A wedding isn’t just about the dress or the venue—it’s about the team behind the scenes that makes it all come to life. When planning our wedding in Mexico, I quickly realized that an experienced team would be my secret weapon. From photography to florals, and even the wedding dress, I made it clear to my fiancé that these were the elements I wasn’t willing to compromise on. Why? Because the right team can not only bring your vision to life but can also help you navigate challenges (like, say, a global pandemic!) and even save you money in the long run. After all, seasoned professionals know exactly where to save and where to splurge, ensuring your style is never compromised.
Photography: Capturing the Moments That Matter
For us, KT Merry was a no-brainer. Known for capturing some of the most glamorous celebrity weddings in the world—think Kate Upton, Lea Michele, and many more—KT’s work is nothing short of legendary. She’s even shot editorial campaigns for top designers like Monique Lhuillier and is widely regarded as one of the best wedding photographers, with accolades from Harper’s Bazaar. If you haven’t already seen her work, check out our wedding photos—they’ve become some of our most treasured memories.
But beyond the stunning shots, what I loved most about KT was her ability to understand the narrative we wanted to tell. Her approach is subtle yet bold, capturing the candid moments of joy and intimacy that often go unnoticed. She helped us feel comfortable and relaxed, making the photos feel organic and real.
Florals: A Statement, Not Just Decoration
When it came to florals, KT had the perfect suggestion: instead of spreading out floral arrangements throughout the venue, we should focus on a few key moments. This concept truly resonated with me. I didn’t want a sea of flowers, but rather one statement piece that would define the space. And that’s exactly what we created.
I enlisted Renny & Reed, a premier Palm Beach floral design studio, to bring my vision to life. Their portfolio includes working with high-end clients like the White House and Four Seasons, so I knew they could handle my dream of an impactful, yet timeless, floral design. The key was combining tropical greenery with just enough florals to create texture and drama. We went with a color palette of white and lush green, accented with vibrant bougainvillea, cascading vines, and—yes—bananas. It was unconventional, but that’s exactly what I wanted.
Walking into the church and seeing the floral arrangement in front of the doorway was one of those unforgettable moments. It was like the flowers had always been a part of the architecture, growing naturally with the church façade. This, I realized, was the magic of working with a talented team—they knew how to bring my vision to life while making it feel effortless.
A Wedding Day That Felt Truly Ours
While I had big dreams for the ceremony, I also wanted the entire day to feel personal and relaxed. As we prepared, I knew I wanted something a little unconventional: instead of wearing bridal lingerie, I opted for one of my husband’s oversized button-down shirts. It was something I loved wearing around the house, and having him by my side as we got ready together made everything feel more intimate. Our photographer, KT Merry, captured these quiet moments as we spent the morning together before the ceremony. I knew that a proper “first look” would happen later, in Mexico, so for now, this felt just right.
Another key piece to my wedding day was the veil. Custom-made by Anita Aguirre, founder of Girl and a Serious Dream, it was everything I could have imagined and more. Anita’s work is known for its delicate lace details, and we worked together to design a veil that mirrored the traditional mantilla style—timeless, subtle, and full of meaning. This wasn’t just any veil; it was a true heirloom, something I can pass down for generations to come.
Meaningful Accessories and Family Heirlooms
One of the most meaningful accessories I wore on my wedding day was a pearl clutch passed down from my mother. It had once belonged to her mother, a professional flamenco dancer who passed away young. Although I never met her, my mom always said that our personalities were very similar. As a former professional ballerina, I felt a deep connection to this heirloom, and wearing it on my special day felt incredibly sentimental.
For my other accessories, I chose classic earrings from Jennifer Behr and sleek Jimmy Choo heels, balancing tradition with modern elegance. My husband’s grandmother also played a pivotal role in our ceremony. She had worn her husband’s wedding band for decades, and two weeks before our civil ceremony, she passed it down to him. It was engraved with their 50th wedding anniversary, and now it would bear the inscription of our own wedding date. We didn’t have a ring bearer, so his grandmother held the rings and blessed us with her presence. She also shared her nearly 100-year-old mantilla, which was brought over from Spain by her great-grandmother. The moment she placed the mantilla over us during the ceremony was one of the most emotional parts of the day.
Wedding Illustrations: Personalizing Every Detail
I wanted to infuse the feeling of our Mexico wedding into our civil ceremony, so I reached out to Ashley D Studio, our talented illustrator. Although we couldn’t use her designs for our invitations due to the changing circumstances, we repurposed them for our wedding programs. Ashley had traveled with me to Mérida in Mexico and carefully studied the murals at the hacienda where we’d be marrying next year. The illustrations on our program beautifully mirrored the intricate details of the venue, including the scalloped shell shape above the main door. Seeing these elements come together was a special way to make our wedding feel like the start of a beautiful journey.
Reflecting on What Truly Matters
As we look back on our wedding day, it’s easy to get caught up in all the little details, but the truth is, what really stood out was the love that surrounded us. Despite all the hurdles we faced, including the global pandemic, we found so much joy in our intimate celebration. It wasn’t about having a “perfect” wedding; it was about creating a moment that was meaningful to us.
I can’t thank our wedding team enough for making this day possible. The people behind the scenes helped us create something extraordinary—a wedding that felt uniquely ours, and one that we will cherish forever.
In the next part of our journey, I’ll dive into all the intimate details of our reception, where we celebrated in a way that truly reflected who we are as a couple. Stay tuned!