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Past Meets Present in This Stylish Wedding at Monterrey’s Gran Hotel Ancira

June 30, 2025 | justine

Some weddings feel like a perfect fusion of personal style, cultural significance, and timeless celebration. Daniela and Nacho’s day at the historic Gran Hotel Ancira was exactly that. From their thoughtful design choices to their emotional ceremony and dance-filled reception, their wedding was a heartfelt blend of past and present, set against the grandeur of a 1912 hotel in the heart of Monterrey.

Both architects of the experience in their own way—Nacho through music and Daniela through aesthetics—they poured their energy into making the day intentional, beautiful, and undeniably fun.

“We wanted to balance both our personalities,” Daniela shared. “Nacho’s top priority was the music, and for me, it was the design and decoration. We met in the middle and created something that felt like us.”

What We Love About This Gran Hotel Ancira Wedding:

Featured Vendor:

No Ordinary Love

Wedding Fashion That Felt Effortless and Meaningful

From the fashion to the getting-ready experience, every moment felt intentional. The night before the wedding, Daniela and her mom checked into The Habita Hotel for a quiet night of face masks and room-service breakfast. The next morning, close friends joined her for mimosas and glam—courtesy of one of her best friends, a longtime makeup artist.

“I wore a Monique Lhuillier dress covered in sequins that fit the venue perfectly,” she said. “And Nacho’s tailored suit from Gallo Azul was this dark greenish-gray color that just looked so good.”

A Ceremony Rooted in Family, Friendship, and Tradition

The Gran Hotel Ancira also held deep personal meaning. It’s where Nacho’s parents and sister had also been married. So it only felt right to continue the tradition.

During the ceremony, Daniela and Nacho used a custom-made lazo she had crafted by hand, featuring knotted notes of love and support from their friends. A few hiccups added to the day’s story, including a last-minute dash by Daniela’s dad to retrieve the forgotten wedding bands through Monterrey’s traffic and rain—just in time.

Designing a Look That Complimented the Venue’s Vintage Charm

For Daniela, the venue’s iconic black-and-cream checkered floors were more than just a detail. They inspired the entire color palette. She envisioned a look that celebrated the Gran Hotel Ancira’s old-world charm while layering in her love for greenery and contemporary design.

“I really wanted to include more foliage than flowers,” she explained. “I created photomontages to help our team visualize it, even down to the tableware.”

The couple built a dream team of creatives and worked collaboratively throughout the planning process. “It was very important for me to enjoy the process,” Daniela said. “We chose cool, creative people and stayed involved so everything aligned with our vision.”

Building a Team They Could Trust for Their Big Day

While they had both a planner and decorators, Daniela stayed closely involved, ensuring everything—from linens to layout—reflected their style. Keeping the guest list small made it easier to focus on the details and create a warm, intimate environment.

One standout idea? A live sketch artist who created keepsake illustrations of their guests during cocktail hour. Guests were also encouraged to snap candid shots using film cameras placed throughout the venue.

A Party to Remember at the Gran Hotel Ancira

The couple’s grand entrance down the hotel’s sweeping staircase set the tone for an unforgettable reception. “We practiced our dance beforehand, which made it even more special,” Daniela shared. “After that, we just danced all night.”

Late-night snacks of tacos and chilaquiles kept the energy high and the vibe relaxed, closing the celebration on the most delicious note.

Looking Back and Sharing Real Advice

While every moment of the day brought joy, Daniela offered one practical piece of advice for future couples:

“I waited until the last two months to do a lot of things, and even though I work well under pressure, it definitely added stress,” she said. “If I could do it again, I’d start earlier and space things out more.”

Still, when asked to choose a favorite memory, Daniela couldn’t pick just one.

“I truly enjoyed every single moment. Feeling everyone’s love and happiness as they celebrated us—that was the most special thing of all.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Adriana Foto
Event Planning – Juan Manuel Villela
Venue – Gran Hotel Ancira
Floral Design – China y Lisa
Videography – No Ordinary Love

 

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Stone Acres Farm Set the Scene for This Romantic Summer Wedding

June 29, 2025 | justine

Some weddings feel like they’re pulled from the pages of a storybook—elegant, intentional, and full of heart. Tate and Greg’s celebration at Stone Acres Farm was just that. With a whimsical vintage aesthetic, thoughtful details, and an easygoing atmosphere, the day reflected their personalities and deep connection in every way.

