After a civil ceremony in the UK, where Tom is from, Emilia and Tom planned a second celebration in the heart of Mexico City to honor Emilia’s heritage. With a clear vision of blending tradition, family, and vibrant fall colors, they turned to Karla Event Architect to bring their dream wedding to life. After a year of meticulous planning, the day arrived, filled with meaningful touches, cultural richness, and an unmistakable warmth that defined their love story.
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Style: Romantic, cultural, colorful
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 188
Setting: Ballroom
Season: Fall
Emilia and Tom’s story began in Singapore in 2019. Both had just moved to the Lion State—Emilia for a study abroad program from Mexico, and Tom for work from the UK. Fate brought them together at a rooftop BBQ, and from that moment, they became inseparable. Their first six months were spent traveling throughout Southeast Asia, making unforgettable memories before the pandemic forced them apart. Emilia returned to Italy to finish her master’s degree, and Tom remained in Singapore. Despite the separation, their love grew stronger, and in December 2021, Tom arranged a romantic staycation at Capella on Sentosa Island, where he proposed.
Location & Planning
The heartfelt proposal was followed by a year of meticulous planning and organizing. Emilia and Tom’s wedding concept drew inspiration from their diverse heritage and cultural appreciation of each other’s traditions. After a civil ceremony in the UK, they wanted to create a celebration that paid homage to Emilia’s roots. The couple trusted the planning process to the skillful Karla Arroyo and her team.
"One of the most remarkable aspects of our experience with Karla’s team was the seamless coordination, even though we were planning our wedding from Singapore."
The historical Club de Banqueros, nestled in the heart of downtown Mexico City, set the stage for their special day. Emilia and Tom embraced the traditional hues of the season with warm tones and rustic accents. The wooden furniture, flickering candles, lush florals, and San Miguel de Allende brass stars created a stunning and outstanding sight. Karla and her team thoughtfully arranged every detail, ensuring the couple’s dreams came true.
Bride & Groom's Fashion
Emilia’s morning was a blend of calm excitement and elegance. She wore a breathtaking floral dress from Aleena Leena, a romantic choice that mirrored the beauty of the venue. Her Jimmy Choo shoes added a hint of sparkle, while her jewelry, crafted by Mexican designer Tane, paid homage to her heritage.
With natural, soft makeup and loose waves, she radiated a timeless beauty. Her bouquet was an array of vibrant Cempasúchil flowers, symbolizing her connection to Mexican traditions. Emilia’s bridesmaids, dressed in warm autumn hues, added to the seasonal charm, each holding a smaller bouquet that matched the bride’s.
Tom wore a custom dark green suit with an English cut, paired with camel-colored shoes and a rose gold tie from Mexican designer Pineda Covalín. His grandfather’s pocket watch was a cherished family heirloom, adding a meaningful touch to his attire.
First Look
Emilia and Tom shared their first look in the picturesque streets of downtown Mexico City, surrounded by the colonial architecture and lively atmosphere.
"Our first look took place on the streets of Mexico City downtown, with the most beautiful buildings as a background and people cheering us as they passed by!"
As they walked together towards their vebue, passersby cheered them on, adding a touch of local charm to the moment. The love between them was evident, and this private walk allowed them a brief moment alone before the festivities began.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in The Library at Club de Banqueros, where towering bookshelves and warm lighting set the scene for an intimate, heartfelt celebration. Emilia walked down the aisle to the sounds of Florence and The Machine’s Stand by Me, while family and friends looked on with admiration.
"Seeing loved ones from different corners of the world, some for the first time in the city where Emilia is from, filled our hearts with joy and gratitude."
The couple incorporated a ribbon ritual into their ceremony. Many of their loved ones approached Emilia and Tom and tied their hands together with a colorful ribbon. This event symbolizes the unity of two worlds, a man and a woman, becoming a family.
An ethereal white flower arch framed the end of the aisle, creating a focal point where Emilia and Tom would exchange their vows. Emilia’s father’s best friend officiated, sharing touching anecdotes that made the ceremony even more personal. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows, and with a kiss, they were pronounced husband and wife once again, this time in the beautiful city of Mexico.
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour on the rooftop overlooking the iconic Torre Latinoamericana was a lively affair infused with Mariachi music by Mariachi Amigo. After all the margaritas and canapes, the band escorted the newlyweds and their guests downstairs for the reception dinner.
Reception
The reception took place in the colonial patio, transformed into a fall-inspired setting filled with warm tones and rustic accents. Wooden tables adorned with brass star lanterns from San Miguel de Allende and flickering candles created an inviting atmosphere.
Polen Flores provided the floral arrangements, featuring Cempasúchil flowers, roses, and greenery. The earthy hues complemented the architecture, bringing the venue to life with rich colors. The stationery by Flur Paperie added a classic touch, with elegant designs that reflected the wedding’s style.
"Despite the distance, Karla’s team instilled a level of trust that made the entire process as stress-free as can be. They were there every step of the way, offering valuable advice and expert guidance to transform our ideas into reality!"
Toasts were delivered by the groom’s mother in English and the bride’s mother in Spanish, celebrating the union of two cultures. Emilia and Tom shared their first dance to Stand by Me, this time to a bachata version by Prince Royce, echoing the song from the ceremony. The guests joined them on the dance floor, dancing the night away.
As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere turned festive. Guests enjoyed a candy and snack bar from Manhares, filled with traditional Mexican treats, while DJ Barragan kept the energy high.
Emilia and Tom’s friends from across the world celebrated late into the night, with the final moments captured by Gabriela Bolivar, whose photography perfectly preserved the joy and beauty of the day. Thanks to the impeccable coordination by Karla Event Architect, every moment of this celebration unfolded seamlessly, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Advice from the couple:
• Finding the right planner to work with is crucial, and once you do, trust in them, especially if you are planning from a distance
PLANNING & DESIGN Karla Arroyo | PHOTOGRAPHER Gaby Bolivar | VIDEOGRAPHER Social Art Cinema | MUAH Bridal Brunch | DRESS Alena Leena | SHOES Jimmy Choo | PERFUME Jo Malone | TIE Pineda Covalin | FLORALS Polen Flores | CATERING & BAR Club de Banqueros | CANDY BAR Manhares | LINENS Butterfly Linens | BAND Mariachi Amigo | DJ & LIGHTING Barragán Producciones | STATIONERY Flur Paperie
