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Cultural Cancun Destination Wedding Part II

One colorful soiree wrapped up in cultural meaning is a surefire way to get our hearts racing. But, add in the fact that this is only the second installment of this stunning affair and you’ve captivated our hearts and minds. With beautiful blooms by Canteiro, every snap from Heather Waraksa is a pretty pop of color within one show-stopping Mehndi party. See it all here!

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Sunsets, sandy toes and stunning pops of color, this is our idea of the perfect fete. Winning the award for impressive color combinations, this darling pair celebrated their upcoming nuptials with crafted cocktails and plenty of Planner 1 Events blooms. Heather Waraksa was behind the lens capturing every minute to share including their wedding (up next!).

Colors
Styles
Whimsical

From the beautiful Bride… During the holiday break in December, I went to India with Sam and his family to buy all of our Indian outfits for the wedding. We practically went to every single shop in Delhi and Chandigarh. There we spent as much time shopping for the accompanying jewelry as on the outfits. It was a lot of fun, but very intense. Luckily Sam’s aunt and cousin had already done the legwork of finding the best shops for us to visit, so we were able to get all the shopping done in under a week, which I’ve been told is miraculous. I had also wanted to wear a white dress in addition to all the indian outfits, and I shopped around for quite a while. I ended up with one from J.Crew because it was just the right amount of simple and understated elegance for me.

In India, Sam got his friends kurtas (traditional indian long shirt & pants) and I got my friends handprinted Indian scarfs. We wanted our friends to have something Indian they could wear if they wanted to for the Sikh ceremony and the Mendhi. We had fun picking out the colors for each of our friends. We also got a lot of bangles and bindis for women at the Mendhi. It was inspired by tradition and was all so very colorful, celebratory and playful.

Because we were hosting an entire weekend, we had a total of six events. When asked if we had a favorite, I honestly can say that we have been debating the answer to this exact question with family since the wedding. I just can’t pick one! I absolutely loved all of them.

Photography: Heather Waraksa | Videography: Mike Cantarell Films | Event Design & Planning: AaB Creates | Floral Design: Canteiro | Hair & Makeup: Alexandre Corbanezi | DJ: DJ NVM | Transportation : Mayan Hospitality | Fireworks: Special Events Mexico | Live Entertainment: Visuddha Entertainment | Mendhi: Veronica De La Paz | Paper Goods + Accessories : Wedding Paper Divas | Photo Booth: La Cabina Smile Booth | Rentals: Canteiro | Speciality Linens: BBJ La Tavola

Romantic Riviera Maya Wedding

Ever since I got back from a long weekend in the Dominican Republic, I’ve been dreaming of going back to a beachside paradise. After seeing this breathtaking wedding set against charming thatched roofs and breezy palm trees, it’s official—my next trip will be to the Riviera Maya, and I’ll be booking it through April Schmitt at Divine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. Inspire your wanderlust and see all the gorgeous details captured by Amy Rizzuto Photography in the gallery.

From Amy Rizzuto Photography … The sun rose slowly, casting a warm glow over the turquoise blue waves lapping against the bright white sand. It was the morning of Danielle and Adam’s wedding day, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. With hearts for adventure and travel, Danielle and Adam decided to get married in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Eighty- four of their closest friends and family ventured to the Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Resort to witness Danielle and Adam tie the knot and become husband and wife.

Before the walk down a beautiful sea shell lined aisle, Danielle and Adam decided upon a first look in an old abandoned mansion on the beach. As a single tear trickled down his smile lined face, Adam pulled Danielle in for the biggest hug, whispering she looked more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. After their gorgeous sunset ceremony, Danielle and Adam danced the night away with all of their family and friends.

Photography: Amy Rizzuto Photography | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Resort | Location: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Resort | Photography - Assistance: Mekina Saylor Weddings | Travel Agent : Divine Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

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Cultural Cancun Destination Wedding Part I

Tuesdays are my tough days; smack in the middle of Monday’s fresh start and Wednesday’s hump day joy. But today is different m’dears; we’re taking a little Mexican mental escape with a full day of festivities following along on this weekend-long destination celebration from AaB Creates, with gorgeous rentals and blooms from Canteiro. Heather Waraksa captured it all, starting with the couple’s chic Welcome Party right here; let’s get started!

Colors
Styles
Modern

From the Bride… Sam and I met at Harvard Business School six years ago. We had heard about each other through mutual friends but finally met toward the end of our first semester at the holiday party, aptly named Holidazzle. We started dating seriously a few months later.

When we got engaged, we chose to have a destination wedding because we wanted to gather all of our friends and family in one place where they can meet each other and spend quality time together for the entire weekend, away from the distractions of everyday life. A Mexican beach was top of our destination list because it brings back many great memories for us. The warm climate felt especially attractive for us in March, and also for our East Coast friends and family to escape the cold winter. Sam and I had wanted to wed in Cabo but our initial plans were knocked off by the hurricane in October. We ultimately fell in love with Nizuc in Cancun during a scouting trip and decided to do our wedding there instead. The location ended up being super convenient for guests to travel to, which was an important consideration for us.

Photography: Heather Waraksa | Videography: Mike Cantarell Films | Event Design & Planning: AaB Creates | Floral Design: Canteiro | Hair & Makeup: Alexandre Corbanezi | DJ: DJ NVM | Venue: Nizuc Resort And Spa | Event Accessories: Wedding Paper Divas | Fireworks: Special Events Mexico | Live Entertainment: Visuddha Entertainment | Mendhi: Veronica De La Paz | Photo Booth: La Cabina Smile Booth | Rentals: Canteiro | Speciality Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Transporation: Mayan Hospitality

Destination Tulum, Mexico Beach Wedding

Need a getaway? Escape to the sandy beaches of Tulum, Mexico in this beautiful wedding captured by Brittrene Photo. We love it all, from the flower crowns and the long, flowing bridesmaids’ dressed to the thatched roof huts where guests dined al freso, and we’d expect no less from the exceptional team behind Destination Weddings Tulum! Dive into the details in the full gallery right here.

Colors
Styles
Bohemian

From the beautiful Bride… From the moment we met we were inseparable. The first year of our relationship was filled with fun and exciting adventures. We were fortunate enough to be able to travel to several places together, including Tulum, Mexico. There in Mexico, we fell in love. Ever since that amazing trip, we’ve had a soft place in our hearts for Tulum, which is why we were thrilled to start the rest of our lives in one of the very first places our love began.

