Having traveled the globe together, in 2019 Sean and Katie visited this historic town and promptly fell in love with everything about it. San Miguel de Allende is one of Guanajuato, Mexico’s shining cities fully immersed in rich history and adorned with incredible architecture. The city sits at a high elevation above sea level, presenting gorgeous landscapes and the Laja River to accent it. With its cobblestone streets winding throughout historic buildings, great food and a cosmopolitan feel, it’s no wonder this globe-trotting couple chose it as a place of celebration. “We love to travel the world,” says the bride, “and, we wanted our wedding to be true to who we are as a couple.”

Planning the wedding in a destination that spoke to her, Katie happily took on the task of researching venues. Once she found Casa Hyder with its traditional, yet vibrant colonial architecture, she knew it would be the place to set the scene for their Mexico nuptials. Armed with an amazing wedding planner, the bride and groom got to work on getting their final details organized and making a wedding planning trip there to take a look at the venue.

The week of the wedding was nothing short of an epic adventure. No detail was spared in showcasing the things that make Mexico traditional and unique. At the welcome party, strings of Papel Picado, a Mexican tradition of colorful paper banners, were strung over the pool. The bride and groom also partook in their wedding procession complete with the tradition born in the city of incorporating Mojigangas while mariachi’s played. Mojigangas, are papier-mache larger-than-life puppets commonly used in celebrations and events in San Miguel de Allende. A tradition that began all the way back in the 16th century, this fun custom evolved to reflect different journeys. The adorably playful puppets were featured in Sean and Katie’s procession as they danced and celebrated through the streets of the city.

When the day the two would seal their vows approached, Casa Hyder was dressed head to toe in white and silver accents. Double iron doors framed in hanging Amaranthus and white roses and carnations made the perfect fusion of old and new as a backdrop for the bride and groom to say “I do”. With their dear friend officiating their ceremony as they spoke the vows the couple wrote themselves, this sentimental touch brought joy to the day.  

The reception was carefully curated to reflect the theme the couple were looking for. A tequila tasting table greeted their guests during cocktail hour. In wanting to include their beloved dog in the festivities, they had napkins embossed with the pup’s likeness and cocktails named in her honor. Even the tiered wedding cake had a cute dog figurine representing their furry family member. In the courtyard, a clear tent with star lanterns hung gracefully over the guests. As the couple took the floor for their First Dance, sparklers illuminated the edges of the floor creating a magical effect. As the sun set in the sky, the lanterns twinkled above the dance floor as the party grooved and danced throughout the night.

Putting together the perfect day can be an adventure in itself. When reflecting on their amazing day, the bride had this to say, “Remember what this day is about and things may go wrong but at the end of the day it is small in comparison to what the day represents! Soak it all up!”

Vendors: Photography: Ricardo Arellano; Planning & Design, Cake: Penzi Weddings; Venue: Casa Hyder; Hair: Lorena Merino; Makeup: Josue Vazquez; Florist: Angelica de Solache; Cake: Jacinto Patisserie; Bridal Gown: Berta; Menswear: The Black Tux; Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids; Videography: Mucho Amor Films; Wedding Submission Services: Published + Pretty