SASHA
&
GABRIEL
MEXICO CITY
MAY 2020
OUR STORY
WE REALLY CAN'T WAIT TO CELEBRATE WITH ALL OF YOU!
Our plans for the weekend are below. We will provide a more detailed timetable as we move closer to the festivities.
____
MAY 22
Fri.
. . .
Shabbat with the Shalom's
Cocktail Attire
. . .
Shuttles to depart promptly at 7:00PM from The Intercontinental Hotel
____
MAY 23
Sat.
. . .
¡ Festive Fiesta !
Colorful Festive Attire
. . .
Shuttles to depart promptly at 12:00PM from The Intercontinental Hotel.
____
MAY 24
Sun.
. . .
The Wedding
Black Tie
. . .
Shuttles to depart promptly at 6:00PM from The Intercontinental Hotel.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Although overlapping one year in high school, it wasn't until 2014 that Sasha & Gabriel officially met. It was a mutual friends birthday at a bar in Culver City, and the exchange was brief, but it definitely included an electrifying dance-off. A few more run-ins over the next few months, and then... IT WAS A TALE AS OLD AS TIME!
. . .
Guy asks girl for number.
Girl gave guy the wrong number.
(Wait what?!)
Thankfully that's not where it ended!
. . .
Luckily, it was an honest one-digit off mistake and the story continued with the help of our mutual best friend. Dating was not in the cards for them at that time, and the start of their friendship had just begun. Over the next 3 years, their very close friendship became the very foundation of their soon to be relationship.
. . .
Fast forward to November 4, 2017
. . .
They had driven up to Ojai with a large group of friends to celebrate a birthday, and it was this weekend where everything just changed. She was looking at him a little differently, and he recognized this shift in energy. After an amazing night of singing, dancing, and sticking to each other sides -- they had "the talk" -- and risking their amazing friendship, they decided to jump into a relationship. Best decision they ever made!
. . .
Fast forward to August 31, 2019
. . .
Hidden under the intent of Gabriel's 30th birthday, Gabriel planned a "last minute trip" to Ojai Valley Inn to have a relaxing weekend with Sasha. As he always does, Gabriel told Sasha he made the reservation and told the hotel concierge it was their 8-year wedding anniversary, hoping for some romantic hotel treatment.
. . .
"Sasha! Guess what! They offered us a Sunset Lover's Horseback Ride to celebrate", he said, " they also told me they're going to give us a surprise at the end of the ride!".
. . .
Ordinary Gabriel antics she thought. Little did she know at the time, Gabriel made a couple trips to plan all of this in May! The horseback ride was beautiful, ending at a decorated gazebo right in time for the sunset. Still clueless, Sasha exclaims "Wow, Gabby! Look they even have my favorites! Sunflowers!" to which Gabriel replies, "Yea, they must be in season or something!"
. . .
He takes out the ring. She freaks out. He asks her to marry him.
SHE SAID YES!
. . .
And now we're here!
<3
WEEKEND LINEUP
NEIGHBORHOODS
QUICK INTRO TO SOME OF MEXICO CITY'S BEST NEIGHBORHOODS
Polanco (High End & Lively)
Often referred to as the Beverly Hills of Mexico City. Polanco is among the safest of neighborhoods both during the day and at night. Mixed residential and commercial, it is highly walk-able and there is no shortage of good restaurants, nightlife, or places to shop. Our hotel for the wedding (see next section) is located here as well.
Roma (Young & Hipster)
Divided by a North & South, Roma is another one of Mexico City's safest neighborhoods. For your Los Angeles comparison, think Silver Lake / Los Feliz. It has a stylish eclectic edge, heavily fixated in their arts, and is vibrantly colorful. Great area to walk around and explore.
La Condesa (Bohemian)
La Condesa neighbors Roma, and shares a very similar feel. A lot more green and lined with beautiful trees, La Condesa has a multitude of restaurants, cafes and boutiques to explore. Be sure to walk around Parque Mexico, and all else the city offers.
ACCOMMODATIONS
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF OUR GUESTS, A BLOCK OF ROOMS HAVE BEEN RESERVED AT:
The
InterContinental
Presidente
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE!
While there may be other tasteful boutique hotels or Airbnb options, we STRONGLY recommend that all guests stay at the provided hotel. The main reason being -- that infamous Mexico City traffic! All of the events are held outside of the hotel, and the shuttles will arrive and depart from the Intercontinental promptly at the scheduled times. We don't want anybody to miss the shuttles! The bride and groom will be staying here as well with their respective families, so please join us!
RESERVE
BY EMAIL
Click on
Please be sure to include the following information in your email:
Check-in Date
Check-out Date
Hotel: The Intercontinental Presidente
Event: Gabriel & Sasha Wedding
Group Code: G5S
RESERVE
BY PHONE
Call Group Reservations
Be sure to reference:
The Intercontinental Presidente
Group Code: G5S
Gabriel & Sasha Wedding
once you connect with a reservation specialist.
RESERVE
BY WEBSITE
Click on
It will look exactly like the hotel website, but the Group Code is already entered and active. Simply enter your dates, and continue with your booking.
If you go to the hotel website without the link provided, be sure to enter
IATA# 99801505 & Group Code: G5S
when making your reservation.
(see example below)
THINGS TO KNOW
MEXICO CITY IS RAPIDLY BECOMING ONE OF THE TOP PLACES TO VISIT AND WITH GOOD REASON!
To help you travel smart, we have a couple of travel notes for those of you who are spending some extra time here.
1. FLY TO MEXICO CITY INTL AIRPORT
The airport is only about 30-60 minutes to the hotels, depending on traffic. We recommend flying into town Thursday night, so you can be relaxed and ready to go for Friday festivities. Make sure your passport is valid—through December 2020. Your passport cannot expire within six months of your visit to Mexico.
