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By Maria Morava
Relationships Reporter
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When Los Angeles-based couple Nasera and Sofía Alayon Méndez, both 32, tied the knot, they didn't just celebrate their love—they celebrated their creativity.
In a video posted to TikTok, Nasera shared the "personal brand" the couple devised for their wedding, in the form of designs they printed on merchandise. For Nasera, an art director and vintage collector, and Sofía, a video editor and designer, their wedding was a chance to merge their artistic talents with their love for live music culture. They spoke to Newsweek about how they decided on their designs.
"Our inspiration came from blending our professions and personal interests," Nasera said. "We love attending live music shows and collecting merch as souvenirs, so we wanted to recreate that interactive experience for our wedding."
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The merch booth, which they dubbed "Club Paradise," was styled as a fictional destination. Inspired by concepts like Hotel California, it incorporated elements from their roots in O'ahu, Puerto Rico and Los Angeles.
"The designs incorporated Hawaiian iconography, windswept palm trees, hula dancers with our tattoos and illustrations of the reception pavilion and the island backdrop from our vows," Nasera said.
To make the pieces timeless, they avoided wedding-specific details, ensuring the designs could stand alone as keepsakes.
A Hit With Guests
Guests were thrilled by the surprise booth, which opened after dinner in the reception pavilion. The items were complimentary and included black T-shirts, trucker hats and bandana scarves—all of which quickly "sold out," Nasera said.
"The black Club Paradise T-shirt and trucker hat were crowd favorites," the couple shared. "Even our wedding coordinators and bartenders took some home!"
Months later, they said, guests are still wearing their pieces.
For Nasera and Sofía, their wedding was more than just a celebration—it was a shared creative project that highlighted the importance of art and authenticity in their relationship.
"We approached the wedding like a creative collaboration, ensuring every detail felt meaningful and true to us," Nasera said. "It wasn't about following conventions but about creating objects and moments that capture our memories for years to come."
Now, the Alayon Méndez duo encourages other couples to think outside the box when personalizing their weddings.
"Have fun and don't be afraid to embrace the nontraditional. There are no rules! Look beyond weddings for inspiration that feels authentic to you as a couple," they advised. "If you're considering wedding merch, focus on timeless designs instead of names and dates. This way, your guests have stylish, meaningful keepsakes they'll cherish long after the event."
Nasera said that creativity was infused in every aspect of their wedding—even beyond the merch. Guests received hotel keychains with their initials and table numbers featuring the hula girl from the merch designs. Tablescapes included vintage candelabras and silver pieces they sourced together, flown in alongside 200 pounds of decor and merch from Los Angeles.
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