A Poetic Wedding in Merida Mexico

Serai and Nathan’s wedding was a beautiful tapestry of romance, heritage, and organic beauty, unfolding in the storied halls of San Antonio Hool. The venue’s terracotta palette and rustic architecture provided the perfect setting for their intimate celebration.

Against a backdrop of travertine and rambling floral installations, the couple honored their Māori roots while embracing their love for Mexico. The result was a heartfelt and vibrant union that seamlessly blended tradition and modern elegance.

The ceremony took place within the hacienda’s Machine Room. Its textured walls framing an aisle lined with scattered pillar candles and sculptural flora. At the altar, asymmetric blooms anchored the space, blending seamlessly with the raw elegance of the setting.

Serpentine tables replaced the traditional bridal table, weaving through the courtyard for the reception. While, above the dance floor, a sinuous canopy added movement and a touch of drama, steeping the setting in opulence, allure, and spatial fluidity.

Our Story

Names / Serai Stockman & Nathan Stockman

Location / Merida, Mexico

Wedding Date / April 24th , 2024

Guest Numbers / 32

Budget / $ 40,000 USD

How We Met

We had crossed paths through mutual friends for years, but it wasn’t until the Boxing Day races in 2014 that our story truly began. After a few too many tequilas, I boldly offered to buy Nathan a drink at a bar. He was a bit confused but equally intrigued, and soon discovered that my idea of a “drink” was a “grenade” – a vodka Red Bull with a Jäger and tequila shot balanced on the rim. The night ended with us as the last ones standing, dancing into the early hours. And so, with a mix of fate, friends, and a few unforgettable grenades, our journey together began.

Our Engagement Story

It was a running joke that the picturesque Greece was where this ABBA-loving dreamer imagined getting engaged, but Nathan, the true romantic, had other plans. While traveling, he found the perfect opportunity to propose in the magical Turkish town of Cappadocia, surrounded by his siblings.

As dawn broke, with hot air balloons filling the sky, Nathan proposed, and I was absolutely lost for words. It couldn’t have been more perfect. After I managed an “of course,” we popped Champagne and savored the moment in our little love bubble.

The ring, however, was a bit more logistically challenging. Nathan didn’t want to carry it around for the 10 weeks prior, so our groomsman, Logan, picked it up from Sera at The Diamond Shop on his way to the UK. There, he met up with Nathan’s sisters, who brought it with them to Turkey.

What we love most about each other…

Affectionately known as “Team Xtreme,” we’re a couple who truly live life to the fullest. We love to “cheers to life” and surround ourselves with positive, energetic, fun-loving people – because your vibe attracts your tribe.

Our love story may be more unconventional than most, but it’s one that grows deeper, stronger, and more passionate every day we spend together. We see life as an opportunity to reach our potential and strive to be better partners, friends, parents, and lovers with every moment.

The Setting

Wedding Location

Most people expected a larger-than-life celebration with 150+ guests. And honestly, we couldn’t imagine it any other way. Given our love for travel, a destination wedding was always part of the plan. The brief was simple – culturally rich and unforgettable! Ever since a trip to Mexico seven years ago, we’d been captivated by its vibrant spirit. A fusion of Mexican and Māori (our indigenous culture) felt like the perfect way to honor both our heritage and adventurous spirits.

The ceremony was led by one of our closest friends, Monique, making it deeply personal. With both the bridesmaids and groomsmen in relationships, we had them walk down the aisle as pairs, adding a unique touch. I surprised Nathan with a pre-recorded voice message that played just before I walked down the aisle. He met me halfway, and together, as the most important male figure in my life, we walked to the altar.

Our cocktail hour kicked off with a surprise mariachi band that brought a vibrant energy, setting the tone for the night. We opted for a family-style sharing menu — a concept that took some explaining but ultimately brought everyone together beautifully. The evening concluded with an emotional haka (a traditional NZ war dance) led by our brother Leesin, leaving us with memories we’ll cherish forever.

Aesthetic

We envisioned a day rooted in love, culture, and the beauty of natural elements, seamlessly blending with the historic setting of San Antonio Hool. Our aesthetic was organic yet refined, built around raw materials authentic to both Mexico and our history. Travertine stone, which we discovered during our travels to Turkey and saw abundant in Mexico, inspired the palette. It brought a warm, earthy elegance that complemented the hacienda’s character and history beautifully.

