• Seasonal Ideas

We're celebrating Halloween by getting ready for the traditional Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This stunning photo shoot was expertly designed by the talented Jean Hilpert. Standard traditions, such as sugar skulls, vibrant flowers, candles and Pan de Muerto, were combined with modern geometric patterns giving this customary celebration a modern twist.
Read on to learn so much more about this Mexican celebration along with details about this inspirational shoot from the fabulous photographer, Audra Wrisley Photography & Design. Be sure to stay tuned for our next post to learn the techniques used to make the awesome Terra Cotta Pot centerpieces! As always, you can view more of these amazing Dia de Los Muertos wedding ideas by visiting the full gallery here.

From Audra Wrisley Photography & Design:Our inspiration for this shoot was to incorporate a few 'Dia de Los Muertos' traditions (the Mexican Day of the Dead Celebration) in a colorful, vibrant way that will hopefully serve as inspiration for weddings. We incorporated traditional details such as sugar skulls, matchstick favors, Saint candles and homemade Pan de Muerto to name a few - in addition to a few modern twists. Incorporated into the invitations and paper goods, is a strong geometric design aesthetic, inspired from modern Mexican design trends.About Dia de Los Muertos:
The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration takes place on November 1 and 2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. They also leave possessions of the deceased.

About Pan de Muerto:
Pan de Muerto is a type of sweet roll traditionally baked in Mexico during the weeks leading up to the Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is a sweetened soft bread shaped like a bun, often decorated with bone-like pieces. It is eaten on Día de los Muertos, at the gravesite or altar of the deceased.
The classic recipe for Pan de Muerto is a simple sweet bread recipe, often with the addition of anise seeds, and other times flavored with orange flower water. Other variations are made depending on the region or the baker. The one baking the bread will usually wear decorated wrist bands, a tradition which was originally to protect from burns on! the stove or oven. Check out a Pan de Muerto Recipe here

Toast to Dia de Los Muertos with a Mexican Peach cocktail
1 1/2 oz. Pallini Peachcello
1 1/2 oz. Tequila
1 oz. Numi Organic White Nectar Tea (made into an ice tea)
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

We included a small DIY project with washi tape; creating fun, colorful flags for the cupcakes and thank you gifts. Another DIY we tackled for the shoot, were a few twists on a basic terra cotta pot: gold leafing, fabric paper decoupage, vibrantly painted acrylics, all while incorporating the modern geometric trend. Alfajores decorated with powdered sugar for dessert and gold sugar rimmed glasses for the white sangria, made for two fun alterations on Mexican party traditions.

• Black Dress: Lord & Taylor
• Day of the Dead Loteria Card Matchboxes: Kritter Couture by Kathleen182
• Dress Designer: Last Dance Vintage
• Event Designer: Jean Hilpert
• Groom & His Men: Suitsupply
• Hair, Makeup & Veil or Hair Accessories: Mandy Hollinger
• Jewelry: Exgalabur
• Models: Thao Trang
• Photographer: Audra Wrisley Photography & Design
• Seagrass mat, serving tray, opal shell chimes, & pillows: World market
• Venue: Glen Echo Park
• Wedding DJ: Deborah Minarik Events