Our wedding week was truly a fairy tale from beginning to end. The venue was the perfect backdrop to our love story. Gwen and her team from Destination Weddings Tulum handled every aspect of the wedding from the rehearsal dinner at Hartwood to the Cenote Cave tour to the late night churro cart; no detail was overlooked. We chose to have a destination wedding because we wanted all our guests to feel like they were on vacation. La Zebra had the rustic feel we wanted but still had the comforts of home. The days before the wedding we lounged by the ocean, played corn hole and even went cave swimming with our guests.

Like most brides, I was very nervous to see how the vision in my dreams would actually look, especially when your only able to correspond via email. The morning of the wedding I looked out the bridal suite to see blue skies, puffy white clouds and crystal clear turquoise water. I knew at that moment that it was going to be a perfect day. My husband and I still can’t believe what an amazing destination wedding we had. We feel truly lucky to have had so many loved ones with us to celebrate our love story.

Photography: Brittrene Photo | Videography: Rainbow Fish Cinema | Coordination: Destination Weddings Tulum | Wedding Dress: KENNETH POOL | Shoes: BHLDN | Jewelry: Styled By Twos Company | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Joanna August | DJ: Dj Luca Zannelli | Wedding Venue: La Zebra | Bridesmaid Gifts: Kate Spade | Flower Girl Dresses: Zulily | Groom's And Groomsmen's Suits And Shirts: Groomsmen Gifts | Groomsmen Belt Gifts: J.Crew | Ring Bearer Bow Tie/Suspenders: J.Crew | Robes: Etsy Shop Silkandmore | Wedding Belt: Styled By Twos Company

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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Cabo San Lucas Beachside Hotel Wedding

A winter wedding in Cabo San Lucas is always an idea we can get behind! This one’s a kick-off-your-shoes kind of affair, with a ceremony on the beach and reggae tunes at the reception, that has us swept off our feet! Beautifully captured by Sara Richardson Photography, you can dive into the full gallery right here.

From the beautiful Bride… Mariano and I met in Cabo San Lucas. There was no need for conversation – of course we would tie the knot there! We have so many insanely beautiful memories at the beaches, camping, fishing and diving in Cabo that we were so excited to solidify our relationship on the beach down there with our closest friends and family members present.

We chose to have the wedding on December 6th 2014 at The Cabo Surf Hotel because of its intimacy and simplicity. The hotel itself is not huge so we knew that it would allow for a more private setting. Fifty-five friends and family members made it to the celebration and everything went magically. The amount of love during our special day was overflowing. I’ll never forget all the cat calls during the ceremony, all the happy tears that were shed, the dancing, and the insanely gorgeous huge red moon that appeared just as the reception was kicking off.

The Shamans, a local band play from Cabo, couldn’t have been a better fit with their classic rock reggae vibes. The tables and flowers by Pina were simple and gorgeous! Everyone had a sand dollar with their name on it that we flew in from the Bahamas, and my sister made our favorite homemade oatmeal cookies as a midnight snack for everyone to take home with them! I was so grateful to our photographer Sara Richardson and her team for capturing every moment. She has a romantic, organic style that I adore, and we will cherish the photos from her forever!

Photography: Sara Richardson Photography | Coordination: Cabo Surf Hotel | Floral Design: Pina Hernandez | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Invitations: Love VS. Design | Shoes: Tory Burch | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Catering: Cabo Surf Hotel | Band: The Shamans | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Wedding Venue: Cabo Surf Hotel

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Black Tie Cabo San Lucas Wedding

Just because the bash takes place on the beach, doesn’t mean you have to abandon all elegance and glamour. This Bride took her love for all things chic (her dress is the same one that Ms. Carrie Bradshaw wore on the cover of Vogue) and brought a black tie affair to Mexico for her nighttime nuptials. Sara Richardson snapped away and we have these gorgeous goodies to enjoy for the rest of today.

From the Bride… Mark and I knew we wanted a destination wedding from the moment we got engaged. We both love to travel, and loved the idea of having a multiple day celebration with our family and friends in a fabulous location. Cabo holds a special place in our hearts as it was one of the first places we went together, and really the place we fell in love.

Planning the design elements of our wedding was so much fun! I am obsessed with all things stripes, and thought an all-white color palette with blacks and gold would set that off perfectly. I worked with an amazing graphic designer who was able to create paper goods that matched my visions perfectly, and also ordered a few things from Etsy. Unfortunately, we were unable to bring our French Bulldog, Monte, to Cabo. Wanting to incorporate him, we made one of our custom drinks the “El Monte” and also created “Monte’s Recovery Kits” for our welcome bags.

My wedding dress was the third one I tried on. I instantly loved it, and as a huge Sex and the City fan, finding out it was the dress Carrie wore for her Vogue cover made it even more special. The dress really set the tone for the rest of wedding planning. Mark and I both love getting dressed up, and thought it would be a fun twist on the typical bleachy Cabo wedding to have a black tie affair at night. We started our ceremony just after the sun had set, which allowed us to have a beautifully lit chandelier and romantic overhead lights. We choose to have our head table in the center of the room, with the other tables around us to create an intimate and inclusive feel with our loved ones.

Our entire wedding week was a dream come true. From our fantastic welcome dinner at Los Tres Gallos, to our day after pool party, we wouldn’t trade a thing. Our friends and family are still reminiscing, and getting to relive the week through photos and videos will be something we will always cherish. We are so thankful for all of the amazing vendors who made this day so special for us; everything was precisely what we wished for. We can’t wait to go back to Cabo for years to come!

Photography: Sara Richardson Photography | Videography: Jorge Ibarra | Wedding Coordinator: 12 Tribes At Casa Dorada | Floral Design: Florenta Flower Design | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Bride's Shoes: Louboutin | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Adrianna Papell | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Catering: 12 Tribes At Casa Dorada | DJ: DJ Alex | Groomsmen's Ties: Tom James | Groom's Attire: Tom James | Ceremony & Reception Venue: 12 Tribes At Casa Dorada | Groom's Cufflinks: Tiffany & Co. | Groom's Tie: Baroni | Groom's Watch: Panarai | Hair & Make-up: Suzanne Morel Face and Body Care | Sash: Vera Wang | Signage, Menus & Programs: Katie Kemp Design | Veil: Vera Wang

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Colorful San Jose Del Cabo Wedding at Cabo Surf Hotel

Bright and vibrant this Cabo Surf Hotel soiree is a destination wedding dream come true. Seen through the lens of the uber talented Sara Richardson Photography, every image sitting pretty in this gallery is pin-worthy to say the very least. And you can get to pinning here.


