An Elegant Outdoor Wedding at Rancho Las Sabinas in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

For their late-fall wedding, Pamela (27 and a freelancer) and Rodrigo Carillo (35 and a travel insurance director) planned an elegant personality-packed affair in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Surrounded by mountains, beautiful natural scenery and lush gardens, Rancho Las Sabinas offered a stunning backdrop for the event. With the capacity to hold up to 650 guests, the venue offered a comfortable atmosphere for the couple’s 200 friends and family members. The celebrations kicked off with a traditional ceremony at Templo San Francisco, a striking churrigueresque-style structure with a hint of Moorish flair in the center of the city. After saying “I do,” the newlyweds and their guests were whisked off by tram to Rancho Las Sabinas for a rousing cocktail hour and reception. Cocktails were served poolside, where La Blues Band churned out upbeat tunes, while the venue’s expansive gardens hosted dinner and dancing. The decor followed a subtle garden-party theme, with teapots arranged next to blossoming bouquets of vibrant pink and burgundy blooms, classic white dinnerware and sophisticated gray linens. An open-air tent gave way to the rolling hills of San Miguel de Allende, a bona fide feast for the eyes and the true star of the reception. Cascades of origami birds—each hand-folded by Pamela’s brother—provided a note of whimsy to the dessert table, where guests could satisfy their sweet tooth with a spread of delicious and decadent treats. And as the sun began to set over the cactus-studded landscape, dozens of Chinese lanterns came alive, casting a warm, inviting glow over the room. A tip from Pamela and Rodrigo: “On the day of the wedding, something will go wrong—it’s inevitable—but don’t stress. Your guests won’t even know unless you point it out. Also, you make the wedding. Period. If you want to have a fun wedding, be the ones having the most fun. If you want a loving wedding, be the most loving. Guests will follow your lead.” —Libby MacCarthy