Among San Miguel de Allende’s winding streets, where centuries-old architecture meets a vibrant art scene, middle school friendship blossomed into a celebration that perfectly balanced timeless elegance with rock and roll spirit. Under Sarai Flores’ artistic direction, three days of festivities transformed historic spaces into backdrops for modern love, from rooftop sunsets to midnight tattoos.
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Style: Elegant, edgy, romantic
Time of planning: 18 months
Setting: Ranch
Season: Spring
What began in middle school at age 14 evolved through high school friendship and university romance in Boston, eventually leading to a shared life in Brooklyn. When Claire and Alex chose to work remotely from San Miguel de Allende, they discovered a city that would change their story forever. Six months of living among centuries-old streets, experiencing the thriving food scene, and absorbing the vibrant culture convinced them this was where their next chapter should begin.
Location & Planning
Sarai Flores orchestrated a celebration that unfolded like a love letter to San Miguel de Allende. The weekend began as the sun painted the skyline in gold, with guests gathering on La Doña’s exclusive rooftop terrace. Here, with the city’s iconic pink Parroquia church glowing against the horizon, handcrafted cocktails featuring local spirits introduced visitors to Mexican flavors and hospitality.
Welcome Drinks
Kicking off their wedding weekend, Claire and Alex hosted an unforgettable rooftop gathering at La Dona, where San Miguel de Allende’s iconic skyline served as their backdrop. As the setting sun casts a golden glow over the city’s famous pink Parroquia church, guests sipped artisanal cocktails and shared excited conversations about the celebrations ahead.
Rehearsal Dinner
The second evening unfolded at Luna Escondida, where the historic stables and surrounding patios became the backdrop for a celebration that perfectly captured Claire and Alex’s spirit. Sarai Flores transformed the rustic space into an atmospheric setting where elegant farm tables met edgy details.
Jorge Avendaño created elevated Mexican street food stations, with fresh seafood grilling over open flames and traditional specialties given modern twists. A carefully curated mezcal tasting introduced guests to Mexico’s most sophisticated spirit, while comfortable lounge areas encouraged long conversations under the stars.
The evening’s most memorable element – a professional tattoo station – proved how well the couple knew their guests. As the night progressed, friends moved from sampling mezcal to choosing designs, many opting for Mexican-inspired artwork that would forever commemorate this extraordinary celebration.
Bridal Look
Claire’s fashion choices perfectly balanced the city’s elegance and her modern spirit. The Marchesa gown featured intricate lacework that echoed the city’s architectural details, while its contemporary silhouette spoke to Claire’s edgy style. Makeup by Itza created a look that evolved with the celebration – soft and romantic for the ceremony under ancient trees, yet bold enough to carry through to late-night dancing and tattoo sessions.
She accessorized thoughtfully, each piece telling part of her story. A family heirloom necklace honored tradition, while modern earrings added an unexpected edge. As the sun set and the celebration moved from garden ceremony to stable party, Claire’s ensemble proved as versatile as the weekend – equally at home among local architecture and rock and roll moments.
Ceremony
Under a century-old tree at Luna Escondido, Flor Klores Studio created a natural sanctuary where olive trees, bougainvillea vines, and gardenias framed the emotional ceremony. Pierce Weddings captured the way sunlight filtered through ancient branches as Claire, radiant in Marchesa, exchanged heartfelt vows with Alex, distinguished in Ralph Lauren, bringing tears to many eyes.
The sun’s rays filtered through leaves, creating natural spotlights on the emotional moments below. The ancient tree’s sprawling canopy provided both shelter and symbolism – its roots as deep and enduring as the heritage of San Miguel itself, its branches reaching skyward like the city’s famous spires.
As guests gathered on either side of a petal-strewn aisle, everyone could feel the raw emotion of the moment – from tears glistening in sunlight to laughter echoing across the historic grounds. The couple’s vows resonated with gravity and joy, their words floating on the gentle Mexican breeze as nature seemed to bear witness to their promises.
Private Moment
Claire and Alex stole away between ceremonies to explore the venue’s grounds. Pierce Weddings followed at a distance, capturing their quiet wanderings through flowering vine tunnels and Monet-style gardens. These peaceful minutes allowed them to absorb the magic of the setting.
Decor & Setting
Sarai Flores worked with Flor Klores Studio to enhance rather than compete with Luna Escondido’s natural beauty. MX Lucerna‘s paper goods carried their sophisticated-meets-edgy theme throughout each space, while strategic lighting transformed gardens into magical dining rooms as day turned to night.
Through the lens of Pierce Weddings, each moment of this three-day celebration was captured with editorial sophistication and authentic emotion. Mariana’s background in international luxury weddings brought a cosmopolitan perspective to San Miguel’s timeless beauty, while her documentary approach preserved the raw joy of unexpected moments – from friends spontaneously deciding to get tattoos to tears falling during heartfelt vows.
Reception
As twilight descended on the venue, guests gathered in the enchanting Colibri Garden, where Sarai Flores had created a dreamlike setting beneath flowering vine tunnels. Flork Lore Studio wove garden-fresh blooms throughout the space while whimsical lights cast a magical glow over the celebration. Chef Jorge Avendaño crafted a menu that perfectly balanced Mexican flavors with contemporary flair, treating guests to a culinary journey that reflected Claire and Alex’s love for the city’s vibrant food scene.
Evening Celebrations
As twilight painted San Miguel’s spires in shades of gold and pink, the celebration transformed into an energetic fusion of history and edge. Jorge Avendaño presented course after course of elevated Mexican cuisine while guests moved between intimate garden spaces and the vibrant dance floor.
The evening’s focal point was a stunning two-tier marble-effect cake; its white fondant was artfully swirled with smoky gray patterns, creating an almost ethereal appearance. Fresh dusty pink roses adorned the tiers, their delicate petals echoing the romantic garden setting.
The celebration continued well into the night under the stars as the century-old tree that witnessed their vows now watched over their joyful dancing. The mix of historic surroundings, modern touches, and personal details—from the morning’s tattoos to the evening’s final dance—created precisely what Claire and Alex had envisioned: a wedding that was both elegantly unique and authentically them.
Advice from the couple:
• Trust your planner to honor your destination’s heritage and style.
• A multi-day celebration allows your guests to fall in love with your chosen location just as you did.
• Don’t be afraid to break tradition – our tattoo station became everyone’s favorite weekend memory.
PHOTOGRAPHER Pierce Weddings | PLANNER Sarai Flores | VENUE Luna Escondida | FLORALS Flor Klores Studio | MUAH Makeup by Itza | DRESS Marchesa | SUIT Ralph Lauren | VENUE Luna Escondida Horse Stables | RENTALS Warehouse Guanajuato | STATIONERY MX Lucerna | CATERING Jorge Avendaño, Bastardo Restaurante | CONTENT Los Romantics
