La Boda de Toni & Pete
Toni & Pete's Wedding
Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
February 8th, 2025
Our story
How it Began
We met over brunch on an easy summer Sunday at Foster’s Market, in Durham, NC. Indeed, we met online (thank you, Bumble) and chatted for a couple of weeks before meeting in person. We both had things to do afterwards and didn't think it'd take too long - and ended up staying there until close time!
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We then went on a second date. Pete found a pet-friendly restaurant so Bonnie could join too. Gladly, it went well and the meeting was a success!
Travel arrangements
Plan your trip!​
To make the most of your trip to Guadalajara, we suggest you arrive on Thursday, February 6th.
How to get there
Guadalajara (GDL), the vibrant cultural hub of Mexico (for further reference, see this recent article on Travel Weekly), is easily accessible with direct flights from major cities across North America. From the United States, cities like New York, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and Dallas offer direct flights to Guadalajara, making it convenient for travelers to experience the city's rich history, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere without any layovers. Additionally, several Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver also offer direct flights if flying from beyond the United States.
The wedding festivities will occur almost entirely in the historic city center of GDL.
Where to stay
As any large city, Guadalajara has a wide variety of hotels for every taste and budget. Based on location, ratings, budget diversity, and proximity to the wedding venues, we selected four to negotiate special rates for our wedding guests. We also wanted you to get a taste of Guadalajara's hospitality, so our rockstar travel agent, Red Hippo Travel, went out of his way to find hotels that are either locally-owned or have local roots, as is the case of Quinta Real.
In this section you will find details about special rates and contact information.
How to get around
Navigating the charming Centro Histórico of Guadalajara is a breeze with various convenient ground transportation options available. As with most global cities, taxis and car services like Uber and Didi are safe and affordable options. The downtown area is walkable, so if staying in the areas close to Centro Histórico, Colonia Lafayette or Colonia Americana, there is no need to rent a car.
What to eat & drink
Ever heard of (or tried) birria, pozole, tortas ahogadas, or tequila? If so, you'll be glad to know that Jalisco is the birthplace of all of those delicacies - and many more.
"This Under-the-radar City Is a Must-visit for Some of Mexico's Best Food and Crafts," as Travel + Leisure wrote.
What to see
This cosmopolitan if traditional and quintessentially Mexican city offers a range of activities. Shop for handicrafts, housewares, and especially fine ceramics in smart shops or family-owned factories. Dress up for drinks, dinner, and dancing in smart Zona Minerva, in downtown Guadalajara, or put on your comfy walking shoes to visit satellite neighborhoods of indigenous origin.
Registry
We feel lucky to have everything we need for our home and, more than physical items, we value the memories we create during our travels together. As such, having you with us during this special time is truly the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you wish to honor us with a wedding present, we've created an online registry on this website to make our honeymoon even more special and memorable.
Get Informed
Here are a few questions we thought would be helpful for you.
Feel free to reach out if you can't find what you're looking for!
Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?
Yes, you need a passport. You don't need a visa if you're a US citizen, though.
Is Guadalajara safe for tourists?
Guadalajara is generally considered safe for tourists, especially the areas where the wedding events will be held. Like any major city, it's essential to take precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in public places.
Can I drink the tap water in Guadalajara?
It's generally not recommended to drink tap water in Guadalajara. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and avoid ice cubes made from tap water. All restaurants use filtered water for beverages that are safe to drink.
What are some must-try dishes in Guadalajara?
Don't miss out on trying birria (spiced meat stew), tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches), and pozole (hominy stew). These dishes are staples of Jalisco's rich culinary heritage.
You probably know that tequila is originally from Jalisco, so you may want to sip a glass or two to try the good one. For non-alchoholic beverages, you should try tejuino, a pre-Hispanic cold fermented drink made from corn.
What is the nightlife like in Guadalajara?
Guadalajara has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you're looking for trendy cocktail bars, traditional cantinas, or pulsating dance clubs, there's something for everyone to enjoy after dark.
What is the best time of year to visit Guadalajara?
Guadalajara enjoys mild weather year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal.
Is Spanish necessary to get by in Guadalajara?
While knowing some basic Spanish can be helpful, especially when interacting with locals, many people in Guadalajara, especially in tourist areas, speak at least some English.
What is the currency used in Guadalajara, and can I use US dollars?
The currency used in Guadalajara is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While some tourist-friendly establishments may accept US dollars, it's recommended to use pesos for transactions to ensure fair exchange rates.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Guadalajara?
Yes, major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Guadalajara, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in more local establishments.
Is there a dress code for the wedding?
Formal attire requested, which could be a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie, and an evening gown, or midi cocktail dress. Feel free to wear any colors that make you feel happy and ready to dance with the bride and groom!
Are children invited to the wedding?
To allow all wedding guests, including parents, a night of relaxation and fun, we respectfully request no children at our wedding reception. We appreciate your understanding. Should you need it, we would be happy to connect you to friends who could advise on local babysitting services. Additionally, we learned that Quinta Real hotel offers babysitting services at an additional cost, so you may want to consider staying there and request the service.
What is the wedding day itinerary?
We planned our wedding to be in the evening to allow everyone to have a relaxing Saturday morning. Therefore, feel free to enjoy a delicious Mexican breakfast, walk around the city, or just rest before getting ready for the festivities.
What time should I arrive at the ceremony?
The ceremony is scheduled to start at 6:00pm local time, so we would advise arriving at around 5:30pm to find parking (in case you’re driving) and a seat.
What time will your wedding reception end? Is there an after-party?
The venue is booked until 1:00am, so it’s unlikely that we’ll have the energy to go elsewhere after that. You can check the timeline of the evening to get a more detailed view of the program.
Is it ok to use cellphones at your wedding?
We would love for everyone to be fully present throughout the wedding and would appreciate it if you turn your phones off, especially during the ceremony.
Will there be a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception?
Right after the ceremony, we will all go to the reception venue, which is less than a mile away (16 minutes walk or 6 drive away) from the church.
Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honor us with a gift, we set up a registry on this website, or you can have it delivered to our home in the US or to Toni's parent's in Mexico.
What is your wedding hashtag?
We’re working on it. Please send us any ideas you may have!
Contact
We are ecstatic to celebrate our love and will be thrilled to have you with us while we tie the knot!
Please send us an email if you need to contact us: