When Irene and Davis decided to have their destination wedding in Oaxaca, they wanted more than a picture-perfect day—they wanted to create a story. Inspired by literature, local traditions, and their shared love for art and architecture, their celebration became a breathtaking blend of culture, creativity, and connection. From a serene museum courtyard ceremony to a reception straight out of a dream, every detail reflected their vision and personality.

For them, Oaxaca wasn’t just a location—it was a feeling. “Our first trip as a couple was to Mexico, and Oaxaca immediately captured our hearts,” they shared. “We wanted our loved ones to experience the warmth and beauty of the place that felt like home to us.”

Planning from afar came with its challenges, but thanks to their planner, Marcela Gonzalez, everything came together seamlessly. Over nine months, Irene and Davis poured their hearts into designing a wedding that was both authentic and unforgettable.

Chucho Potts, their photographer, was captivated from the start. “Every shot felt like art. Irene and Davis put so much of themselves into this day—it was pure inspiration everywhere I turned.”

Irene chose a stunning Schiaparelli draped two-tone bustier gown they spotted together at Bergdorf’s. “We loved the contrast—the ecru satin bustier against the black velvet back,” she said. Her gold Piferi platforms added a bold, sculptural touch. 

Davis complemented her look with a sleek Gucci tuxedo and Saint Laurent loafers, and the couple even co-designed a bow for Irene’s hair, inspired by the Korean doturak daenggi tradition. “We threw out all the old wedding rules. We styled each other, shopped together, and had a blast doing it.”

The morning of the wedding was filled with last-minute touches—steaming clothes, revising scripts—but all the stress melted away when they saw each other for the first time. “It was like we could finally breathe.”

Their ceremony took place at Museo Belber, a hidden gem celebrating Oaxaca’s rich craft history. Guests moved through the museum’s tranquil courtyards before arriving at an intimate space where Irene and Davis exchanged vows. Minimalist yet intentional, the setting featured a simple white stage, a stucco backdrop, and delicate calla lilies—a nod to Irene’s childhood in California.

Their mothers officiated the ceremony in vibrant hanboks, while a guitarist and bassist played an acoustic version of the K-pop hit “Eternal Love” for Irene’s entrance—a sweet surprise from Davis. And in a surreal twist, a bee stung Irene’s aunt mid-ceremony. “She stayed so calm—it felt like a whimsical little omen for the day.” 

The theme of magical realism wove through every element of their day. “We wanted something familiar but unexpected, strange but serene,” they explained. Inspiration came from Italo Calvino’s Under the Jaguar Sun and Oaxaca’s Noche de Rábanos festival, which celebrates radish carving as an art form.

After the ceremony, guests spilled into the streets for a vibrant calenda—a lively Oaxacan tradition featuring music, dancing, and pure joy. Accompanied by a brass band, they paraded through the cobblestone streets, celebrating with a mix of locals and travelers alike. 

In a lucky and unexpected moment, they even joined another wedding’s parade, turning two celebrations into one big, joyful party. “It felt like the whole city was celebrating with us,” Irene and Davis said.

The reception was where their theme of magical realism truly came to life. The setting was a stunning showcase—calla lilies appeared to dance in fountains and peek through playful arrangements of Chinese long beans. Drawing inspiration from a blend of traditions, the decor seamlessly married the intricate food towers of the Korean pyebaek ceremony with the festive spirit of Oaxaca’s Noche de Rábanos.

For the overall design, Irene and Davis collaborated with San Jacinto to create a space that felt ethereal yet intimate. Inspired by Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s iconic wrapped installations, they draped parts of the architecture in soft fabric, adding a layer of tenderness and warmth. “We loved how wrapping the space made it feel more inviting and dreamlike.”

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They kept the decor intentional and minimal, allowing the natural beauty of Casa Oaxaca and their guests to take center stage. “The space didn’t need much—it was already stunning. We just wanted to add a little magic and let the love and energy of the night do the rest.”

The couple’s design inspiration was eclectic yet cohesive: Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s ephemeral art, the structured elegance of pyebaek food towers, the quirky creativity of Gohar World, and the structural floral designs of Grace Jolie and Aiku Floral. Each detail reflected their shared love for art, architecture, and storytelling, weaving their personalities into every corner of the celebration.

“Our goal was to create a space that felt dramatic yet tender, a reflection of our relationship and the people we love. The decor was just the backdrop; the real beauty came from the joy and warmth everyone brought to the evening.”

For dinner, Chef Ruiz of Casa Oaxaca crafted dishes that celebrated Oaxacan flavors. “Our first date included pork and octopus,” Irene shared. “Davis broke his vegetarianism for me that day, so it felt poetic to share those dishes with everyone.”

Irene changed into a chic asymmetrical ruffle-trim gown, perfectly blending elegance and playfulness. With the formalities behind them, the energy shifted as guests hit the dance floor, swept up in laughter, music, and pure joy. Under the glow of party lights and the magic of the Oaxacan night, the celebration became an unforgettable party where everyone let loose.

For couples dreaming of a destination wedding, Irene and Davis had this to say: “Respect the land, its people, and its culture. Oaxaca is changing quickly, and we wanted to honor its history while celebrating our own.”

From the heartfelt ceremony to the playful, artful reception, their wedding wasn’t just an event—it was an experience. Irene and Davis brought their story to life in a way that honored the past, celebrated the present, and inspired everyone lucky enough to be a part of it.