Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings This Couple's Destination Nuptials Included a Parade Through San Miguel, Mexico By Sara Dickinson Sara Dickinson Instagram Sara is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on October 13, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Vicki Grafton You can say that Gabby and Ivan have shared a cross-country romance. They first met in high school and began dating in 2005; upon graduation, the couple moved to San Diego together for college and later to New York City to start their respective careers. In December 2017, the couple was planning yet another move—this time, from New York to Los Angeles—when Ivan decided to propose while they were still on the East Coast, in the city that means so much to them. He planned a date in Central Park during the first snow of the season; the couple bought hot chocolate and listened to carolers sing holiday melodies on their way to Bow Bridge, where Ivan had planned to pop the question. When they got there, the bridge was too crowded, so Ivan pivoted and found a secluded bench on the other side. "Not knowing what was about to happen, but feeling nostalgic about our upcoming move, I said it should be our bench and when we come back to visit, we'd always remember it," Gabby says. As the snow fell around them, Ivan got down on one knee and asked for Gabby's hand in marriage. "It was such a special day!" she remembers. The pair decided to plan a wedding in Mexico to honor their heritage, and San Miguel de Allende was a place they had always wanted to explore. They fell in love with the city's Old-World charm—and even more so with their venue, Casa Hyder (the house is rich in history and is surrounded by lush gardens). Gabby leaned on her former career as a wedding planner to bring their celebration—which was to be attended by 87 guests—to life on March 7, 2020; with some help from Luna Lazuli Events, the couple planned a beautiful, meaningful destination wedding, incorporating Mexican and Persian elements to speak to their roots. 01 of 20 Bold Invitations Vicki Grafton Ivan and Gabby went with a bold invitation suite that matched the wedding's color scheme of terra-cotta, dusty rose, gold, wine, and forest green. The main invitation card had deckled edges and a letterpress finish. They chose muted green envelopes with a gold wax seal for polish. 30 Modern Wedding Invitations We Love 02 of 20 The Final Look Vicki Grafton Gabby wore a form-fitting Tal Kedem wedding dress with a floral lace pattern, intricate beading, and a V-neckline. "It had all of the elements I was looking for in shape, color, lace, and uniqueness," Gabby says. "It's truly my favorite thing I've ever worn." She added a cathedral-length veil with floral detailing that matched the gown; it was also made by Tal Kedem. A gold floral Jennifer Behr hair piece added some shimmer. "It had golden flowers and golden leaves that were delicately placed like a headband," Gabby says. "It tied into the florals of the dress so seamlessly." She carried a loose bouquet with blush-and-cream florals and greenery, which was pulled together with a gold hand-dyed silk ribbon. 03 of 20 Blue, Gray, or Green? Vicki Grafton Ivan wore a custom suit that looked blue, gray, or green depending on the lighting; the ensemble featured a dark floral lining on the inside. He also donned a leather watch that Gabby had given him for Christmas a few years prior. As for his groomsmen? The stepped into dark gray suits and brown shoes to complement the groom. 04 of 20 Whimsical Bouts Vicki Grafton Their boutonnières were made of dried flowers and wheat, which nodded to the dried floral elements seen at the ceremony. 64 Boutonnières You Both Will Love 05 of 20 Mix and Match Vicki Grafton Gabby sent her bridesmaids a color palette and asked them to choose dresses they felt great in. Despite being from different states, Gabby was pleasantly surprised with how coordinated the gowns looked when they were all together. Her sister, her maid of honor, stood out in the only patterned dress. 06 of 20 The First Look Vicki Grafton Ivan and Gabby shared a first look on a cobblestone courtyard at the venue. "There was so much build up and I was excited to finally show off my dress," Gabby says. "It was nice to be able to see him alone and have that intimate moment together." 