But before the dreamy venue, timeless style, and movement-filled photos, their story began in a much humbler setting: a restaurant in West Hartford.

“We would spend countless work shifts bonding over silly questions like, ‘What’s your favorite pasta shape and why?’” Greg said. “I never wanted our relationship to end, and that feeling was reinforced during our first date when I discovered we were soulmates.”

Their emotional foundation wasn’t just built on time. It grew from a genuine friendship filled with laughter, curiosity, and small, meaningful exchanges. From lighthearted questions at the hostess stand to deepening conversations, Tate and Greg’s love story is a reminder that lasting relationships are often rooted in the simplest moments.

“Even when he was slammed with tables, Greg would come by and ask me a question, then circle back for the answer,” Tate remembered. “He made me laugh all night. That’s when I knew.”

What We Love About This Stone Acres Farm Wedding:

Featured Vendor:
Love, Sunday

Curating a Romantic Yet Personal Wedding Look

Tate’s dress, by Ukrainian designer Alena Leena and sourced from Everthine Bridal Boutique, struck a balance between simplicity and romance. Her accessories—custom gold drop earrings with baroque pearls by Aquinnah Jewelry, satin block heels, and a cathedral-length veil—added just the right touch of elegance.

Bridesmaids were encouraged to express themselves with colorful and unique dresses from different online boutiques. The groomsmen wore classic black suits, while Greg added personal flair to his look with suspenders and black Dr. Martens, wearing a custom suit from Connecticut Custom Clothing Company.

Tate’s natural-glam makeup and hair by Simply Gorgeous by Erin gave her a radiant, effortless glow.

Letting the Setting Speak for Itself

Located in Stonington, Connecticut, Stone Acres Farm set the tone with its lush summer backdrop and historic charm. The couple kept the ceremony intentionally simple, choosing Greg’s brother-in-law to officiate in order to maintain a relaxed and love-centered vibe.

“We didn’t want it to be overly formal. We just wanted it to feel joyful and full of love,” they shared.

That sense of warmth carried through every part of the day, from the golden hour portraits in the gardens to the laughter echoing during the reception.

Embracing Candid Moments Over Posed Perfection

For photography, Tate and Greg skipped the overly posed shots and leaned into movement, light, and spontaneity. Their photographer and Junebug vendor Amy of Love Sunday, captured the day in a vintage-inspired style that felt romantic, real, and full of life.

“I love the vintage photography look that has a lot of light and movement,” Tate said. “We didn’t want general portraits. We wanted to capture real moments.”

Why Intentional Choices Make All the Difference

More than just a romantic affair, Tate and Greg’s wedding at Stone Acres Farm captured the essence of their relationship—elegant in its simplicity, and grounded in authenticity. From the details to the emotions behind each moment, their day reminds us that the best weddings are the ones that stay true to what matters most.

And if you’re planning your own wedding? Take a page from their playbook: keep it joyful, surround yourself with people who get you, and don’t underestimate the power of coffee ice cream and a good laugh.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Love, Sunday
Venue – Stone Acres Farm
Floral Design – Studio Blush
Catering + Cake – 85th Day
Live Music – Silver Arrow Band
Makeup + Hair Styling – Simply Gorgeous by Erin
Wedding Dress – Alena Leena from Everthine Bridal Boutique
Bridal Accessories – Aquinnah Jewelry
Bridesmaids’ Apparel –  Kaoa + Azazie + Parallel
Groom’s Apparel – Connecticut Custom Clothing Company
Groom’s Accessories – Dr. Martens
Rentals – Sperry Tent + Peak Rentals
Calligraphy – Nob Hil Jane

 

Sponsors
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A Colorful Twist on a Classically Elegant Wedding at Villa la Joya

June 28, 2025 | justine

When Vivian and Khai started planning their wedding, they imagined something vibrant and romantic—a celebration that felt just as full of heart as it was full of color. And Villa La Joya provided the perfect canvas. With its neutral-toned architecture, sweeping ocean views, and timeless Mediterranean charm, the villa gave them space to infuse personality and color into every corner of their celebration.

