By: Adriana Dupinet, Leslie Bost, ONE Happenings

Photos: Francisco Estrada, Photoamore

Every culture and country has its own way of celebrating two souls in love. In Mexico, there are specific traditions that have defined our culture for many years, traditions that to this day, are prevalent in our society. Mexican wedding traditions are a result of a combination of cultures: Indigenous groups, such as the Huicholes, Tarahumaras, Mayas, and mostly Aztecs and then the clash of Spanish influences with the Catholic religion.

Picture-perfect locations, beautiful weather all year long, immaculate beaches and stunning nature make Baja California Sur as one of the most wanted wedding-states of Mexico. In Baja Sur the Mexican wedding traditions mix with the culture and traditions of the wedding couple, which make the weddings here even more unique and special. If you are planning your wedding in Baja California Sur, we invite you to embrace some of the traditions of our land described below and include them in your ceremony. The spirit of Mexico will thus always be with you.

Mexicans have extremely strong family values and most families are large. Having a large number of guests, for Mexicans, is extremely important and almost unavoidable. Mexicans believe that it is important to share their special day with all of their loved ones and friends and even friends of friends, so that everyone can be witness to their love and commitment. Some of the guests are chosen as ‘Godparents’ of the wedding and contribute to the event in different ways, whether being the ‘godparent’ of the cake, music, location, etc. This deed demonstrates affection for the couple, by paying for these things. It is a matter of great respect to be chosen as a godparent, as godparents are considered to be wise and experienced in love and marriage and can give advice to the couple not only in the planning process, but during their marriage and life together.

A large percentage of Mexicans wed in a traditional Catholic ceremony. Catholic ceremonies in Mexico also assign ‘godparents’, which are usually close friends or family of the couple. These ‘godparents’ have different responsibilities during the ceremony such as: velación (Vigil Godparents), lazo or lasso, rings, coins, rosmary & bible and lastly, the madrina or matron of the bouquet. Each godparent has a specific job during the catholic mass and each honor has a specific significance. Let us talk of these Mexican traditions found during the mass of each catholic wedding.

The Velación or Vigil godparents are the most important godparents during the mass. The godparents, preferably family members, must be married by the Catholic Church and not divorced, as they will watch over the new couple. They are an example to follow by; and one who can always give advice to the new couple. They must carry two candles, one candle each, which will be lit with the churches candle when the Priest indicates. They also sign the churches wedding certificate as witnesses of the marriage.

The godparents of the Lasso put the lasso around the couple’s neck in the shape of an eight. The Lasso signifies the union of the two in an unbreakable bond of love and trust. At the end of the ceremony, the lasso is removed by the godparents of the lasso or by the priest and is given to the bride, who will cherish it as it represents that the bride is now the owner of the grooms heart and symbolically, of their home.

During the vow exchange, the Groom gives to the Bride 13 golden coins which symbolize the financial responsibility for the new family; they symbolize all the wealth and material possessions that the groom gives to his bride, as a mark of his unquestionable trust and confidence in her. The acceptance of the coins by the bride, in turn symbolizes her consent to maintain his trust and take care of him and his belongings with utmost devotion. Each coin is for every month of the year and the 13th is for good luck. It is also believed that the 13th coin symbolizes the extra income a family will have and that they will share with the poor and the needy.

During the ceremony, the bride & groom must kiss a crucifix and a bible to show their loyalty to one and other and once the bride & groom have proclaimed their vows of fidelity, they exchange their rings, which are placed on the ring finger. The rings are carried by the godparents of the rings and given to them when the Priest indicates. The rings usually have the names of the bride and groom inscribed inside, as well as the date of the marriage. Tradition dictates that the rings will be worn until death do them part; they are a promise of eternal love that the couple makes before God and before the guests the day of their wedding. An interesting fact is that the ring finger (4th ringer on the left hand) became such, because it is believed that the vein that runs through that finger goes straight to the heart. The throwing of the rice at the end of the mass now a day is substituted by flower petals or bubbles and symbolizes the good predictions to form a family.

