Destination Wedding: Gloria & Mario

Gloria Tebelman, 28, was an undergrad when she flew from Westmont College in Santa Barbara to Guanajuato, Mexico, for a summer abroad. The Vista native was there to study art but came home with the best souvenir possible—the love of Mario Barrientos, 29. In 2007, three years later, they wed in Ensenada, and planned a second, recent bash in Guanajuato as a vow renewal so Mario’s entire family could attend. The groom’s hometown charmed with its sweet cobblestone streets and colorful facades. It was a festive place to bring guests, many of whom had never visited mainland Mexico. –Erin Meanley

El Meson de los Poetas, Guanajuato, Mexico

Photography by Found Creative Studio, March 16, 2013

PAPER OR PETALS?

Friends of the bride, Caley Coulson and Elisabeth Morrison, created her bouquet with both handmade paper flowers and natural stems.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

Gloria wore her silk column gown a second time, but changed up the accessories with bright coral flats and a red flower hair accessory.

A MUSICAL EXIT

A 12-piece mariachi band heralded the couple as they exited the church. Flower-petal confetti, the brass horn sound, and view onto the plaza created a festive, quintessentially Mexican atmosphere.

MAKE IT FESTIVE

The reception space was decorated with papel picado, striped zarape blankets, and paper flowers. Clay jarritos, handmade by Mario’s family, were also guest favors—after they had consumed plenty of orange-infused tequila, palomas, and horchata, of course.

A POETIC PLACE

Built into a hillside, the boutique hotel El Meson de los Poetas is a converted 18th-century home. The centrally located Colonial-chic property was a treat for guests.