A Charming Countryside Wedding in Mexico’s Scenic Splendor

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Alex and James’ connection, which blossomed when they were just eighteen, has strengthened their relationship and created a close-knit community of friends who have been with them through every significant milestone. The lovebirds’ wedding took place in October at the breathtaking Luna Escondida Ranch, just ten minutes outside San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The venue, a hidden gem reminiscent of the French countryside, offered an idyllic setting that perfectly matched Alex and James’ vision.

Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Style: Modern, Classic, Earthy, Music-oriented
Time of planning: 1.5 years
Number of guests: 135
Setting: Ranch
Season: Fall

Alex and James met at Santa Clara University during their freshman year and forged a bond that has endured over thirteen years. James’ proposal to Alex was as poetic as their love story. On a foggy morning at Hendrik Point in Marin County, overlooking the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, he asked Alex to be his forever. It was a moment that perfectly captured their connection to San Francisco, the city they’ve called home for nearly a decade. It was only fitting that they would choose such a meaningful setting to begin the next chapter of their lives together.

Rehearsal Dinner

The wedding was meticulously planned over a year and a half, with every detail thoughtfully curated to create an experience that was both modern and classic, with a touch of earthiness. The couple’s 135 guests were treated to a multi-sensory journey that began at the horse stables during the rehearsal dinner, where they were greeted with charcuterie and champagne.

Alex and James hosted a few other events throughout the week leading up to the big day in the city, so they wanted to create something differentiated for the wedding day. They committed to Luna Escondida, sight unseen, because there was one date left in the year they wanted to get married. They went down to San Miguel to see the venue a few months later and absolutely fell in love with it. What they loved most was the ability to create so many different experiences for their guests, all in one venue.

Wedding Day

Getting Ready

The couple wanted their wedding to reflect both their modern sensibilities and the timeless beauty of their venue. The inspiration for the day came from the natural beauty of the place, which was enhanced with simple yet stunning floral arrangements of white orchids, roses, and baby’s breath. Alex was careful to choose elements that would stand the test of time, avoiding trendy colors in favor of a more classic palette that would complement the venue’s earthy tones.

The bride’s fashion choices reflected this timeless approach as well. Alex’s wedding dress, custom-designed by Nikeen Asar, was a masterpiece of hammered silk fabric, featuring clean lines and a dramatic tie neck that extended beyond the length of her train. To complete her look, she chose classic Prada shoes, a pair of pearl ear jacket studs, and a custom-made veil by Celeste NY Bridal, trimmed with lace and embroidered with their wedding date. For her bouquet, Alex carried an arrangement of white orchids and roses, perfectly in line with the overall aesthetic.

Nicole of Samara Beauty crafted a makeup look for Alex that was as natural and timeless as it was elegant. Understanding Alex’s desire for a modern yet classic style, the approach focused on enhancing her natural beauty with a soft, dewy base that allowed her skin’s natural radiance to shine through. The complexion was perfected with lightweight, buildable products that provided a flawless finish, while maintaining the fresh and natural texture of her skin.

For her eyes, neutral tones were used to softly contour and add depth, creating a look that was defined yet delicate. A fine line of brown eyeliner and a few individual lashes on the outer corners added subtle emphasis without overpowering the overall look. Her brows were kept natural, with just a touch of gel to hold their shape, complementing the softness of her eye makeup. Nicole selected a soft, nude-pink shade for Alex’s lips, adding a hint of color that perfectly aligned with the natural theme of the makeup.

Beyond Alex’s bridal look, Nicole and her team did an amazing job making every bridesmaid and the mothers look absolutely stunning. It was one of Alex’s favorite aspects of the day—seeing how confident everyone felt in their glam.

The father-daughter first look was a deeply emotional moment, filled with love and pride. As Alex approached, her father turned to see his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time, his face lighting up with a mix of joy and tears. Their embrace was full of emotion, capturing the unbreakable bond between them.

Meanwhile, James complemented Alex’s modern bridal style with an all-black custom tuxedo by Chookhare & Sons and matching Prada shoes. He changed outfits throughout the evening, starting with a metallic jacket for the grand entrance and later switching to a black silk button-down for the dance floor.

First Look

The couple’s first look was a tender, intimate moment that captured the depth of their love. Away from the crowd, Alex and James shared their first glimpse of each other, allowing emotions to flow freely. Alex was moved by James’s confident elegance in his sleek, all-black tuxedo, while James was struck by Alex’s radiant beauty in her timeless gown.