Mexican Bride has three bouquets. The Matron of the Bouquet carries the 1st bouquet; this Matron must be single and signify purity, as her bouquet is given to the bride at the end of the ceremony so that the bride can offer it to the Virgin of Guadalupe as a symbol of respect and purity and to obtain the blessing of their marriage. The main bouquet is the one the Bride holds during the wedding and the third bouquet is the one that she tosses during the party. The bouquet is not strictly a Mexican tradition, but it is important to mention that the flowers represent fertility of the couple and it is believed that the foliage pushes away bad spirits that day.

The veil plays an important role during the ceremony, besides complementing the clothing and over all look, it symbolizes the purity and chastity of the bride. In old times the veil would be removed until the end of the celebration and thus the groom would kiss the bride and receive her purity.

In terms of music, the traditional Mariachis have to be part of the party! The Mariachis can start during the church or at the end of the mass or even during the party to mark the start or finish of the reception. During the reception, in some Mexican weddings, specifically in small towns of Mexico, the bride dances around the guest and each guest places on her dress or veil bills of money with pins. This wishes the happy couple good luck financially as well as helping the bride & groom have some extra spending money for their honeymoon. Additionally, the dance called ‘Vibora de la Mar’ is danced where the bride & groom lead all the guests to dance behind them like a train.

Mexican weddings are so long, that many times the party goes until sunrise, so usually a second dinner is served through the night called a ‘tornaboda‘ and consists of snacks or plated traditional meals usually spicy like tamales, tacos or chilaquiles.

Mexico is a country full of culture and traditions; we have shared only a couple of them with you today, and we welcome you to read more about weddings in Mexico, and especially in Baja California Sur, in our wedding planner column.

We would like to give thank you for people who helped make this beautiful weddings photo shoot:
- One Happenings Weddings & Events, Adriana Dupinet y Leslie Bost, Wedding Planners & Principals. www.onehappenings.com
- PhotoAmore, Francisco Estrada, Photography http://www.photoamore.com
- Blanc Salon, Neysa Berman, Bridal hair and make-up artist http://www.neysaberman.com
- The brides & groom: Lilian Yberri, Neysa Berman & Kevin McCaleb
- Dresses: Cymbeline (Lilian Yberri)
- Mexican Trio: Los Mosquitos

Locations:
- Rancho Las Guacamayas
- Capella Pedregal Hotel & Resort, http://www.capellapedregal.com
- Aeropuerto Internacional de Cabo San Lucas (International Airport in Cabo San Lucas): www.acsl.com.mx
- Hotel Guaycura, http://www.guaycura.com.mx

One doesn’t arrive in El Triunfo as much as you stumble upon it. Only a few blocks long and even fewer wide, on the high winding road between the gulf and the main road between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, you could be excused for missing it.

A collection of rustic brick facades, with cracked mortar and empty windows, stand perilously close to the narrow road asking to be noticed. It has that colonial feel – a faded glory. Further off, a few streets beyond those facades and over a cobblestone bridge, two testaments to a bygone era are less shy in grabbing attention. And if you’re fortunate enough to stop, and maybe listen, you’ll come to know this special town of music and minerals, of ivory and silver.

Silver was first discovered in El Triunfo in 1862. New fortune seekers and those who failed in the fabled rush of 1849 in California (so called “forty niners”) came in droves. English, Americans, Russians, Italians and Chinese all found their way deep into the peninsula and toiled in the hills hoping for redemption in this far away place. For the fortunate the hills opened up and shared their bounty. For others it was not so kind. Many ended their lives in El Triunfo and are laid to rest beneath simple stone markets in the ethnic cemeteries dotting the hillsides.

At about this time Francisca Mendoza – famed musician from California – came at the request of the well heeled and began hosting piano concertos in the shade of warm summer days. At one point El Triunfo boasted more pianos per capita than all cities in Mexico. The Piano Museum, on the main road and open for hosted tours, happily plays on your imagination.

When the pianos fell silent the great smokestacks played on. La Ramona – over ten stories high – was designed by none other than the famed Gustave Eiffel (yes, of Eiffel Tower fame).

In 1865 the population of El Triunfo was 10,000 people – the largest in southern Baja at the time. And now, with the mines largely silent (the largest mining company closed operations in 1926) the tall columns of a former glory stand silent over a quiet town of not more than 400. But stop. Take the time to listen. Walk quietly along the cobblestones. You’ll hear the music still.