From The Bride…Keith and I both love to travel and have enjoyed visiting new destinations and old favorites often. When we got engaged in San Jose del Cabo on a trip with friends over New Years Eve, we knew that we wanted to come back to Cabo for our wedding. It was a very busy time of year for Keith and I so we knew we needed to find a coordinator in Cabo for help in planning. After looking through more websites and wedding profiles than I care to admit, we decided to work with Amy Abbott and her team. Thank god we did! Amy listened to me describe how I imagined our wedding weekend and the experience for all of our guests and she made it happen. For us it was important to get married in the Catholic Church and have our reception at a hotel that was more intimate and give our friends and family a weekend that showed them all that Cabo had to offer. Within 2 weeks we had booked the Mission de San Jose del Cabo and Cabo Surf Hotel that she recommended without having seen either!

All the planning was going great until Hurricane Odile made a direct hit on the Cabo area two months before our wedding and during the week we were supposed to do our only planning visit to Cabo. There was not a lot of information coming out of the area other than the disaster zone pictures on the news and our planning trip was cancelled since the airport was so heavily damaged. We had to make a decision whether we were going to move forward with our wedding as planned, reschedule for a later date or try to plan for something closer to home for the same date. We finally decided to continue as planned and knew that we would need to just “go with the flow” when we got there. We knew it was a risk since we would not see the church or hotel before the wedding, they didn’t know what kind of flowers they would be able to get and we would have not met any vendors but we wanted to support the larger community of Cabo and the resilience of the people there rebuilding after the hurricane.

Going forward with the wedding was the best decision ever! Cabo Surf Hotel had suffered little damage and was beautiful when we got there! Many other hotels had too much damage so all of our guests ended up staying at Cabo Surf and we filled every room in the hotel. It was like we had rented our own 32-room house for the weekend! With the help of Amy Abbott and her team we were able to still give our guests a weekend and wedding to remember! Everything from the beautiful beach bonfire welcome party on Thursday night to the romantic candlelit rehearsal dinner Friday night and the late night pizza after the reception made sure the fun just kept going. The wedding day felt so calm and relaxed because of Neysa and Leo from Blanc Salon were so great in beautifying me and my bridesmaids that we were actually ready early! I refer to the reception as the best surprise party I’ve ever had. Since Keith and I weren’t able to be too specific due to uncertainty in Cabo, we left a lot of the design details up to Amy, our florist Pina and Martha from Cabo Surf. The tables were perfect family style set up surrounding the dance floor with beautiful colorful flowers lit by wonderful hanging lights and candles. It provided the back drop to the best night of our lives with heartfelt speeches, wonderful food and lots of celebratory dancing with friends and family both young and old. Sara Richardson and her team captured the day perfectly and everyone is still reminiscing over the pictures about what they refer to as the best family vacation ever where Keith and Nicole happened to also come home married!

Photography: Sara Richardson Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Amy Abbott Events | Floral Design: Pina Hernandez | Floral Design: Pina Hernandez | Wedding Dress: Winnie Couture | Wedding Cake: Cabo Surf Hotel | Invitations: Serendipity Beyond Design | Ceremony Venue: Mission De San Jose Del Cabo | Reception Venue: Cabo Surf Hotel | Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Cabo Surf Hotel | DJ: DJ Alex | Transportation: Impala Travel | Bridesmaid Dress: Seraphine Maternity | Bride´s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Groom´s Attire: Hugo Boss | Venue Coordinator: Cabo Surf Hotel

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Abby Capalbo

Design, Styling, Parties
Romantic + Elegant Mexico Beach Wedding

Destination weddings aren’t always easy to pull off. Especially destination weddings as beautiful as this one. With a merging of cultures and families, incredibly rich details, gorgeous rentals from Canteiro and a backdrop that makes you want to drop everything and pack your bags. And thanks to the lovely Diana Lupu who snapped the pics, we get to pretend like we were right there with them. More here!

From Photographer Diana Lupu … Looking back, there was so much heart behind this wedding and so much love surrounded this special couple, that even the weather reflected the array of emotions. From sunshine to happy showers to rainbows, it was an incredible event to witness and be a part of. The Fairmont Mayakoba served as the backdrop for this lovely destination wedding, which hosted guests from around the world. Friends and family poured in from around the country as well across the “pond,” England. Their ceremony was especially significant and beautiful, decorated with traditional elements that celebrated Nazaneen’s family’s Persian culture. The wedding merged Nazaneen and Stephen’s Iranian-English background and it was just the perfect day for this perfectly matched couple.

Photography: Diana Lupu | Wedding Coordinator: Fairmont Mayakoba Riveria Maya Hotel | Wedding Dress: Alexia's Bridal | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Brideside | Catering: Fairmont Mayakoba Riveria Maya Hotel | Hair And Makeup: Carolina Bellavista | DJ: Blissful Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Burberry | Hotel: Fairmont Mayakoba Riveria Maya Hotel | Bridal Jewelry: Alexis Bittar | Furniture Rentals: Canteiro | Venue & Hotel: Fairmont Mayakoba Riveria Maya Hotel

Colorful Playa Del Carmen Wedding

Planning the ultimate getaway (with help from Diamant Events), this darling duo chose the Secret Jewel Celebrations Venue as their destination “I do”. From the colorful ‘maids gowns to the Bride’s timelessly structured dress, every detail For The Love Of It captured is pure paradise and it’s all right here!

From For The Love Of It…This was a beautiful destination wedding at a private chapel and beach near Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

From the beautiful Bride…We chose a destination wedding because we wanted it to be a fun experience for all our friends and family as well as us! Lots of our family would have to travel no matter where we had it, so we decided on Mexico as a chance to get away. We looked into several resort wedding locations, but found prices to be way too high for our budget, so luckily we came across the Secret Jewel venue online and read great reviews! My parents were in Mexico at the time so we had them check out the site for us, and they loved it! Ilse, my coordinator, is such a sweet and loving lady. Every bride who has her for a wedding coordinator will not be disappointed! She really pulled through with all the last minute details we had asked for and made our wedding day even more special than we ever had imagined! All of our guests said it was one of the most beautiful wedding sites they’ve ever been to! I have a very eclectic sense of style and that I wanted all different colors and styles of dresses for my girls. I came across a random chinese dress website (coniefoxdress.com) and with budget and look in mind, I was told that all my 4 bridesmaids would look great. (They’d look beautiful no matter what they wore! I had a pretty stunning bridal party, if you can get anyone to object.) I had them all find dresses they loved on the site and we worked with which colors would go well together to create a fun and unique bridal party look. It just so happens that the pastels chosen are this spring’s top trend colors according to In Style magazine. :) So I think we hit the mark. I helped design my dress by Maggie Burns, whom I adore here in Colorado. I wanted something more structured with a timeless elegance and low-cut back….and I think it complimented all the flowy bridesmaids gowns really well.

