When Linda and Tyler decided to tie the knot, they went big—really big. Their Oaxaca wedding was a spectacular blend of local charm, personal touches, and a little bit of serendipity. Here’s a peek into how their dream wedding came to life, and why it was a destination celebration to remember.

Choosing Oaxaca Before Even Visiting

Believe it or not, Linda and Tyler chose Oaxaca as their wedding destination without ever stepping foot in the city! They were enchanted by the city’s beauty and culture through friends’ recommendations and Travel + Leisure. “We hired Friederike from Oaxaca Destination Weddings and booked our trip to meet with her and tour venues,” Linda explains. “Within this one trip to Oaxaca, we finalized the venue, did tastings, and met with vendors like our photographer Chucho Potts. We made 80% of the decisions before we left.”

The Perfect Venue: Criollo

When it came to selecting a venue, Criollo won their hearts. “We loved how beautiful Criollo was and was blown away by the food and ambiance,” Linda shares. The couple appreciated Criollo’s unique character, which made it unnecessary to spend extra on decorations. “We loved the fact that there were chickens and bunnies freely roaming around when we went to visit,” Tyler adds. “It felt like the soul of the place was alive.”

Embracing Oaxacan Culture

Incorporating local traditions was a must for Linda and Tyler. They made sure to include a Calenda—a traditional Oaxacan street parade that kickstarted their celebration. “Most of our guests had never seen a Calenda before, so it was amazing to see their reactions,” Linda says. They also featured Alebrijes (brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures) as place cards and focused their signature cocktails around mezcal, sourced from El Silencio.

Personal Style and Decor

The couple’s personal style shone through every detail of their wedding. With the help of Alejandra from Bu-ke Floral & Event Design, they created an ambiance that was anything but traditional. “I wanted things to feel and look wild versus polished and stiff,” says Linda. “We focused on bright, warm colors like orange, yellow, red, with some fresh pops of green.” Their vision was perfectly captured by the talented team at Criollo and Bu-ke.

Managing the Details of a Destination Wedding

Budgeting and coordinating a wedding from afar can be challenging, but Linda and Tyler had some wise advice for future couples. “Every vendor we hired was local. If you are having a destination wedding, work with people who live there,” Tyler advises. Having a local planner like Friederike was crucial for navigating language barriers and local negotiations. They also kept track of expenses with an Excel sheet to avoid last-minute stress.

Creating Memorable Experiences f0r All

Linda and Tyler were determined to make their guests feel special and involved. “We wanted to make sure they would have a really unique experience,” says Linda. From a welcoming rooftop party at Pitiona to an open bar and a thoughtfully crafted menu, they ensured that everyone had a great time. “It’s true what they say about the day going by so quickly,” Tyler reflects. “Seeing how much our friends and families all fell in love with Oaxaca really validated our decision.”

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

As they look back on their wedding day, Linda and Tyler have a few pieces of advice for other couples planning a destination wedding. “Let go of the planning as soon as the wedding is underway,” Linda suggests. “Nothing you stress about will turn out differently!” Tyler adds, “Go for what feels right to you as a couple. Don’t be distracted by what others are doing or what you think people expect.”

Vendors: Photographer: Chuchopotts; Wedding Planner: Oaxaca Destination Weddings; Ceremony Site: Casa Oaxaca; Reception Site: Criollo; Rooftop Welcome Party Site: Pitiona; Florist: [Bu-ke] Floral & Event Design; Hair & Makeup: Yayo Hernandez; Gown Designer: Vivienne Westwood; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Divij Bespoke; Wedding PR: My Planner Journal; Mezcal: El Silencio