Mark Edward

photos: Romana Lilic and Mark Edward

By / Por: Romana Lilic
Photos: / Fotos: LA76

Dwelling proudly at the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, like a gift of nature, Todos Santos is one of the most picturesque Baja towns. It is a place where natives and new locals joyfully share the town’s beauty with curious visitors, searching to discover Todos Santos’s secret of pure living: from surfing and swimming beaches, colorful streets, and cheerful festivals honoring Mexican culture and tradition, to sel-indulgence enjoyed at gourmet restaurants and arts and crafts displayed at myriad of local galleries admired by many. Our trip was aimed at finding not what was hidden, but that which was visible only to those who were ready to discover a real treasure; an exotic paradise, hidden in the middle of the desert.

Despite its desert location, Baja California Sur is a place where you can discover a vast variety of different microclimates just by crossing a river, hill, or arroyo. Todos Santos almost imitates a Mediterranean climate where you are able to discover an unimaginable variety and abundance of plants and fruits you never thought you would be able to encounter in Baja.

Personally enchanted by the mesmerizing beauty of orchids and longing for my own orchid sanctuary, an orchid’s exhibition at the annual Todos Santos Art Festival lead me to search for a man exhibiting these beautiful plants. After a letter of introduction, Mr. Heriberto Parra Hake, agronomic engineer, who specializes in botanicals, is an orchid lover, an owner of a plant nursery and a promoter of Todos Santos culture, invited ESCAPES to visit his garden. This garden proved to be a true Garden of Eden on Earth, boasting exotic plants, fruits, flowers, noche buenas (Christmas flower, called Poinsettia in English), and not the least, an impressive private collection of orchids.

For many, an orchid is a symbol of unattainable perfection. Its beauty is immaculate, its shapes unimaginable, and its color variety unmatched. The orchid is certainly the most diverse plant species, with an array of fascinating blooms. While it may appear very fragile, in wilderness it lives in the most remote and harsh places. Monarchs of the plant kingdom, orchids are arguably the largest family of flowering plants. It is estimated that there are over 30,000 different orchid species on our planet, and new species are still being discovered. On top of this, there are over 100,000 registered hybrid strains, which have been artificially produced.

Many professionals claim orchids are among the most developed plants on the planet. It is believed that with their smell, energy and micro-vibration, we can cure basic illnesses, physical, emotional and spiritual, and Heriberto shares that belief. Today we already have beauty products with orchid extracts, and I believe that sometime in the not so distant future, we will use orchids in medicine as well.

So, one would think, how could such fragile and delicate plants, which love humidity and rainy and spring-like seasons, survive in Baja with average year-round temperature 78 F and 350 sunny days? Heriberto built a special nursery for them, with sprinklers and semi-shade, which gives them optimum growing and blooming conditions. The microclimate of Todos Santos helps with it as well. Orchids are part of his personal collection and you will not be able to persuade him to sell you one. You can though (occasionally) get them in specialized flower boutiques. Orchids are exciting and deeply gratifying to grow. But, don’t say that you haven’t been warned – orchid growing may become an addiction and life-long indulgence.

Aside his private orchid garden, which Heriberto has been growing for already more than 8 years, he proudly guided us through his big garden and nursery of exotic plants and fruits. Seasonal flowers and fruits can be purchased at the nursery, and he makes fruit baskets and flower arrangements for hotels and personal orders. His wish one day is to open a flower store, featuring non conventional flowers.

If you visit Vivero Todos Santos, you will be able to indulge in:
AFRICAN VIOLETS  /  MIRACLE GLOW  /  NOCHE BUENAS IN MANY COLORS  /  GINGER  /  HELICONIA  /  COFFEE PLANT  /  MACADAMIA  /  VANILLA  /  LICHI  /  ESTRELLA  /  MARAKUYA  /  CHIRIMOYA  /  AMENA  /  POMEGRANADE  /  NISPERO  /  JACKFRUIT  /  CASHEW NUT  /  SUNFLOWER  /  DECORATIVE CABBAGE  /  GERBERAS  /  PLUMS  /  VARIOUS MANGO SPECIES  /  PALM TREES  /  BANANA TREES  /  and many, many more.