Preparation

The night before the big day, we enjoyed an incredible dinner in the cellar at San Antonio Hool with our parents and bridal party. It was a chance to unwind and indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience. Breaking tradition, Nathan and I stayed together that night with our son, Storm, before splitting off in the morning.

Nathan started the day with a workout alongside the lads, while I got ready with our mums, my bridesmaids Lauren and Danielle, and two of my closest friends — Kima (our MC) and Monique (our celebrant). True to form, everything went seamlessly, and we were actually ready 30 minutes before I was due to walk down the aisle!

Photography & Videography

We each had one non-negotiable for the day — Nathan’s was having Tan Weddings capture our wedding on film. His storytelling style is pure artistry, and every piece feels like a short film. We loved how he captured moments from his own perspective, making them feel both intimate and cinematic.

For photography, we wanted someone who would blend in naturally. Gaby González, a phenomenal local talent from Mérida, was perfect. She brought a warm, relaxed energy that made us feel completely at ease.

We didn’t want the day to revolve around staged photos, so we capped the formal shots at 40 minutes and let the rest flow organically. Gaby’s documentary style captured everything as it happened — raw, emotional, and real.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

The Machine Room at San Antonio Hool, with its rich terracotta textures and stunning arches, served as our breathtaking backdrop. We kept the décor minimal: a scattered aisle of pillar candles, a relaxed floral arrangement at the altar, and asymmetrical flower installations. Wooden oval-back chairs with linen upholstery completed the clean, natural aesthetic.

Reception Décor

At the reception, we ditched the traditional bridal table and sat among our guests at two long, wave-shaped tables with rope-loop chairs. We added a lounge area in soft neutrals near the dance floor, set under an incredible wave-textured canopy.

The tables were decorated with scattered pillar candles, while travertine stone was used for shared menu boards and table names, inspired by some of our favorite places — Ammoudi, Indio, Jaipur, and Noonu.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

The aesthetic was entirely our vision — we had a clear idea from the start. However, planning a destination wedding 12,000km away with a language barrier posed its challenges. This is where FH Weddings came in. They worked closely with us to refine every detail, sourcing exceptional local vendors who brought our ideas to life with care and precision.

In August, I managed a quick trip to Mérida from NYC, where we finalized key details like the venue, timeline, cocktails, and menu. That trip proved invaluable, ensuring everything was aligned. I’m beyond grateful for the FH Weddings team, whose expertise and dedication helped turn our dream day into an unforgettable reality.

Flowers

Florenza nailed the brief and exceeded all expectations — especially since I wasn’t keen on splurging on flowers. To stay budget-friendly, we reused arrangements: the entrance display moved to the cocktail hour bar, and the ceremony florals were repurposed for the reception.

For my bouquet, I wanted a single orchid as a nod to my dad, who always gifted me orchids but couldn’t be there on the day. Orchids in Mexico, though, aren’t cheap. So I bought a faux orchid online, and Marina added real foliage to bring it to life. It looked stunning!

Stationery

We went a bit unconventional and created a wedding Instagram instead of traditional invitations or a website. It saved time, cost, and effort while keeping our guests updated in a way that felt natural to us.

Favors

Each guest received a personalized letter that doubled as their place card. We printed them ourselves, and they served as a meaningful keepsake. To add a fun touch, we included a tequila shot with a frosted name disc to mark their spot at the table.

Cake

Instead of a traditional cake, we opted for a churro cart with ice cream. It felt true to us, and as a lover of all things donuts, it was a huge hit.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

Finding the perfect dress was a journey. Initially, I thought a bold, dramatic gown was my calling, but my mother suggested trying a fit-and-flare dress. To my surprise, it was perfect. Over lunch, Trish boldly said, “I’ll make it!” After 150 hours of work, I was left speechless — it was timeless and unique.

I paired it with crystal-embellished satin pumps I found two months before the wedding. With a wider heel for the rough terrain, they were as practical as they were stunning.

Bridesmaid’s Dresses & Shoes

Dressing my bridesmaids in white was unconventional but felt perfect for our vibrant venue. Lauren wore a loose high-neck gown, while Danielle’s drop-shoulder silk maxi complemented it beautifully, creating a dreamy and cohesive look.

Pageboy Outfits

Our son, Storm, wanted a suit just like daddy’s, complete with shiny shoes. We found a designer in Auckland to create his look, but in the 96-degree heat, he quickly swapped to a linen Cuban-collar shirt and shorts.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

Nathan chose a 1-carat elongated emerald-cut diamond set in a solid gold band — stunning and bold. For me, Sera helped design a timeless diamond stack that complemented my Toi et Moi engagement ring.

