Planning a destination wedding in Oaxaca, Mexico, offers the perfect blend of luxury and cultural immersion. You’ll find exceptional venues that provide distinct settings for couples seeking a stylish yet authentic Oaxacan experience. With a focus on creativity, art, and exceptional service, this destination promises an unforgettable backdrop for a modern, culturally rich celebration. 

Here are only a couple of the Oaxaca wedding venues we’ve worked with: 

Casa Antonieta – this is the ultimate romantic spot for couples and intimate weddings. Nestled in the heart of Oaxaca, Antonia is a charming boutique hotel that combines contemporary design with the city’s colonial architecture. The rooftop terrace, with panoramic views of the city and its surrounding mountains, makes for a breathtaking ceremony or reception space. With personalized service and attention to detail, Antonia offers a stylish, yet warm atmosphere perfect for a smaller, more intimate wedding. 

Escondido Oaxaca – Another gem, Escondido Oaxaca offers a luxurious, modern retreat within a historic setting. This boutique hotel, housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, blends the old and new seamlessly, making it an ideal venue for couples seeking a stylish, yet authentic Oaxacan experience. The lush gardens and serene courtyards provide picturesque settings for both ceremonies and receptions, while the hotel’s focus on high-end service ensures that every detail is meticulously handled. 

Proyecto Murguía – For couples looking to blend art, history, and elegance in their wedding, Proyecto Murguía is an exceptional option. Located in the heart of Oaxaca, this avant-garde venue is set in a beautifully restored 18th-century house and offers a stunning mix of old-world charm and contemporary design. Its art-filled interiors and spacious courtyards provide a unique, stylish setting for a wedding that feels truly personal and distinctive. Proyecto Murguía offers an unforgettable backdrop for a modern, yet culturally rich celebration. 

Oaxaca is not just a city; it’s an experience. From its rich cultural history and exceptional cuisine to its artisanal traditions and boutique venues, a wedding here is more than just a celebration—it’s a journey into the heart of authentic Mexico. For couples who want to create lasting memories for themselves and their guests, a destination wedding in Oaxaca offers the perfect blend of culture, luxury, and timeless tradition. 

San Miguel’s cultural heritage runs deep, and this history is reflected in every aspect of the town. From the striking Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel that dominates the skyline to the vibrant colors of the local markets, culture is woven into the fabric of daily life here. Couples who choose to wed in San Miguel have the unique opportunity to infuse their celebrations with local traditions and unique flavors. These experiences make a wedding in San Miguel not just a ceremony, but a celebration of life, love, and community. 

San Miguel de Allende is also a haven for food lovers, making it a dream location for couples who value an extraordinary culinary experience on their big day. The town is home to a thriving food scene that expertly blends traditional Mexican flavors with modern, international cuisine.  

Perhaps one of the most special aspects of hosting a wedding in San Miguel de Allende is the warmth and hospitality of the local community. The people of San Miguel are known for their genuine friendliness and hospitality, always going the extra mile to make visitors feel at home. This welcoming atmosphere is a significant part of what makes San Miguel such a wonderful destination for a wedding. From local artisans crafting wedding favors to musicians filling the air with live mariachi music, the locals’ pride in their culture and tradition shines through, making every couple and their guests feel like part of the family. 

Here are only a few of the Incredible San Miguel de Allende Wedding Venues that I love: 

Luna Escondida: A hidden gem, Luna Escondida offers a magical blend of natural beauty and timeless elegance. Located in the hills just outside of town, this venue is perfect for couples seeking an outdoor wedding surrounded by panoramic views of the countryside. If you like a Tuscan vibe, or French province kind of look, Luna Escondida will give you just that. With its tranquil gardens, cobblestone pathways, and stunning vistas, Luna Escondida feels like a private sanctuary. 

Casa Cien: If you want to have the downtown experience, Casa Cien provides the perfect blend of luxury and charm, without leaving town. With its beautifully landscaped gardens and private courtyards, this venue offers a romantic setting for smaller weddings, ensuring a personal and tailored celebration for couples who want something truly special. 

