Multicultural wedding weekend in san miguel de allende
For this lovely couple, their gorgeous three-day wedding celebration in San Miguel de Allende was all about honoring where they came from and sharing their excitement about the future with all of their favorite people. From the fashion choices to the food and decor, every last detail had meaning and intentionality. Keep scrolling to see more of these dreamy photos by Ildefonso Gutierrez that perfectly capture the vibe from that wedding weekend and to read all about each event.
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their love story
They first met on July 2, 2014, while studying abroad at the University of Sussex in the English countryside. That evening, Matthew had just returned from a peaceful sunset run through the trails, where he had an inexplicable feeling—like something was about to change. Moments later, Sharee walked into the common room where he was studying and asked for help with a practice test. He offered to work through it together. They introduced themselves, and soon discovered that, although we were 5,000 miles from home, we both attended UCLA—and would be living right across the street from each other that fall. What followed was a whirlwind European romance. They explored Paris, cooked Italian meals, danced under the Eiffel Tower, rode bikes in Amsterdam, and ate waffles in Brussels. The connection was undeniable, and from that summer on, we were inseparable. Five years later, in the summer of 2019, Sharee was working on a public health project in Las Vegas. Matthew flew out to visit—and propose. Though he had always imagined proposing on a gondola in Venice (just like his father had proposed on a carriage in Central Park), life hadn't allowed for a European trip. So he brought Venice to Sharee instead—booking a private gondola ride through the canals at The Venetian resort. Halfway through the gondola ride, Matthew broke the one rule: stay seated. He unbuckled, got down on one knee, and asked Sharee to marry him. She said yes!
the rings
I chose a diamond crescendo band from Marrow Fine to complement my pear-shaped engagement ring designed by Matthew. He created a custom white gold ring from Rustic and Main with American chestnut inlays and a central peridot—symbolizing strength, protection, and my hazel eyes. It’s a metaphor for our love: enduring, supportive, and healing.
the welcome party
Every couple dreams of a perfect wedding, and for Sharee and Matthew, that dream began to take shape in the vibrant streets of San Miguel de Allende. Though their rehearsal day threatened to be anything but ideal—dark clouds gathering and rain imminent—the couple embraced the unexpected with grace and joy. As the first drops began to fall during their callejoneada, the traditional pre-wedding parade, Sharee recalled her mother’s words: that rain on a wedding is a blessing—a sign of lasting love and abundance. That comfort, combined with her unwavering optimism, carried her through the downpour. Matthew, seeing the rain fall and plans shift, gave Sharee a reassuring smile. He knew how much care and attention she had poured into every detail. Yet instead of being overwhelmed, she met the moment with calm and joy, choosing to dance in the rain rather than lament the weather.
For the welcome party, Sharee wore a stunning ivory piña silk dress designed by Milka Quin, complete with traditional terno sleeves, bows along the hem, and a square neckline—a beautiful nod to her Filipino and Spanish heritage. Her natural hair and makeup, done by Angie Mendoza, added a soft elegance to the look. Matthew, in honor of that same heritage, wore a custom barong blazer paired with Sabah shoes. Both their fathers also wore traditional barongs, connecting generations through cultural pride. Even the cobblestone streets, slick with rain, couldn’t dampen their spirit.
Designed and planned by Penzi Weddings, the décor beautifully bridged Sharee’s Filipino and Mexican roots. Round tables were draped in white linens, layered with beehive-patterned runners for depth and texture. Orange napkins and bamboo cutlery added warmth, while white china and crystal stemware brought an air of elegance. And at the center of it all: birds of paradise. Bold and radiant, they were more than just floral arrangements—they were a tribute. A symbol of her grandfather, the man who had helped raise her. A way to bring his spirit into the celebration.
the vibe: secret garden
Our ceremony under the vibrant floral chuppah felt like being in a sacred garden. On the right stood a portrait of the Virgin Mary, honoring my Catholic roots, while the ketubah on the left honored Matthew’s Jewish faith. To honor both our faiths, we had a Jewish rabbi and a Catholic priest officiate. The rabbi led the Ketubah signing with our parents and close family before the main ceremony. The most emotional moment was when we were bound with my parents’ lasso while wrapped in Matthew’s father’s tallit—a symbol of unity, love, and hope.
