ve ever asked, “would you marry me”, with tears in her eyes and the most amazing sights I have seen she replied “YES” hearing that word made my entire body cold and hot all at once, and after putting her ring on we hugged, that hug was beyond special. I could feel she was happy and that returned my soul back to my body.
Engagement session & theme…
The day of the session we felt anxious and we did not know what to expect. Honestly, unlike Iandra, I am not good with pictures. I was thinking what would I do with my hand? Or how to stand for the picture?
But, once we arrived at Altos de Chavon and met Milan and his amazing partner everything went perfect. We felt comfortable, free, and taken care of. It was completely smooth and easy. They showed us they are experienced and passionate about their work. We did not have to worry about anything. Milan was on top of every detail. It was an enjoyable and pleasant experience.
Favorite thing to do as a couple…
We have a handful of hobbies, but the one we enjoy the most is traveling, just the two of us. We have visited almost every province in The Dominican Republic.
Wedding planning so far…
So far wedding planning has been fun and productive. We started the planning process right a few weeks after we got engaged. We have enjoyed every step, and as the day gets closer the anxiety and anticipation are kicking in.
What they’re looking forward to most…
Just thinking about our wedding day makes us feel nervous. The one thing we are looking forward to the most is seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day. That moment will mark the beginning of our big day. we can’t wait.
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Vendors:
- Engagement photoshoot location: Altos de Chavon, Dominican Republic
- Photographer: Photo Cine Art
- Future wedding venue: Kukua Punta Cana
- White dress: Lulus
- Brown Dress: Garage
- Suite: Kenneth Cole
- Shirt: Perry Ellis
- Engagement ring: James Allen
- Gloves: Iandra Cepeda (the bride)
- Shoes: Amazon
- Sunglasses: Amazon
- Makeup and Hair stylist: Iandra Cepeda (the bride)
- Champagne: Moet
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