Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship … We’re a strange couple that individually never intended to get married yet ended up having two weddings, both of which were huge celebrations.
The first was in Sydney, but the main event which we’re seeing photos of here was in Tequila, Mexico.
We met in Guadalajara, Mexico, where Carolina grew up and AJ was studying while on exchange. However it took 5 years and a couple of visits by AJ back to Mexico before things got serious and Carolina moved to Sydney. Since then we’ve been pretty much inseparable.
AJ runs a business media and production company, while Carolina does many things in the international development and financial wellness world. They say opposites attract, yet we’ve been told we’re basically the same person… which can be very dangerous. A love of food, travelling, and tequila is essentially the foundation of our relationship. Oh and picnics too. And as time goes on, Carolina becomes more Australian (based on her increasing coffee snob-ness) while AJ is becoming more Mexican (based on a growing passion for reggaeton music).
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details … The wedding was held in the town of Tequila, Mexico which is close to where Carolina grew up with the added benefit of being a beautiful little world-heritage town. Little effort had to go into the theme of styling because the town, and the venue itself, did the job for us. It’s a very colourful town with colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and a lot of life.
The venue was a stunning colonial estate called Hacienda Centenario. We had an open-air reception in the beautifully-manicured gardens of the Hacienda, with tables set up around a central circle for the 200 guests (which is small for a Mexican wedding!).
We’re suckers for pastels, so the styling on the tables featured a lot of fresh, native succulents and fruits to give some colour, which was reflected also in the design of the invitations, menus, and program during the ceremony.
Tell us about your main outfits: Carolina’s dress came from Karen Willis Holmes, a stunning sequin number with train that detached for party time. Her rings (both engagement and wedding band) were from Natalie Marie in Avalon, Sydney. She’s embarrassed by the fact her shoes cost $8 from an outlet in Los Angeles, and didn’t want that included here.
AJ’s suit was made by the brilliant Brent Wilson, who you can find in The Galleries on Pitt st, Sydney. The ring was from the lovely team at Chilton’s Antiques in Miranda, Sydney.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day? After the ceremony in the town’s cathedral, a mariachi band led us all in a procession through town to the Hacienda for the reception. We had welcome margaritas on arrival and a performance from a Mexican cowboy on a dancing horse, which was a great way to kick off the party.
And a Mexican wedding is very much a party, so the meals and speeches were done early and quickly, then straight to the dance floor. Being in the town of Tequila, we naturally had a lot of it there. One of the highlights was the tequila limbo – a limbo pole with a shot glass glued to the top, which gets poured into (or onto) the limboer as they go under. It didn’t go well for many people…
As is tradition, the wedding finished with the DJ handing over to a 12-piece mariachi band to wrap things up before we stumbled home.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together? Make sure you create a relationship that works for you, rather than basing it on what’s considered normal or expected by others. You’re on an adventure together, and have the freedom to craft a little universe just for the two of you that can be as weird as you want it to be.
As is required for Catholic marriages, we did a pre-marriage course which was actually very helpful for practical relationship tips. The big and obvious one was communication, and learning how to communicate effectively and specifically for each other, so we definitely recommend not shying away from learning about how to do relationships better.
Other than, be completely open with each other and talk about everything. And also make as much fun of each other as possible. And don’t feel like you have to be joined at the hip – we love being together but we also love having our own time. And presents always help. And read The Course of Love by Alain de Botton, it is very good.
Ceremony location: Parroquia Santiago Apostol (Church) | Reception location: Hacienda Centenario | Photographer: Robert Meredith | Entertainment: Endor Heartbeats | Planner: Ana Gaby Guzman | Bomboniere: Caleidoscopio Leather | Groom’s Outfit: Brent Wilson | Bride’s Dress: Karen Willis Holmes | Bride’s Ring: Natalie Marie | Groom’s Room: Chiltons Antiques | Makeup & Hair: Styling Trio – Riviera Maya | Bridesmaids: The Reformation
