An Enchanting Oaxaca Wedding with Vibrant Calenda Parade

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Location: Oaxaca City, Mexico
Setting: Historical building
Wedding season: Autumn
The number of guests: 57
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Rustic, traditional, cultural, mexican.

Nathalia and Devin decided on a destination wedding, favoring it over a traditional wedding ceremony. Destination weddings often require more intricate planning than local ceremonies, but they offer a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Their wedding was meticulously planned and organized by Karla Arroyo, a renowned wedding planner, ensuring a stress-free and delightful day for the couple and their guests.

They chose the picturesque city of Oaxaca, Mexico, for its lively culture, rich traditions, and breathtaking scenery, providing an ideal backdrop for their weddings. As a couple hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds and residing in Canada, hosting their wedding in Mexico presented a unique opportunity for their families to immerse themselves in the local culture and gather in a single, enchanting location for a memorable celebration.

Nathalia’s attire was characterized by its simplicity and grace. The beauty and lightness of the fabric made her look like she was flying on a cloud. This matched perfectly with her natural makeup and the gorgeous bouquet made specially for her by one of the best Floral designers in Oaxaca – Bu-ke Floral Event Design. Her eyes sparkled, and her smile radiated joy.

Devin opted for a well-tailored beige suit with clean lines and a traditional cut. A charming white bowtie perfectly complements this timeless and relaxed look.

One of the key elements of this wedding in Oaxaca was the venue selection that seamlessly blends intimacy with the region’s authentic character. The ceremony took place in a boutique hotel, Hotel de la Parra, set in a historical building with a traditional garden. This setting provided a romantic backdrop and a deep connection to the local heritage.

Oaxaca, known for its artistic flair, played a significant role in the wedding’s aesthetics. The couple was inspired to integrate local handcrafts and elements into their decor, embracing Oaxaca’s cultural richness. The floral arrangements by Bu-ke Floral Event Design were particularly noteworthy, featuring a blend of chrysanthemums, baby roses, lisianthus, mini gerberas, succulents, aloes, and a touch of tropical leaves, including ave de paraiso. These choices were deliberate, aiming to evoke a sense of warmth and vibrancy during the autumn season, and also deepened the couple’s immersion in the local culture through indigenous flowers.

The atmosphere was excited as guests eagerly awaited the ceremony and the ensuing celebrations. The ceremony was intimate and personalized, officiated by a close friend of Nathalia and Devin and surrounded by their nearest and dearest. The connection between the couple was palpable throughout – from their heartfelt vows to their tender gestures and loving glances. This personal touch was further enhanced by including unique, hand-picked details that reflected their personalities and shared history, adding an even more intimate and touching dimension to their special day.

The fun was about to start after this touching ceremony full of love and tenderness. Outside the ceremony, traditional Calenda was waiting to lead guests through Oaxaca’s old and charming streets. Calendas date back to the evangelizing friars of Oaxaca in the 16th century. They are carried out in a procession with enormous dolls named “Monos de Calenda” made of paper and fabric, characterized as the bride and groom, where everyone participates in dancing on a walking tour full of music, color, and joy.

Chucho Potts, renowned for his candid photography style, has a unique talent for capturing spontaneous and genuine moments, transforming them into lasting memories. His ability to preserve the essence of each event naturally and unobtrusively makes his work truly memorable.

As soon as everybody arrived at the reception venue Casa Convite, guests were invited to a mezcal tasting, which was a rich, enjoyable experience and the best way to begin a memorable night in Oaxaca. Mezcal cocktails and traditional Oaxacan appetizers were the stars of the celebration.

The reception dinner for Nathalia and Devin’s wedding, orchestrated by the skilled Karla Arroyo Event Architect, was a masterful display of tradition and modernity set in a lush garden. Karla’s exceptional talent shone through in her meticulous planning of every detail, ensuring that the newlyweds and their families experienced the full essence of the locale, both visually and gastronomically.

The garden setting was transformed into a magical space, where traditional decor elements were seamlessly integrated with contemporary touches, creating an authentic and enchanting ambiance. The attention to detail was evident in the choice of table settings, lighting, and floral arrangements, all of which reflected the rich cultural tapestry of Oaxaca.

The highlight of the evening was the local cuisine, curated to give guests a taste of the region’s culinary delights. The menu was carefully designed to showcase the best of Oaxacan flavors, offering a variety of traditional and innovative dishes. This gastronomic journey added an extra layer of enjoyment to the reception, allowing guests to engage with the local culture through its flavors and aromas.

After dinner, the celebration shifted to the dance floor, where Newlywed had arranged for a dance teacher to introduce everyone to Latin rhythms. This proved to be an exhilarating experience, even for those who typically shy away from dancing. The joy and relaxation among the couple and their guests grew as the evening progressed, making each moment a cherished memory.

The night culminated with the arrival of a Mariachi band Mi Tierra, infusing the event with vibrant energy. The musicians, clad in traditional charro attire, added a festive flair, encouraging everyone to dance and sing along, creating a lively and unforgettable end to the celebration.

Advice from couple:

We would have spent less time together creating beautiful memories if we had stayed home. Making it a trip instead of simply a day made a real difference in the quality of bonding.