1. Real Weddings

A Summer Fiesta Destination Wedding at Casa Hyder in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Louisa Oberman Harwood (30 and a marketing coordinator) and Joseph Matthew Harwood (30 and self-employed) ha

Louisa Oberman Harwood (30 and a marketing coordinator) and Joseph Matthew Harwood (30 and self-employed) had a vision for their wedding: a colorful, light celebration full of dancing in a beautiful destination. As soon as one of their friends mentioned Casa Hyder in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a lightbulb went off—that this was the right place to say “I do.” Wanting their celebration to be bright and cheery, Louisa and Joseph chose to decorate Casa Hyder in all different shades of pink, from their save-the-dates to the decor. Wedding planner Penzi created an atmosphere full of pink flowers and a tented backyard reception illuminated by elegant chandeliers and star lanterns. The highlight? Louisa and Joseph’s cocktail hour was anything but ordinary. They decided to have a parade in the streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with traditional mojigangas (giant, newlywed-lookalike papier-mache dolls), a mariachi band and a tequila donkey. See the fiesta, beautifully captured by the talented Holly Wilmeth Photography, below.

Louisa and Joseph's invitation suite was festive and bright, just like their wedding. Their save-the-date cards were even hot pink papel picado, a perfect touch for their Mexico destination wedding.
Joseph wore an ivory linen suit with a white shirt and pink tie to be light and festive for his Mexico destination wedding.
This hot pink and fuchsia floral monogram definitely made a statement, which is just what Louisa and Joseph were going for in their vibrant decor.
Louisa's wedding dress was incredible. She wore a white dress full of delicate floral appliques and sheer, three-quarters sleeves.
Pink Petal Aisle Decorations
The traditional San Miguel de Allende recessional parade with mojigangas was an experience like no other for Louisa and Joseph's 160 wedding guests. They paraded through the streets of San Miguel de Allende with larger-than-life papier-mache mojigangas and tequila shot glasses around their necks, which they could fill with tequila carried by a donkey!
Blush Rose Flower Crown
It's hardly a wedding in Mexico without a mariachi band, and that's just what Louisa and Joseph had. The band marched with them through the mojiganga parade and entertained at the reception.
While the wedding party was out in the mojiganga parade, wedding planners at Penzi transformed the backyard at Casa Hyder into a beautiful pink reception full of tall, bursting arrangements of pink flowers and pink petals between all the pink dining tables.
Reception Tent With Chandeliers
Even with all the vibrant colors in their wedding, Louisa and Joseph had a classic wedding cake. It had three round tiers with a cascade of white orchids down one side for a pretty touch.
Louisa and Joseph shared their first dance on a white dance floor surrounded by fireworks. It was romantic and striking—just what they wanted.
Hanging Star Lantern Chandeliers
Floral Applique Wedding Dress