WEDDING BLOG

Some couples spend years building a relationship before they finally start dating. For Natalie and Broosk, that stretch of time became part of the foundation of everything they created together—including their wedding weekend at Casa de Sierra Nevada.

The two first met in college through mutual friends during what Natalie describes as a “silly group blind date” where they technically weren’t paired together at all. Even so, they immediately gravitated toward each other. Not long after, the pandemic sent them back home for nearly two years. Instead of losing touch, they stayed connected through nonstop conversations across every possible platform. By the time they reunited in the same city, the relationship already felt undeniable. “Some of our friends like to say we nourished one of the longest mutual crushes ever,” they shared.

That history naturally influenced the feeling they wanted for their wedding. Inspired by mid-century design, Mexican art, and the colonial architecture of San Miguel de Allende, Natalie and Broosk created a celebration layered with burgundy florals, hand-painted installations, vintage fashion, and contemporary details that felt artistic while still remaininginviting.

What We Love About This Casa de Sierra Nevada Wedding:

• The way Natalie’s hand-painted installations tied the entire design together
• Their private morning walk and handwritten vow exchange before the ceremony
• A rainy-day ceremony pivot that actually elevated the final look
• Vintage-inspired fashion that still felt relaxed and wearable
• Late-night burgers, gemstone face stickers, and guests fully committing to the party atmosphere

Featured Vendors:
Lupita Tirado WP
EFEGE

Pulling Wedding Design Inspiration From Local Architecture and Art

Once Natalie and Broosk decided to get married in Mexico, the location itself became the starting point for the design. Instead of forcing a theme onto the space, they pulled inspiration directly from San Miguel de Allende’s architecture, local flora and fauna, and historic details.

They incorporated references to local landmarks like the Parroquia throughout the stationery and artwork, while subtle mid-century influences added a contemporary layer to the overall look. Natalie, a decorative artist, also created several custom pieces herself, including massive hand-painted panels, custom bar fronts, and a large-scale DJ backdrop installation. “These elements were literally a labor of love and made the overall design of the wedding feel extra special.”

The process became so immersive that their townhouse temporarily turned into a working art studio. The painted panels, each measuring around 2.4 meters tall, eventually traveled internationally packed inside tubes and a ski travel case with help from family members.

Choosing a Venue That Could Carry the Atmosphere Naturally

From the beginning, the couple knew they wanted a venue with enough architectural character that it wouldn’t require excessive decor to feel complete. That search led them to Casa de Sierra Nevada.

“Choosing Casa Sierra Nevada was hands down one of the best decisions we made,” they said.

Because the property is smaller and more boutique in scale, guests quickly became familiar with the staff and spaces. The couple loved that everything could happen in one location, making the experience feel cohesive and relaxed for everyone attending.

Their reception at the Sierra Nevada Parque garden also helped them stay more intentional with their budget. Instead of overspending on florals, they relied on the existing landscape and greenery already built into the space.

Once they reviewed their initial proposal with planner and Junebug vendor Lupita Tirado WP, they became more strategic about what mattered most.

From the Junebug Editors:
One of the smartest decisions here was choosing a venue that already reflected the atmosphere they wanted. When a space has strong architectural identity and natural texture, couples often need less added decor to create impact.

Finding Quiet Moments Before the Celebration Began

Rather than doing a traditional first look, Natalie and Broosk met at their favorite local coffee shop the morning of the wedding. From there, they walked around the park and hotel together before guests arrived.

They eventually stopped outside Natalie’s bridal suite and exchanged handwritten vows while watching the reception setup happen around them. “For both of us, this was a major highlight in what amounted to the greatest day of our lives.” 

Later that day, the rain finally arrived just before the ceremony began. But instead of disrupting the experience, it added another layer to it. As Natalie walked down the aisle beneath the tented setup, Broosk struggled to hold back tears.

Even after the ceremony, the weather continued shaping the mood of the evening. The couple slipped away with photographers and Junebug vendor EFEGE for portraits in the rain before heading back into the celebration.

Bringing Vintage and Spanish Influences Into Their Wedding Fashion

Natalie originally imagined herself wearing something simple. But as the wedding approached, she found herself increasingly drawn to Spanish bridal designers and decided to shift directions.

Working closely with her seamstress, she created a lace vest topper that completely transformed the ceremony look. For the reception, she leaned into something more playful: a vintage ostrich feather and gemstone gown altered into a mini dress with a pink slip underneath.

Broosk’s look followed a similar philosophy. His high-waisted loose-fit trousers gave the suit a timeless feel while still feeling personal and modern. The wardrobe changes mirrored the overall wedding itself—stylish and design-forward without feeling overly formal or disconnected from who they were.

Building Flexibility Into the Wedding Budget Before Unexpected Changes Happen

Just weeks before the wedding, weather forecasts forced Natalie and Broosk to rethink their ceremony and reception layouts. Rain became a real possibility, so with help from their planner and her team, they added tents to both spaces.

Although the adjustment pushed them beyond their original budget, it unexpectedly improved the overall design. The added tent structures gave Natalie more opportunities to extend her artwork and visual concepts throughout the reception.

The experience also reinforced one of their biggest planning takeaways: leave room in the budget for last-minute changes. “Make sure you leave some contingency on your budget so as to have emergency funds in case of any last minute, unexpected changes,” they advised.

Thoughtful Reception Additions That Kept the Party Going

Music became one of the most personal elements of the entire weekend. Natalie and Broosk curated every playlist themselves, from the rehearsal dinner and welcome party to the ceremony and reception.

The festivities began the night before with an intimate rooftop rehearsal dinner followed by a larger welcome party complete with mojigangas and reggaeton curated alongside their DJ.

By the wedding night, the energy stayed high until nearly 2 AM. Guests covered themselves in gemstone face stickers, boas, and sunglasses while the dance floor stayed packed deep into the night. Late-night burgers helped keep everyone going.

One final unexpected moment closed out the evening. While taking photos near the DJ backdrop during the last song “Last Train to London,” Broosk jumped down from the booth to join Natalie, lost his balance, and accidentally pulled both of them through the backdrop and onto the grass below.

Instead of ruining the moment, it became one more memory folded into a wedding already full of personality, improvisation, and joy.

For Natalie and Broosk, the wedding felt most meaningful when they stopped trying to control every outcome and focused instead on creating an atmosphere that genuinely reflected their relationship. Even the unexpected moments—the rain, the last-minute layout changes, the chaos of transporting hand-painted installations across countries—became part of what made the weekend unforgettable. Their biggest takeaway is one many couples forget in the middle of planning: when the foundation already feels personal and intentional, the day doesn’t need perfection to leave a lasting impression.