The Planning
It took about 10 months to plan the wedding. Wisely, the guest list was kept to an intimate 42 family members and close friends. A prewedding trip to Guanajuato was invaluable for making arrangements for things like the cake, the reception site, and hotel accommodations. Although the couple did lots of their research on the Internet, Jennifer says, There is no substitute for talking with people face-to-face. Not to mention that it was a great excuse for a vacation! Jennifer and Gene were excellent hosts. In addition to researching hotels and flights for their family and friends, the couple set up a special website so that guests could check up on the latest info and plans. We also wrote our own guidebook, called 'Gene and Jennifer's Guide to Surviving Their Wedding,' says Jennifer. Guests were each given brightly colored Mexican shopping bags stuffed with snacks, postcards, CDs that the couple burned with Spanish music, Mexican candies, and a Do Not Disturb sign that doubled as a wedding event itinerary.