Picture an ancient Mexican hacienda, enveloped in lush greenery where history and nature meet, and every corner breathes culture. In this magical setting, under a downpour of rain and bursts of sunshine, Kristin and Trevor exchanged their vows. This was a wonderful wedding filled with surprises, laughter, and endless love, beautifully captured by Memory Box Photography in both stunning photos and video.
Location: Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
Style: Chic, moden, jungle
Time of planning: 14 months
Number of guests: 88
Setting: Hacienda
Season: Winter
Kristin and Trevor’s love story transited over a decade. After meeting at their first job out of college, the two gradually grew closer as they navigated life together, and their romance slowly blossomed. From California to New York City and finally to Seattle, their journey together has been one of adventure and love.
Trevor proposed on a boat in Lake Union on a perfect Seattle summer day, accompanied by their beloved dog, Boons. Both passionate about travel, they knew their wedding had to be a destination event, where family and friends from across the world could come together for a grand celebration. Mérida, with its vibrant energy and beauty, stole their hearts, and it was the perfect backdrop for the party of a lifetime.
Rehearsal Dinner
The evening before the wedding, Kristin and Trevor gathered their closest friends and family at a charming local restaurant under the open sky. Guests were treated to authentic Mexican dishes like tacos and refreshing signature cocktails, creating a laid-back, festive atmosphere. It was a perfect prelude to the big day, with everyone catching up, sharing laughter, and enjoying the warm Mérida night.
Bridal Morning
Kristin wore a striking Luca dress by Liz Martinez, complete with a 12-meter custom tulle neck scarf that added drama and sophistication. She radiated timeless beauty, paired with classic Jimmy Choo shoes and a sentimental touch — a pair of gold and diamond hoops gifted by her grandmother.
Her bouquet, designed by Susana at Ademisa, was a show-stopping monochromatic arrangement, an asymmetrical marvel that captured the essence of the day.
For the reception, Kristin changed into a stunning Clio Peppiatt Crystal Bridal Dress, complete with a Prada chain clutch and a custom ostrich feather shawl. Her fashion choices reflected her perfect taste and her desire to be comfortable while looking fabulous.
Groom's Fashion
Trevor, equally meticulous in his attire, wore a custom navy shawl collar tuxedo by Randy Reisman, perfectly tailored and complemented by velvet loafers from Ferragamo. The couple’s choice to forego a boutonniere kept the focus on Kristin’s striking bouquet, which had become a central visual piece of the day.
First Look
Kristin and Trevor shared their first look in the soft, sunlit morning at Hacienda Sac Chich, with the warm Mexican light adding a touch of magic to the moment. Seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day, their emotions were captured by the talented team at Memory Box Photography, who perfectly preserved the joy and excitement of the couple.
Beyond just the first look, Kristin and Trevor wandered around the hacienda’s stunning grounds. The lush greenery and historic stone walls created a picturesque backdrop for more incredible photos. Photographers didn’t miss a single moment, immortalizing each candid and heartfelt expression as the couple walked through the serene estate, soaking in the calm before the storm of celebration.
After their first look, the couple joined their wedding party for a stunning photo session. The bridesmaids looked radiant in a vibrant mix of dresses, each wearing a unique shade of coral, orange, and pink that beautifully complemented the tropical surroundings. The flowing, pleated gowns added a modern, playful touch to the bridal party, while their colorful bouquets, filled with bright blooms, mirrored the cheerful and lively atmosphere of the day.
Ceremony
The ceremony was poised to be a picturesque event, but the weather had different plans. What began as a light, romantic drizzle soon escalated into a torrential downpour, turning the day into something entirely unexpected.
Kristin and Trevor, with their guests, embraced the rain with laughter and spontaneity. Their longtime friend, Miles, who had been entrusted with officiating the ceremony, handled the situation with grace and humor. His speech, a perfect balance of wit and sentiment, included nods to Kristin’s favorite Le Labo scent and references to Russian literature, keeping the mood light despite the downpour.
But as the rain intensified, it became clear that adjustments were needed. Microphones failed, and Miles struggled to turn the pages of his speech, prompting the couple to make an impromptu decision.
