Mérida, the vibrant capital of Yucatán, Mexico, is a city brimming with rich cultural history, a fusion of Cuban and Spanish influences, and a unique charm that’s captured the hearts of many travelers—and it certainly captured ours. Whether it’s the exceptional food, boutique hotels that could grace the pages of any lifestyle magazine, or the quick accessibility from places like Miami and Houston, Mérida offers an unforgettable destination experience. When we began brainstorming ideas for a destination wedding, this charming city kept calling us back. After all, it wasn’t just any city for us—it was where we first traveled as a couple.
Mérida also holds a deep personal connection. My husband’s family lived in Mexico for over a decade after they left Cuba, and I spent a lot of my childhood visiting while growing up in Texas. Returning to the city felt like coming full circle—our shared history brought even more meaning to the idea of exchanging vows in such a special place.
Finding the Perfect Venue: Hacienda Tekik de Regil
Our search for the ideal wedding venue took us to several stunning locations, but the moment we stepped into Hacienda Tekik de Regil, we knew we had found “the one.” With its majestic history, hand-painted murals, and sprawling grounds, the hacienda seemed to hold an enchantment that was impossible to ignore. It was the perfect place to tie the knot—a place where the spirit of Mexico blended effortlessly with the elegance we envisioned for our big day.
We wanted the aesthetic of our wedding to be timeless, yet relaxed—classic, but not overly formal. The venue’s natural beauty inspired much of our design decisions. We incorporated lush greenery to highlight the hacienda’s stunning architecture, creating a tropical, yet understated atmosphere. Of course, as with any wedding, things didn’t go entirely as planned (more on that later), but what truly mattered was the incredible setting and the joy that filled the air.
Supporting Local Talent: Our Team of Vendors
For us, it was essential to work with local vendors who understood and shared our vision. From our wedding planners at Baku Eventos to our florists, catering team, and musicians, we made it a point to stay local, and it made all the difference. Mérida may be a smaller city, but it’s full of talented individuals who created something truly unforgettable. We were fortunate to have the chance to work with some of the best in the business, and keeping everything local added an extra layer of authenticity to our celebration.
Wedding Weekend at Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel
Our wedding weekend kicked off with several days of events, with Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel serving as our home base. This century-old, restored house-turned-hotel greeted us with cool, fragrant air from Coqui Coqui Perfumeria, and a team of staff who were more like family than employees. The welcoming smiles, cool washcloths, and hibiscus cocktails made the whole experience feel intimate, warm, and personal. Guests spent their mornings lounging in hammocks, taking a dip in the pool, and gathering in the courtyard for breakfast.
Welcome Cocktail: A Taste of Mérida’s Unique Charm
Rather than hosting a traditional rehearsal dinner, we opted for a more relaxed and intimate “Welcome Cocktail” at Casa T’hō Concept House, a beautifully renovated mansion along Mérida’s Paseo Montejo Avenue. This boutique space features ten shops showcasing emerging Latin designers, along with a charming café serving light bites and cocktails. As an influencer, I’m passionate about supporting new talent, especially Latin designers, so this venue felt like the perfect fit for us.
The setting couldn’t have been more picturesque, with mint green wicker furniture, tropical plants, and the natural beauty of the architecture surrounding us. We kept the vibe laid-back, serving mojitos and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying live mariachi music in the background. The warm atmosphere, coupled with the mix of local culture and modern design, made for an unforgettable evening.
For my look, I chose a bold Oscar de la Renta dress in fiery red. Red, a color that symbolizes celebration, vitality, and prosperity, felt like the perfect way to kick off our wedding weekend. Guests were also treated to welcome gift bags filled with local treats, drinks, and post-wedding essentials (including aspirin—always a must, haha). Each guest received a beautifully illustrated map of Mérida, designed by Ashley D Studio, making it both a thoughtful and useful gift.
A Relaxing Night Before the Big Day
After a fun evening at the Welcome Cocktail, my best friend and I decided to enjoy a quiet dinner back at the hotel. A good night’s sleep and plenty of water were crucial to feeling refreshed for the wedding day ahead. I truly believe our guests appreciated this low-key evening, too—it gave everyone the chance to unwind, explore Mérida at their own pace, and rest before the excitement of the big day.
Farewell Brunch: A Sweet Ending
The weekend culminated with an informal Farewell Brunch at Casa Lecanda. This was a relaxed, yet heartfelt gathering where we said our goodbyes and sent our guests off with happy memories. Afterward, we embarked on a spontaneous trip to Tulum, staying at Hotel Esencia for a much-needed break. Our original plans had included a post-wedding trip to Africa, but, of course, COVID had other ideas!
Wedding Weekend Looks
My wedding weekend wardrobe was a blend of elegance, comfort, and personal flair. I wore Khaite when I first arrived in Mérida, followed by an Oscar de la Renta dress for the Welcome Cocktail. For the Farewell Brunch, I chose an upcycled, vintage dress from A Current Affair—a perfect mix of style and sustainability.
My getting-ready look was simple yet meaningful—a vintage nightgown from Dina C’s Consignment Boutique, paired with a custom robe designed with my seamstress, Maria Kaplan of Aphrodite Designs in West Palm Beach, FL. The combination of classic and contemporary elements felt like a beautiful reflection of the whole wedding journey.
In the End, It’s All About Love
Our wedding in Mérida was everything we dreamed of—full of love, local culture, and beautiful moments we’ll cherish forever. Sure, we faced a few challenges along the way, but what mattered most was that we were surrounded by the people we loved in a place that felt so personal and meaningful to us. Mérida will always hold a special place in our hearts, and our wedding weekend was just another reminder of why we chose this incredible city to start our married life.
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