Any time someone mentions a theme wedding, we’re all ears, and this Frida Kahlo theme wedding in Mexico’s Colonial heartland had our attention faster than we could open up a cerveza. Photographed by the lovely Mariana Pierce of Pierce Lifestyle Photography, this wedding is one of the most colorful, unique and celebratory weddings we’ve seen in a while. They even had a flower-adorned burro!
This modern day Frida tale takes place at a gorgeous estate in San Miguel de Allende known as Casa Tortuga. The seven-room luxury villa is tucked up in the hills of town. The lush landscaping, many patios, beautiful pool, and incredible architecture make this special spot feel like it exists in another time period, while the furnishings and décor are fresh and timeless.
San Miguel de Allende seems to be a destination that keeps popping up again and again in travel mags and write-ups, and now that we know about Casa Tortugas, we definitely know where we’re booking our next Mexico trip. Imagine being able to stay in this gorgeous hacienda of all haciendas? Or even better, being able to get married here?! A girl can dream! Anyway, check out the scoop from Mariana on this amazing venue.
Words + Photos by Mariana Pierce of Pierce Lifestyle Photography
Tell us some of the highlights of your experience at the venue?
The venue is so romantic and beautiful, it makes you feel like floating in the middle of another time and place. And if you add remarkable decoration and planning, as San Miguel Weddings did in Mia and Guillermo's wedding, it automatically turns into a fairytale.
Tell us about the venue in general? Location, capacity, etc..
The Venue - Casa Tortugas- has a 60 - 70 person capacity for a wedding or event celebration, and has also 7 bedrooms to accommodate guests or whomever you decide. It's located 3 blocks from the Jardin in Historical Downtown in San Miguel de Allende. San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, is set in Mexico's colonial heartland. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage City, a thriving center for art, culture and history. Conde Nast Traveler selected San Miguel Allende as the number 1 city in the world for 2013, due to it's great atmosphere, excellent restaurants, culture and ambiance. Right now, it's also named Number 1 destination place for wedding celebrations in Mexico.
Tell us a little bit about the wedding you photographed?
Mia and Guillermo's wedding was amazing. They are amazing souls too. With Mia's creative background and Guillermo's mexican ancestry, they mixed a Frida Kahlo and old-world Mexico theme with their planner to make their wedding a once in a lifetime event for guests traveling from Australia (Mia is from Sydney) and Mexico. They met in Paris.. There was abundance of colorful flowers everywhere, rose petals in the pool, crochet lace tablecloths and mexican papel picado. Plus, great music, lots of love and fabulous friends and family!
What made this venue an ideal location for the event? Why do you think the couple chose it?
They both wanted a dream like wedding. Guillermo proposed on the Sydney Opera house steps at 7am with a mariachi band, so you can get an idea of how romantic these two are! This venue HAD to be the place on which they would get married!
What do you think makes it a great venue in general?
The coziness of it all, since you enter through the wooden door you come across a quiet almost sacred place, surrounded by tall trees, greenery and secret spaces around every corner. It has 2 courtyards with fountains and a rooftop terrace with an unparalleled view of San Miguel. The pool is wonderful, the spaces, all!
Were there any areas you thought lighting was the best?
It has great lighting through the whole house! I had a blast photographing it all!
What made the venue a great backdrop and setting for photos?
This place is a dream come true, with luscious gardens, great lighting, different scenarios, etc...
What additional types of events do you think it's ideal for?
For every kind of Ceremony, Rehearsal Dinner, Cocktail parties Weddings, Brunch, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Workshop, etc...
Favorite existing design elements of the venue?
Lots of greenery, the main fountain with turtles happily living inside and of top of it (That's why it's called Casa Tortugas!), the cantera stones, the pool with the gorgeous ancient sculptured inspired backdrop, the stunning white porcelain tub in the main bedroom, the beautiful view from the rooftop terrace. The house is a mix of Mexican colonial and French baroque, and it works out wonderfully!
Did you meet anyone at the venue that you connected with or made a lasting impression?
Yes, they have a very attentive staff of 7 people that meet the needs of any group staying at the house, plus a lovely white old dog that lives there and loves a pat in the head once in a while.
Any inside tips??
All the rooms (they have 7) are unique and have different elements in decoration! Plus the really short walk from to house to the main square (3 walking minutes) makes every restaurant, shop or anything you need close to home.
Credits:
Photos: Pierce Lifestyle Photography | Planning + Design: Alicia Vilar