The reception unfolded under a clear tent strung with glass lanterns and greenery, giving the feeling of dining under the stars. The tables featured Colibri china with hummingbirds and leaves, rattan chargers, gold cutlery, and amber Lisboa stemware. Candles in soft hues lit the space, while floral arrangements from Florklore Studio included ranunculus, roses, and touches of blue in terracotta vases. A hand-painted dance floor featured our monogram and a hummingbird border—a tribute to our invitation design and shared symbolism.
the invitations
We partnered with the talented Ink Scribbler to create invitations that were as informative as they were stunning—colorful yet sophisticated, and designed to set the tone for the weekend in San Miguel. Housed in blush envelopes with curated stamps (featuring mariachis, grapes, and flowers) and sealed with a golden wax monogram, the invitations felt like opening a keepsake. Inside, guests found an artistic rendering of the San Miguel skyline and a gatefold featuring our floral monogram framed by Talavera-inspired borders. The main card extended a formal invitation, accompanied by a pocket-sized itinerary illustrated with the iconic door to Casa Cien. A watercolor map completed the suite, featuring charming visuals of mojigangas, mariachis, the callejoneada, and Casa Cien—along with street names, event addresses, the color theme, and a QR code to our website. Guests were wowed, many calling them the most beautiful invitations they’d ever received. They didn’t just inform—they told a story.
getting ready
The day began with joy and intimacy. My bridesmaids and bridesman wore pastel lemon pajamas and fuzzy slippers—embodying the playful spirit of “when life gives you lemons.” I wore white satin pajamas embroidered with tiny flowers, setting the tone for the personal touches to come.
For makeup, I wanted to look like myself—just more radiant. Team Danipal Makeup & Hair used my favorite Korean products along with luxury brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Chanel to create a natural, dewy look. My sleek bun made me feel timeless and confident.
the fashion
Incorporating my Mexican and Filipina/Spanish heritage into my wedding day was a heartfelt journey in honoring where I come from and who I am. With our wedding taking place in Mexico, I wanted my dress to reflect my Filipina and Spanish roots—elegant, timeless, and full of quiet strength. I was first drawn to the ethereal 2305 gown by Jesús Peiró for its breathtaking cape, but it didn’t quite feel like me. My heart kept returning to their 2360 Mikado Taffeta gown—classic and refined, yet striking. I envisioned it paired with the delicate butterfly-style sleeves—a perfect nod to Filipina elegance and Spanish romance. After trying on 14 dresses and wrestling with indecision, I chose the 2360 and committed to a made-to-measure version to fit my petite frame perfectly. With the help of the expert team at Asit Bidal, we tailored every detail over three fittings. The final look—with the detachable sleeves and a custom cathedral veil adorned with organza flowers—felt deeply personal and sacred, a reflection of resilience, transformation, and heritage. My shoes, the Bella Belle “Noelle” pointed-toe heels, featured a hand-pleated ivory rosette and felt like something out of a fairytale—perfect for our garden party setting.
Matthew wore a custom light beige suit from Suit Supply, crafted from luxury Italian wool by Vitale Barberis Canonico. Every detail—from fabric to button—was thoughtfully chosen to fit and flow with purpose. Standing in that suit as I walked toward him, he felt not just dressed for the moment, but for the future we were beginning together.
Afterward, I changed into a beaded open-back cami dress from ASOS and a pearl-bow pair of slippers from Etsy, ready to dance all night. I added a pop of Dior Rosy Glow blush and 3CE lip tint in Daffodil for a vibrant, playful reception look.
the escort wall
Guests found their seats via a whimsical leaf installation with handwritten place cards and gold-inked table numbers.
We love this idea for so many reasons! It blends perfectly with the scenery at the venue because it's literally part of it, it's super economical, and just look at how gorgeous it turned out! 👏
the cake
Our cake was a two-tier carrot cake with a gluten-free top tier, adorned with Victorian-style drapery and delicate florals.
- Wedding Photographers: Ildefonso Gutierrez
- Event Planning & Design: Penzi Weddings
- Venues: Casa Cien
- Welcome Party Dress: Milka Quin
- Wedding Dress: Jesús Peiró
- Shoe Designer: Bella Belle Shoes
- Engagement Ring: Marrow Fine
- Second Dress: ASOS
- Brunch Dress: Staud
- Wedding Submission Services: Published + Pretty