Photography : For the Love of It | Coordinator: Secret Jewel Celebrations Venue | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Jewelry: Stonebrook | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Coniefox | Caterer: Javier Moreno | Groom's Attire: Ben Sherman | Suit: Banana Republic | Officiant : Amanda Masson | Venue: Secret Jewel Celebrations Venue | Bridal Gown: Custom Made By Marie Margot | Chapel: Capilla De Santa Maria Del Secreto | Diamond Engagement Ring : Art Of Gold | Earrings: Assael | Hairpiece And Belt : Custom Made By Marie Margot

Romantic Destination Wedding in Tulum, Mexico

If I had to put my finger on my favorite kind of wedding, it would be a wedding that looked just like this one from Blush Wedding Photography. Why? Well, first it’s filled with love. The kind you can feel through the screen, and that’s my favorite. And second, it’s filled with this gorgeous, seemingly effortless elegance that makes my heart do leaps, making this gallery a big winner in my book.



From Blush Wedding PhotographyQuite often when people have destination weddings, it’s to have a small intimate wedding. This was not the case for Cristen and Jayson. They had over 100 people fly down for their tropical wedding celebration in Tulum Mexico. A true testament of how wonderful these two are.

Their destination wedding week celebration was perfect from beginning to end. Everyday the sun was shinning, the water was a perfect blue, and the palm trees swayed lightly in the breeze. The best part was, since everyone was there for a week, the couple had time to spend quality time with all their guest. Something that many couples don’t get to do with a traditional one-day wedding.

On the wedding day, Cristen looked so effortlessly beautiful in her designer dress by Ellebay. What makes this dress even more special, since she was the first one to order this design, Ellebay actually named the dress after her! It fit her perfectly the moment she tried it on, it was definitely meant to be her dress. Cristen’s beachy wavy hair left down, complemented her dress and the beach vibe. Their portrait session ended with a picture-perfect sunset. We had a ‘drone’ camera capture Cristin and Jayson as they walked on the beach into the sunset. That night, everyone danced the night away in the warm tropical air. It was perfect.

Photography: Blush Wedding Photography | Wedding Dress: Ellebay | Stationery: Fox And Flourish | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Ceremony/Reception Venue: Gran Bahia Principe | Succulent Gift Favours: Balconi

Intimate Destination Wedding at the Cabo Surf Hotel

This intimate celebration almost didn’t happen due to a hurricane only weeks before, but thanks to a talented team of vendors and friends and family, this couple pulled it off. Held at the gorgeous Cabo Surf Hotel, these two said “I do” among sandy shores and loved ones, soaking up every inch of beauty that Mexico has to offer, and Sara Richardson captured it all. Feel the sand on your toes right here.

From The Bride… San Jose del Cabo holds a special place in our hearts, so when Christian and I became engaged we immediately decided that we wanted to be married in San Jose del Cabo at the Cabo Surf Hotel.

Just weeks before our wedding, Hurricane Odile came ashore close to our wedding venue. We were deeply saddened to see the destruction Odile caused to the area, and to the lives of the people who live there. With heavy hearts, we canceled our October 11, 2014 wedding at the Cabo Surf Hotel because no airlines were flying into the area. This decision was especially difficult because Christian’s family had already traveled to the United States from Australia to attend our wedding, and would be unable to return for a later wedding date.

Then, days before October 11, 2014, it was announced that one flight a day would be flying to Los Cabos from Los Angeles. Christian and I quickly decided that we wanted to get both of our families on one of those flights, so we could get married at one of our favorite places in the world, surrounded by the most important people in our lives. Luckily, we were able to get plane tickets for everyone. I also called all of our vendors, and everyone was still able to be a part of our wedding.

When we arrived at the Cabo Surf Hotel, the staff graciously greeted us with margaritas and made us feel very welcome. Throughout our stay, Martha and the entire Hotel staff worked tirelessly to ensure that the Hotel would be beautiful for our wedding. And it was. Our wedding day was effortless. We began the day swimming in the ocean and relaxing by one of the Hotel’s swimming pools. Afterwards, Christian got ready with the boys – our son, Byron, and my step-son, Baden. And I got ready with my Mom.

Byron and Baden were our two best men, and all four of us walked down the aisle together as a family. We wrote our own vows, and our friend, Chris Johnson, officiated the wedding. The flowers designed by Pina Hernandez were beyond perfect. Adan Mijares sang and played the Mexican guitar beautifully. Martha Lomeli seamlessly organized the entire event. And our photographer, Sara, with her husband Ramon, captured the entire day in stunning photographs.

We ended our wedding day at a candlelit dinner table overlooking the ocean, laughing and enjoying time with our families. We could not have asked for a more special way to start our life together.

Photography: Sara Richardson Photography | Wedding Planner: Cabo Surf Hotel | Floral Design: Pina Hernandez | Wedding Dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Flagship Boutique | Wedding Cake: Cabo Surf Hotel | Invitations: Lizzy B Loves | Bride's Shoes: Gucci | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Cabo Surf Hotel | Groom´s Attire: Cubavera | Guitarist: DJ Mijares | Hair & Make-up: Cabo Surf Hotel | Save The Dates: Lizzy B Loves

Intimate Rosewood Mayakoba Wedding Inspiration

Fact: Lane Dittoe is a genius. And when he teams up with the crazy talented Crosby + Jon at Rosewood Mayakoba? Consider the results perfection in paradise. Starting with the ethereal saltwater hued gown, to the oceanfront accented with Krista Jon blooms, every detail in the gallery will have you dreaming for days, and you can join me in doing so right here.

From Archive Rentals… Real Couple Nicolas & Melina chose Riviera Maya for their this shoot since this was the place they had met two years earlier on vacation. Nestled along the white sandy beaches of beautiful Mexico, and only a short flight from anywhere in the States, lies the Riviera Maya, encompassing three popular destination honeymoon spots: Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. With warm weather year round, turquoise oceans, beautiful resorts, it’s no wonder couples are choosing to marry in this Caribbean destination.

From Crosby + JonThere’s something so romantic about a ceremony on the sand with just a bride & groom, and these photos prove it.

We were inspired by the romantic elements of the Riviera Maya. The Carribean Sea, the soft white sand, the vividly colored flowers speckled amongst the lush, green rainforest. We wanted to evoke the relaxed, yet refined atmosphere of the Rosewood Mayakoba in her dress, hair, makeup & floral design. The groom looks casually cool, yet sophisticated, amongst the cool architecture of the Rosewood Mayakoba.

Rosewood Mayakoba was our first choice because it is truly the definition of paradise. It is one of our favorite places to work because the property is romantic, secluded and stunningly beautiful from every angle. But more importantly, the wedding team at Rosewood is beyond exceptional. They treat guests with such care and attention, everyone feels like a VIP.

And what a romantic day it was! Nicholas and Melina couldn’t keep their hands off each other… smooching and holding hands between shots. Lane Dittoe photographed the day and captured their love for each other in a natural, breathtaking way.

Our designs for the day were inspired by the bright, sunny hues of Mexico, using shades of blue, orange, mango, turquoise, yellow and pearl. We found local florals, which were artfully crafted on-site by Krista Jon and her team. For decor we turned to Archive Mexico for a beautiful collection of rustic wood furniture combined with brightly colored plates, linens, & accessories.

The real showstopper, however, is that blue-hued dress! R-Mine blew us and Melina away with the pastel sky blue ceremony gown that so perfectly evoked the serene vibe of the Caribbean sea. In the end, the couple be more pleased with this day and their photos. Everything was perfect. The dress, the couple, the Caribbean… All were absolute magic!

Photography: lane Dittoe fine art wedding photographs | Event Design: Crosby + Jon | Event Planning: Crosby + Jon | Floral Design: Krista Jon | Dress: R-Mine Bespoke | Catering: Rosewood Mayakoba | Hair & Makeup: Styling Trio | Venue: Rosewood Mayakoba | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Tabletop: Archive Rentals

Glamorous Cancun Wedding

I’ve seen a lot of gorgeous Cancun weddings in my day, but never one done quite like this.  Think sophisticated gold hues, a stunning al fresco reception (complete with chandeliers) and a fun four day weekend with some crazy pampering.  This, my friends, is Cancun glamour to the extreme.  See it all captured by Ashley McCormick right here, and in the breathtaking film from Justin Clough below.  

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From Ashley McCormick… Lindsey and Jeremy were married at the gorgeous Le Blanc Resort in Cancun, Mexico. The pair loves to travel together, and having been to Cancun a few times throughout their relationship, they knew it would be the perfect destination spot for their intimate, 50 person wedding. Le Blanc is a gorgeous hotel that is all white, giving the wedding a modern and airy feel to it. Lindsey left no detail undone, flying over seven suitcases down with her “details” for their big day. One of the most unique details was their “kissing maracas”, meant for the guests to shake to make the couple kiss; a little nod to the country they were in.

From the Mother of the Bride… Before stepping out, I took a long look behind me. I could barely see her through the assembled wedding party who excitedly chatted in their flowing blush pink dresses and black tuxes with bow ties. The late afternoon sun was still bright in a cloudless sky and palm trees bowed to the warm breeze… it was Cancún, after all. My daughter, Lindsey, was about to marry her best friend, Jeremy, and I wanted to cherish the moment.

Finally I caught a glimpse of the beautiful bride. We were gathered in the resort’s lobby ready to proceed to the ceremony on a grassy area overlooking the ocean. Lindsey looked radiant… a bouquet of assorted soft-colored peonies in one hand and her father’s arm in the other. After 16 months of preparations, it was time to walk down the aisle.

Lindsey grew up in Wisconsin and when she moved west, I jokingly told her to “find a nice Midwestern boy.” And within a year she met Jeremy, who is also from Wisconsin! After four years of dating, he proposed to her during a Sunday morning hike through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve near their Arizona home.

They wanted a destination wedding because it offered more than just a day to celebrate, although, finding the right place took time. They explored tropical locations from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica. It was the all-inclusive Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancún that offered everything they were looking, so they set the date for April 26, 2014.

Lindsey has exquisite style, so we knew everything would be exceptional, yet we were stunned by her impeccable attention to detail. It started with the invitation that arrived in a gold-lined, ivory envelope addressed in her creative handwriting. Inside she wrapped the ivory linen cards together in black grosgrain ribbon secured with a pearl-studded pin. Lindsey chose elegant calligraphy for the invitation that had details about the weekend’s festivities, resort accommodations, and activities including golf and spa treatments. There was also a link to the bride and groom’s website with information about booking flights and passports, profiles of the wedding party and their love story.

Upon arriving at Le Blanc, we were welcomed with champagne flutes filled with luxurious coconut milk. While seated at the check-in desk, the staff offered us warm neck wraps and every woman received a rose. It was impossible not to be distracted by the wall-to-wall glass doors framing a spectacular view of the infinity pool and stunning blue ocean! The adorably-kind butlers delivered gift bags from the bride and groom to every guest room before our arrival. Lindsey had stamped “LJ” in gold on the bags and filled them with little treats and necessities, plus some of the couple’s favorite things. An especially great idea was the covered cups with straws to use by the pool that she customized with “LJ” and a sparkly diamond ring sticker for the girls and a mustache for the guys. Also enclosed was a “Welcome to México!” packet printed on ivory linen cards and tied with pretty tulle ribbon. It included a schedule of the wedding events, helpful Spanish phrases, information about the resort and spa, and a sweet note from Lindsey and Jeremy.

The four-day celebration began on Thursday evening with the wedding rehearsal. On Friday evening, the Lindsey and Jeremy hosted a Welcome White Party on the beach. We all dressed in white, left our shoes behind and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and signature “white” drinks with gold foil napkins saying “Every great love story begins with a cocktail, at least ours did!” As the sun set, we lingered and mingled on the white, cushioned couches for hours.

The wedding was at 4 o’clock on Saturday afternoon.  Before the ceremony, Lindsey and Jeremy shared an emotional “first look.” They met in the lobby where its floor-to-ceiling white draperies provided a studio-like backdrop for photographs. After pictures with the wedding party and family, it was time for the wedding. Well, after the bridesmaids shared a private toast with Lemon Drop shots!

About 55 guests welcomed the bride as she walked down an aisle covered in pale pink and ivory rose petals. The accompanying music was Canon in D, a song Lindsey had grown up playing on the piano and dreamt about hearing someday as she walked toward her handsome groom. Lindsey and Jeremy shared individually-written vows and happy tears. After a sentimental blessing by the officiant, the new Mr. and Mrs. Riechers kissed and glowingly retreated hand-in-hand to Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend.”

While the wedding party took pictures and had fun with the videographer, guests were led to an outdoor minibar featuring bride and groom specialty drinks with blush/white or gold/white striped straws. Lindsey also had gold foil napkins reading “Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy and Lindsey Riechers.” When the wedding party joined the guests, we toasted the newlyweds with champagne. Before dinner everyone gathered in the lobby where Lindsey’s brother, Owen, surprised the couple by playing “River Flows in You” on the grand piano.

As we stepped onto the private terrace for the reception, the sunset was breathtaking. Guests were seated at round tables with gold sequined tablecloths and statuesque vases of peonies, roses and ranunculus. The lavender lighting and floating candles in staggered vessels created a magical atmosphere. On each gold-beaded dinner charger was a menu card rimmed in sparkling gold with place cards set in crystal, diamond-shaped holders. The bride and groom were seated with the wedding party at a large table. Vases wrapped in ivory silk bows held the bridesmaid’s bouquets. Lindsey and Jeremy planned their wedding to be black tie, yet they also wanted a touch of México. So they provided gold maracas decorated with tulle ribbon and a tag saying, “Shake this to make the Mr. & Mrs. Kiss!”

Following dessert, Jeremy made a loving toast to his bride and guests. Then suddenly the large, terrace double doors opened to a lighted dance floor and energetic music by Miami DJ Benji Solis. We all flooded the dance floor! In the terrace lobby, everyone had fun taking Polaroids for the guest book and writing in marriage advice, silly memories and good wishes for the newlyweds. On an adjoining table, black & white wedding photos of Lindsey and Jeremy’s relatives were displayed in antique gold frames. Midnight arrived much too soon!

The day after the wedding was set aside for relaxing in the warm México sunshine. Guests lounged by the pool or in beachfront cabanas, walked along the shore and took advantage of spa treatments.

On Monday morning Lindsey and Jeremy hosted a Newlywed Brunch in a secluded poolside area. There were platters of scrumptious pastries, fresh fruits, mimosas, hot or chilled coffees, and plenty of luxurious coconut milk! All of the food and service at Le Blanc was excellent — the staff always replied to guests with “It’s my pleasure!” We admitted to being spoiled for life!

Before leaving for the airport that afternoon, I looked back and cherished seeing my daughter with her new husband both so happily in love and ready to begin their new life together!

Photography: Ashley McCormick Photography | Videography: Justin Clough | Floral Design: Maya Floral | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Le Blanc | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Le Blanc | DJ: Benji Solis | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Audio/Visual: JSAV | Bridal Salon: Destiny's Bridal | Groom's Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo | Location: Le Blanc | Rentals: Le Blanc

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Intimate Beach Wedding

This wedding looks like soooo much fun.  You know what I am talking about – one of those fabulous destination affairs that is awesome from the word go.  Think an intimate ceremony on the beach, followed by a non-stop dance party.  In other words?  It’s everything a destination wedding should be.  See it all captured by Dustin Cantrell in the full gallery.

And a sweet film captured by Las Caletas… 

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From the Bride… Meeting in Puerto Rico and getting engaged in Cabo, it only felt natural to get married on a beach. Mexico offered an ideal middle ground that could bring together both my side (most from her home state of TX) and Brian’s side (most from his home state of CA). In addition to accessibility, the most important thing for us was to make sure our friends and family would have a fun time and enjoy the party spirit!

Brian always had a soft spot for Puerto Vallarta’s quaint town with a local flair, and it fit my criteria for a beach, warm weather, and laid back ambiance, so there we had it! Up until our arrival the week of the wedding, all research, wedding planning and reservations were done from California. And in the end, even though we didn’t have time to take a pre-wedding vacation to visit the venue or to taste the menu (or cocktails!), immediately upon arriving, we knew we had made the right choice. Mexico greeted us with sunny weather, tequila was pouring throughout the weekend, food was oh so delicious, and baby dolphins even happened to swim along our boat to the wedding venue! Everything exceeded our expectations!

It was a particularly special occasion for me, as my father passed away less than a year prior. To have our closest friends and family fly from all over the US to join us in a joyous occasion was an overwhelming feeling. The guest size was big enough to feel like a party, yet still small enough to feel intimate. With smiles all around, we felt the immense love and support that evening. HUGE thanks to Blanca Ramirez, our venue coordinator who seamlessly coordinated every aspect of the wedding, Kelly Kahrhoff, who coordinated every other detailed aspect of our week there, and also Dustin Cantrell, our amazing photographer who not only was a one-man show capturing every special moment, but also was so fun and became one of the gang!

If we could do it all over again, we wouldn’t change a thing. We had a blast hosting our friends throughout the weekend. Time’s a precious thing, and it was amazing to have so many people come together for our special wedding weekend.

From Dustin Cantrell Photography… Hoan-My and Brian picked Las Caletas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for their destination wedding venue. Las Caletas is only accessible by boat and you have your own private beach for the entire wedding. The day started with Hoan-My, her bridesmaids, and mother taking a private boat to the Las Caletas. They spent the day relaxing, getting massages, eating, and hanging out in the jacuzzi in bridal suite.  As the ceremony approached Brian and the guests arrived by boat just in time for the ceremony.

The coordinator and staff did an amazing job. The flow of the entire evening was timed perfectly and not one detail was overlooked. The ceremony took place on the private beach right as the sun was setting. After the first kiss the couple and bridal party turned and threw on their custom sunglasses with the couples initials. The amazing rock formations and trees made for stunning for photos during the perfect light. After the toasts and dinner on the patio with views of the stunning beach, the couple was called out to the dance floor, which is located right on the beach. Family and guests watched from the patio. Following the first dance the guests were allowed to come down to the dance floor. After a bit of dance floor action the couple was surprised by fire dancers and fire breathers.

Between the dance floor action and the endless tequila shots the guests couldn’t have a bad time if they wanted to. And, if the guests weren’t into dancing and drinking the night away the fire pits and s’mores kept them satisfied. At the end of the night the wedding party including guests leave on the same party boat and the dancing action continues on until the boat docks.

