Oaxaca, Mexico is a beautiful city filled with the arts, some of the best cuisine anywhere and many incredible traditions. Eric was an exchange student in Oaxaca in high school and has remained in close contact with many friends there. Eric and Moni recently traveled to Oaxaca to photograph the wedding of Andrea and Guillermo. They brought along their 18 month old daughter, Sydney who absolutely embraced both traveling and the people of Oaxaca. She made a number of friends while they were there and picked up some Spanish. She continues to say ‘hola’ to everyone back here in Denver.

There are a few differences in photographing a Mexican wedding compared to a wedding here in the states. For example, although Mexico is a largely Catholic country, the ceremony in the church isn’t legally valid so following each church wedding there is a second ceremony with an official. Andrea and Guillermo had their wedding in one of Oaxaca’s beautiful and historic churches, Templo de San Matías Jalatlaco, followed with an open-air reception at one of the city’s very stylish and modern restaurants, Grill Dos28. The civil ceremony was performed at the start of the reception. In keeping with Oaxacan custom it was an especially festive wedding. The couple exited the church to a sea of sparklers held by the guests, and the first dance was accented by a fireworks display just behind the happy couple.

We recommend traveling to Oaxaca both as a destination for your wedding or simply for exploring the area with its wealth of arts, cuisine, scenery and connection to ancient cultures and traditions.