Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Style: Dreamy, floral, historic
Time of planning: 15 months
Number of guests: 100
Setting: Museum
Season: Spring
Ivana had always wanted to stay true to her roots by getting married in Mexico. Together, she and Mahmoud chose Mexico City, where much of Ivana’s family lives, as the perfect place to celebrate their love. Growing up, Ivana spent her summers there, falling in love with the city’s vibrant culture, incredible food, and lively energy. With planner Karla Arroyo Event Architect by their side, every detail of their dream wedding weekend came to life in the most meaningful way.
Welcome Party
The welcome party set a completely different tone from the wedding itself. It was an energetic introduction to Mexico’s rich culture, history, and culinary traditions. Ivana and Mahmoud chose Arango, a chic rooftop restaurant in the Reforma neighbourhood, with panoramic views of the iconic Monumento a la Revolución.
The evening felt both elegant and authentic, giving guests a chance to talk, get some Insta-worthy city views, and enjoy Mexican food. The menu included lamb and octopus tacos, quesadillas, and beef carpaccio tostadas, followed by desserts like caramel flan and arroz con leche.
Bride's Morning & Fashion
The morning was filled with vibrant energy as Ivana and her bridesmaids got ready for the big day. For the ceremony, Ivana stunned in an ivory Vera Wang Jean gown with Amina Muaddi Off-White Holli Lace Sling Heels. She completed her look with diamond-studded earrings and a necklace from Tiffany & Co., using her signature scent, Jo Malone’s Nectarine Blossom & Honey.
Her makeup by Glim Beauty Experts, was soft and radiant, blushed yet sun-kissed, striking the perfect balance between natural and glamorous.
Groom's Fashion
For the groom’s look, Mahmoud wore a black Michael Kors tuxedo with black Alfani shoes. He completed his look with gold Loewe cufflinks and his signature scent, Chanel Bleu.
First Look
The most unforgettable moment for the couple was their first look. Ivana walked down the stone steps of the hacienda into the courtyard, where Mahmoud waited by the fountain. “Mahmoud, turn around,” she said, and the moment he saw her, all the stress and nerves of the day melted away. Both of them broke into the biggest smiles, savoring that perfect pause in time. They also exchanged a vintage letter sealed with red wax, holding their printed vows.
"When he first read his vows, he and I both started sobbing. Even the photographer cried. It was such a surreal moment. We are so glad we were able to see each other before sharing that with everyone else.”
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in one of the enchanting gardens of Museo Hacienda Santa Monica, the same venue as the reception. It was everything Ivana and Mahmoud had imagined: a carpet-lined aisle leading to a dreamy floral arch beneath tall, elegant trees. The setting carried the atmosphere of their “secret garden” theme, but with an open, inviting vibe that welcomed both the couple and their guests into something magical.
As a string quartet played, guests were given custom-made fans to stay comfortable while they waited for the bride’s arrival. The couple chose a bilingual ceremony so everyone felt included — Spanish for Ivana’s family, English for Mahmoud’s. Following tradition, Bible passages were read, and Catholic elements such as the padrinos de arras, padrinos de lazos, and padrinos de anillos were included.
One of the most moving moments came as a surprise. The couple had originally chosen traditional vows, planning to save their personal words for the first look earlier that day. “We had arranged for a first look prior to the ceremony, where we did a private reading of our own personal written vows to each other.” But during the ceremony, the officiant unexpectedly handed them their handwritten vows. “There, in the middle of all our guests, we gathered the courage to read our own words aloud.”
Guests later told the couple it was the most emotional part of the day, “everyone said they cried with both of our vows.” Looking back, Ivana and Mahmoud agreed they were grateful for the twist of fate: “In the end, we are so glad we shared what was in our hearts with our family and friends.”
Cocktail Hour & Moments Together
After the ceremony, guests were guided down a charming stone path through the lush museum gardens to a second space set for cocktail hour. Here, Catamundi delighted everyone with mixology favorites, serving up a refreshing “Oaxaca Cooler,” a “Pineapple Sour,” and traditional aguas frescas. Elegant hors d’oeuvres complemented the drinks, while vintage-inspired furniture and matching floral accents added a touch of romance to the setting.