Photography: Dustin Cantrell | Coordination: Adventure Weddings | Event Design: Adventure Weddings | Floral Design: Adventure Weddings | Wedding Dress: Casablanca | Ceremony Venue: Adventure Weddings | Reception Venue: Adventure Weddings | DJ: Adventure Weddings | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Accomodations: Sheraton

Tulum Destination Engagement Session

Tulum has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, so when Tatyana & Mike chose it as backdrop for their engagement session Ayenia Nour very happily obliged. Think bright colors, cozy hammocks and ocean views for days. And as for the photos? We’re JUST getting started.

From Ayenia NourTatyana & Mike are college sweethearts. They met while attending Baruch College in NYC few years ago and immediately became very fond of each other. I had the opportunity to see their love blossom since we had some classes together.

We stayed in touch via Facebook and few months ago they emailed me and booked me to be their wedding photographer. Who’d have known! I felt over the moon excited and happy for them! To make everything even more amazing, we headed down to Mexico to shoot their engagement photos in the super romantic beaches of Tulum. Surrounded by the Caribbean breeze, hamacas and palm trees we had a great time taking photos by the ocean and admiring the beauty of Tulum.

Photography: Ayenia Nour | Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Necklace: J.Crew | Hotel: Ahau Tulum | Hat: J.Crew | His Outfit: John Varvatos | Juice Bar: Posada Margarita | Sunglasses: Marni

Elegant Riviera Maya Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding is no easy feat, but thanks to SIGNATURE, Event Consulting & Design every detail of this Riviera Maya affair went off without a hitch. From the bride who rocked a killer ballgown on the beach to the blooms all designed by Elena Damy, this tropical “I do” is going down as a favorite. More in the gallery from Samuel Lippke right here and don’t dare miss the film from Elysium Productions.

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From Signature Event Consulting & DesignMeredith and Rob truly represent the romance, joy and beauty of a meaningful destination wedding. You could tell they were very committed to each other and to their beloved families and friends from day one. Every single decision during the wedding planning process was ultimately made to honor that commitment.

When planning a destination wedding, some couples face the challenge of elevating the chosen destination to a desired level of sophistication. For Meredith & Rob’s wedding, this was not a challenge at all. The wedding was hosted at the beautiful Riviera Maya, where we worked together with an amazing team to deliver an elegant, fresh and very romantic soirée.

Meredith wanted a décor that wouldn’t feel heavy or unsuitable for such a beautiful area. Elena Damy was in charge of the floral design. She created a graceful, delicate and elegant look with every single bloom. We worked with a soft color palette of blush, ivory and hints of green. It was just perfection.

From The Bride…My advice to future couples is to be connected and get to know your team of wedding planners and consultants, because if you trust and have confidence in them your day will be relaxing and you will enjoy every minute; communicate the vision you have for your special day and the elements that are important to you, but then let your team make your dream come true (they are talented and if you let them shine they will exceed every expectation); make it about you and your partner-to-be, this day is all about the two of you and your wedding should be an extension of you two. Take the moment in, as people will tell you the wedding will go faster, but trust us, it goes even faster than they say. Make sure to take a few minutes during the reception to step back and look around the room, take it all in. Because, I promise you will want to remember, the way the room looked, the way it made you feel, the expressions on people’s faces as they danced and every other detail that you no ticed because you helped plan those small things (the menu on the table, the table number, the centerpiece, the cocktail napkin, etc.). Finally, have fun! Say hi to people, but make sure to relax, have the food, dance dance dance, and have the time of your life. 

My favorite memory of our wedding day was that it was our dream made a reality and more. Specifically, two moments that stood out were (1) our ceremony, particularly the vows read by our Rabbi that Rob and I wrote to one another (without the other reading it) and that we held our rings over each other’s heart; this moment was so unique and special and (2) the reception, particularly that people had the time of their lives as evidenced by never leaving the dance floor. It was so much fun.

Photography: Samuel Lippke Studios | Cinematography: Elysium Productions | Event Planning: SIGNATURE, Event Consulting and Design | Floral Design: ELENA DAMY Destination Wedding Planners, Floral & Event Designers | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Bella Figura | Wedding Venue: Rosewood Mayakoba

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Riviera Maya Wedding at Secrets Maroma Beach

It’s official – I need a vacation.  Or more specifically, a dream-worthy excursion to the Riviera Maya. Because if there is one thing that this gorgeous wedding has taught me, it’s that Secrets Maroma Beach is all kinds of awesome AND the perfect place to host a toes in the sand, party ’til dawn type of affair. Think elegant details meets stunning imagery captured by John Cain.  See them here.

From John Cain Photography… For their wedding, Beth and Brook wanted to take their guests somewhere to escape. They transplanted their guests and their traditional style to a gorgeous Mexico destination wedding in the Riviera Maya. This winter resort wedding was a break from the freezing temperatures in Texas where the bride and groom and many of the guests came from.

Every element planned and unplanned spoke to the couple’s calm demeanor. The destination was the greatest significance that it created a location where friends and family could truly focus on celebrating the bride and groom.

White sands made for the perfect accent to their black and white bridal party. Guests entered the ceremony relaxed and took their seats to find sunglasses on their chairs to ease the tropical rays, while a guitarist invited their attention prior to the families and wedding party entering.

Traditional vows were exchanged surrounded by romantic landscape of palm trees and vibrant green foliage. The white lengthy staircase lined with Mexican pottery was the perfect backdrop for portraits leading into their poolside outdoor reception. You could taste the sea salt in the air and resort mariachis serenaded the cocktail hour underneath string lights and draping.

The night was spent under the stars and at a distance that allowed for the sound of the waves to keep time. Their seated dinner was followed by a monogrammed dessert table and dancing into the morning hours.

Photography: John Cain Photography | Planner: Emily Clarke Events | Venue: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Resort | Stationer: Stamped Paper Co.

Moody Romance in Mexico

This past November, I visited sunny Mexico for the second time. And both times, I was enamored with the authentic rustic vibe that this country is sprinkled with… haciendas crawling with wild vines, vibrant blooms that breathe life into historic stone and genuinely kind people. So when James Moes sent this Mexico soiree our way, stamped with a moody kind of romance, I couldn’t wait to peel through the pretty layers. Join me right here.

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From the beautiful Bride…Best day ever. Great friends, great music, great food and a sunny day full of love and happiness. Surrounded by all the people we love most, Dan & I couldn’t have been happier with how everything turned out. The Wedding took place in Hacienda Pipioltepec, an old estate on the outskirts of Valle de Bravo, Mexico. The ceremony was a mixture of speeches from our best friends and selected family members, this is where everyone cried. We danced to Barry White after a delicious meal, setting the mood for the coming night. Right after this everyone jumped on the dance floor to the rhythm of “We Are Family” and from then on it was dancing all night long. Just how we like it.

