A Wedding in Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara Wedding
On Saturday, June 19th, 2010, I was fortunate enough to be invited to the wedding of Yolanda Martinez Llamas (from Yoly’s Hair Salon in Ajijic, Lake Chapala) and Juan Manuel Reyna Robles.
The wedding was held at the beautiful Casona La Nou (www.casonalanou.com) in Cuidad Granja in Guadalajara.
We arrived at this lovely venue for events at approx. 4:00 pm and were greeted with tequila and rum cocktails and hors d’oeuvres of empanadas, guacamole and fresh strawberries with cream.
The ceremony was at 5:00 pm and a radiant Yoly descended the winding staircase holding the hand of her young grandson. Yoly wore cream satin and her grandson looked very handsome in his little ensemble complete with bowtie.
Both of Yoly’s daughter’s (Yoly and Gaby) were in attendance along with other close friends and family members numbering close to 400.
The ceremony was held in the marbled ballroom and several family members made short speeches. Yoly said “She had won the lottery without buying a ticket” and her daughter “Yoly” said that Juan Manuel was taking their jewel”. These were a couple of comments that will stand out in my memory of this very special day.
After the ceremony we returned to the outdoor tent which was decorated with splashes of bright blue on the tables and chairs and fabulous white flower arrangements on each table.
The staff was extremely attentive to us and then at 6:30 pm we were served a fresh salad in a pasty cornucopia followed by stuffed chicken, carrots, beets and mashed potatoes and the presentation was spectacular. There was also a tasty fresh bread basket.
The live music started and the bride and groom had the traditional first dance together and then danced with many of the family and guests.
As usual, the guests wore everything from formal attire to jeans and tee shirts but it was a very happy day for all.
At one point after dinner a storm blew in with a torrent of rain but the efficient staff closed the drapes of the white tent lit with chandeliers and all was well.
The rain stopped and dancing resumed with a Mariachi band circulating through the tables for our enjoyment.
The bride and groom had their pictures taken with every table of guests and didn’t stop smiling for the duration.
Yoly’s new husband is a very warm, kind person who greeted everyone with appreciation for their coming to this wedding many of whom had traveled great distances.
We are very lucky to have Yoly in Ajijic, Lake Chapala and her wonderful staff and no one deserves this happiness more than she.
We wish her and Juan all the happiness in the world