Every couple dreams of their wedding day, imagining it as a seamless, picture-perfect celebration. But, as anyone who has been through the process knows, reality often has a way of throwing in a few surprises. For us, our wedding journey at the breathtaking Hacienda Tekik de Regil, located just 30 minutes outside of Mérida, was as full of magical moments as it was of unexpected challenges. The hacienda itself, with its historic murals, grand architecture, and local wildlife—like the beloved Ichcansihó birds—provided the perfect backdrop for a wedding that was as much about tradition as it was about love, laughter, and the beauty of imperfection.
The Venue & Decor: Merging Tradition with Modern Elegance
Hacienda Tekik de Regil was the perfect choice for us, blending rich history with stunning natural surroundings. We wanted to create an atmosphere that honored the local culture, while also reflecting our personal taste. Flanking both the interior and exterior of the church with real palm trees brought a tropical, rustic charm to the setting. We also included a nod to the Mexican lasso tradition, which symbolizes the unity of the couple.
But beyond the ceremony, it was the details that really made the day unforgettable. Inspired by the vibrant murals that adorned the hacienda’s walls, we worked with the talented Ashley D Studio to incorporate similar motifs into our invitation suite and wedding signage. The result was an invitation that felt both timeless and deeply connected to the region’s heritage.
One of my favorite personal touches came from our caterer’s grandmother—she gifted us a set of vintage tableware, which became an elegant centerpiece for the reception. And speaking of the reception, we served traditional Yucatan cuisine, along with cocktails that carried a local flair. To cap it all off, a 12-piece Cuban orchestra played live salsa music, an homage to my late grandfather, a salsa composer. It was a celebration of culture, love, and memories, all in one unforgettable evening.
Bridal Looks: From Last-Minute Rush to Dream Dress
As a self-proclaimed procrastinator, I didn’t exactly plan ahead when it came to finding my wedding dress. In fact, I left it until the very last minute—thanks to boutique closures in 2020, my wedding dress shopping didn’t really begin until late summer. But once I set my sights on a particular look, I realized finding the right dress wasn’t as easy as I’d imagined. I knew exactly what I wanted, but finding a gown that matched my vision proved to be a challenge.
Here’s the thing: most brides don’t realize how customizable a dress can be. A few alterations here and there can turn a simple gown into something truly unique. So instead of spending a small fortune on a top designer’s custom gown, I decided to work with the talented team at Ever After Miami to make my vision a reality.
I chose a stunning Carolina Herrera gown from the Fall 2021 collection, which became the foundation for several different looks throughout the night. For the ceremony, the team at Ever After Miami crafted a custom cathedral veil and bolero jacket using lace from an older Herrera collection. When the reception rolled around, I swapped out those pieces and added an oversized custom bow to the skirt for a fresh, dramatic look. By the time the after-party kicked off, I had transformed my look once again, removing the convertible skirt, switching out the bow, and adding vintage accessories I found from D. Brett Benson and Church Mouse Thrift Store in Palm Beach. My pearl clutch, a gift from my mother that once belonged to my grandmother, was the perfect sentimental finishing touch.
The Wedding Day: A Series of Hilarious (and Memorable) Moments
No wedding is without its mishaps. We certainly had our share of laugh-out-loud moments during our day. The priest who officiated our ceremony somehow didn’t know my husband’s name and called him Peter instead of Pedro (talk about a funny mix-up!). And in one of the most unexpected moments, we accidentally kissed twice during the ceremony—completely unaware of what was going on.
Things continued to unfold in amusing ways. Our fathers both managed to break their chairs during the ceremony, causing a little commotion. Later, our tent couldn’t support the weight of the flower chandeliers we’d carefully hung, leading to a last-minute scramble to save the decor. There were also some very clunky timelines (who knew Mexican weddings didn’t include speeches?), music mishaps, and even a bus that got lost and was pulled over by the police on its way to the venue. Oh, and did I mention a dog made its way onto the dance floor? (At least he was cute!)
While these moments seemed like little disasters in the moment, I look back on them with nothing but fondness. It was like living in a romantic comedy—each scene more chaotic than the last, but somehow, it all worked out. Sure, I spent a lot of time processing everything afterward, but isn’t that just life? Especially for a “recovering perfectionist” like myself. The universe has a funny way of laughing at our best-laid plans, reminding us that sometimes, the best things happen when we let go of control.
Reflecting on What Really Matters
In the end, the wedding was everything we could have hoped for, despite the hiccups along the way. Looking back at it all, we were reminded that love is what truly matters. It wasn’t about perfection or flawless execution—it was about celebrating the connection we share, the families and friends who came together to support us, and the memories we created in that beautiful hacienda.
Despite the delays, the unexpected challenges, and the pandemic’s impact on our planning, our wedding was a testament to resilience and love. As I reflect on the entire experience, I’m reminded of a lesson we learned over and over again: what truly matters is the love you share with the person you’ve chosen to spend your life with.
And so, with a grateful heart and a full spirit, I look back on our wedding with nothing but joy, knowing that perfectly imperfect is sometimes exactly what you need.
Would you like me to adjust the tone or add any specific details to match your vision more closely?