Vivero Todos Santos
Barrio La Cachora
(+52) 612 145 0225

It is no secret that I just adore Capella Pedregal. If possible, I’d move my office there, and if even more possible, I’d live there. So far, I am always excited and satisfied when having meetings at Capella. The place itself, the decoration, the special friendly feeling that one gets when he’s there, is just amazing. If possible, go try it. At least for a dinner at Don Manuel’s fine dining restaurant or in Auriga Spa. You will be enchanted.

And then you will understand why from every meeting and visit at Capella I end up with bunch of photographs.

A couple of steps from downtown Cabo San Lucas and the Marina, before entering Capella Pedregal gate and its 1,000 foot private tunnel Dos Mares carved through the mountainside, you can hardly imagine what awaits for you on the other side. Upon arrival, facing a breathtaking expanse of azure sea and sky, a friendly greeting welcomes you. You feel comforted as if stepping into the home of a cherished friend. You immediately forget where you are and what you are here for. Is this heaven? Maybe, maybe not. But after spending some time here, you will begin to wish heaven is as nice as Capella Pedregal.

Capella Pedregal is nestled in one of the most coveted pieces of land in Cabo San Lucas. It is laid on 24 beachfront acres at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez near the legendary rock formation known as Land’s End. It is the only luxury hotel and residence resort with immediate proximity to the world class Marina and just a couple of steps from downtown Cabo.

The Capella Pedregal story started more than 30 years ago with Don Manuel Díaz Rivera, an architect, visionary and family patriarch who brought his family to Cabo San Lucas in the 1970s, when it was still a small, 900 inhabitant fishing village. He was in search of a place where they could work, live and thrive together while building a dream. He purchased land that would become Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas in 1974, recognizing the great potential in its glorious views of both the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Several years and three generations later, the Díaz Rivera family continues to live in Pedregal and continues to build the family dream. Pedregal has become one of Cabo’s most exclusive neighborhoods with more than 340 homes built along its cobblestone streets bringing the charms of Old Mexico into the 21^st century with every modern convenience.

The community’s last untouched site of breathtaking cliffside and beachfront land with unrivaled views of Cabo San Lucas, was saved to become home of Capella Pedregal Resort and Residences, a resort development of unprecedented beauty and luxury, and the magnum opus of the Díaz Rivera family legacy.

The opening of Capella Pedregal in July 2009 introduced the esteemed Capella brand to both Mexico and North America. Capella Pedregal promises the unique benefits of the finest boutique hotels — including superb architecture and interior design, the utmost privacy, individualized service and attention to detail — combined with amenities and activities found only in the world’s great luxury hotels and resorts, available to both hotel guests and residents. Capella is a brand focused on customer choice, and offers choices that no other hotel group in the world can match.

“At Capella Pedregal, each guest will feel cared for as if he or she is at the home of a treasured friend, with every need anticipated and each wish fulfilled through our ‘sixth’ sense service,” said Peter Bowling, General Manager at Capella Pedregal. “We will always draw from the best local resources to create unforgettable, authentic Mexican experiences based on the guest’s personal interests.”

This exclusive hideaway encompasses the Capella Pedregal Yacht Club, an intimate 66-room Capella Resort and Spa: 31 shared- and full-ownership Capella Residences, 19 shared- and full-ownership Capella Casonas, and a whole ownership, six-bedroom Capella Estate Villa, all with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.

Auriga Spa is laid in the heart of Capella Pedregal, breathing in and out a pure essence of luxury living. With a name inspired by the heavens and a distinctive approach to wellness, Auriga offers much more than pampering. Its design concept and signature treatments utilize the varying energies of the lunar cycle to relax, restore and realign the mind, body and spirit. Auriga Spas are known throughout the world for their authentic representation of local healing traditions, and Auriga at Capella Pedregal is no exception with its treatments enhanced by Mexican folk healing practices and integrative wellness programs designed to enhance the lives of each guest. Once you’ve tried Auriga Spa, it will certainly become your favorite wellness retreat in Baja Sur.

