An Oaxacan Oasis - Inside Perry Mattfeld & Mark Sanchez’s Wedding - Written By Carli Halper Otero
Within one of Oaxaca’s most treasured historical landmarks, actress Perry Mattfeld and Former NFL star and NFL analyst Mark Sanchez tied the knot in Mexico on May 28, 2023.
The two met in 2017 after a blind date setup by a mutual friend. Over dinner at Au Cheval in Chicago, the pair learned they had more in common than they could have ever imagined – both are Hispanic, were born at the same hospital, grew up in Long Beach, and attended the University of Southern California. From that night on, the rest was history, with their mutual friend officiating their wedding.
The whirlwind wedding weekend began with a welcome dinner hosted at Criollo by Chef Luis Arellano. Guests mingled in the chic yet rustic digs and kicked off the celebration with authentic Oaxacan cuisine.
The couple along with their closest friends and family rehearsed the following night at Hotel Azul de Oaxaca, with each bridesmaid and groomsman sharing their well wishes for the couple. The night was a romantic and intimate affair that calmed the nerves of the bride and groom before the big day.
Their fairytale wedding followed, with the bride and groom exchanging their own handwritten vows at Quinta Real, a beautifully restored historic monastery from the 1500s that emanated old world charm against the couple’s modern romance. Mark’s 6 year-old son Daniel delivered the rings as ring bearer and received a special standing ovation from guests. He soaked in the love down the aisle before taking his place as one of Mark’s groomsmen.
Inspired by their setting, the bride wore a custom Karen Sabag Bridal gown, featuring an A-line layered corset with beaded embroidered French lace. The skirt was composed of playful soft layers with pleated silk tulle and French beaded solstiss lace.
“When considering my wedding day hair and makeup, I kept in mind a quote that Mark shared with me from one of his former NFL coaches who said, ‘Game Day is not the day to try new stuff,’” Mattfeld recounts. “And isn’t that so true? I didn’t want to look back at my wedding pictures and not recognize myself. I kept everything special, but still very natural.”
The celebrations continued after the ceremony at Casa dos Lagos, a private estate, gardens and butterfly sanctuary in the heart of Oaxaca City. The tented reception featured thousands of twinkle lights suspended from above as the newlyweds shared a first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, performed live by Leslie Powell & Seth Cook. Family and friends joined in on the fun, dancing the night away until the early hours of the morning.
The lush surroundings inspired their decor, featuring abundant greenery throughout the space along with earthy florals in an array of peachy pink hues. Each table setting featured a monogramed jicara, which is a traditional cup for drinking Mezcal, made from the gourd of the native Crescentia tree. Guests dined on a family style dinner of traditional Oaxacan cuisine topped the night off with a combination of the couple’s favorite desserts – churros and coconut tres leches cake.
Throughout the night, a subtle butterfly motif touched nearly every part of their special day. Incorporated into the bride’s veil design, during the ceremony, engraved inside their wedding bands, and on the invitations. “The butterfly symbolizes a special connection to those who are no longer with us,” Mattfeld shared.
After the momentous weekend, the couple headed to East Africa for their honeymoon – Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and the Seychelles – to begin their next chapter as husband and wife.
When reflecting on the day, Mattfeld has no regrets. “It was the best 3-day weekend filled with culture, music, incredible food, and I got to marry the love of my life surrounded by our favorite people! It exceeded any and all expectations. Can we do it again?!”