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Vogue Latin America Editor In Chief Karla Martinez Looks Back at Her Wedding in Mérida, Mexico

By Patricia Garcia | Photography by 

Aniela Fotografía 

“We met through a mutual friend in New York, whom I actually met indirectly through a terrible ex-boyfriend,” says Vogue Latin America Editor in Chief Karla Martinez, of how she and her husband, Francisco Salas, first crossed paths in New York. After dating for some time, the two had started talking about getting engaged, and Karla had even helped picked out a ring, but the proposal seemed to be lagging. “After months of giving the stone to the jeweler, I was a bit annoyed,” she admits. It finally happened one night while they were celebrating her birthday and he pulled out the ring.

The two decided to throw their wedding in Mexico, but in a location neither of them were particularly attached to. “We chose an hacienda in Mérida—a lot of people had never even heard of Mérida,” she explains. Below, Karla shares how she chose her Carolina Herrera wedding dress, her unconventional fashion tip for brides today, and the one thing she would do differently if she could get married all over again.

How did you choose what you wore?
“I worked at W at the time and my sister worked at Carolina Herrera. They made me a dress from the collection that had not come out yet. I knew I wanted a sleeve for day and then change into something more comfortable. I loved what Peter Copping was doing at Nina Ricci so he made the gown I changed into.”

Years later, are there any wardrobe regrets?
“None!”

What’s one recent trend that you wish had been around when you got married?
“Hmmm. . . I loved everything about my dress and what I wore.”

Any style or dress tips you’d give a bride to be today?
“Don’t do anything too trendy. And I always tell brides that it’s ok to borrow a dress. My cousin borrowed a friend’s dress and it was perfect. Also get your hair and makeup done by someone you trust that won’t make you look like a different person.”

Tell us about the ceremony and reception.
“We had the ceremony at a church in the city at 1:00 p.m. and then went out to the hacienda. We started in the front part of the hacienda for cocktails and Mexican appetizers. We served a Mexican style lunch at 4:00 p.m. There was Sopa de Lima, a typical Yucatan style soup and the choice between fish and meat—both Yucatan dishes. There was only one speech and my sister gave it, as it  isn’t common to give speeches in Mexico. Then we started dancing at 5:00 p.m. and the last people to leave were my husband and I at around 3:00 a.m.”

What song did you dance your first dance to?
“‘When The Stars Go Blue’ by The Corrs and U2. We chose it the night before and we are both the worst dancers and had not practiced anything.”

What was your favorite part of the reception? Did anything funny or unexpected or disastrous happen?
“I think my sister’s speech was a highlight. And after our first dance, when all of our friends came on the dance floor was one of my favorite moments.”

What is one thing you would do differently if you could get married again?
“I would have had a videographer and more pictures. I spent too much money on invites and should have focused on photographer, goodie bags, etc.”

What’s one piece of marriage advice you like to give out?
“If you aren’t happy before you get married, you certainly won’t be happy after. Marriage doesn’t make the problems you had as a couple disappear. Marry someone you trust, that is responsible and you know will be with you through the good and bad.”