Beachy, Bohemian Glamour in the Riviera Maya at this 90-Person Destination Wedding

The bride's dad once said to her that it is one of life’s greatest mysteries how two people come to meet and fall in love. This is especially true when looking at this gorgeous couple's story. The two grew up in neighboring lakeside towns, and yet it took them ten years to find each other and only did once they were both in college 1,000 miles from home. Five years later, the couple got engaged on a cruise a week before the pandemic struck. Although this was challenging and scary, Covid granted them extra time to think about what they wanted this season of life to look life for them without all of the outside pressures that can come with planning a wedding. Moni & Adri Weddings photographed the day, and Lucy Gallagher Boutique Weddings planned every detail. You can see all the images in the full gallery, and make sure to read on to hear all about the details of this incredible destination weekend and wedding!

As they reflected on exactly what they wanted for their big day, the bride and groom decided their wedding had to include three things:

1. A venue that offered different spaces and experiences for pre- and post-wedding events.

2. A place that felt like home where they would be eager to return to celebrate & reminisce year after year.

3. A team that could create a celebration to be remembered

Enter Vidanta Riviera Maya in Riviera Maya, Mexico! These three “must have’s” quickly led them to a destination wedding in picturesque Mexico. The bride was fortunate to have spent many childhood vacations at this location and was confident that it would “check their boxes” be a place that held tremendous family importance both in the past and in the future. The celebration took place during the first weekend in November of 2021. We had 90 incredible guests join us at Vidanta for anywhere from 2 nights to a full week. Friends & family were able to relax, reset, and getaway.

As they arrived, guests were greeted with a welcome card that detailed all the optional events for the weekend, such as “Sips at Salum” (a social hour in a bohemian, open air collection of restaurants) and “Drunk in Love” (a poolside happy hour for guests to mix and mingle over a margarita). Offering a handful of pre-wedding events granted the bride and groom quality time with their guests, which in turn gave them extra time on the wedding day itself to relax and feel fully present with each other.

Beachy, Bohemian Glamour in the Riviera Maya at this 90-Person Destination Wedding

The rehearsal dinner was where the magic truly began, and it was all due to the incredible team they had, including planner Lucy Gallagher, of Lucy Gallagher Boutique Weddings. They also worked with Vidanta’s on site planner, Lorena, who was nothing short of fabulous. Their attention to detail was extraordinary - Lorena even had her team painting the palm tree’s before the rehearsal dinner to cover any of nature’s “imperfections.” Canteiro Weddings designed the décor for both the rehearsal dinner on the beach and the wedding day itself. The team set up bonfires in the sand, bistro lights across the palm trees, and tropical accents among the tables. Sara Tamargo Hair & Makeup got the bride ready, and an hour before the dinner began, the couple did a casual video shoot with their videographers, Amor Amor Weddings. This experience allowed the bride and groom time to get to know the team before the big day and feel more natural in front of the cameras during their actual wedding.

Beachy, Bohemian Glamour in the Riviera Maya at this 90-Person Destination Wedding

When the big day arrived, the groomsmen sweated it out on the beach all morning, playing volleyball until they were pulled inside. The bridal party (which included nine bridesmaids) had a relaxing morning sipping champagne and snacking on room service in their getting-ready outfits from LeRose. The bride's satin two piece had her new initials sewn onto the left sleeve, which was one of her favorite details. After hair & makeup morning shots taken by Moni & Adri Weddings, the bride changed into a white silk dress with a long sleeve lace robe for some elevated morning shots. From this point forward, Moni and her team led the entire day with a calm, confident and uplifting attitude. The couple exchanged their vows on an oceanside terrace surrounded by a delicate combination of lush tropical greenery with soft pink and champagne accents and a touch of pampas. The occasion felt natural and beachy, while the pink & pampas brought in a more feminine element. The bride wore a tight lace wedding gown designed by Madi Lane Bridal complemented by a lightweight, long train and gold details. During the vow exchange, the groom surprised the bride with the most romantic and honest promises. Post ceremony, the couple took a vintage car across the property to the reception where they had a white-glove plated dinner with wine service. The reception venue was a mix of indoor and outdoor, allowing everyone an escape from the heat while still offering the feeling of being in a tropical escape. Outside on the terrace, they had a bohemian seating area (perfect for snapping photos), a cigar roller, and a bar. Inside was a large dance floor that was full all night long.

Beachy, Bohemian Glamour in the Riviera Maya at this 90-Person Destination Wedding

The couple's post-wedding reflections

1. Find a venue that offers different spaces for different pre- and post-wedding events. We loved offering a handful of pre-wedding events so we could spend quality time with our guests and take the pressure off of the wedding day itself.

2. Book a hair and makeup trial, as well as pre-wedding photography and videography sessions so that you feel comfortable with those vendors who will be with you all day when your big day arrives.

3. We know that we will look back on this day with awe and gratitude for the rest of our lives. If you are dreaming of a destination wedding with white sand beaches and sunny skies, let this be your sign.

Beachy, Bohemian Glamour in the Riviera Maya at this 90-Person Destination Wedding