When Robert Sorokolit and Lauren Foust got engaged last November they had no notion that the celebration of their marriage would evolve into week-long lakeside celebration with far-reaching benefits for many.
Beyond the joyous occasion that brought together family and friends from around the globe, the wedding party held Saturday, September 5 at Las Caballerizas in San
Juan Cosalá was part of an extended adventure that turned many guests into accidental ambassadors for Mexico while generating plenty of business for the local economy.
The idea of celebrating their nuptials on Lake Chapala’s shores cropped up over the Christmas holidays while the young couplewas vacationing with the groom’s parents, Chris and Kelly Sorokolit, residents of Fort Worth, Texas, who have had a second home here for the past eight years. It was a drive through the Monte Coxala resort during their stay that put the Mexico marriage plans on track.
“I’m from Texas, Lauren’s from California,” Rob explained. “We realized guests would have to travel no matter where the wedding was held, so why not here in this beautiful setting?”
Reflecting on ambience and expense factors, Lauren seconded that. “We weren’t open to a Marriot ballroom party. And doing it here meant we could afford having an open bar, great food, fresh flowers – 400 gladiolas for 25 dollars –and so much more.”
Lauren and Rob met in their first year at the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific. Both are now practicing attorneys. They were legally married in a private civil ceremony in Sacramento earlier this month. They exchanged vows here in a light-hearted ceremony performed by law school classmate Mark Turner, with 185 guests as their witnesses.
Once the bridal party posed for a photo session, the newlyweds led a tequila toast with the bride pouring out shots while mounted on an adorable brown burro named Ramon.
Other special details of the boda blowout included the ceramic tasting mugs and blown-glass water goblets purchased in Tonala, dozens of straw hats purchased from a local roadside stand that were handed out for guests for protection from sun and rain, handsome cowboy boots Rob picked out for his groomsmen and a big supply of cigars favored by his lawyer colleagues. Local musical groups booked to entertain were Tito Hinojosa and his mariachi band, Victor Garcia’s Trebol World Music Trio and the Tallboys Band. And, of course, a classic Mexican fireworks display was fired off to light up the night.
The festivities stretched out over five days, with wedding guests relishing a complete Mexico experience as they boarded buses for day trips to Tequila and Tlaquepaque and ventured out on the local scene for restaurant, bar and boutique hopping, as well as a group gathering for seasonal festivities at the Ajijic plaza.
For many of those attending, the trip was a positive introduction to the real inside Mexico that stands in contrast to disturbing images gleaned from media stories circulating in their home countries and the artificial atmosphere some had experienced visiting places such as Cancun and northern border towns. They are taking home warm memories of friendly people, gorgeous scenery, and a safe and fun vacation spot.