You could say foreshadowing was at play when Emily Salas, who works in tech sales, and Caton Sanders, who works in investment banking, had their first dinner date at Mr Mesero: after four years of dating and a surprise proposal, they were married at Hacienda Tekik de Regil, in Yucatan, Mexico.

While marriage never entered into their conversation prior to the engagement (“When he got down on one knee, I was beyond shocked!” says Emily), the only thing Emily knew for sure was that she wanted a Mexican wedding. “My dad is from Mexico City and growing up, traveling to Mexico was such an important part of my life,” she says.

The last thing Emily wanted was a typical resort town wedding. An authentic experience was very important to her. The storied colonial town Merida, filled with estancias and churches, had been recommended by friends and family. “Once we stepped foot into the mesmerizing Hacienda Tekik de Regil, we immediately knew it was the place.” The estate’s roots date back to the 16th century.

They kept the decor to the minimal with white floral, greenery, and gold metallic detailing, so that the colorful and intricate detailing of the hacienda would pop. The bride wore a minimal A-line, silk organza gown by Lea-Ann Belter, with ornamental lace appliqué. Her bridesmaids donned long dusty grey gowns, while the groom and groomsmen kept it traditional with tuxedos.

Vows were exchanged at the Greco-Roman church on the estate. The ceremony blended old and new: a quartet played Pachebel’s “Canon in D Major” as Emily processed down the aisle, but “Don’t Stop Believing” was also in the mix. Members of the bride’s family read a Catholic prayer. The couple implemented the Mexican lasso tradition, where both sets of parents came up to the altar and prayed for the couple while placing a floral lasso around them.

They enjoyed dinner under romantic string lights in the interior garden of the estate, surrounded by lush, old trees. “A true Mexican wedding doesn’t end until the sun comes up,” says Emily. “We tried to keep the party going by having special things happen every hour or so.” This included a lantern send-off and confetti “blast.”

It wasn’t until the very end of the reception that Emily and Caton shared their favorite moment of the festive weekend. Once all the guests had left, the DJ played one last song, “Rigas,” for just the two of them. “Dancing to it with Caton was a great end to the best day of our lives,” says Emily. It was a send-off that was all their own, sunrise or not.

"A true Mexican wedding doesn't end until the sun comes up," says Emily. "We tried to keep the party going by having special things happen every hour or so."