Leading the entire wedding party and guests to a covered area of the hacienda, the couple, with the help of their wedding planner, Joe Bolaños, turned what could have been a disaster into a fun, collective experience. By the time they reached the new location, soaked from head to toe, Kristin’s sister had pulled her hair back with a borrowed tie.
Under the iconic arches of the hacienda, the couple continued their vows, drenched but smiling, exchanging rings — not the ones they had planned, but stand-ins, after realizing they had left the real ones at home. Not missing a beat, they improvised: Kristin used a different ring she had on hand, and Trevor borrowed a ring from one of his groomsmen. These events perfectly highlighted Kristin and Trevor’s easygoing and flexible personalities, delighting everyone around.
It wasn’t the ceremony they had imagined, but it was more memorable than they could have ever hoped.
Cocktail Hour
Following the emotional ceremony, guests moved seamlessly into the cocktail hour, where Tahiti Mixology served signature drinks tailored by Kristin and Trevor. The couple selected four distinct cocktails, a delightful mix that reflected their personalities and favorite flavors.
The bold florals and unique arrangements, featuring fruit and vibrant stems, added a playful touch to the cocktail area. As the rain came and went, the energy of the evening continued to build, preparing everyone for the festivities ahead.
While guests were enjoying cocktails and the improved weather, the bride made a chic transformation into her second look: a playful, sparkling mini dress adorned with intricate embellishments. The figure-hugging silhouette featured delicate straps and a subtle thigh-high slit, allowing for both elegance and ease of movement. Paired with stylish white block-heeled sandals, this second outfit perfectly balanced fun and glamour for the evening celebrations.
Decor & Setting
The natural beauty of the location and Kristin’s love for minimalism and modernity brought a stylish twist to the wedding’s aesthetic.
Susana from Ademisa played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life. She flawlessly incorporated the couple’s desired neutrals and greens, adding stunning pops of warm yellows and oranges. The florals perfectly married rustic and modern elements, elevating the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The stone arches and lush greenery created a dramatic backdrop, further enhanced by the rain, which added a reflective sheen to the grounds, emphasizing the tropical atmosphere.
Reception
The rain caused a few logistical shifts, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of the reception. The celebration kicked off with a surprise first dance — Kristin and Trevor had taken salsa lessons leading up to their wedding and performed the Despacito remix by Justin Bieber. This unconventional choice set the tone for the night: fun, energetic, and deeply personal.
The dinner, catered by their favorite Mérida restaurant, Apoala, was a highlight of the evening. Chef Sara and her team outdid themselves with a menu that had guests raving long after the plates were cleared. The evening continued with heartfelt toasts, emotional moments, and plenty of laughter.
As the night progressed, DJ BeatVela kept the dance floor packed, mixing pop hits with reggaeton. A live performance by a saxophonist, trumpeter, and trombonist added an exhilarating touch, keeping the energy high and the guests moving until 2 am.
Kristin and Trevor’s guests enjoyed not only the dance party but also the delicious carajillos (Trevor’s favorite cocktail) and other classic drinks like negronis and martinis. A disco ball shimmered above the crowd as the couple was lifted onto their friends’ shoulders to the sounds of Mr. Brightside — a perfect ending to a night full of magic and memories.
Advice from the couple:
• Planning a wedding is hard, and planning a wedding in another country is even harder. Get a wedding planner who knows the area inside and out.
PHOTOGRAPHER Memory Box Photo | VIDEOGRAPHER Memory Box Wedding Films | PLANNER Joe Bolaños Events | VENUE Hacienda Sac Chich | FLORALS Ademisa | MUAH Adri Calero | CEREMONY DRESS Liz Martinez | SHOP En Blanc LA | SECOND DRESS Clio Peppiatt | SHOP Net a porter | SHOES Jimmy Choo | CATERING Apoala MX Cuisine | BAR Tahiti Mixology | DJ DJ BeatVela | MUSIC Franklyn Brooks, Yoelvis Maya Morales, Tato Venegas | STAFF Meseros Yucatán | RENTALS Hope Taller, Diverso