This private exchange allowed them to connect deeply, savoring the significance of the day and the journey that had led them here. These moments set a joyous and meaningful tone for the ceremony, highlighting the genuine love that made their wedding day so special.

Ceremony

The ceremony was set in a beautifully natural and intimate location, surrounded by a lush canopy of greenery. The decor was understated yet elegant, with delicate arrangements of white roses and baby’s breath creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. The arch, adorned with cascading flowers, stood gracefully by a serene pond, reflecting the couple’s love for nature and simplicity.

Throughout the event, the couple made sure their guests were well taken care of, ensuring that their anticipation before the ceremony was as pleasant as possible. They organized an elegant spread of appetizers featuring fresh fruits, a variety of cheeses, bread, and cured meats. This thoughtful touch allowed the guests to enjoy delicious bites and a welcoming atmosphere leading up to the main event of the day.

The ceremony was rich with personal meaning and cultural significance. Alex, who is 25% Greek, was deeply connected to her heritage, a connection that was made even more poignant by the recent passing of her Yaya. When Alex and James discovered that their wedding date coincided with a full moon, they embraced the ancient Greek belief that marriages under a full moon are blessed with prosperity, happiness, and a deep connection.

The ceremony was officiated by Nikko Mason, a dear friend of the couple who has been with them since they first fell in love at 18. His presence added an extra layer of intimacy to the proceedings, making the ceremony feel even more personal and heartfelt. As Alex walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of Skrillex’s “With You, Long Drive,” there wasn’t a dry eye among the guests.

The song, which holds special meaning for the couple, set the perfect tone for the exchange of vows. Alex and James had written their vows with such depth of emotion that they found it difficult to keep them under six minutes each. The words they shared were a testament to their 13 years of love and commitment, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

After the ceremony, guests moved into a bright and airy space, where the celebration continued with an elegant cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed a selection of carefully crafted drinks and delicious hors d’oeuvres, mingling and sharing laughter as the evening unfolded.

The newlyweds and their guests were in high spirits, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and the joyful energy that filled the room. The combination of elegant decor, delicious refreshments, and lively conversation made this part of the celebration just as memorable as the ceremony itself.

The timing was impeccable as the golden hour bathed the landscape in warm, soft light, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere for their photos. The tall cypress trees, lush greenery, and the setting sun added a magical touch to the images, capturing the essence of their love and the serene beauty of the moment. Each photo exuded warmth and intimacy, making their portrait session a cherished memory from their special day.

Reception

The reception décor was a beautiful mix of modern elegance and romantic charm, setting the tone for a truly unforgettable evening. The tables were set with crisp white plates and black napkins, each place setting thoughtfully accented with a sprig of baby’s breath. Simple yet luxurious, the arrangements featured white roses, lisianthus, and more baby’s breath, creating a soft and ethereal atmosphere.

Above the tables, a canopy of baby’s breath intertwined with twinkling fairy lights added a magical touch, while mirrored disco balls brought in a playful, contemporary vibe. The long tables, paired with modern wooden chairs, encouraged a communal feel, making the celebration intimate and inviting.

The stone walls of the venue provided a rustic contrast to the elegant décor, grounding the evening in a sense of place. A neon sign with the couple’s last name, surrounded by cascading greenery, served as a stunning focal point and perfect photo backdrop, capturing the joyful spirit of the night.

The simplicity of Alex’s bridal look was complemented by her changing outfits throughout the day, transitioning into a strapless feather dress by Christie Nicole Bridal for the reception.

The reception began with an electrifying entrance by the couple, who were greeted with cold spark fire effects as they made their way to the dance floor to the tune of “17” by MK. The energy in the room was palpable as guests cheered and waved their napkins in celebration.

Music played a central role in the reception, with James, an experienced DJ, taking an active role in curating the playlist. The couple’s DJ, VB Music, and saxophone player, Ariel Rossini, delivered an unforgettable performance that kept the dance floor alive for over five hours.

The reception was filled with special moments, from the tequila bottles with sparklers delivered to each table captain to the interactive drink cart that challenged guests to spin the wheel and take a shot. The evening was a perfect blend of elegance and fun, with every detail executed to perfection by planner Lucero Alvarez and her team.

Advice from the couple:

• While planning a wedding is already a huge undertaking, there were quite a few complexities added that we never expected by having it in another country. We could not have done it without our planning team. I definitely suggest making sure you account for the possibility of exchange rate fluctuations when planning a wedding abroad!