Held in October,  The Finca San Cayetano wedding of Alfonso and Grace took place in the magical town of Antigua, Guatemala surrounded by active volcanoes and lush landscapes.

The groom is from Guatemala, and the bride is from Honduras. They first met in 2022 at a friend’s wedding and sparks flew right away. Despite living in different countries at the time, they embarked on a long-distance relationship, navigating their challenges with lots of love and determination. Their connection grew stronger with each passing day, leading them to plan their dream wedding two years later. Alfonso proposed in the Catskills of New York in December, right in the middle of a snowy winter, which added to the magic of their engagement.  It was then the bride and groom say they found their “home” with each other. 

In keeping with a Finca San Cayetano wedding vibe, Alfonso and Grace combined the natural beauty of the venue with their own classic touches including an antique car and elegant black tie attire. The bride looked gorgeous in her lace gown, long veil and beaded crown alongside her bridesmaids wearing their own fashionable styles in shades of rose pink.

The ceremony was held inside the stunning cathedral Iglesia San Juan del Obispo.  A profusion of white flowers lined the aisles and the opulence of the sacred space felt grand and glorious. The flower girl and ring bearer added an adorable touch and Poncho wrote sweet lines into vows that were unexpected and deeply moving.

Set in the mountains, surrounded by volcanoes, Finca San Cayetano has a rustic charm that inspired the couple’s enchanted forest theme. The color palette featured deep reds, violets, purples, dark greens, pinks, and mauves, with flowers meticulously chosen to reflect the mood. Inside the venue, six grand trees were brought in to merge the outdoors with the indoors, while the walls, made entirely of glass, allowed guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The ceiling was adorned with greenery and cascading floral arrangements mirroring the tablescapes below. Candlelight and chandeliers created a warm glow as the sun set, enhancing the magical atmosphere. The furniture was a harmonious mix of three distinct table styles, thoughtfully curated to tie the whole design together. The result was an unforgettable ambiance.

Grace and Poncho chose Manuel Alanda, to photograph their Finca San Cayetano wedding in his signature documentary style.  Alanda says he focused first on emotions and interactions.  “I made it a priority to capture heartfelt smiles during the ceremony and the laughter and joy shared during the reception while incorporating the stunning countryside. I paid close attention to the intricate details of the decor, such as the floral arrangements, lighting and unique elements that contributed to the couple’s theme”. As one of the leading wedding photographers in the world , Aldana created an extraordinary collection of the day from start to finish.

The moment the couple made their grand entrance to the reception guests waved custom tambourines in celebration, creating an electrifying and joyous welcome. Then, waiters presented  designated “captains” with bottles of tequila, encouraging a party atmosphere among the guests. 

The night was filled with both excitement and a sense of ease. All of the guests felt comfortable letting go and celebrating, and the couple felt supported and loved throughout the festivities.

As the evening unfolded, Grace and Poncho surprised everyone with a spectacular fireworks display. Guests were handed their own sparklers to enhance the experience, adding a fun and personal touch to the celebration.

Despite guests coming from different countries, with many meeting for the first time, the wedding felt like a gathering of lifelong friends. The camaraderie and shared happiness were palpable and a testament to the love and respect Alfonso and Grace inspire in those around them.

To see more of Manuel Aldana’s exceptional wedding photography check out, his website and portfolio and be sure to follow him on Instagram @camanuelaldana.

To plan your own spectacular Finca San Cayetano wedding check out these talented wedding professionals.

Wedding Vendors:

Venue and Catering:  Finca San Cayetano 

Wedding planner: Unió Events 

Event Design: Fabiana Gonzales Video: Kinema 

Ceremony Music: Cuarteto asturias Saxophone: Obed rural 

Reception Music:: Mr Music

 Transportation and Fireworks: Antigua tours 

Classic Car: Carros Clasicos JP 

Lounge Furniture and Rentals: DLux Mobilario Rentals Relaxed Lounge Service