An Effortless Wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

"It's a summer camp love story for the ages," says Lauren Staton Foster of her and her now-husband's origins. She first met Austin Foster in May 2014 while working at said summer camp as college students. Six years later, in July 2020, the pair was checking off items on their summer bucket list (a walk through their favorite neighborhood, a stop at a swimming hole spot, a meal at their favorite burger joint) when they ended up at the Commodore Perry Estate in Texas for a tour, which culminated in a walk through the rose garden. During a quiet moment, Austin proposed. "He read me a poem he wrote and got down on one knee," says Lauren.

When it came time to plan their wedding, the pair prioritized place. "We chose to get married in San Miguel de Allende. It has been my family's favorite spot since the 1960s," explains Lauren. "My grandparents spent nearly every summer there in the same house owned by a friend. My dad went for the first time when he was very young and my parents started taking me when I was the same age. We truly could not have gotten married anywhere else." They tied the knot St. Paul's Church; they are close to the parish's former priest, so they felt a sentimental connection to the locale. "For the reception at Casa Cariño, our vision and hope was that it would feel like an intimate backyard soirée, so it was important to us to have an indoor-meets-outdoor space with balconies looking over the yard so that our guests could mingle and explore—but still be all together while enjoying the city views."

With the backdrop of San Miguel at sunset and a beautiful, grand venue, Lauren and Austin's big day was just as they imagined. "It was effortless," says Lauren, noting that Jennifer with Penzi Weddings, a full-service planning firm, pulled the day together beautifully after communicating with the pair exclusively over email.

The pair Old-World, letter-style invitation, by M. Harris Design, was printed on ivory handmade paper with navy ink. "It was something that our guests had to unfold," says the bride, noting the suite was sealed with a French blue silk ribbon and a gold wax seal. A details booklet, complete with a custom map on the interior and the pair's crest—which incorporated a Milagro heart and turtle doves—on the outside, was tucked into a pocket printed with a vintage painting. RSVP cards, also printed on handmade paper, were returned in a vellum envelope. The entire set was placed inside a blue envelope with a scenic liner (depicting a vintage painting), gold calligraphy, and vintage post stamps.

Comfortable in coordinating pajamas, Lauren and her bridesmaids spent the morning in a beautiful bedroom in Casa Cariño, where they prepared for the day ahead.

Lauren saw a photo of her silk wool satin Danielle Frankel wedding dress—complete with pleated tulle sleeves and grosgrain ribbon—when it was first released. She knew instantly that it was the one. "I truly thought about it every day of my life since," she says. "I never looked at any other dresses or even tried anything on. I had a picture of it saved on my Pinterest board with all my dress inspirations and showed several friends without telling them my decision. Without any prompting, they separately all selected this dress and told me they felt like that one was made for me. It is truly the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

She completed her ensemble with Stuart Weitzman sling-backs, her grandmother's Cartier ring ("She gifted this to me several years ago. My grandfather had originally purchased it for her years ago. It means the world to me," she says), and a grand-length ivory veil from Noon on the Moon. "I really wanted a lot of drama with my veil," she says.

Lauren looked beyond traditional bridesmaids' dresses for her attendants. "I truly believe ivory is the most beautiful color for a wedding, so why mess with something perfect?" she says of her decision to dress her 'maids in white. "Each bridesmaid picked out a dress they loved and it ended up being a beautiful collection of various lengths, styles, and textures."

Austin donned a J. Crew ensemble for the occasion; his white dinner jacket was the highlight and connected him to his bride-to-be. "We actually had a custom suit jacket made that showed up in the wrong color, with no time to remake it," he says. "I got the last jacket in my size with barely enough time to spare." Groomsmen stepped out in black suits and bow ties for contrast. "There is a lot to be said for something so classic," says Lauren.

"I felt very strongly about not having a first look and seeing each other for the first time as I walked down the aisle," says Lauren, adding that she felt nothing but peace in the moments leading up to her altar debut. "That's the moment you dream about your whole life."

The bride, on the arm of her father, walked down the aisle to "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones. "This was one of the most important pieces to the wedding for me," she says. "I've always known I would walk down the aisle to this, but I kept it a secret for years. I have such strong memories of that song playing at my grandparents' house growing up, and my grandpa playing it on the guitar. It's my favorite."

During the pair's Christian ceremony, they shared traditional vows, which was something they felt strongly about. They tapped their summer camp boss—he hired both Lauren and Austin all those years ago, and ultimately brought them together—and now close friend and mentor to oversee the proceedings, which took place in St. Paul's Church. Florklor Studio, using swaths of greenery dotted with florals, created an interior garden that framed the pair during their vow exchange.

The newlyweds had a "big church exit" with a lavender toss; as they left the building, the piano ending of "Chiquitita" by ABBA played in the background. "I couldn't have a wedding without ABBA!" says the bride.

Post-exit, the pair hopped into a vintage car, which took them around San Miguel de Allende during their post-ceremony portrait session.

Austin and Lauren spent the majority of the unfolding cocktail hour taking portraits, caught a glimpse of the interlude's festivities from a nearby balcony during their photo session. "We joined in at the end and were promptly handed our cocktails to catch up," says the bride.

The pair served all kinds of cocktails and drinks, but "nobody can stop talking about the frozen mango margaritas," says Lauren. They were the best thing we've ever tasted and all our guests can attest. I need the recipe."

A flower-wrapped fountain marked the entrance of the couple's reception tent.

Long tables were placed under the tent and covered with linen runners; lush white floral arrangements, placed in silver vases, were punched up with berries and greens.

At each spot, traditional Mexican pottery dinner plates were arranged with white hemstitch napkins and flanked by antique silver cutlery and crystal stemware and glassware.

The newlyweds enjoyed dinner at their own table and loved watching their family and friends enjoy each other's company after spending such a memorable weekend together. "My dad made a Mad Men-inspired speech during dinner that made everyone cry," adds Lauren.

Table numbers, made by The Vintage Inkwell, were placed in vintage holders, which coordinated with the silver candlesticks.

The pair wanted an "upbeat first dance that we could have fun with," so they chose "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole. "And, I adore the opening wedding scene from The Parent Trap, which was the inspiration for using the song," says Lauren.

According to Austin, there was a tequila train on the dance floor. "Details redacted, but you can use your imagination," says the groom.

Lauren wanted a nontraditional wedding cake, so she asked Jacinto Patisserie to forgo the icing and use florals and citrus slices to cover the lemon and vanilla buttercream confection, instead.

Photography, Kurt Boomer
Venue, St. Paul's Church (ceremony), Casa Cariño (reception)
Wedding Planning, Event Design, Catering, Rentals, and Lighting, Jennifer at Penzi Weddings
Flowers, Florklor Studio
Invitations, M. Harris Design
Day-of Paper Products, The Vintage Inkwell
Officiant, Ben Stalvey
Bride's Gown, Danielle Frankel
Veil, Noon on the Moon
Bride's Accessories, Cartier (ring), Caitlyn Minimalist (earrings), Stuart Weitzman (shoes)
Hair and Makeup, Daniela Palacios Makeup
Groom's Attire, J. Crew
Engagement Ring, The True Gem
Wedding Bands, Kinn Studio (hers), James Allen (his)
Guest Book, Album Hut
Music, Alex Gutiérrez (cocktail hour), Esli Cano (reception)
Cake, Jacinto Patisserie
Favors, Perfect Occasion Store (match boxes)
Vintage Car, Carlos Moreno