Some weddings feel like a moment frozen in time, while others transcend into a breathtaking fusion of cultures, emotions, and traditions. Neva and John’s wedding in San Miguel de Allende was exactly that—a beautiful blend of Indian, Western, and Mexican influences set against the romantic backdrop of a historic hacienda. With 255 guests gathering from around the world, this wedding was a true celebration of love and diversity. The expert planning of Penzi Weddings ensured that not a single detail was overlooked—every moment, from the florals to the menu, was accounted for and executed to absolute perfection, bringing the couple’s vision to life with artistry.
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Style: Traditional, Vibrant, Colorful
Number of guests: 255
Setting: Hacienda
Neva and John’s journey began in Houston in 2020. Their love story unfolded over shared passions—music, art, food, and their mutual competitiveness in ping pong and pickleball. After a year and a half of adventures together, John proposed at the place where it all started, Montrose Cheese and Wine, a renowned restaurant and wine bar. Their shared love for Mexico made it the perfect destination for their wedding, a place where their appreciation for culture and beauty could shine.
Rooftop Dinner
The wedding celebrations kicked off with a welcome dinner at Fatima Rooftop, where guests soaked in sunset views over San Miguel de Allende. The mix of warm hues in the sky and the soft glow of city lights created the perfect ambiance for an evening filled with laughter and heartfelt conversations.
Neva arrived in a bohemian floral dress, her hands decorated with mehndi, while John kept it classic in a white linen shirt. Mezcal cocktails with tajín rims made the rounds as conversations flowed easily. The evening felt effortless, just the right way to start a weekend full of celebration.
Sangeet and Mehndi
On Friday, the celebrations continued with Neva’s Mehndi at Casa CeCe, a warm and intimate gathering where the bride’s closest women friends and family came together. Stacks of colorful bangles, intricate henna designs, and endless laughter filled the space, setting the perfect tone for the evening ahead.
Later, the Sangeet took place at Instituto de Allende, a breathtakingly planned evening brought to life by Penzi Weddings. Strands of marigolds draped the entryway, and candlelit tables cast a warm, golden glow over the courtyard. The attention to detail was impeccable—from the vibrant red floral installations to the seamless flow of events, every moment felt thoughtfully curated.
Neva looked radiant in a traditional red lehenga with gold embroidery, while John complemented her in a black sherwani by Sabyasachi with intricate floral detailing. The night was filled with heartfelt speeches, dazzling dance performances, and a fusion menu curated by Chef Anita Jaisinghani. Under a sky full of twinkling lights, the couple danced the night away, surrounded by friends and family who made sure the energy never dipped for a second.
Wedding Day
Bridal Morning & Fashion
The morning of the wedding was filled with love, laughter, and the kind of joyful anticipation that makes these moments so special. Neva and her bridesmaids, dressed in elegant floral robes by Homebodii, spent the morning sharing stories and soaking in every second of this once-in-a-lifetime day.
Neva’s bridal look was elegant and charming. She slipped into a sleek Ramon Keveza Collection gown, its clean silhouette exuding timeless charm. A veil by Sameera Faridi, delicately adorned with shimmering beadwork, cascaded softly around her, adding a dreamy, romantic touch. Her hair fell in loose waves, and Sofia Villasenor’s artistry enhanced her natural glow with soft, radiant makeup. Every detail, from her Chanel heels to the pastel-hued bouquet in her hands, felt like an effortless extension of her refined style.
Groom's Fashion
John’s morning was all about classic elegance and laid-back moments with his groomsmen. He got ready in a custom-tailored tuxedo, finishing the look with a Rolex Yacht-Master, Cartier cufflinks, and sleek Gucci loafers. His accessories, carefully chosen, reflected his understated yet refined style.
Between adjusting bow ties and sharing a few laughs, the guys enjoyed a relaxed morning—some gathered for a casual drink in the hacienda’s courtyard, while others played a round of pool in the vintage game room.
