This Couple Blended Cultures at Their Wedding at The Alerin Barn in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont

Allison Backman (29 and a social worker) and Santiago Gasca (30 and an education researcher) were more than happy to share the spotlight on their wedding day with their beloved pup, Oakley. Not only did Oakley help with the proposal, the chocolate lab also participated in what Allison calls a “family first look” and inspired the theme: “vintage Mexican tea party for dogs,” Allison says. Beyond honoring their furry friend, Allison and Santiago celebrated their cultural and religious backgrounds. “It was important to incorporate those symbolic aspects,” Allison says. Because Allison is Jewish, the pair said their vows under the cover of a chuppah, but in tribute to Santiago’s Mexican roots, they used serapes (woven blankets) for the ceremony. Later, the couple ate tacos as Oakley camped underneath the hors d’ouevres station. 
Allison and Santiago signed a traditional Jewish ketubah illustrated with classic Mexican folk art.
Allison and Santiago said their vows in an outdoor chapel draped with colorful serapes. 
The couple would have opted out of cake had they not found their toppers: salt and pepper shakers depicting a pair of pups. “Because of that, I convinced Santi we needed a small lemon cake for cutting,” Allison says. 
Allison collected antique bottles and bud vases and filled them with cheerful blue thistles, dahlias and greens.
Allison and Santiago took inspiration for their playlist from a CD Santiago made when they first started dating. They chose Elton John’s “Your Song” because “whenever it comes on in the car, we belt it out together,” Allison says. 
Guests found their seats with the help of loteria, Spanish playing cards, handmade with illustrations of Oakley, also known as “El Guapo” or “the handsome one.” 
After the ceremony, Allison and Santiago welcomed their guests to the property’s barn for drinks and bites. “We didn’t want it to feel stuffy or formal,” Allison says. In that spirit, they served fried chicken and waffle bites as well as beer straight from the keg.