The Beginning of a Big Love
It’s been just over two weeks since our wedding day, and I finally feel ready to share what it was really like to plan it all.
When Jared and I got engaged last October, we had no idea how much would go into planning a destination wedding — the decisions, the emotions, the countless spreadsheets. But if there’s one thing I knew, it was that I didn’t want a traditional ballroom or anything that didn’t feel us.
From the very beginning, we both knew we wanted to create an experience — not just a ceremony. Something timeless, romantic, and full of character.
Choosing a Destination
By January, we were deep into location research: Italy, Canada, Colorado, New York — you name it, we looked at it.
There was even a moment I was convinced we’d found the one in upstate New York. The venue was a literal castle on Heart Island (yes, that’s the real name). But logistically, it became impossible — ceremonies only, freezing temperatures, multiple boats required.
Then my sister Giovi mentioned Mexico City. At first, I said no. But after a little convincing — and explaining to Jared that it offered the same European charm without the nine-hour flight — we booked a scouting trip.
Twenty-one venues later, we found it.
Palacio Metropolitano.
Built in the 1870s, it carries the romance of Versailles but with the soul of Mexico. The French-inspired architecture, soaring ceilings, and intricate detailing instantly captured our hearts. The best part? It didn’t need heavy décor — the venue itself was the statement.
Why October 12
Timing was everything.
We knew we wanted a long weekend to make travel easier for family and friends, and Sunday, October 12 landed perfectly on the Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend.
Schools and banks were closed Monday, giving our guests an extra travel day — and giving us the perfect excuse to stretch the celebration into a full weekend.
The Reality of a Destination Wedding
Planning a wedding abroad sounds dreamy — and it truly was — but it also comes with a few realities no one prepares you for.
We made three separate trips to Mexico City before the big day: one for venue scouting, another for hotel blocks and logistics, and one for tastings, makeup and hair trials, and final meetings.
Since our venue wasn’t attached to a hotel or resort, we had to source each vendor ourselves — florals, rentals, lighting, catering, photography, and entertainment. That’s where having planners you deeply trust becomes everything.
And a little note on finances — currency conversions can be tricky. Sending international wire transfers is nerve-wracking, even with the best team. Always verify vendor legitimacy, use secure contracts, and stage payments over time.
Tools That Made It Easier
If you’re planning a destination wedding, these tools truly saved us:
- Joint Gmail account & shared calendar — We lived in that inbox! Every meeting, file, and guest list lived there.
- Zola — The MVP. We managed RSVPs, meal selections, our registry, and even our digital Save the Dates through it.
- Postable — A lifesaver for collecting addresses and sending thank-you cards directly through the site.
- WhatsApp — Our main communication tool for guests while abroad.
Guest List & RSVP Surprises
Our planners reminded us early on that roughly 20% of invitees won’t attend, and they were right. We invited around 390 guests and ended up with 170 — the perfect size for a destination wedding.
A month before the event, our planners recommended hiring an external team to reconfirm RSVPs, and I’m so glad we did. Even confirmed guests sometimes change plans, and those updates helped us adjust our catering count and save significantly.
The key takeaway: Don’t take declines personally — life happens.
Styling the Weekend
Fashion was one of my favorite parts of the process — and the most personal. I didn’t go into it with a “bridal vision,” but each event became a chance to tell a different story through style.
🌸 Bridal Shower: Feminine florals and soft shimmer.
🌴 Bachelorette: Playful resort glam for our “Wife Lotus” weekend.
✨ Rehearsal Dinner: Structured sophistication with subtle sparkle.
🤍 Wedding Morning: A sentimental robe, hair pinned, butterflies everywhere.
💫 Ceremony: Lace, pearls, long sleeves, and a removable overskirt — timeless and completely me.
💃 Second Look: Sleek and modern for the dance floor.
Every piece was thoughtfully chosen — not just for beauty, but for how it made me feel.
And for those asking — yes, I’ll be selling select pieces from my bridal era (including looks from my shower, rehearsal dinner, and more) on our site soon. Each piece has a story, and I can’t wait for them to find a new home.
→ Shop the Bridal Edit 🤍
At Sisterly Known, we believe styling is storytelling — and we’re now offering bridal styling services for brides, bridal parties, and guests. We can help you curate, coordinate, and pack looks for your entire wedding weekend.
→ Learn more about our Wedding Styling Services
What I’d Do Differently
- Start tracking your budget in one place from day one.
- Use Zola’s contact collector early — it simplifies everything later.
- Don’t try to manage your guest list alone.
- Schedule downtime the week of the wedding (you’ll need it!).
- And most importantly: be present.
After the “I Do”
Once the big day passed, I realized how meaningful the small details were — things like scent, song, and texture.
I’m even having my bouquet preserved — possibly pressed and framed or cast in resin — as a keepsake to remember that feeling forever.
It’s the perfect reminder that beauty doesn’t fade; it just transforms.
Final Thoughts
Planning our wedding wasn’t just about creating a beautiful event — it was about creating space for joy, for connection, and for the people we love most.
Mexico City gave us history, charm, and heart.
Palacio Metropolitano gave us our setting.
But love — our families, our friends, and each other — gave it life.
If you’re a bride-to-be, my best advice is simple:
✨ Don’t aim for perfection — aim for presence.
Ready to plan your own event?
Our Sisterly Known team offers personal styling, bridal wardrobe planning, and event outfit coordination for brides, bridal parties, and guests.
We can help you curate looks for every wedding event — from engagement parties to the honeymoon — including travel packing, color stories, and custom outfit sourcing.
→ Let’s get you styled for the celebration of a lifetime.
Book Your Styling Consultation
Shop the Bridal Edit
A curated collection of select looks from Cyndi’s bridal era — available exclusively through Sisterly Known.
→ Shop Now
