Director’s Cut Wedding with Mariachi and Fireworks at Hacienda Sac Chich

When an actor and a director match on Hinge mid-pandemic, you don’t just get a love story, you get a wedding with a soundtrack and a production schedule. Kimberly (she/her) and Ann Marie (she/her) delivered exactly that. From the Mariachi Kukulcan escorting guests into cocktail hour to rainbow light-up sneakers on the dance floor, this day fused their Mexican and Filipino heritage into something vibrant and deeply personal. Add in two chihuahuas carrying the rings and a fireworks display set to Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” and you’ve got one unforgettable party.

How did your love story begin?

Kimberly: We matched on Hinge in 2021, right in the thick of pandemic lockdowns. Our first date was socially distanced at Silverlake Reservoir. That spot later became the place I proposed. After getting our vaccines, we joined pods, spent nights watching old movies, and worked on creative projects: Ann Marie writing and directing while I acted and worked in music. That closeness led us to move in together and, eventually, to collaborate on film projects that focused on queer and BIPOC communities.

Ann Marie: We got engaged in 2022, but union strikes delayed our plans. When we finally moved to Mérida in 2024 to plan our wedding, it felt like everything had come full circle.

Why Mérida, Yucatán for your wedding venue?

Ann Marie: I studied abroad here in college and always wanted to come back. Getting married in Mérida honored my Mexican heritage and gave my 92-year-old grandmother a chance to return to Mexico for the first time since childhood. We worked with Touche Weddings coordinator Ale Lugo, who understood both my heritage and Kimberly’s Filipino roots. She blended these cultures seamlessly.

How would you describe your wedding style and vision?

We wanted something culturally rich but approachable. Visuals and music were very important to us. We based table assignments and centerpieces on the Mexican “Lotería” game. Our ceremony included the traditional Arras (coins), Lasso, and Veil rituals found in both Mexican and Filipino weddings.

We had friends perform a stripped-down version of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” with Anderson Rocio and Nash Overstreet. A live Mariachi Kukulcan played Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and violin arrangements of “I Love You Always Forever” and “Que Sera Sera.”

What traditions or unique elements were most important to you?

We both proposed to each other separately so we could each have that experience. On the wedding day, we both walked down the aisle separately to maintain that first-look moment.

We also reimagined the father-daughter dance by switching partners mid-song, symbolizing family unity and acceptance. Our chihuahuas, Boba and Mochi, carried the rings down the aisle in custom collars. We skipped cake for Marquesitas, a Yucatán specialty, and ended the night with Cochinita pibil tortas catered by Banquetes Camino Premium.

What were your wedding day highlights?

Waking up to homemade chilaquiles, taking portraits with Francesca Carpinelli, and watching our guests light up when the Mariachi Kukulcan led everyone from the ceremony to cocktail hour.

Also, performing our salsa, merengue, and cha-cha routine to Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida” choreographed by Martha L.Z. Pamintuan and then hitting the dance floor to music by iPro Music while wearing rainbow LED sneakers. Oh, and the fireworks to Rihanna’s “We Found Love.” That was epic.

What advice would you give to couples planning a wedding?

Find a coordinator who respects your budget and truly gets to know you. Touche Weddings was incredible and never pushed us beyond what felt right.

Also, keep a small emergency fund in your budget. And don’t feel pressured to follow traditions exactly. Choose what’s meaningful to you and let everything else go.

How did your vows come together?

Kimberly: I kept notes for months, then took time alone in Mexico to write. One part said, “Instead of crumbling at the weight of our challenges, we laid it down to build a foundation. As long as we have each other, there is nothing we can’t overcome.”

Ann Marie: I wanted to capture how deeply I love Kimberly’s empathy and humor. I even included a quote from our favorite coffee shop in Mérida: “Me basta mirarte para saber que con vos, me voy a empapar el alma.” I just have to look at you to know that with you, I’m going to soak my soul.

Any favorite vendor shout-outs?

Absolutely. Francesca Carpinelli, our photographer, who became a true friend during our extended engagement. Avec Amour, our videography team, captured the day cinematically. Rosas Y Tulipanes Florería created stunning florals, while Abril Suárez and makeup artists Adriana Calero and Andrea Pique made us feel amazing.

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Photography by Francesca Carpinelli

Catering Banquetes Camino Premium
Ceremony Venue Hacienda Sac Chich
Choreographer Martha L.Z. Pamintuan
DJ iPro Music
Florist Rosas Y Tulipanes Florería
Hair Stylist Abril Suárez
Live Music Anderson Rocio,  Mariachi Kukulcan & Nash Overstreet
Makeup Adriana Calero & Andrea Pique
Videographer Avec Amour
Wedding Coordinator Touche Weddings