This Casa Hyder Wedding Paid Homage to the Venue’s Vibrant Colors, Lively Atmosphere, and Abundance of Tequila

Alexis Shankle & Dusty Taliaferro
April 29, 2022

It was lucky for Dusty Taliaferro that Alexis Shankle was in her “not saying no” era when he messaged her on Instagram. After agreeing to a date, they were inseparable. Dusty proposed by “popping out of a bush” at the Arboretum, and the pair planned a long engagement while Dusty finished school. The couple finally said their vows at the dreamy Casa Hyder in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. They planned a fun-filled weekend in homage to the city’s vibrant colors, lively atmosphere, and abundance of tequila. Benito the donkey greeted guests, mariachis played, papier-mâché mojigangas danced, and of course tequila was the drink of choice. “The night felt like we were in our own fairy-tale garden,” Alexis says. “I thought, ‘I never want to leave this place.’ ” —Ryan Conner

A Moment in Time

Alexis and Dusty took a quiet moment to soak it all in. “It felt like we had been living in our own little world for those three days,” says Alexis. “It was so special to have everyone in the same place.”

Star Gazing

Alexis was inspired by the native flowers that bloom all over San Miguel. “I wanted to emphasize the bougainvillea colors so that it felt like an extension of the florals that are already naturally planted there,” she says. Lush runners of roses lined the tables, and an installation of brass stars and flowers covered the tent’s ceiling.

Guests: 70

First Dance: “Stand by Me” by Tracy Chapman

On the Menu: Squash blossom soup

Signature Cocktails: Hibiscus margaritas and mezcalitas

Honeymoon: One&Only Mandarina