Johana Ortega Weddings: The Chilean wedding planner who brings Latin American destination weddings to Spain
With more than 18 years of experience in Brazil, the Chilean entrepreneur based in Barcelona—who is part of the Made by Chileans program—is expanding into the Spanish wedding market with an international planning service for couples from Chile and Brazil.
November 9, 2026.
Chilean entrepreneur Johana Ortega, founder of Johana Ortega Weddings, began her international expansion by entering the Spanish market, where she has developed a destination wedding planning model designed for couples from Chile and Brazil who dream of getting married in Spain. Based in Barcelona, the company integrates strategic management, design, and remote vendor coordination.
Her professional career began in 2006 in Brazil, where she directed more than 250 events, including productions at iconic locations such as Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and celebrations in the Serra Gaúcha and Porto Alegre. “I’ve been working for more than 18 years in one of the most demanding markets in Latin America. Today I’m bringing that experience to Europe, while remaining true to my Chilean roots,” explains Johana.
The decision to set up shop in Spain stems from a specific opportunity: to assist Latin American couples who want to get married in the country but face challenges such as distance, negotiating with local vendors, and market differences. “Many couples fall in love with Spain, but they get bogged down by the logistics. My job is to make the distance disappear from their experience,” she says.
The Chilean Character: An Asset in Spain
For the businesswoman, being Chilean has been an advantage along the way. “In my experience, the character of Chilean entrepreneurs is highly valued in Spain: commitment, politeness, reliability, excellence, and honesty. These are virtues that define us as a people and that open doors when we work with respect and transparency,” she says.
That positive image is underpinned by an increasingly close relationship between the two countries. Chile and the European Union have had an Association Agreement in place since 2003. “There are historical, cultural, and commercial ties between Chile and Spain, and every Chilean entrepreneur who does well here helps to strengthen them,” he adds.
A Chilean Woman Who Bridges Two Worlds
Their proposal is based on a proprietary methodology that begins with a feasibility study before committing to any space or supplier. It combines remote planning with a local presence in Barcelona, from where they conduct site visits, develop the design for each space, and negotiate directly with suppliers.
In October 2026, Johana organized an elopement wedding in Spain—a project in Barcelona and Caldes de Montbui that brought together a team of professionals from Brazil and Spain specializing in photography, makeup, video, decor, and wardrobe. “It proved that it’s possible to build a strong collaborative network across markets. I want Barcelona to be a visible and sought-after destination for couples on our continent,” she says.
This network of partnerships also serves a broader purpose: to open doors for other Chileans. Johana aims to act as a bridge for Chilean professionals and companies in the wedding and events sector who want to expand into Europe, facilitating contacts with local vendors, venues, and planners, and guiding their entry into the Spanish market. “There’s a lot of Chilean talent in this industry. If my experience in Spain can help more colleagues come here and make connections, that’s one way to give back what Chile has given me,” she says.
Chilean couples interested in getting married in Spain can find out more at: https://www.johanaortega.com/
Instagram: @johanaortegaweddings