Capella Pedregal offers three exclusive dining options: the casual Beach Club; El Farallon, a dramatic seaside grill with cliffside tables overlooking the crashing waves below; and Don Manuel’s, Capella’s signature fine dining restaurant. The highlight of Don Manuel’s is Su Cocina, your kitchen, which transforms itself throughout the day. In the morning it is a bustling Mexican market, where you can smell the freshly baked bread, just out of the oven and choose among a variety of fresh fruits and juices, handmade tamales steaming in a cazuela, and other Mexican specialties. After lunch Su Cocina hosts cooking classes with a hand’s on approach to learning many of the popular recipes served, and in the evening it becomes an interactive kitchen to chat with the chefs and sample daily antojitos or appetizers. “Don Manuel’s is a fine dining restaurant in terms of setting, presentation and service, but is unpretentious in the quality of the food and its casual atmosphere if you prefer to eat family style, which is really the sense of Mexico,” explains Marco Bustamante, Capella Pedregal’s Executive Chef, whose restaurant at Capella Hotel in Velden, Austria, earned a rare distinction of a Michelin star within six months of its debut.

In addition to its restaurants, 24-hour-in-room dining is offered, and Private Chef Services available to Capella residents. If you are coming back from a successful day of fishing on one of Capella yachts, the chef and his team will be more than happy to prepare the catch for you.

Capella Pedregal Yacht Club is the only Private Residence Club in the world to offer shared ownership interest in a Yacht fleet with boat slips at Cabo Marina, one of the most exclusive marinas in North America. The fleet of Viking sport fisher and cruiser yachts is available to Capella Residence, Capella Casona owners and hotel guests.

Baja culture pervades every aspect of Capella Pedregal with guestroom interiors that blend modern and traditional Mexican elements. Each hotel room boasts magnificent ocean views with a private plunge pool in every hotel room. The Casonas and Residences are oriented like sunflowers that open up themselves up to the beautiful views that surround them.

Capella Pedregal guests, who wish to experience Cabo, will find the vibrant shops, dining and entertainment of Cabo San Lucas town within easy reach by foot, bike, personal car or resort valet.  Beware though, once you have come to Capella Pedregal, you may not want to leave at all. If there is heaven, let’s hope it looks like Capella Pedregal.

Capella Pedregal Residences: www.capellacabo.com

USA Phone 866 956 7222
Mexico Phone +52 624 172 0374

Capella Pedregal Hotel & Resort: www.capellapedregal.com

USA Phone 866 973 0990
Mexico Phone +52 624 163 4300

Auriga Spa: www.auriga-spa.com

USA Phone 866 973 0990
Mexico Phone +52 624 163 4300

Top 10 winners are:

1. Guadalupe Saucedo Aguilera, with dunes from Guerrero Negro

2. Patrick Holdbrook, with pelican at the Sunset

3. Álvaro Luis Berrón Guerrero, with the fisherman and son at the beach in El Tecolote

4. James Stockhorst, with purple sunset at Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas

5. Teresa Ruskowski, with the sunset photo at Santispac

6. Patricia Mendoza Bejarano, with pitahaya

7. Heather Stotlar, with early morning at Pueblo Bonito Sunset

8. Connie Worth, with rainbow at desertic Baja

9. Michel Cavelier, with fishing boat in the sunset

10. Brooke Donovan, with underwater dorado catch

Congratulations! Your photographs are amazing!

Romana Lilic

Pictures say more than words. I would like to share with you some moments from our photo shooting of the cover photo. The shooting took place in early hours at the beach of Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas. The cover wouldn’t be possible without this great team: photographer Francisco Estrada, PhotoMexico; Betzabe Millan, Sandra Reyna and team at Mar adentro, who did the creative concept and make up; creative clothing artist and stylist Pepita from The Magic of the Moon and Pepita. We borrowed the hat from Tropica Calypso, Beautiful jewlery was provided by Marquina Art & Jewelry, flowers arranged by The Flower Cart, and food was prepared by Baja Cantina and their executive chef Silviano Orozco.

You can see ESCAPES, issue 2, as a flip-through magazine here.

Los Cabos as it used to be

Looking back at family albums brings back nice memories, and strengthens the vision of the future. Diaz Rivera Family is continuing to build upon their vision and legacy for already 3 decades.

View the photos and their description in ESCAPES (issue 1, inside back cover).