A Tropical Wedding With Neutral Tones at Hacienda Sac Chich in Mexico
Anaëlle Seide and Zangar Freeman are the perfect examples of a teenage meet-cute going on to last a lifetime. “We met in high school 11 years ago, and after navigating long distance for some years, we moved in together in December 2020,” recalls Anaëlle. Their journey was marked by the challenges of long-distance romance, but their bond only grew stronger with time. After finally settling into their shared home, Zangar orchestrated a proposal that perfectly encapsulated their shared memories. “He proposed by gifting me a book chronicling our love story, culminating in a heartfelt proposal in our new apartment,” says Anaëlle.
When it came time to plan their wedding, Anaëlle and Zangar knew they wanted something special. They decided to host their wedding in Yucatán, México, a place resonant with their Haitian and Liberian roots. This choice was inspired by the vibrant, tropical ambiance that echoed their cultural heritage, which their planners aptly dubbed “Tropical Heir.”
The space they chose provided the perfect backdrop with its historic charm. “The venue, Hacienda Sac Chich, with its lush greenery, formed the backdrop,” says Anaëlle. From the moment guests arrived, they were enveloped in the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that Anaëlle and Zangar had so meticulously planned. The couple had requested that guests embrace vibrant attire, transforming them into living elements of the decor, adding splashes of color to the already stunning venue.
The bride’s dress was elegant and simple, featuring feminine puff cap sleeves. It was perfectly suited to the tropical theme, with light, airy fabric that complemented the warm climate. The groom opted for a sharp white-and-black tuxedo, creating a formal and elegant look for himself. Their choices reflected not only their personal styles but also the overall vibe of the wedding, blending seamlessly with the lush surroundings and bold guest attire.
The tall palm trees at the ceremony were strung with lights, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Wooden chairs, reminiscent of furniture from the couple’s apartment, were arranged facing two pillar-like floral arrangements that served as the ceremony altar. “Our venue itself was absolutely stunning, so we kept the decor minimal but intentional, which also helped with keeping us on budget,” Anaëlle explained.
“The first look, where we exchanged vows, was the most anticipated moment of our wedding day,” Anaëlle notes. This intimate exchange before the ceremony allowed them a moment of peace and connection amidst the whirlwind of their big day. The ceremony itself began with a personal touch as Zangar’s father officiated, adding a deeply meaningful element to the religious aspect of their union.
Following the “I dos,” guests were ushered into a bamboo garden for the cocktail hour. Here, couches and comfortable furniture provided a lounge-like setting, promoting mingling and relaxation. The garden, strung with lights, was a vision of coziness, perfectly setting the tone for the evening. The imperial dining table was decorated with candles and tropical arrangements and evoked the warmth of Sunday dinners from their childhood homes.
Dinner was a communal affair, with guests enjoying flavors that paid homage to the newlyweds’ roots. The couple had worked with local Yucatán small businesses, valuing the importance of shopping local, just as they did in their own lives. One of the standout moments of the evening was when Anaëlle and Zangar sat at their candle-lit table, neo-soul songs playing softly in the background. “As we sang ‘Into You’ by Tamia to each other, we heard our loved ones singing and humming along almost like a chorus. It felt like our own little world,” Anaëlle reminisces.
The reception was lively, with siblings serving as emcees, guiding the evening’s festivities with warmth and humor. Guests participated in joyous traditions like the grand march, a Liberian tradition symbolizing the unification of multiple families into one. The couple’s advice to other couples planning their weddings is straightforward: “Invest in a wedding planning team aligned with your values and prioritize the creation of an experience over the execution of an event. Infuse personal touches and cultural elements into every detail to craft lasting and timeless memories for yourselves and an unforgettable experience for your guests.”
