For Mi Golondrina founder Cristina Lynch, her heritage is as tightly woven into the fabric of who she is as the intricate embroidery on her company’s signature dresses. Her mother and namesake—along with her aunt, artisan Jan Barboglio—grew up in Mexico, a place that informs Cristina’s personal style and professional endeavors. So it was no surprise that her January 19, 2019, wedding was a rich blend of family history, cultural traditions, and handcrafted details.

After deciding on her parents’ Preston Hollow home for the reception, Cristina largely relinquished planning duties to her mother—a consummate hostess who’d been preparing for this day “since Cristina was a baby”—and planner Elizabeth McKellar of The Nouveau Romantics, who together executed the event in just three months’ time.

“They had a very clear vision,” says McKellar. “They wanted to reflect how they normally are.” To that end, hand-embroidered linens from Mrs. Lynch’s personal collection—many of which she’d bought with her daughter’s wedding in mind—topped tables, which were accented with Barboglio’s candelabras and handmade candles Cristina picked up in Oaxaca.

When the big day arrived, the bride walked down the aisle of St. Michael and All Angels Church—where her parents wed 39 years ago—in the same Oscar de la Renta gown her mother wore. She danced with her groom to the music of three mariachi bands, whom she has known since childhood, before changing into a custom Nardos Design mariachi suit. The flower-filled reception tent glowed with more than just candlelight that chilly winter night. “What I’ll never forget is the vibration and the feeling of everyone feeling so happy for them,” says Mrs. Lynch. “It was palpable.”

And for the bride, a surprise tequila shot cart—arranged by her mother—capped a joyous day that honored all the great loves of her life: her husband, her family, and the artists and artisans that might as well be.

“I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so big,” she says. “It just felt so right.”

Weddings at Home: A How-To

Having your wedding at home makes it instantly personal. Planner Elizabeth McKellar of The Nouveau Romantics, who brought Cristina Lynch’s wedding to life, prefers private property events for the fresh challenge they bring—but there are logistical considerations to weigh before deciding to forgo a traditional venue. Here are McKellar’s top five tips for hosting your nuptials at home.

1. Plan for prep time. Rome wasn’t built in a day—and your tent won’t be either. Be prepared for the set-up that will happen for days, possibly weeks, leading up to the event. “I like to be really up front with families,” McKellar says.
2. Guide your guests. Create a clear flow for guests to follow from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception so they’re not aimlessly wandering. “I’m always thinking about the journey,” says McKellar. Any areas you don’t want accessible on wedding day should be draped off.
3. Consider logistics. Parking and bathrooms are always in short supply; plan accordingly. Determine how feasible loading and unloading will be given your lot orientation and entry points. For Cristina’s wedding, tent materials had to be brought in through a small side gate. “That was single-handedly the biggest challenge,” McKellar says, but she adds, with a well-considered plan of attack, “totally feasible.”
4. Get in good with the neighbors. McKellar says a thoughtful head’s up is usually enough to be granted forgiveness for a little late-night noise. “Write letters letting everyone know and share with them how excited you are,” she advises.
5. Check the social calendar. Are you the only party in town? Better count on a higher-than-average invitation acceptance rate. Did you pick a weekend that coincides with a conference or major event? You might be competing for event rentals and hotel blocks, so book early.

Number of guests: 300+

First dance: “Fascination” (a mariachi song)

Cake: Carrot

Honeymoon: José Ignacio, Uruguay

“It’s a quieter town. People talk about Punta del Este, and this is like an hour away. You can go to vineyards, you can go to the beach. There’s great food everywhere. And it has a little bit of that hippie vibe.”