During this time, Ivana and Mahmoud took photos with their loved ones, beautifully captured by Gabri Palmieriile, while Amour Films wove the day into a cinematic love story, preserving every glance, laugh, and heartfelt moment before the reception began.
Inspiration, Planning & Decor
Initially, the inspiration came from the beloved book The Secret Garden. “We have always loved the idea of having a special and unique place that is our own, enveloped in florals, greens, and most of all, magic,” Ivana shares. With the help of Karla Arroyo Event Architect, that vision began to take shape.
To refine the design, the couple drew inspiration from paintings of gardens, which helped narrow down a romantic color palette of lavender, lilac, and blues, contrasted by playful pops of pink and coral.
"We always envisioned getting married in a magical garden that would feel special and unique, but most of all, just ours. The Karla Event Architect team turned that dream into a reality. We can't thank you enough & we definitely could not have done it without you all guiding us every step of the day!”
The reception carried the same sense of intimacy and wonder as the ceremony. Greenery and candles cascaded from the ceiling, vines adorned the walls, and layers of glowing candles filled the space. Polen Flores, their florist, designed breathtaking ombré-style arrangements that highlighted the chosen palette in artistic form. To complement the florals, the stationery had a creative font with small illustrations, with tableware in varying shades of blue. The result was a truly magical “secret garden” celebration: elegant, artistic, and personal.
Reception
“Our entrance was unforgettable,” Ivana recalls. The newlyweds entered from the balcony, circling the hacienda, looking at their friends and family cheering them on. “We had so much energy; we were buzzing with joy.” With Coldplay playing in the background, guests joined in the Mexican tradition of waving and twirling their napkins high in the air, symbolizing blessings and good wishes for the newlyweds. The atmosphere was electric, and as the couple did a lap around the dance floor, the vibes were truly through the roof.
The stunning wedding cake was made by Doble Rebanada, with a unique flavor combination of banana, coffee, and passionfruit, with ginger cream icing. Decorated with real flowers, it beautifully tied into the secret garden theme.
To elevate the evening even further, they added a Moët champagne tower, a crowd favorite that quickly became a highlight. During dinner, a violinist and saxophonist performed a mix of fun and upbeat songs, creating an atmosphere that guests adored. “Most of them said it felt like they were being personally serenaded,” Ivana shares.
Into the Night
The bride shared a touching dance with her father to Coldplay’s “All My Love”, followed by the couple’s romantic first dance to “Baby I’m Yours” by Arctic Monkeys. Then came the big party moment: the first track to open the dance floor for everyone was “APT” by Rose, setting the perfect tone for the night.
One of the most unforgettable highlights was the tequila line, the couple climbed onto chairs and poured Jose Cuervo straight into the glasses (and mouths!) of any guest ready for a shot. Wearing their custom bride-and-groom cowboy hats, they turned the tradition into a full-blown party moment. The energy was vibrant, and soon everyone was dancing the night away.
"Most of all, what we will never forget is the moment that our families and friends were also “married” in a way. They all met, forged friendships, laughed, and cried together. All of them united in their love and happiness for us. Seeing this all happen at once, in one night, was incredible. ”
Advice from the couple:
• We were truly amazed by our wedding day. If we could give advice to couples out there, it is to try to let go of any stresses, trust your wedding planning team, and remember that this is your day and you are only in charge of your own experience! Enjoy the ride as much as you can.
PLANNING Karla Arroyo Event Architect | PHOTOGRAPHER Gabriele Palmieri | VIDEOGRAPHER Amour Films | VENUE Museo Hacienda Santa Mónica | WELCOME PARTY Arango | BRIDAL GOWN Vera Wang Bride | BRIDAL SHOES Amina Muaddi | BRIDAL ACCESSORIES Tiffany & Co. | BRIDAL PERFUME Jo Malone London | GROOM TUXEDO Michael Kors | GROOM COLOGNE Chanel | GROOM CUFFLINKS Loewe | HAIR & MAKEUP Glim Beauty Experts | FLORALS Polen Florals | STATIONERY Coquelicot MX & Amor de Papel | CAKE Doble Rebanada | CATERING Catamundi | DJ BEP Producciones
