Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Setting: Ranch
Wedding season: Spring
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 115
Wedding theme/style: Spring, colorful, full of wild flowers, backyard, fun.
Hilaria and Joseph, this incredible couple having a lot of things in common, first crossed paths in bustling New York in 2018, and connected through a dating app. Hilaria asked him if he wanted to meet her at a bar in Brooklyn; he dropped all his plans, saying later it was his Irish luck to meet his beloved. After that super fun night, they spent almost every weekend together with amazing dates and walking all over New York, and quickly found themselves and fell in love with each other.
Although they still call the Big Apple their home, the enchanting San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is one of Hilaria’s most cherished places on Earth. She spent almost every summer there with one her cousin. In the challenging year of 2020, amid a global pandemic, they had the unique opportunity to spend an entire month in this picturesque town.
It was during this month that Joe’s heart was unequivocally won over by Hilaria, and he became certain that she was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. In the following year, in 2021, he decided to take a momentous step in their love story. He proposed to her in New York, choosing a breathtaking park as the backdrop, where the gentle snowfall added a touch of magic to the already romantic atmosphere.
Hilaria, being a designer herself, took the reins in creating the invitations and orchestrating the design of her wedding, working hand in hand with her wedding planner. A bouquet adorned in rich coral, yellow, and pristine white, interwoven with lush greenery, is worthy of spotlight. These vivid colors aren’t just a choice; they reflect the couple’s unique spirits, a vibrant canvas of their personalities. But it’s not just the flowers that stole the show. The bride’s choice of shoes, a pair of enchanting Steve Madden heels in a delightful shade of pink, fascinated with a sprinkle of rhinestones, cast a spell of brilliance and individuality upon the entire ensemble. It’s the kind of detail that makes hearts skip a beat, and guests marvel at the audacious and unforgettable style of the day.
The bride’s dress is a timeless masterpiece, crafted from delicate satin organza with an asymmetrical and voluminous hem that is simply mesmerizing. The heart embellishment on the bodice, lovingly stitched by Hilaria herself in honor of her grandmother, who taught her the art of embroidery, added a truly special touch. It was a way to keep her close on that special day.
The bride had a tender moment as she slipped into her wedding gown with the loving support of her mother by her side. This beautiful ritual showcased tenderness between mother and daughter, sealing their love and affection.
Hilaria opted for a wedding hairstyle that exuded elegance – a high, voluminous ponytail with loose curls framing her face. Bridals look was accentuated with a bold makeup choice featuring rosy hues, which added that extra touch of brightness to her carefully crafted appearance, masterfully brought to life by the talented artists at GAIA Makeupology.
Every detail of Hilaria’s bridal look radiates her vibrant individuality. Adorned with a sweet satin bow, the veil, reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic look crafted by Givenchy in the film “Funny Face” added whimsicality and charm, evoking timeless elegance. The overall look felt like a stunning mash-up between the 60’s era and Gwen Stefani.
His morning Joe commenced with the loving assistance of his mother, who helped him prepare for the momentous occasion. The groom looked effortlessly elegant in his classic three-piece suit.
Once everything was in place, he spent quality time with his friends, whose camaraderie and infectious laughter added a unique flavor to this significant day. Joyful conversations and laughter filled the air, and to inject a touch of eccentricity into the moment, one of his friends even donned a luchador mask, bringing even more merriment and enhancing the mood. These lighthearted morning moments only bolstered the groom’s resolve and happiness, making him all the more prepared for the next important chapter in his life.
Before the ceremony, the bride and groom desired a private moment for themselves, so they decided to have a first look. It was the perfect moment of solitude when Joe first laid eyes on Hilaria in her bridal attire. The emotions were overwhelming, and Joe couldn’t hold back his tears.
Photographer Valery Velazquez has woven visual awe-inspiring, timeless photographs – a collection that glistens as a precious gem. Through her lens, she did more than capture the essence of two lovers; she unveiled the individuality of each, painting a vivid portrait of this dynamic couple. With a deft touch, she portrayed Hilaria’s vivacious and unconventional spirit, and Joe’s romantic refinement emerged like a finely aged wine. Each photograph reads like a love story, one you’ll want to revisit, savoring every vibrant detail repeatedly.
