Photographer Donna von Bruening recently traveled to a few of our favourite areas: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Place in the highlands 170 miles north of Mexico City, SMA is an artist’s haven, with buildings and roads dating back to the 1700s. The atmosphere makes it an amazing place for destination weddings. Donna was there for  the Celebration of the Birthday of General Allende, a street party in honour of the creator of the town. Here’s the town through her eyes:

We stayed at Casa Hyder (aka Casa Elegantes), an 11-bedroom  chemical that belongs to  art collector.     It’s comprised of three homes, and everywhere you turn is an eclectic collection of folk art or even a garden   — it is literally breathtaking!   Itcomes fully staffed cook, with a concierge, and housekeeping, and’s available for lease.

Following is a view of the major sala, where guests gather for evening cocktails and afternoon coffee.

I took this while taking at Casa Hyder during cocktail hour.

Mariachi rings that are strolling are a common sight in San Miguel. Locals and tourists alike produce parades of celebrations for weddings, birthdays and all sorts.

Guests are being called by all these mariachis to the courtyard to get a parade.    The town is full of beautiful courtyards similar to this.

We had been there through the Celebration of the Birthday of General Allende: Hero of National Independence. He’s the namesake of the town, therefore there are bands celebrations and dance all in celebration of him, in the square.   Here, people are gathering  to depart through town following the Mojigangas, giant dancing puppets which are trademark of fiestas here for a parade.

Townspeople decorate their rock walls with trinkets and garlands.

The markets are filled that will help celebrate, in El Jardin, the central plaza of San Miguel de Allende like these pinatas.

I love the cobblestone roads of the city, for wandering ideal. It’s possible to make a holiday of relaxing at the many café’s and restaurants, and browsing in the stores and art galleries.

The dome belongs to  the Church of the Immaculate Conception, among the most beautiful historical churches of the city.