2. UBER OR TAXI?
Uber's are the easiest & safest option in Mexico City. It’s cheap to use and there are LOADS available. You should NOT hail a cab off the street. Instead, have your hotel or restaurant radio a taxi for you. If you decide to take a taxi from the airport, only get OFFICIAL taxis. These will be identified outside of the terminal when you step outside.
3. GET READY TO ELEVATE!
Mexico City is at an elevation of 7,382 ft (2,250 m) — about the height of a Colorado ski town. Taking lots of Vitamin E can help adjust, and make sure to drink lots of water and be ready for alcohol to hit you harder than down at sea level. Work on that cardio, because we're going to jump and dance all weekend!
4. NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT ZIKA
According to the CDC Travel Information Website, Mexico City has a very low likelihood of Zika infection because of its high elevation (above 2,000 meters).
5. PETTY THEFT & PICK-POCKETING
If you’ve been to other Latin American countries, you likely already know the drill. Don’t make yourself a target! Leave your jewelry and watches it in the hotel safe when exploring the city. It’s all about traveling smart and blending in. Keep your wits about you and have an awesome time.
WHERE TO EAT
EAT, EAT, EAT, and then, EAT SOME MORE!
Mexico City is known for its delicious street food, fine dining and the best tacos ever. Here’s a food itinerary for you to salivate over during your extended stay or any future trips to Mexico City, from two foodies to all.
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
Great lunch spot from the Pujol family
Small Cafe with great coffee and a more relaxed brunch
Local Jewish Deli in Polanco
+ Maison Belen (Polanco)
Delicious Mexican & European brunch
Located in the Intercontinental, it's open 24/7, great for after hour meals or hangover cures
Delicious brunch or lunch spot
Delicious Bakery
Same owner of Rosetta
Coffee or Aperol Spritz in the morning or Fried Chicken Sandwich in the evening
Anthony Bourdain recommended as “Probably the best breakfast ever”
LUNCH & DINNER
Very fancy tasting menu. It’s part of the Top 20 restaurants in the world. Make a reservation for their dining experience or for their taco omakase
Fancy and amazing tasting menu. Make sure to make reservation.
Stylish South American restaurant that used to be a home. Definitely be ready to eat some red meat.
Excellent Mexican Restaurant with a modern an inventive take on Mexican cuisine.
Great Italian restaurant. Same as the one in New York & Las Vegas
International cuisine with many incredible creative & delicious dishes.
POWER LUNCH spot that should be long and boozy. This place is a MUST GO. And make sure to order the fish with two salsas
Chic family-run farm-to-table French, Mexican spot
Big conglomerate of great food vendors all located in a market hall
Italian with a Mexican twist
Casual dinner spot with a large cocktail and wine list
Excellent speakeasy where you can enjoy tacos, drinks, games and music
Same owner as Contramar. Excellent seafood.
High end Mexican restaurant with set menu
+ Le Tachinomi Desu (Cuauhtémoc)
Japanese small plate dinner and be sure to check out Tokyo Music Bar adjacent to the restaurant
A WHOLE LOT OF TACOS!!!
There are really so many places to grab delicious tacos. Below are just a few...
LOCAL SPOTS
DRINKS, BARS & CLUBS
Very trendy hotspot. Great for drinks after 10pm.
Speakeasy bar with live jazz music & cool vibe
+ Hotel Condesa D.F Rooftop (Condesa)
Great place to start off your night with beautiful views, laid back drinking and conversations
French restaurant, ask about the bar and you’ll be ushered upstairs
Intimate speak easy bar with live jazz
Live music amazingly fun
Basement speakeasy bar with specialty cocktails
Late afternoon drinks turns into a club
One third brunch spot, one third coffee shop and one third mezcal bar, you could spend all day long here
Speakeasy bar with excellent craft cocktails
+ Tokyo Music Bar (Cuauhtémoc)
Hifi oldies and amazing drinks
Full of expats, but still an authentic vibe. Great mezcal cocktails
BEAUTY, WELLNESS & SHOPPING
+ Hela Spa at The InterContinental
Hotel Spa: 15% discount on services for all wedding guests (does not include packages)
+ Jean Louis David at The InterContinental
Hotel Beauty Salon: 15% discount on makeup and hair styling for all wedding guests
+ White Room Nail & Dry Bar (Polanco)
Shopping Street in Polanco with all the boutiques
+ El Palacio de los Palacios (Polanco)
Shopping Mall in Polanco
THINGS TO DO
SITES & ACTIVITIES
The Home and Design Studio of the famous Mexican Architect. He also awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize, which is the highest award in architecture. His home inside and outside of the city are beautiful to visit. Be sure to also check out the last house he ever designed - Casa Gilardi
Frida Kahlo's Private Universe: Also known as Casa Azul (The Blue House). It is also located in one of the oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods in Mexico City.
Art Exhibition that is constantly changing. Check to see if there is an exhibit you'd like to see when you are in town.
The site is more than 2,000 years old and is known for its two massive pyramids - Pyramid of the Sun & Pyramid of the Moon. It is a must see if you have the time. Just don't plan a trip here on the day of any wedding event, as you may risk not getting back in time.
Large park to walk around in during the day, with plenty of things to do and see. Most notably: The Museum of Anthropology, The Museum of National History, & the Chapultepec Castle.
A mega library covering 38,000 square meters and holding over 340,000 books. If you have some spare time, it's definitely worth stopping by to check this out.
Xochimilco is famous for its floating gardens and is a popular weekend destination among tourists who visit in boats and float around in the canals.