The ceremony venue was a vivid and unconventional spectacle, reflecting Mexico’s vibrant culture while maintaining an air of sophistication and elegance. Bright ribbons adorned the guest chairs, and a colorful carpeted path led the way. Instead of the traditional wedding arch, enormous, surrealistic, human-sized flowers stood in place. Together, they created an unforgettable ensemble that evoked a sense of enchantment and fairytale.
Just a few days before the ceremony, their chosen officiant had to cancel, saying that he wouldn’t be able to officiate their wedding, leaving them in a quandary. In a moment of luck, they reached out to a close friend who, in the end, officiated their union, making their ceremony even more perfect. Their friend’s heartfelt words and personal connection added an extra layer of warmth and significance to the proceedings, turning an unexpected twist of fate into a beautiful chapter in their love story.
And, of course, what’s a wedding in Mexico without traditional songs? A splendid Mexican ensemble and towering bride and groom figurines added a special touch and an atmosphere of celebration, something that will undoubtedly be etched in the memory of all the guests!
It was clear from the outset that they envisioned an intimate, backyard celebration that exuded the spirit of spring – a season bursting with vibrant wildflowers, adorned with subtle yet meaningful Mexican influences, and painted with a kaleidoscope of colors. With its timeless charm and beauty, Casa Adela in San Miguel de Allende was the only place that could serve as the perfect backdrop for their dream wedding because of all their history there and because it would be ideal for all their guests traveling from New York.
The decor at the wedding reception was extraordinarily vibrant and colorful. Abundant floral arrangements expertly blended coral, pink, and peach hues with lush greens, candles, and citrus fruits. Additionally, delicate mustard-colored muslin fabric pathways further added to the enchantment. Together, these elements crafted a lively yet romantic atmosphere that perfectly mirrored the personalities of the newlyweds.
Upon the arrival of the lovebirds, cold sparklers ignited, casting a mesmerizing glow. Amid lively music and joyous well-wishes from their guests, Joe and Hilaria took their seats among their loved ones to relish the company and celebrate.
A stunning three-tiered cake, elegantly designed in a classic fashion but with a delicate shade of blush pink, harmonized perfectly with the vibrant surroundings. It proved to be exceptionally delicious and delighted both the newlyweds and their guests.
After the heartfelt speeches that left no one untouched, the bride and groom took to the dance floor with their parents. Joe shared a dance with his mother, while Hilaria danced with her father. It was a deeply touching moment, filled with emotion and love.
And then came the pinnacle of the entire wedding – the first dance of the bride and groom. They swayed on the dance floor to a tender melody, and an atmosphere of love enveloped everything. There wasn’t a dry eye as their love story unfolded through the grace of their dance.
Hilaria and Joe prepared special gifts for their wedding party – colorful heart-shaped glasses. These fun accessories added an extra element of joy to their celebration and were well-loved by the guests. Everyone happily donned the glasses and danced the night away to the lively music, creating unforgettable memories on this special day.
At a certain point, the dancing was momentarily interrupted for Hilaria to toss her bridal bouquet. Her unmarried friends enthusiastically participated in a playful competition to catch the bouquet, and one lucky friend emerged as the winner.
The cocktails and upbeat music elevated the level of fun even further, allowing all the guests and the bride and groom to thoroughly enjoy the evening. It was an unforgettable, vibrant wedding that left everyone truly impressed.
The cocktails and upbeat music elevated the level of fun even further, allowing all the guests and the bride and groom to thoroughly enjoy the evening. It was an unforgettable, vibrant wedding that left everyone truly impressed.
Advice from the couple:
• Always do what you want, and don’t do things out of habit or because it is expected of you. It is your day, and it is something that you should remember happily forever.
PHOTOGRAPHER Valery Velazquez | VENUE Casa Adela | HMUA Sarah and Sebastian | VIDEO Montgomery Films | SHOES Steve Madden | MUAH GAIA Makeupology | PLANNER & FLORAL Any Romero | MOBILE BAR Barra móvil Querétaro | STATIONERY Amiga Estudio
