Nicole Christine Gervais, who works in franchise marketing for Disney Consumer Products, and photographer Jorge Adrian Solorzano met during their move-in day at San Diego State University, where their dorms were on the same floor. After more than 10 years together, he proposed while taking a photo of her, on a trip to visit her newborn niece in Phoenix. “When I looked at the camera lens for the photo, he had a ring slipped around his finger that was right next to the lens,” Nicole describes. “Very confused, I asked, ‘WHOSE RING IS THAT?!’ and he caught that moment in one photo and then dropped to a knee in my parent’s front yard.”
For their #GoingSolo October wedding, they wanted to incorporate Jorge’s Mexican heritage and chose to host everything in San Miguel de Allende—the “heart of Mexico.” On a trip to scout the location, they also found their venue, Casa Hyder. “[The home] really solidified the decision, as it is one of the rarest gems—a hacienda with rolling gardens and gorgeous artistic interiors—known in San Miguel as a living museum filled with 17th-century collectibles and antiques,” Nicole says. To help plan everything, they hired Penzi Weddings.
Contrary to what she expected, the bride found her wedding dress at the first bridal boutique she visited back home in Arizona. Her Ines di Santo gown featured floral lace and intricate embroidery, and Nicole customized it by filling in the deep neckline and adding more lace around the shoulders and down the back. Nicole’s bridesmaids complemented her well in silk, midnight blue Monique Lhuillier dresses and gifted sacred heart necklaces, and Jorge looked handsome in a velvet Theory tuxedo and Common Projects shoes.
In the courtyard, their pastor and Jorge’s family friend married them in a very personal ceremony. “I was overcome with gratitude and an outpouring of love that I truly could not contain—I cried almost the whole way through!” the bride exclaims. After exchanging personal vows, they recessed as everyone tossed flower petals in their direction to celebrate the new and blessed union.
Cocktail hour began on the rooftop at sunset with immaculate views of the charming town. The couple’s favorite margaritas were served along with a tequila and mezcal bar with crickets for pairing. Then guests made their way to the large, open garden on the lower level lit with candles and strung lights for the reception. White garden roses and greens ran along tables, and people found their seats with sacred heart name cards.
The local dinner consisted of a strawberry salad, Chile poblano and corn soup, beef tenderloin in a tequila sauce, and ginger-crusted salmon. And after they cut their vanilla and berry cake, the party moved to another courtyard near the pool for dancing.
The newlyweds had their first dance to “Moon River” by Frank Ocean, and Nicole surprised Jorge with fireworks that went off in the middle of the song. Later on in the night, the new Mr. and Mrs. stood on chairs to supply the conga line below them with tequila shots, and late-night tacos and churros were readily available to keep the energy high.
Once the celebration formally came to a close, Nicole and Jorge went to their suite at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and ordered pan dulce, fresh juice, and coffee, when they woke up the next morning. The refreshed couple went back to Casa Hyder for brunch, hosted by Jorge’s mother, where they reminisced on the day before with immediately family and a few close friends.