Live Aqua: For couples seeking a more contemporary yet luxurious venue, Live Aqua offers modern amenities in a breathtaking setting. With its stylish interiors and expansive views of the surrounding landscape, it’s the ideal location for a chic, sophisticated wedding. The property’s large event spaces allow for grand celebrations, while still maintaining the charm that makes San Miguel so special. 

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende: One of the most iconic venues in the city, Rosewood offers everything you could want in a destination wedding. From its elegant colonial-style architecture to its lush gardens and rooftop terraces with stunning views of the city, Rosewood provides a timeless, sophisticated setting. The venue also offers incredible dining experiences, with personalized menus crafted by its talented chefs to ensure a truly memorable feast. 

San Miguel de Allende is not just a wedding destination—it’s a place where culture, cuisine, and community come together to create an unforgettable celebration of love. With the warmth of the local community and the magic of this historic city, a destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende promises memories that will last a lifetime. 

With its pristine beaches, breathtaking desert landscapes, and world-renowned venues, Los Cabos promises an unforgettable wedding experience. Whether you envision an elegant beachfront ceremony or an intimate garden gathering, the hallmark venues in this region are sure to elevate your event into a truly magical affair. 

Here are only a few of my personal favorite venues for luxury weddings in Los Cabos: 

One&Only Palmilla: Classic Elegance by the Sea 

For couples dreaming of a timeless, oceanfront wedding, One&Only Palmilla is the epitome of luxury. Side note, this was one of my first jobs, (back in 2005!) as a wedding planner in Mexico. With breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez, this venue blends traditional Mexican architecture with contemporary elegance.  The resort’s world-class service ensures that every detail is handled with precision, creating a day as exquisite as the location itself. 

Las Ventanas al Paraíso: A Paradise of Personalized Experiences 

Las Ventanas al Paraíso was technically the resort that put Los Cabos on the map, and it lives up to its name – “Windows to Paradise” – offering a dreamy backdrop for couples seeking an exclusive, highly personalized wedding experience.  With luxury suites, infinity pools, and awe-inspiring views of both desert and ocean, the setting is a sanctuary.  Las Ventanas combines natural beauty with opulence to create a truly magical celebration. 

Flora Farms: Rustic Charm Meets Organic Elegance 

For a more earthy, yet equally luxurious setting, Flora Farms offers a beautiful alternative to beachfront weddings. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, this 25-acre organic farm is an oasis of rustic charm. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by vibrant gardens, with the scent of fresh herbs and flowers in the air. The farm-to-table culinary experience is a highlight, with fresh, seasonal ingredients incorporated into custom menus. Flora Farms captures the spirit of laid-back luxury, making it a perfect spot for couples who want a celebration that feels intimate, natural, and unforgettable. 

Beyond the lavish venues, Los Cabos offers a diverse and striking natural landscape that enhances the magic of any wedding. The juxtaposition of desert and ocean creates dramatic backdrops for photography, while the year-round sunshine ensures perfect weather for outdoor celebrations. 

Today’s post is a revision of the current season and the things I’m looking forward to. 

Business, Vision 

Amelia Market 

Amelia has been creating welcome bags and gifts for the last few years. We collaborate with Mexican artisans from Oaxaca, Jalisco, Michoacan, and Guanajuato, and enjoy working together with couples and wedding planners to create custom gifts and welcome packages for their guests. 

The next step for Amelia Market is to simplify and improve the shopping experience for the customers, where they can choose items from an existing collection while still offering a custom option. 

Under the umbrella of Amelia Market, we will also offer a wedding rental collection, where clients can choose tabletop decor for their wedding. From candleholders to chargers, artisan candles, linen napkins, and other details, the idea is to extend and showcase the work we’ve done with the same artisans we have been collaborating with for the last 8 years. The goal is to make it easy for customers to rent their favorites items for the wedding. 

Moreover, Handmade (“Hecho a Mano” ) is a project close to my heart. For the last couple of years, I’ve been working on designing a clothing line of unique pieces that are soft, tailored, and made with natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, and linen. 

