In late January I was invited to join some of my event industry friends for a grand tour of San Miguel, Mexico. As a destination event planner I could not believe I had missed this charming oasis, and once I arrived I started dreaming of a Bella wedding amongst the fruit trees. Much gratitude to Todd Fiscus and Emily Clarke for hosting our lovely little group and hugs to all my pals: Marcy Blum, Lucy Wrubel, Gigi De Manio, Donna Von Bruening, Michelle Rago, Brooke Keegan, Xochitl Gonzalez, Brooke Hortenstine, Suzanne Droese and Lisa and Tom Perini.
Photo by Genevieve De Manio
It’s hard not to fall in love with the historic, art-filled city of San Miguel de Allende. The international city, with cultural influences from all over the world, still manages to feel quaint and intimate, filled with cobblestone streets and open-air markets that take you back to its 17th-century roots. So if you’re looking for a place to bring your family and friends to watch you tie the knot at a spectacular destination wedding, look no further than San Miguel.
Jump feet first into San Miguel’s culture and history by booking Casa Hyder, a sprawling eleven-bedroom compound hidden discreetly on a side street near the town square. The owner, an avid art collector, has decorated every room individually, filling the house with everything from Mexican folk art and antiques to 17th century Spanish furniture. Just imagine the gorgeous courtyard filled with your wedding guests, wandering through the gardens as they sip mezcal or lounging by the pool recovering from a long night of dancing the evening before.
Photos by Genevieve De Manio
Past Casa Hyder’s massive wooden doors lie San Miguel’s charming cobblestone streets and vibrant markets. Gothic and Baroque-style churches are around every corner, begging you to walk down the aisle beneath a lace mantilla.
Photos by Genevieve De Manio and Donna Von Bruening
One of the town’s most famous churches, the Parish of San Miguel, sits at the southern end of the city’s central plaza, el Jardin Principal. Manicured trees and wrought-iron benches give the square a distinctly European feel, the perfect backdrop for an open-air reception. Head from the church to the party with a Callejoneada, a traditional parade of stilt-walkers, costumed revelers, and a mariachi band. Don’t forget the burro carrying bottles of local tequila to fuel the revelry!
Photos by Genevieve De Manio and Donna Von Bruening
For a larger wedding, consider the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Its luxury amenities, mixed with a healthy dose of local flare, are seductive and irresistible. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views of San Miguel and hard to find tequilas, perfect for watching the sun set.
Photos by Genevieve De Manio and Donna Von Bruening
One of my favorite things about San Miguel is how affordable the city is. You get amazing local food, rich cosmopolitan culture, breathtaking architecture, and a wedding your guests and you will never forget, AND you don’t have to break the bank. So what are you waiting for? Mix up a margarita, get lost in some of my favorite details from this vibrant Mexican town, and then give me a call! Let’s go to Mexico.
Photo by Genevieve De Manio
I love San Miguel, and can’t wait to get ‘home’ to my new casa in a month or two.
Great post.