Villa Santa Monica Wedding in San Miguel Allende

Some weddings begin with a venue. Others begin with a date. Chris and Stephany's Villa Santa Monica wedding began with a feeling, and a photographer. When Steph first came across the work of Anna Sauza, she felt an immediate connection to the intimacy, artistry, and emotion in her images. So discovering that Anna was based in San Miguel de Allende felt like more than coincidence. It felt like a sign.

What followed was a multi-day destination wedding that unfolded with style, intention, and a deep sense of joy. Set in one of Mexico’s most visually rich towns, Steph and Chris’ wedding blended fashion, culture, and playfulness in a way that felt completely their own.

Held over the first weekend of October, the celebration took advantage of the ambiance and location of Villa Santa Monica, a historic property tucked into the heart of San Miguel de Allende. From candlelit tables and sculptural florals to a joyful callejoneada (Mexican parade) and an unforgettable party, every moment was thoughtfully designed and beautifully documented.

Why Villa Santa Monica Was the Perfect Choice

For Stephany and Chris, choosing to have a Villa Santa Monica wedding was about hosting their guests in a location that felt intimate, elegant, and deeply connected to the rhythm of life in San Miguel Allende. Located just steps from Parque Juárez and within walking distance of the town’s historic center, the property offered a rare combination of privacy and accessibility, allowing the celebration to unfold in a lush, enclosed setting while still being close to the upbeat energy of the city.

Villa Santa Monica’s historic architecture and abundant greenery created an atmosphere that felt timeless rather than trendy. The gardens, patios, and interior spaces flowed naturally from one to the next, making it easy to move from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception without ever feeling rushed or disconnected. This sense of continuity was especially important for an intimate destination wedding, where every transition becomes part of the experience.

Being able to step outside the gates for portraits, a first look, and even portions of the wedding weekend festivities allowed the the couple to weave their story into their surroundings. Terracotta walls, cobblestone paths, and soft natural light framed some of the most meaningful moments of the day.

Equally important was the way Villa Santa Monica complemented the wedding design. Its neutral tones, mature landscaping, and classic proportions provided the perfect canvas for the organic florals, candlelit tables, and textural details that defined the celebration. Rather than competing with the décor, the venue elevated it, allowing every element from fashion to florals to feel intentional and cohesive.

In every sense, Villa Santa Monica offered exactly what Stephany and Chris were looking for.

A Weekend Rooted in Culture and Celebration

The celebration began on Friday with a series of pre-wedding events designed to introduce guests to the spirit of of the area.

Earlier in the day, Stephany and Chris explored the town for a pre-wedding couple session, captured among terracotta walls, blooming bougainvillea, and the soft textures of the historic streets. 

Later that afternoon, guests gathered for a callejoneada, a traditional San Miguel parade that winds through the streets accompanied by live music. With mariachi musicians leading the way, the celebration unfolded inside Parque Juárez, drawing curious onlookers and joyful energy from every direction.

Towering mojigangas, handcrafted papier-mâché figures created in the likeness of the bride and groom, danced alongside the procession, while a flower-adorned donkey joined the parade, adding an unmistakably local and whimsical touch. The moment was festive, and unforgettable, a perfect reflection of the couple’s playful spirit and love for shared experiences.

Wedding Day at Villa Santa Monica

The big day began with the bride getting ready in the bridal suite, followed by a photo session for couple portraits. Stephany's fashion choices were sculptural and modern, her look striking against the warm tones and historic textures of the venue. Chris’ attire echoed the same sensibility, refined, relaxed, and perfectly suited for the setting.

Anna Sauza led the photography alongside her husband, Nahuel Aseff, who joined as associate photographer and filmmaker. Together, they provided ten hours of coverage using multiple formats, including digital, 35mm film, Polaroid, and Super 8, ensuring the weekend was documented with both depth and texture.

A Ceremony at Golden Hour

Stephany and Chris' ceremony began at 5:15 pm, timed perfectly to align with the soft glow of sunset. 

A lush, asymmetrical floral installation framed the ceremony space, composed of soft blush and cream roses, delicate white blooms, textural greenery, and seasonal accents in muted tones of sage, ivory, and russet. Trailing foliage and layered florals created depth and movement, while smaller arrangements echoed the palette throughout the aisle, keeping the focus on the couple without overwhelming the setting. The overall effect was romantic and organic, perfectly complementing the historic venue and supporting the timeless feel of the ceremony. 

One of Anna’s most memorable moments came just after they got married. As the couple walked back down the aisle, guests showered them with flower petals, which floated through the air as Stephany and Chris, exited looking relaxed and radiant. The moment captured the essence of the day, romantic, joyful, and unscripted.

Reception Design: Organic, Textural, and Intimate

The reception unfolded in the garden by the pool, which was transformed into a warm, candlelit space filled with texture and movement. Planned by Monserrat Guerrero and brought to life through the floral artistry of Valeria Tamayo of Maye Cordova, the design carried on the garden-inspired aesthetic.

Long tables were dressed with clusters of sculptural florals, featuring soft blush roses, seasonal blooms, lush greenery, and unexpected textures. Rather than uniform centerpieces, the arrangements felt natural and expressive, encouraging guests to linger and connect.

Tall taper candles lined the tables, their flickering light creating an intimate atmosphere as night fell. The effect was understated and elegant without feeling overly formal.

As the night progressed, the energy shifted into full party mode. Stephany slipped into a short, stylish party dress, and the dance floor quickly filled with friends and family who had traveled from all over the world to celebrate alongside her and Chris. A champagne tower became a focal point with glasses stacked high as the couple poured and toasted. The music stayed loud, the movement never stopped, and the joy felt effortless. Surrounded by the people they love most, Stephany and Chris closed out an truly unforgettable weekend at the Villa Santa Monica. 

A Multi-Format Photography Experience

Anna Sauza’s approach blends documentary storytelling with editorial artistry, designed for modern, fashion-forward couples. This wedding was documented using more than five formats, including analog photography and Super 8 film, creating a layered visual narrative.

For Anna, photography is about much more the photographs. It’s about connection, trust, and creating space for couples to experience their day fully and intentionally. 

To see more of work from Anna Sauza Photography, visit her website and WBWP profile. Then give her a call and start planning your ideal wedding day in San Miguel Allende.

Wedding Team

Photographer: Anna Sauza Photography - @annasauzaphotography
Associate Photographer / Filmmaker: - Nahuel Aseff - @nahuelaseffphotography
Wedding Planner: Monserrat Guerrero - @monserratguerreroweddings
Venue: Villa Santa Monica - @santamonicamx
Hair & Makeup: Dani Pal - @team_danipalmakeup.hair
Food & Flowers: Maye Cordova - @mayecordovaeventos
Floral Design: Vasija Floral - @vasijafloral
DJ: BEP Producciones - @bepproducciones