With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner I have been reminiscing on all the beautiful Latin American inspired weddings we have been a part of. The Mexican culture is full of rich colors, spicy flavors and vibrant sounds. Most of the classic foods, drinks and designs are influenced and shared in Latin America, but every country and culture has a unique twist on how they incorporate them into their daily lives. I have compiled my favorite 5 Mexican traditions to share with you as Cinco de Mayo approaches. Maybe you'll even want to try incorporate some of them into your next fiesta.
Andrea and Jeff were married last year at a family home in Orange County. Their love was as vibrant, joyful and colorful as their wedding decor. I thought, why not feature photos from this beautiful couple that is near and dear to mi corazon.
"I chose to go with a blend of Mexican/Guatemalan culture for our wedding. it made me feel good. The colors, the comfort food, the relaxed, yet special touches, just made the planning more exciting because I was really looking forward to the ambiance, food & drink selections. It also didn't feel forced. I knew my family would enjoy what we served. I stayed true to my color scheme even though I was reminded often that it wasn't bridal enough. At the end of the day, it felt like me. I don't regret it, looking at my pictures make me happy. They are timeless to me."
-Mrs. Andrea Beber
Uno - Agua Frescas
Photo Credit : Eve Rox Photography
See the full Wedding Gallery of Andrea & Jeff by clicking HERE
These refreshing drinks are made from sugar and water then mixed with a fruit, seed, cereal or even flower. They are thirst quenching and full of a variety of vitamins, depending on the fruit or base you choose. The consistency is a bit thicker than water but less than a smoothie and usually in a large glass or plastic jug, with a ladle. The majority of flavors are Sweet Fruits such as Cantaloupe, Grape, Guava, Mango, Melon, Prickly Pear, Orange, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Soursop, Strawberry, Watermelon, Raspberry. There are also Sour Fruits such as Cucumber, Lemon, Lime, Pineapple, Tamarind. Otherwise there is Chia, a Seed, Horchata and Cebada, a Cereal, and lastly Hibiscus and Alfalfa, Flowers. I personally am a sucker for the Watermelon, Cucumber and Horchata.
Sweet Peach Tip : If you're having a party that consists of adults and children include a "Spike Bar" of Tequila and Mezcal so guests can choose their Agua Fresca then add a little boozy boost.
Dos - Flores de Papel
Photo Credit : Eve Rox Photography
See the full Wedding Gallery of Andrea & Jeff by clicking HERE
This phrase literally translates to "paper of silk" but refers to the delicate tissue paper brought from Asia to Mexico almost 200 years ago, when the tradition of making flowers out of paper began. After the Spanish Conquest the flowers were created in muted creams and tans and used for altar offerings. In the following years churches began using votive candles and banned the tissue floral creations in fear they would catch on fire. After that the art form really spread and flowers began getting brighter and bigger.
The most popular flowers to create are roses, carnations and zinnias. Using tissue paper can create the same festive effect as real flowers with just a fraction of the cost. You can see this decoration being used at Weddings, Quinceaneras, Birthday Parties or Family Reunions.
Sweet Peach Tip : If you're having lots of Flores de Papel then have a flower making party a few weeks before. Turn on some Selena, bust out the Sangria and have a good gossip session while making a ton of floral beauties.
Tres - Mariachi
Photo Credit : Eve Rox Photography
See the full Wedding Gallery of Andrea & Jeff by clicking HERE
Mariachi is a type of musical group, originally from Mexico, consisting of at least two violins, two trumpets, one Spanish guitar, one vihuela (a high-pitched, five-string guitar) and one guitarrón (a small-scaled acoustic bass), but sometimes featuring more than twenty musicians. Modern mariachi bands usually also include trumpets and sometimes harps.
This style of music is important to traditional dance, clothing, and instruments to preserve this part of Mexican heritage. It is a staple at family gatherings and celebrations and something that all ages and generations share a love for.
Sweet Peach Tip : Most Mariachi Bands are hired for a two hour period with a 15 minute break per hour. Decide if you'd prefer to have them for the pre-ceremony, ceremony and cocktail hour OR cocktail hour and dinner.
Cuatro - Serape Table Runners
Photo Credit : Eve Rox Photography
See the full Wedding Gallery of Andrea & Jeff by clicking HERE
Serapes are actually traditionally worn as garments, mainly by men, around their shoulders to keep warm. They are similar to ponchos but slightly different. Over the years people have used the same fabrics and patterns to make table runners. They are meant to be layered, mixed and not uniform at all. The pop of color is meant to compliment the colorful florals used to decorate the tables of celebrations.
Sweet Peach Tip : Usually it's faux pas to pair too many patterns but that rule is thrown out the window. Layer different color serapes, patterned plates, funky vases and multi-color florals. The more diverse the better!
Cinco - Churros
Photo Credit : Eve Rox Photography
See the full Wedding Gallery of Andrea & Jeff by clicking HERE
These fried-dough pastries are simple but divine. They are literally just fried dough with sprinkled sugar, but made fresh and served hot they are international crowd pleasers.
Sweet Peach Tip : Unlike other sweet treats that can be delivered earlier in the day and sit out on display, you only want to serve churros if they can be made on site. The crisp, warm, sugary bite is perfection for about fifteen minutes but soon they get soggy.
I'm not only obsessed with these traditions but the actual photos themselves are stunning. I reached out to Eve from Eve Rox Photography for her opinion as an artist and Latina woman.
I loved how Andrea and Jeff got inspired by both of their cultures and added Mexican and Guatemalan flavor to their wedding day. My favorite of it all was the beautiful colorful tablecloths that were made in Guatemala. The legend goes that the Mayan, were taught by the moon goddess to weave a certain way (Ix Chel from Yucatan, Mexico and Guatemala). Latin America is full of different cultures and textiles have so many wonderful colors and patterns that tell stories. I can sometimes distinguish where the pattern on a textile is from. I love how these colors represented these two beautiful souls on their wedding day.
-Eve Avila of Eve Rox Photography
Follow her on Instagram to keep up with her love-filled photography and diverse couples.
I feel so privileged to work with such diverse clients that share not only their wedding day but their culture with me. While planning weddings I have heard new languages, witnessed unique customs, eaten foreign cuisine for the first time and had so many experiences that have stretched and formed my perspective.
Learning and being inspired by all my unique clients is my favorite perk of the job (other than the free cake). I challenge you to take some time this Cinco de Mayo to dive into the beautiful Mexican culture, or any other one that interests you.
