The Story of a Brazilian Couple Who Chose Mendoza to Get Married
Andressa and Arlei met at a company party. They fell in love and decided to celebrate their wedding in an intimate way and in Argentinian territory as soon as borders were opened.
The final destination was no other than Mendoza. Why did they choose Argentina? What is it about locals’ charm that woos them?
Mountains with peaks dressed in white, queues of an intense green among wide valleys, and a spring sun that drives everyone crazy. Think about this idyllic scenario and add a stronger emotional component to it: the picture becomes unforgettable, to say the least. That is what happened on November 6th in Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort, one of the 25 Latin America’s best hotels according to the famous tourism magazine Condé Nast Traveler. That day, Mendoza witnessed a private and unique wedding between two Brazilians captivated by the famous Argentinian spark. Andressa, the bride, confessed, “These two countries are very similar: we are sport and meat fans; but the energy is what we liked the most about Argentina.”
Borders were opened, and it didn’t take her and Arlei, the groom, too long to plan the dream trip: nature and good wine in Mendoza soil. They have already visited Buenos Aires for business and leisure, so the compass pointed to the grape elixir capital without hesitation. She said, “I have already visited Mendoza, but I have never completed the Wine Route, so this trip was new and special. We went to different wineries, and we did the high mountain tour.”
The initial plan was supposed to be in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic made the travel impossible. A couple of weeks ago, they could get their own back: a feast of asado (though Andressa admits empandas and alfajores are on her gastronomic podium) and the national purple drink as banners. She added, “We are wine lovers, and Mendoza was our first option.”
The concept of elopement wedding best describes the experience, according to Andressa, who wasn’t comfortable enough throwing a big party in the current context. What does it imply? It literally means a running away wedding, and it is a celebration of only the couple or with a reduced group of close friends in a minimalist and informal fashion. The goal was attained with honours in the End of the World’s country, and the hypnotising portrait of Cuyo landscapes was tinged with celebrations and odes to the local culture. Andressa concludes, “If I had to define Argentina with one word, I’d say ‘diversity’.”