First Look
Before the ceremony, Neva and John shared a private first look in the lush gardens of the hacienda. Surrounded by towering palms and cascading florals, the moment was filled with excitement and quiet anticipation. John’s expression as he turned around and saw his bride for the first time was pure magic.
Capturing every heartfelt glance and gentle touch, the photographers Valeria Bross and Kas Vizcaino masterfully preserved the beauty of the moment. The soft natural light, the vibrant backdrop, and the raw emotion between Neva and John all came together in a way that felt almost cinematic.
Ceremony
“The highlight of the weekend was the wedding day at Hacienda San Luis Gonzaga, an idyllic ranch nestled in the outskirts of the city,” shared the planner. The ceremony took place in an open garden framed by towering cypress trees and colorful florals. Guests found their seats along an aisle lined with lush arrangements of roses, lisianthus, and chrysanthemums in soft pinks and deep magentas.
The couple honored both Christian and Hindu traditions—Neva’s cousin officiated, while family members read passages from both the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. Their vows weren’t just words but a profound expression of their love and commitment. The moment they exchanged garlands was a touching nod to Neva’s Indian heritage, blending seamlessly into the romantic elegance of the day.
A string quartet played as Neva walked down the aisle to Bruce Springsteen’s “Secret Garden”, while the couple’s recessional to “Here Comes the Sun” was met with cheers and a shower of rose petals. The raw emotions, the happy tears, and the quiet smiles exchanged between them made the entire ceremony feel like a scene from a dream.
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed into a beautifully arranged cocktail hour on the hacienda’s lawn. The drinks menu featured handcrafted cocktails, including spicy margaritas garnished with fresh jalapeños.
Guests mingled under the golden evening light, savoring appetizers while a live musician played in the background. The atmosphere was effortlessly elegant—full of laughter, toasts, and the buzz of conversations that carried the energy of the celebration forward.
Decor & Setting
The reception was a breathtaking sight—an open-air celebration beneath a canopy of string lights and draped ivory linens. Overhead, a stunning installation of cascading greenery, vibrant florals, and delicate hanging lanterns created a magical garden-like atmosphere. Tables were adorned with lush floral centerpieces in blush, peach, and deep pink, accented with flickering candles that bathed everything in a romantic glow.
Pulling off an event of this magnitude requires not just vision but seamless execution. Penzi Weddings brought that vision to life, blending cultural traditions into a cohesive and elegant experience. From the meticulously placed floral installations to the perfectly timed moments, their expertise was evident in every detail.
Reception
Neva and John stepped onto the dance floor beneath a canopy of flowers and twinkling lanterns, ready to share their first dance as husband and wife. Smiling and laughing, they soaked in the moment, surrounded by the warmth of their loved ones.
Dinner was a family-style feast, with guests enjoying San Miguel Salad, Shrimp Ceviche, Ribeye, and Red Snapper, paired with sides of roasted potatoes, asparagus, and rice. For dessert, a three-tiered lime-flavored cake from Jacinto Patisserie delighted guests before they hit the dance floor.
The evening unfolded into a lively celebration, with guests toasting, dancing, and reveling in the joy of the night. From heartfelt speeches to energetic dance-offs, the night ended with an unforgettable burst of music and laughter, sealing the celebration in everyone’s memories forever.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Valeria Bross & Kas Vizcaino | PLANNER & DESIGN & FLORALS Penzi Weddings | VENUES Fatima 7 Restaurant, Casa Cece, Instituto de Allende, Hacienda San Luis Gonzaga | MUAH Sofia Villasenor | GOWN Romona Keveza Collection | VEIL Sameera Faridi | SHOP Casa De Novia Bridal, Pondi Shop | BRIDAL ROBE Homebodii | CATERING Penzi, Anita Jaisinghani at Pondocheri | CAKE Jacinto Patisserie | STATIONERY Ashley Begley | CALLIGRAPHY Patricia | DJ Andres Dehehs, DJ Omar
