Hacienda San Gabriel, Mexico
October 20, 2012ย |ย Katherine and Rafael
A photographer from Colorado and a lawyer from Mexico seems like a chance meeting… or fate. But when Katherine met Rafael (Fayo), it was a match decades in the making! Katherine and Fayo’s parents actually went to high school together in Mexico! So their wedding was more of the joining of 2 beautiful friendships in to one beautiful family!
I’ve never been to Mexico before, so I was really excited to be a part of their wedding at the most amazing luxury resort, the Hacienda San Gabriel! This amazing home was built in the early 1500’s. and after nearly breaking my toe tripping up the stone steps to our room, I didn’t doubt it :) This place was insanely gorgeous, and the most perfect place for Kat and Fayo’s wedding! Since it’s now a resort, family and guests of the wedding stayed in the rooms that were there, making it such a great weekend adventure for all of us!
Plus, we got to shoot a stunning Day After session the following day – so stay tuned for that! And I want to thank Danielle Clark, one of my former brides and a photographer in Winter Haven, for coming along with me to second shoot! Gracias!!
Update
Forget about sleep! These two troopers where wide awake for their next day session. Check it out, here!
Vendors
Venue: Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas
Event Coordinator: Monica Garcia
Bridal Hair: Rebecca Martinez
Bridal Makeup: Karina Romero
Catering: Banquetes Kunz
Florist: Federico Leon – Avanzzati
Cake Artist: Solia Jaramillo Carrillo – Soly Bakery
Reception DJ: DJ Edmond
Bridal Salon: Aire Barcelona
Musicians: Liene Camarena, Soprano; Gunta Salaks, Harp; Barbara Kaminska, Cello; Haroldo de Leรณn, Violin; Mario Alberto Hernรกndez, Piano
Officiant: Padre Adrian Paz Cantera
Stationary: KatBlu Studio
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridal Boots: Old Gringos
Groom’s Suit:ย D’Paul
Bridal Gown and Veil: Aire
Katherine chose the most unique guest book and I loved her reception boots!
Katherine’s earrings and bracelet were diamond heirlooms from her great grandmother. They were absolutely stunning with her lace gown and full cathedral veil!
I’d have to say that one of my favorite elements of Katherine and Fayo’s wedding was the choice to use ivory bridesmaids gowns! The girls looked absolutely beautiful standing with Kat! And something I didn’t know – in Mexican culture, it’s customary to have bridesmaids, but not groomsmen! So Fayo asked some of his best men to attend in styled tuxes.
The church is actually on the property of the Hacienda. This beautiful stone cathedral was built in 1529 and was once a Franciscan Monastery!
Leaving the ceremony at dusk, the entire Hacienda was converted with lighting, flowers and hundreds of candles for the cocktail hour and reception! It was absolutely stunning!
But I absolutely adored the hanging lanterns – literally tons of them hanging from all the trees leading to the cocktail hour! It’s amazing how quickly the grounds were transformed!
The reception space, which is usually the Hacienda’s restaurant (former stables) was put together with such an old-world, warm and cozy feel. The tables had lace table covers, every table was a different size and shape, and every centerpiece was completely different! Full of vintage pieces like clocks, books and lanterns and a mix of wild flowers and candles, it was absolutely breathtaking!
Dessert was served with a surprise operatic performance from members of the Mexico City Opera (they also sang at the ceremony and it was gorgeous)!
The reception, which lasted well into the morning hours, had a great mix of top 40 and Spanish music!
…but I couldn’t have laughed harder than watching Fayo dance to Gangnam Style!!
What an amazing night… an amazing destination and the most beautiful couple! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day!
