Despite never having visited San Miguel de Allende before their special day, Garance and Clayton knew they wanted to have a destination wedding in Mexico. And after booking Junebug member and planner ​​Bougainvillea Weddings, they made their dreams come true in a colorful estate wedding at Casa Hyder. 

On their special day, the two fully embraced Mexican culture with a bold color palette, Moravian star lanterns above them as they exchanged vows, and a Mexican feast consisting of quesadillas and tamales. As if that wasn’t enough of a fiesta, the day also included a surprise firework display, a midnight taco bar, and a Patron ice luge in which many tequila shots were taken!

With warm weather right around the corner, this party has us inspired to pack our bags, grab our passports, and hop on a plane. We promise one look at these photos beautifully captured by Carlos Elizondo will have you doing the same. So keep scrolling and get ready to book a one-way flight to paradise.

The Couple:

Garance and Clayton

The Wedding:

Casa Hyder, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Creating A Wedding Budget

I knew I wanted a beautiful wedding, which meant quality over quantity, so we decided to cap our guest list to 150 people–our favorite everyday people. Not our parent’s best friend’s sister who we hadn’t seen in 10 years. We didn’t feel bad saying no. We had to think about what was most important to us–venue first, then photographers, then DJ, then flowers, then food. That was my order, but they were all equally gorgeous. No expenses surprised me because I would cut out the things that made me go over budget.

Memorable Moments That Include A Secret Vow Exchange

Clayton and I had a “secret” vow exchange prior to the official ceremony where we each hid on one side of a wall and, without seeing each other, read our personal vows. It was so intimate, sweet, and very special. I could barely hold myself together during them. Other than that particular moment, I wouldn’t be able to say what my favorite part of the night was because everything was so perfect. From being pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Allen to our (very loud and fun) entrance to the ice luge shots–every single part was magical.

Incorporating Family Into The Ceremony

​​My 82-year-old grandfather officiated our ceremony and it was so special! We each wrote what we wanted him to say and he executed it beautifully. Of course, it also made everyone laugh and cry.

How The Colorful Estate Wedding In Mexico Came To Be

My dad, stepmom, and sister had all been to San Miguel before and had told me before I got engaged that I should get married there. My stepmom had heard about the Hyder House and told me how beautiful it was. Once it was time to pick a venue, we decided to take a leap of faith and signed a contract with my planner Estella and the Hyder House. It was the best decision of my life.

Working With Junebug Member Bougainvillea Weddings

From the moment I met Estella over Zoom, I knew she would take care of me and have everything under control. She delivered expertise, knowledge, calmness, and exactly what she promised. This wedding would not have been possible without my amazing parents, wonderful stepmom, and incredible wedding planner. I am forever grateful to all of them. If there is one piece of advice I’d give, it’s to pick the right wedding planner. Pick the one that works for you and is willing to listen to you. Estella thought I was easy, but all I did was tell her what my dream wedding would look like and she made it happen.

Congratulations again to Garance and Clayton on their colorful estate wedding in Mexico. Big thank you to Carlos Elizondo for capturing the day. And of course, we’re so grateful that Junebug member and planner Bougainvillea Weddings was there to make their dreams come true. To see more of the incredible weddings they’ve planned, be sure to check out their profile in our directory of wedding planners from around the globe. Then, to start planning your own destination “I do’s,” be sure to check out this guide!