For Gabriel and Dana, choosing San Miguel de Allende, the quaint town in Mexico, for their wedding away was motivated by their own wish for a celebration rich with color, culture, and opportunities for memorable moments. “We didn’t want a beach wedding, so San Miguel looked ideal,” Gabriel says. “I also loved the colorful and historic streets of San Miguel.”

Their wedding celebration spanned multiple days, every single moment infused with joyful spirit and considered personalization. It was held at the beautiful Casa Cariño in March 2024, even as their union testified not only to their tale of love, but their affection for authentic tradition as well as lively environments.

The two commissioned Penzi Weddings to make their dream come true. “Penzi was incredibly supportive throughout the process,” the groom says. From scouting the ideal venue to coordinating logistics remotely, the planning process was seamless and hassle-free. “We visited the venue to see if it matched our vision and also had the opportunity to taste the menu. The trip from San Francisco to San Miguel wasn’t too lengthy, so it was a manageable journey.”

Dana and Gabriel were married in a non-religious ceremony officiated by a close friend in an intimate, personal atmosphere. However, they did respect Gabriel’s heritage by incorporating the Jewish breaking of the glass tradition. “We made it a mix of weddings we had been to with a good friend officiating,” Dana says. “It wasn’t a religious ceremony, but we included the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass.”

One of the most unforgettable aspects of the wedding was the Callejoneada—a vibrant Mexican wedding parade replete with music, dancing, and tequila-infused revelry through San Miguel’s cobblestone streets. “We truly cherished the incorporation of Mexican traditions and decorations into our special day,” says Gabriel. “The Callejoneada was such a highlight—it was festive, meaningful, and just so fun.”

From the dramatic scenery at Casa Cariño to the floral mastery of Angelica de Solache and the classic beauty of Dana’s Savannah Miller wedding gown, each moment reflected the couple’s personal aesthetic. What resonated most for Dana and Gabriel, however, was the cohesiveness that came with their guest list being smaller in size. “Initially, we were also concerned about maximizing attendance, but then we realized that having a smaller, more intimate gathering is better. It allowed us to truly connect with our guests.”

Their top tip for other couples planning long distance? “First and foremost,” Gabriel says, “I highly recommend investing in a reputable wedding planner. Having a wedding planner ensured that our special day, as well as all the preparations leading up to it, were completely stress-free.” They also recommend delegating tasks according to passion points and capabilities. “As the groom, I looked into music, wine, and liquor, while Dana focused on decorations and settings.”

Ultimately, Dana and Gabriel’s wedding celebration on the cobblestone streets of San Miguel played out as they’d hoped, with colorful florals and dynamic Mexican fervor defining the experience.

Vendors: Photography: Ildefonso Gutierrez; Planning & Design: Penzi Weddings; Ceremony & Reception Venue: Casa Cariño; Floral Design: Angelica de Solache; Stationery: Minted – Kelly Schmidt Collection; Hair & Makeup: Dani Palacios; Bridal Gown: Savannah Miller; Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka; Groom’s Attire: Tailor’s Keep; Groom’s Shoes: Ferragamo; Wedding Bands: Tiffany & Co. & Brilliant Earth; Wedding Submission Services: Published + Pretty