What We Love About This Villa La Joya Wedding:

  • A bold mix of jewel tones and neutrals that popped beautifully against the coastal backdrop
  • Khai’s deep red tuxedo and red suspenders for the groomsmen
  • Vivian’s sparkling, fairy tale gown that perfectly reflected her girly heart
  • A churro and ice cream cart surprise, plus a fun photo booth for guests
  • A golden hour first dance and sparkler send-off to close the night

Featured Vendors:

The Wilks
Villa La Joya
One Camera Man

Building a Vision Around Their Dream Venue

The moment they saw Villa La Joya online, Vivian and Khai knew it was the one. “The villa exuded a grand, Tuscan-inspired charm with an elegant, luxurious feel,” Vivian shared. “The backyard offered a breathtaking view of the ocean… it felt almost unreal.” Paired with the villa’s neutral tones, the couple’s rich color palette stood out beautifully, creating a celebration that felt equal parts refined and festive.

To bring it all to life, they partnered with Anna from Mango Weddings, whose guidance made the process smooth and stress-free. “Honestly, everything went incredibly smoothly. Anna made sure every detail was taken care of.”

A Villa La Joya Wedding Ceremony by the Ocean With Bold, Vibrant Florals

The pair’s ceremony took place just steps from the water, with the sound of waves in the background and a clear view of the horizon. Instead of a traditional arch, the couple stood between two floral pillars bursting with red, orange, peach, and blush roses. Striking without feeling overdone.

The setup was simple and intentional, letting the natural beauty of the venue do most of the work. “It was so peaceful and surreal,” Vivian said. After saying their vows, they walked back down the aisle to cheers from family and friends. Starting their marriage the way they hoped: relaxed, joyful, and fully present.

Bringing the Color Through Wedding Fashion

Vivian and Khai made a striking pair against the backdrop of Villa La Joya, with fashion choices that reflected both personality and place. Vivian wore a dreamy strapless gown with delicate floral appliqué and a sparkling overlay that shimmered in the sunlight. The corset-style bodice and sweeping train gave her look a modern fairy tale vibe—elegant, feminine, and unmistakably her. “I’ve always been a girly girl at heart, and it felt so ‘me,’” she shared.

Khai matched the grandeur of the setting in a deep red tuxedo with black lapels. A bold, classic look that popped against the soft architecture and ocean views. His outfit added just the right amount of drama and charm, especially when paired with the white boutonniere and loafers. The rest of the wedding party echoed the couple’s stylish flair, with bridesmaids in champagne dresses and groomsmen in white linen with red suspenders that subtly tied back to Khai’s tux. 

Working With a Team They Could Trust

Vivian and Khai were intentional when it came to choosing their vendor team. “We prioritized strong portfolios, warm energy, clear communication, and fair pricing.” JB vendors The Wilks, Villa La Joya, and OneCameraman stood out for their professionalism and talent. “They helped ease our nerves and made us feel relaxed and joyful on the day.”

One of their best decisions? Investing in photography and videography. “We knew these were the memories we’d carry forever.”

A Villa La Joya Wedding Reception Full of Low-Key Fun and Thoughtful Details

Rather than overloading the reception with formalities, the couple focused on a few personal touches that made the evening feel fun and easy. They brought in a churro and ice cream cart for guests, which turned out to be a crowd favorite, and set up a photo booth so people could take home instant keepsakes.

Their favorite part? A quiet moment at the sweetheart table, right after their first dance. “We took a moment to look around and soak it all in. We were so overwhelmed with gratitude.” As the night went on, the energy picked up—especially during their sparkler send-off and late-night partying, when the dance floor stayed full and everyone was fully in celebration mode.

What They’d Do Differently (and What They’re Glad They Did)

While their day was full of magic, Vivian offers one honest note in hindsight: “I didn’t do a wedding makeup trial, and I realized after that the final result didn’t quite match what I envisioned.” 

Her biggest advice? “Go all out! You only have one wedding; make it your dream wedding.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Martin Wilk
Event Planning – Mango Weddings
Venue – Villa La Joya
Floral Design – Pri Ola Flowers
Catering – Gourmet Soberanis
Officiant – James Shin
DJ – DJ Plug In
Videography – One Camera Man
Invitation Design – Zazzle
Makeup + Hair Styling – Angye Abarca
Wedding Dress – Maggie Sottero
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply
Bridal + Groom’s Accessories + Favors – Etsy
Rings – Yas & Co. Jewelers
Rentals – Oleo Events

 

Sponsors
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