For my “something borrowed,” I wore my bridesmaid Danielle’s tennis bracelet, and she wore a matching one — a sweet touch. Nathan wore his grandfather’s cufflinks, adding sentimental value to his look.

Hair & Makeup

My dear friend Moana, who is the only person I trust with my hair, was due to have her baby the same week as the wedding. She was the only one who saw my dress beforehand to help decide on the perfect hairstyle. We went for relaxed glam waves with a subtle side part, and Gerry executed it flawlessly. For makeup, I wanted something glam yet understated that would make my eyes pop — and the results were everything I hoped for. I felt like the most beautiful version of myself, thanks to a truly talented artist!

Groom’s Attire

Nathan opted for a timeless and understated look, collaborating with our friend Tim Begg (husband of Trish Peng, who designed my dress) to create a custom suit. It was inspired by a striking oversized single-button silk lapel tuxedo we spotted in New York. Nathan added his personal touch with gold buttons from The Diamond Shop and an oversized Gucci bowtie — a thoughtful Father’s Day gift from our son, Storm.

For the groomsmen, we found oversized Cuban collar shirts with self-fabric buttons on ASOS. They perfectly balanced classic style with a hint of flair, complementing the overall vibe seamlessly.

The Details

Honeymoon

We jokingly called it a “familymoon” since our son Storm came along with us. Casa Cuixmala, a place that had been on my bucket list for years, became our dream escape. Located on Mexico’s west coast, its breathtaking palace setting and iconic checkered pool were pure magic.

We followed that with a trip to the Bahamas — Storm’s pick — where he fulfilled his dream of swimming with pigs and nurse sharks in the Exumas. For our next getaway, we’re hoping to sneak away for an “adults-only” honeymoon in Ibiza!

Wedding Songs

Our bridal party walked down the aisle to “Adore You” by Nao, a song that holds a special place in our relationship. As it ended, a pre-recorded voice message from me surprised Nathan, adding an emotional touch. I walked solo to “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (from The Bodyguard soundtrack).

We danced out of the ceremony to Cece Peniston’s “Finally,” and for our reception entrance? A spontaneous pick — “We Like to Party” by the Vengaboys. It was a total vibe!

Entertainment

Music is central to our family, so it had to be perfect. Our dear friend Tom Rose, who played at our engagement party in Auckland, flew all the way to Mérida. He curated every track, from high-energy anthems to heartfelt ballads, creating unforgettable memories. The music truly made the night unforgettable!

Celebrant

Choosing our celebrant was the easiest decision of all. Our amazing friend Monique, who has been part of every chapter of our story, led the ceremony beautifully. To add a fun twist, we couldn’t legally marry in Mexico, so our mums kicked off the event with a tequila toast.

Monique set the tone flawlessly — equal parts laughter and tears — and even had our rings passed around for guests to bless them with their sentiments before they reached us. It was deeply personal and couldn’t have been more “us.”

Readings

Nathan and I are known for being a bit witty and wordy, so personal vows were a given. Nathan was clear that his vows would remain a surprise until I read them at the altar — no exceptions. His words were heartfelt and intimate, and yes, they brought plenty of tears. Those vows are a testament to us, now and forever.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

One highlight was the surprise mariachi band that greeted guests at cocktail hour. Dressed in crisp white suits and hats, they performed Mexican-inspired renditions of some of our favorite songs, like Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” It was a vibrant and cultural touch that added a joyful energy to the evening.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

We were lucky to draw inspiration from close friends who married before us. It helped us focus on what truly mattered. However, coordinating a wedding abroad meant the day before was a bit hectic. An extra day to finalize those little touches – like etched signs and the margarita tower – would have been helpful. Small details make all the difference.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

The best decision we made was each choosing one non-negotiable — Nathan’s was the videographer, mine was the venue. Then, we wrote down the top three priorities as a couple: amazing food, great cocktails, and unforgettable music. Keeping everything else simple reduced stress and made the planning process much more enjoyable.

Attending friends’ weddings beforehand gave us perspective on what matters most as guests, which helped us focus on creating a day that felt authentically “us.”

Sources of inspiration…

The Lane was a major source of inspiration for us, as was Sarah Winward’s floral artistry. However, finding references that blended cultural richness with uniqueness was tricky. Ultimately, we built the day around what we valued most: love and fun. We pulled elements from Pinterest and infused them with our own flair, creating an experience that felt deeply personal and unforgettable.