As a destination wedding photographer, I am grateful that I get to travel the world and see so many incredible places. 

But if anyone asks me to name even one favorite location? I’m going to say San Miguel de Allende! 

My signature editorial-meets-candid style is focused on using the location around my couples to accentuate their love for one another and showcase the emotion in even the smallest moments. 
And this sentimental, culturally-embracing wedding at Casa Hyder, San Miguel de Allende, allowed me to capture some of the most amazing authentic moments!

A Small Town in the Mexico Highlands: San Miguel de Allende

Settled in the highlands of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a vibrant small town that is rich in architecture, history, scenery, and culture. It’s a town that is so magical in how it brings out the most inspired versions of ourselves. 

And inspired I was! From walking on the historic cobblestone streets to soaking in the vivacious colors, I felt the magic that this beautiful couple had so easily fallen in love with.

Embracing the Local Culture with a Traditional Callejoneada in San Miguel de Allende 

The day before the wedding, the couple wanted to embrace more of the culture they had grown to love throughout the years. 

So, with the help of a local mariachi band and artisans, the two walked through the cobblestone streets in a traditional callejoneada! 
A callejoneada is the San Miguel de Allende wedding parade custom. It’s complete with plenty of music and dancing in the streets. It was such a lively experience, I found myself dancing while capturing their incredible moments!

The Callejoneada Dress and Flower Crown Fit for the Location

The bride decided on a simple, locally-inspired sleeveless dress that was perfect for an afternoon of walking through San Miguel de Allende and plenty of dancing. 

It was a gorgeous white smock dress with red floral accents along the collar and the hem of the skirt. She paired the romantic dress with a beautiful bohemian flower crown that was filled with pink roses. 

It made for the perfect outfit that embodied the genuine magic of the city. 

Exploring the Town Before the Wedding in San Miguel de Allende

Part of the excitement of being a destination wedding photographer is getting to explore new places. Even better, I get to explore them with my beautiful couples and capture both the natural spirit of the location and the real love and emotion as they experience the world around them. 
After the callejoneada, the three of us walked through the streets of San Miguel de Allende. I used the gorgeous colors and architecture of the town and the glowing sunset to artfully frame their love for one another.

Bringing the Vision of the San Miguel de Allende Wedding to Life

It always amazes me to see couples incorporate the atmosphere of their wedding location into their vision. 
I find that it makes for the most cohesive experience for both the couple and their guests. And, of course, it creates a curated, elevated wedding photography experience, just like this one at Casa Hyder in San Miguel:

A Tailor-Made Wedding Gown

The bride was a vision in a custom Immacle wedding gown. It was a two-piece gown made almost entirely of lace detailing. Beautiful bell sleeves with small pops of pink and light blue created a bohemian flair that the bride wanted from the beginning. 

And, rather than a veil that attempted to steal the spotlight, the bride chose a vintage-inspired golden hairpiece and paired it with romantic curls.

Traditionally-Inspired Bridesmaid Dresses

To further embrace the culture for their wedding in San Miguel de Allende, the bridesmaids wore traditionally-inspired dresses. They wore matching white tops, and each one paired it with a different color skirt. 

It was such a perfect touch that coincided with the Casa Hyder wedding venue.

Handpicked Wedding Day Florals

Rather than import flowers, the bride and her planner opted for locally sourced flowers for the wedding day floral arrangements. Red, orange, yellow, and pink complemented colors like natural sage green. 

The Bohemian Ceremony Decor at Casa Hyder

No detail was out of place during the ceremony at Casa Hyder. From the pampas grass and palm frond arch to the vibrant rugs that created the ceremony aisle, everything was expertly paired and placed to create a lush bohemian aesthetic.

Golden Sunset Portraits at Casa Hyder, San Miguel de Allende

I quickly found that the light feels a little more golden during a San Miguel de Allende wedding. Maybe it’s the way it shines over the mountains or how it reflects off the gorgeous buildings. 

Maybe it’s the way a destination wedding evokes such excitement and emotion from the couple. 

Either way, I took the bride and groom to the rooftop for sunset portraits, and I think they were the most captivating part of their wedding photography gallery!

A Romantic, Outdoor Wedding Reception 

After the sun dipped behind the horizon, the bride and groom and their 80 guests gathered under the clear-topped reception tent at Casa Hyder. 

It was a gorgeous outdoor setting complete with draping greenery and lights that created a romantic glow. 

Serving Up Local, Fresh Cuisine

As another salute to the local customs and culture, the bride and groom chose a local chef to prepare traditional tacos for everyone.

Family-Style Banquet Tables

True to the bride and groom’s intimate style, the reception was set up with large family-style banquet tables. Rather than have individual tables sectioned off from one another, everyone gathered under the tent to celebrate with one another.

This wedding at Casa Hyder, San Miguel de Allende was one that truly embodied the meaning of a destination wedding. And with my team and I there to capture everything, the couple will have a wedding album curated with memories to last forever.

Find more destination wedding inspiration on our blog! 

Wedding Day Vendors:

Photography: Lilly Red
Wedding Planner: Boda San Miguel Wedding
Custom Wedding Dress: Immacle