San Miguel de Allende LGBTQ+ Wedding at Casa Valentina | Sam & Ashley

There are wedding days that feel beautiful—and then there are wedding days that feel like a fully immersive experience. Sam and Ashley’s LGBTQ+ destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende was exactly that: intentional, vibrant, and deeply personal from beginning to end.

Traveling from Phoenix, Arizona, they envisioned more than just a ceremony—they wanted a meaningful, joy-filled experience in one of Mexico’s most iconic destinations. Their celebration unfolded at Casa Valentina, a stunning private Colonial villa in the heart of the historic district, where every detail reflected their style and story.

Wedding Style & Attire

One of the most striking elements of their day was their wedding attire.

Sam wore a custom-made suit in soft green, intricately embroidered with vibrant floral detailing—bold, artistic, and completely unique. Ashley’s gown complemented it beautifully, featuring delicate embroidery, sheer elements, and flowing movement, finished with a floral head wreath she selected locally in San Miguel.

Together, their looks felt perfectly aligned with the setting—colorful, expressive, and rooted in place. The textures and tones echoed the architecture and vibrancy of the city, creating a visual story that felt both editorial and authentic.

A Full San Miguel Wedding Experience

Beyond the wedding day itself, part of what I offer couples is a fully personalized San Miguel experience.

From recommending favorite restaurants and meaningful activities to helping navigate travel logistics, my goal is to ensure couples feel completely at ease from the moment they arrive. For Sam and Ashley, this included an excursion to see the Monarch butterflies and also visiting the local flower market with me a few days prior, where they hand-selected the blooms that I used to create Ashley’s bouquet.

These moments—exploring the city, making intentional choices, and connecting with the culture—are what elevate a destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende into something unforgettable.

Getting Ready & First Look

The day began with quiet, intentional moments as Sam and Ashley got ready in separate rooms within the villa. There was a calm anticipation—an emotional stillness before the celebration began.

Their first look took place just outside the villa, framed by its beautiful facade and architectural symmetry. It was intimate, grounding, and one of the most meaningful moments of the day.

Portraits Around the Villa

Following their first look, we spent some time wandering the quiet streets around the villa for portraits—just the two of them before the energy of the day picked up.

The neighborhood offered beautiful symmetry and texture, with doorways, archways, and warm tones that created a perfect backdrop for thoughtfully guided, editorial-style images.

Along the way, we even ran into the donkey and his owner who would later be joining us for the Callejoneada—a fun and unexpected preview of what was to come.

The Callejoneada Celebration

Before the ceremony, the energy shifted into something vibrant and celebratory.

We all walked together to Parque Juárez for a traditional Callejoneada—a joyful wedding parade led by a mariachi band, accompanied by two mojigangas chosen for their resemblance to the couple, and even a beautifully decorated donkey.

Each guest held a maraca, dancing and celebrating together through the park. It was lively, emotional, and filled with laughter—a true reflection of the connection Sam and Ashley share with their chosen family.

Ceremony & Meaningful Details

Back at the villa, their ceremony took place in the front courtyard—intimate, elegant, and deeply personal.

The ceremony was performed by Sabina Tamm, a non-denominational celebrant, with words written specifically for Sam and Ashley, reflecting their journey, their love, and their future together.

A particularly meaningful element was the wedding lasso, which I handmade using flowers we selected at the market. It symbolized unity and connection, tying together both their relationship and their experience in San Miguel.

Music by Diego Mendez set the tone beautifully, blending Spanish guitar and bossa nova throughout the ceremony and into the evening.

Hair and makeup were expertly done by Karla Bugambilia Beauty Studio, completing a look that felt refined yet true to the spirit of the day.

Celebration & Collaboration

Following the ceremony, the group gathered for champagne and cake from Sophie Pedrazzi Cake Boutique, celebrating together in the courtyard of the villa.

As the evening continued, Sam and Ashley and their guests sat down to a beautifully prepared meal, thoughtfully catered by the staff of the villa. It was the perfect way to end the day—relaxed, intimate, and filled with conversation, laughter, and connection in the comfort of their private setting.

It was a day filled with intention, artistry, and collaboration. I had the honor of serving as both photographer and planner, ensuring every element flowed seamlessly while capturing the moments as they unfolded.

Videography was beautifully documented by Tara Tusher of Wisteria Wedding Films, whose work complemented the day with the same level of care and storytelling.

Chosen Family

What made this wedding especially meaningful was the presence of their six closest friends—their chosen family.

Every moment of the day reflected that bond. The laughter, the support, the shared energy—it created an atmosphere that felt deeply connected and incredibly real.

A San Miguel Destination Wedding

Sam and Ashley’s wedding is a perfect example of what an intimate destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende can be—immersive, vibrant, and thoughtfully curated from start to finish.

It’s not just about the ceremony.
It’s about the experience, the people, and the place.

Planning Your San Miguel Wedding

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in San Miguel de Allende, and want a celebration that feels elevated, seamless, and deeply personal—I would love to help you bring it to life.

To see more of Sam and Ashley’s experience in the city, check out their couples session a few days before their wedding [here].

Inquire today to begin planning your San Miguel experience.