The first collection is suited for fall, and it’ll be ready before that. It is entirely made in San Miguel de Allende and I couldn’t be prouder of the talent and craftsmanship of my team, and the work behind it. We will have an online presence and ship internationally. 

Saraí Flores 

This will continue to be the platform where I offer a number of wedding design services. I mostly work with couples and wedding planners, focusing on the visual aspects of the wedding, from defining the ambiance to choosing vendors and bringing the design vision to life. This has always been my core business, and I’m excited about our amazing clients and upcoming projects in the fall. 

Personal, Creativity 

There are other areas in my life which fill my day and creative aspirations. A couple of years ago, I was part of an amazing training called The Blood Mysteries School, and I plan to revisit its outstanding curriculum. It works around the feminine archetypes: the maiden, the mother, the sorceress, and the crown. There is more depth to it than I can explain here, but it has been instrumental in how I approach my life, not only on a personal level but professionally, too. By honoring our innate monthly, yearly, and lifelong seasons, we can also hone and harvest the best of our tools, creativity, and wisdom. 

Here is a brief recap of my over-a-decade-long trajectory, serving amazing couples and creating beautiful things. 

2004

I graduated from University Lumiere II, in Lyon, France, where I was awarded a Master’s Degree in Information and Communication. Afterward, I decided to move to Mexico, where I started my career in Customer Service at some of the most luxurious hotels in Los Cabos. While working in such a dynamic field, I further developed my knowledge and skills in crisis management. 

2005

Enter the weddings. By this time, I started to plan several weddings and events, with many projects piling on my desk. Surprisingly, my very first client wanted to invest in creating my own agency, which I thought was crazy at the time. I declined. 

2007

I officially started my own wedding planning business at a time when the US financial recession was about to begin. Notwithstanding, I began working from the privacy and comfort of my dining table and made my business grow, resulting in opening an office, building a wonderful work team, getting a business partner, and meeting wonderful clients just a couple of years later. 

2012

By producing the most amazing events in destinations such as Cabo, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and the Caribbean, our work gained great momentum, and we were praised and published in national and international media. I began to get a deeper sense of what a balanced life was about, and what I wanted for myself. As a person who values family and friendship equally, and believes in the importance of nurturing long-lasting relationships both in my private life and at work, I wanted to ensure my work life was fulfilling at all times. 

2016

One of my beloved clients asked for help to transform their private estate into a destination wedding venue in the mesmerizing Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende. A life-transforming experience was taking form. After a few months of consulting, I decided to reduce my wedding practice and started new creative projects, such as Amelia Market. Today, San Miguel de Allende, with its cobblestone streets and hints of magic, has become the place I call home. I love its sense of community and culture, as they have made me appreciate life much more. 

2020

As for almost everyone, this year was a game-changer. It brought light to the things that needed to change, and to those I want to focus on and cultivate. It’s not a destination, but a path I’m happy to walk every day. Rethinking things such as my contribution to the world, projects that I want to bring to life, the way I spend my days, focusing on what matters most, and cherishing those who make my life better whether it’s friends, clients, family, or pets, is the journey I’m on. 

2023

Being in my mid-40s, I have a recurring feeling that I’m designing the second half of my life. If the stars allow it, I would love to work and collaborate on creative projects until what I say doesn’t make sense anymore. Weddings are very much a part of my life, and they’ll continue to be so. 

Also, I’m investing time, energy, and love in learning other crafts. The world of grief counseling, divine feminine energy, and conscious spirituality is very much a part of my life. 

Photography by Mariana Barbosa

I spend a lot of time “rebuilding the world”, as I like to call my long chats with my sister. Finding new sources of inspiration, making the best out of any situation, and looking at life possibilities. All of that entails my daily motto.

What does that have to do with your wedding? Everything. I don’t think you should spend 12 months of planning with a pit in your stomach, doubting your decisions, and stressing over things that are supposed to bring you major bliss, not make you suffer.