Photography: James Moes | Videography: Sharkpig | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Cecilia Ruiz | Shoes: Nine West | Rings: Avocet Jewelry | Food: Banquetes Mayita | DJ: Chante Cutter | Ceremony & Reception: Hacienda Pipioltepec | Flowers & Wedding Decor: Moabi

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Rainy Acapulco Wedding from Filmtwist Productions

I’ve never had the opportunity to visit Acapulco, but after seeing this Filmtwist Productions, LLC film it’s absolutely on my destination list. Sun-kissed and surrounded by the sea, this fun loving couple wed at Acapulco Cathedral and carried the party into the night at El Chaneque Restaurant. Not even a thunderstorm could stop their celebration, which made every moment all the more memorable below.

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From Filmtwist Productions, LLC… Wedding Adventure is probably the best way to describe this amazing wedding week in Acapulco Mexico! Allanhy and Hud put together such an amazing week of fun and activities all leading up to the big day, from boating, cliff diving, and site seeing around the city to shopping in the markets and relaxing poolside. What made the wedding even more fun was that Allanhy’s family is originally from Acapulco. So, unlike most destination weddings, this was a very “local” wedding with all the fun traditions that typically accompany a Mexican wedding.

The ceremony was held at the historical Acapulco Cathedral located near El Teconche and is a great example of the rich history in the region of Spanish, Moorish, and native influences. We then travelled back to a local restaurant called El Chaneque where everyone danced the night away. Believe it or not once the sun had set there was thunder, lightening, and rain for the outdoor reception, but it only added to the energy of the festivities! By the end of the night everyone was drenched head to toe from non-stop dancing. The Bride actually decided to cancel her trash the dress session the next day for obvious reasons!

One of our favorite parts was experiencing how lighthearted and fun this couple was and to see their families all around to support them on their special day!

Photography: Mauricio Karreto | Cinematography: Filmtwist Productions | Ceremony Venue: Acapulco Cathedral | Reception Venue: El Chaneque Restaurant

Colorful Puerto Aventuras Wedding

If being barefoot on sand with the waves behind you sounds ideal, look no further than this relaxed and romantic affair. Dreams Puerto Aventuras was the perfect destination “I Do” for these young loves and with Elizabeth Medina behind the lens every image is more beautiful than the last. From the bright blooms to the sandy white beaches, every detail from this day is sure to castaway the winter blues.

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From the Bride… There are a lot of movies and books out there about finding a lost love or reuniting with a first true love. I’d like to think our story takes the cake, and our wedding would be the ultimate movie ending to one amazing adventure.

Andy and I met when we were just 12 years old when we were learning how to snowboard for the first time. He was the only brave soul kind enough to ride the chairlift with me, knowing that I would definitely fall as we attempted to glide off. Before eventually becoming high school sweethearts, we were best friends and had some great times together growing up. But, like most young loves, we split up and went our separate ways before college, only to find ourselves randomly reunited seven years later. It took a lot of courage for me to go up and say hi to Andy the bartender. I hate admitting it, I shook like a leaf, but he stuttered and couldn’t find words. So, we’ll call it even!

We picked up almost right where we left off, and a few years later, we were planning a wedding. I’m sure most little girls have extravagant and beautiful ideas about their wedding that carry throughout adulthood. But for me, aside from having the perfect groom, I just wanted to walk barefoot on sand with the waves behind me.

We thought we had found a decent New England wedding venue that would work well – until my mom stumbled upon Style Me Pretty and found a wedding in Mexico featuring Elizabeth Medina as the photographer. Not only did we know right then and there that we hit the jackpot for photographers, but we also realized a destination wedding in one of our favorite locations was beyond perfect. And what could be better than a week long celebration with your family and friends in one of the most stunning spots in the world?

Photography was a huge aspect of the wedding. It single handedly convinced everyone that this Mexico idea was the best idea we’ve ever had. There is no one that compares to Elizabeth Medina in terms of talent, but she also knew exactly how to show off this relaxed and happy wedding in the most elegant and timeless of ways.

Our wedding look completely reflects both of our personalities. You can see our typical New England roots in the JCrew and Sperry Top Sider styled bridal party, mixed with our absolute love for tropical flair reflected in the bright flowers and turquoise accents. Chantilly’s Place, a local Massachusetts bridal boutique, outfitted the bridesmaids in petal pink dresses. The flowers were a mix of local and tropical flowers with succulents (my favorite!), which was created by my amazing wedding planner, Jacki Muir. Gotta love Pinterest for inspiration, a wedding planner who knows you well, and having an amazing in-house florist at the resort!

The small details paid bigger tributes to our overall wedding story: walking down the aisle to one of my dad’s favorite songs “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by IZ Kamakawiwo’ole, our first dance to “Then” by Brad Paisley, and a piece of my mom’s wedding veil wrapped around my bouquet. A beautiful piece of driftwood was personalized with our names on it, while a “Señor and Señora” signs hung over our bride and groom reception chairs. Not to mention, we had an incredible mariachi band during the cocktail hour – an absolute must for our Mexican wedding!

The venue was already stunning, but it just needed a few personal touches. I’m a huge fan of Etsy and preferred to have our decorations from small businesses that could customize little details for us. Each piece had their unique look, from the table numbers on wooden blocks to our personalized “guest book”. Molded together, it created a rustic, casual, beachy vibe.

Above all, what we wanted most for our wedding was for it to be fun. There’s so much stress that comes with wedding planning, and we’re glad we were able to enjoy most of it just knowing that all of our guests would be able to dig their toes in the sand, sip on tequila, and really help us celebrate this amazing love story.

Photography: Elizabeth Medina Photographic Artisans | Wedding Planner: Dreams Puerto Aventuras | Stationery: Sea Of Love Studios | Stationery: Pamela At JP Stationary | Bride's Shoes: Steve Madden | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Groomsmen's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: Dreams Puerto Aventuras | Bride's Dress: Maggie Sottero | Bridesmaid's Attire: Chantilly Place | Bride’s Accessories: Ryan Seacrest Distinction | Decorations & Guestbook: LovetheUnique, SweetNCCollective, EvivArt | Floral Decor: Dreams Puerto Aventuras | Getting Ready Pijamas: Victoria's Secret | Groom And Groomsmen Shoes: Navy/Tan Sperry Topsiders | Photography - Assistance: Lindsey Medina