07 of 20 Statement Arch Vicki Grafton The ceremony took place outside; an old door, built into a picturesque coral building, served as the backdrop. A greenery arch, dotted with florals that FLWR Studio drove in from Mexico City, completed the altar. 73 Wedding Arches That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Ceremony 08 of 20 A Sofreh Spread Vicki Grafton Gabby and Ivan placed a sofreh aghd to the right of the arch; the traditional altar setup is a staple in Persian weddings and incorporates elements that represent blessings for a couple's new life together. "We really loved incorporating this tradition into the ceremony, as it made the experience more personal to us," Gabby shares. 09 of 20 Here Comes the Bride Vicki Grafton An instrumental version of "Iris" by the Brooklyn Duo filled the ceremony space during the processional. Before the bride's entrance, the music changed to "Arrival of the Birds" by the Cinematic Orchestra. 10 of 20 Personal Ceremony Vicki Grafton The couple asked one of Gabby's bridesmaids to officiate the family-centric ceremony; she ended up writing a custom script that incorporated Mexican and Persian cultural elements and felt personal to the couple. Everything You Need to Know About Asking a Friend to Officiate 11 of 20 The Vow Exchange Vicki Grafton Gabby and Ivan wrote their own vows, which ended up being a big-day highlight. "They were one of the few details that was still a surprise to us, and we will always cherish them," Gabby says. 12 of 20 Dancing in the Streets Vicki Grafton The newlyweds hired a trio of live musicians—along with a mariachi band—to kick off the callejoneada, a traditional Mexican wedding parade, which was a total surprise to everyone aside from the couple and their planner. "It was amazing to be able to incorporate this cultural tradition of a San Miguel wedding—and even more fun to experience it with our friends and family," Gabby says. "Dancing in the street, the mariachi band, and the sun setting in the background made for an unbelievable experience." The parade included a donkey and the couple's mojigangas, or "large puppets of the bride and groom that dance amongst the wedding guests in the parade," Gabby explains. 13 of 20 Find Your Seat Vicki Grafton Table cards, detailing guests' assignments, were printed on cardstock with deckled edging. 14 of 20 Under the Stars Vicki Grafton The couple's reception took place outdoors, where star-shaped lights were suspended above four long tables. "They looked so natural to the space and created a warm glow above us," Gabby says. A Guide to Wedding Reception Tables 15 of 20 Traditional Settings Vicki Grafton They decided to use traditional Mexican ceramic plates at each setting and opted for gold flatware. 16 of 20 Colorful Florals Vicki Grafton Wooden tables were kept bare; a mix of large and small flower arrangements were placed along the center of each station. 17 of 20 Light the Flame Vicki Grafton Textured taper candles were placed in gold stands and crystal votives. 23 Candle Centerpieces That Will Light Up Your Reception 18 of 20 Choices, Choices Vicki Grafton Gabby and Ivan offered two dinner options; chicken filled with squash blossom covered in poblano peppers or chile en nogada, a traditional Mexican dish served at weddings. 19 of 20 The First Dance Vicki Grafton The pair shared their first dance to James Morrison's "I Won't Let You Go." "It's such a special song for us and we've loved it for years," the bride says. Throughout the rest of the evening, BGolden Productions played a mixture of American, Latin, and Persian music—there was something for every guest in attendance. The couple closed out the celebration by honeymooning in Mexico City. To couples planning their big days, Gabby offers this advice: "Always remember why you're getting married in the first place. Staying grounded in that will make every other stressful moment feel like background noise." 20 of 20 Sources Vicki Grafton Photography, Vicki GraftonVenue, Casa HyderWedding Planning and Event Design, Luna Lazuli EventsVideography, Lalo VagasFlowers, FLWR StudioStationery and Paper Products, Isidore AugustineBride's Gown and Veil, Tal Kedem BridalBride's Hair Piece, Jennifer BehrBride's Shoes, ShutzHair, LauzzherMakeup, ZhiomaramakeupartistBridesmaids' Dresses, Reformation; Amsale; Jenny YooGroom's Attire, Men's WearhouseGroomsmen's Attire, The Black TuxMusic, BGolden Productions Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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