My advice to you is: know your core and your wants, define your goals and select the right team for your wedding carefully. Not exactly in the same way as you would select a friend, but close. You want to share the same values, your voice to be heard and your style to be reflected; you want to be properly represented and, luckily for me, you want to be wowed and impressed.

Thus, you’ll want a team that will guide you every single step of the way and that will not only turn your wishes into a reality but will also take you beyond the dream. For that, you’ll need a team that brings a touch of fantasy, value, and amazement to your wedding, making it truly unforgettable.

My wish to you is that you find that team and for the trust to be such that you’ll be able to enjoy every single moment. We don’t live in a bubble; trouble will come, and challenges will be part of the wedding, but that doesn’t have to be your main concern and take the joy out of you. Rely on your team and put yourself in the hands of professionals, and very importantly: savor the moment. That moment is your life.

San Miguel de Allende has become my primary residence for the last 4 years but I’m also deeply rooted in Baja California Sur. Thus, when the COVID-19 crisis began, it seemed natural to me to continue my life in San Miguel, where my business is. Like everyone in the wedding industry, I’m still dealing with events being rescheduled and preparing for plan B,C and so on. 

Little by little, businesses and other places in San Miguel started to shut down, and my “life”, like that of many people on the planet, consisted of staying home, walking my dog and going out for essential items. Most of my clients are in the USA, so it’s natural for me to work from a distance. Also, I managed to keep a healthy routine, increase my meditation time, and have meaningful conversations with close friends on the regular.  

Nevertheless, the global situation and the overall mood started to take a toll on me. I couldn’t explain why some days began to feel so heavy. I’m a naturally optimistic person and I live happily by myself, so this negative feeling was semi-new to me. As soon as I could take a flight to the house I grew up in, I took it. The moment I landed in La Paz felt like a breath of fresh air.  

My parents live outside the city, in the country. It was so nice to be outside and spend quality time with them. As many people do, I have to come to value my parents’ wisdom as I’ve grown older. They embody everything I care about and look for in my own life: a strong sense of community, a life of service and a deep spiritual practice.  

They lead a simple, beautiful life. Their days are filled with gardening, checking on their neighbors, caring for the elderly and family members, cooking delicious food, and sharing that food with someone in need. I couldn’t ask for a better example of what life is really about. And I can only aspire to imitate them and follow their steps.  

As I resume semi-isolation in my San Miguel home, I am grateful to have them in my life, as a reminder of celebration of life and people above all else.  

As a side note, my mom is the oldest of 16 siblings, and my dad is the youngest of 10. Any simple birthday or gathering turns out to be at least a party of 50 people. Thus, for their wedding anniversary, we were nervously anticipating 200 people or more, and this was only counting family and the closest of friends.  

Enter the Covid era. Up until early April, my mom was still hoping for their big celebration, despite all the events unfolding that were threatening their plans. Soon enough it was clear that things wouldn’t happen the way she wanted.  

My parents are devout Catholics. Having a priest celebrating their ceremony was a huge deal. Luckily, their community priest agreed to come to their home and celebrate the service in the garden. Only my brother, my sister, their spouses and their children were part of the service, apart from a couple of longtime neighbors, whom they’ve shared quarantine time anyway.  

If I could name one positive thing that Covid has brought us, it is the fact that this ceremony turned out the way it did: a small vs a big Mexican wedding. The atmosphere that surrounded the day, the kind gestures of love that my parents gave and received, and the ease of just celebrating with family while sharing food and enjoying each other’s company, was an unparalleled experience.  

Besides being grateful for my parents, my family, and the example of commitment and loyalty that I’ve received, this celebration made me remember what a wedding is all about. Of course, we know it is about love and the people at the altar. However, we quite often forget that and get trapped into all sorts of little lies, such as aligning to ideas or practices that don’t mean anything to you, or adopting trends and traditions that no longer apply to you.  

I believe that, as we move on with weddings, during and after the pandemic, we’ll be asked, both as wedding professionals and as clients, to seek and create meaning. To bring together all those people, traditions and things that actually add value to you and make you feel larger than life.  

Also, the word “celebration” will take a whole new meaning. Love and community are not small things, and even if the number of guests is small, the actual celebration will be bigger than ever. That is my wish for you.  

Luna Escondida is a 33–acre ranch that remained completely private up until 16 months ago when it became open to the public. When you walk through the gardens, the stables, the homes and all of the event areas, you feel how every little detail has been taken care of with attention and love. As a wedding designer, this place is the ultimate ideal canvas to work with.  

What makes this place so unique?  

The spaces  

From the main entrance, the organic farm and the conservation pounds, to the 30-year-old olive grove, the stables and the overall architecture, the ambiance at Luna is quite special. The vision of its owners is for you to feel at home, as if you were hosting your wedding in your own private yard. Now, I must admit that my own yard doesn’t look at all like Luna, but I totally get it! Couples who have celebrated their destination wedding have shared that they felt as if the ranch were an essential part of their love story.  

3 beautiful homes at your disposal  

When you choose the buyout option at Luna Escondida, you gain access to 3 newly renovated homes. Luna can accommodate up to 24 people in total. Each home has its own style and privacy. There, families can really enjoy the weekend and spend quality time while also having a private place to rest and restore.  

Amazing curated gardens 

One of Luna’s distinctive features is the Hummingbird area. The style and inspiration behind it were Monet’s gardens in France. A short walk through its tunnels and magical areas allows you to envision a beautiful ceremony.  

Vendors’ area 

Luna Escondida offers a designated vendors’ area with easy access to bathrooms, water, and showers. This is the ideal space for vendors to gather, florists to work prior to the events, waiters to go on short breaks, etc. When you see this from the vendors’ perspective, this space is awesome! Most places don’t offer this area, and if they do, it is rarely large enough, or even shaded.  

Beauty salon 

Villa Andrea, one of the homes at Luna, has a small and private beauty salon area. Beautiful natural light and a mini kitchenette for tea make it, in a few words, the perfect getting ready spot when you don’t want all your aunts and friends crowding your room.  

Exclusivity & Privacy   

Luna Escondida ensures your privacy. This means that no other event will be held during your wedding, even if the space allows for it. Thus, you can rest assured that nobody will randomly walk into your event.  

The Staff 

When you rent Luna, its services include: security staff, valet parking, housekeeping and a chef (as breakfast is included). Members of the staff at Luna work all year round, and they have been working for the owners for more than a decade. These are dedicated, committed and professional people who will be delighted to be part of your wedding.  

If you want to know more about this special wedding venue, let me know.  

• Listen to your clients. Now is the time to make your couples feel better, to support them, and to pay close attention to their (new) needs. This time is not easy. Think of the emotional rollercoaster they just went through. Be empathetic.  
• The other side of the coin is to take care of yourself. Be very clear about the new normal. What are the services moving forward? One thing is to support clients and vendors to honor fees for future dates, and quite another to create something else from scratch, only because now we have more time. If you have to design or produce something from zero, that should come with a price.  
• Get intentional with your business. Redefine your purpose and that unique gift that only you can offer. Who do you serve and why do you do it? There are two coaches who have been instrumental for me to get real about my intention and purpose, even if those occasionally change. Their names are Hiro Boga and Danielle Laporte. Both of them walk you through the spiritual side of business in a very practical and real way.  
• Get smart with your business. Now is the time to revisit your work process, your services, and the way you want to do things moving forward. You might be tempted to take any client as things start getting better, and that might not be the right way for your particular case. Sean Low (The business of being creative) and Liene Stevens (Think Splendid) are some of the smartest people in the wedding industry, or any creative industry for that matter. These talented consultants have years of experience behind them, and you’ll benefit greatly just by signing up for their free newsletters.  
• Learn something new, even if it’s not something related to your business. Actually, it would be better if it is not. Create new connections between your brain cells, challenge yourself, try something different. No one is looking, so do this one for yourself. 
• Move your body, in any way or form. The Class and their digital studio, has been a game changer for me, particularly during this isolation time. 

If you would like to share anything that has been helpful to you, please do contact me!