While monochrome weddings had been dominating the planning season, this bride chose to break trends and create a stunningly vibrant celebration! After attending destination weddings as guests, Nicole and Ryan knew that Mexico would be a gorgeous tropical location for their own nuptials. The couple fell in love with the charming mission-style chapel in El Pueblito Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya region, and were inspired to create a vivid palette of pinks, greens, and blues to match their colorful Andaz Mayakoba venue.
Keep reading to see their mariachi serenade, pastel reception, and adorable treats designed after their dog. All lovely photography by Take It Photo.
Getting ready for her big day was a truly heartwarming experience for the bride, as she was surrounded by all the women she loved in one room! Picking out the dress of her dreams was an equally emotional experience for Nicole, who had spent a year unable to decide between the dazzling collection of Berta gowns. When she narrowed it down to two, she brought in her dad to help her decide on "the one". Although it was an untraditional way to pick a dress, her father had battled cancer multiple times and it was more meaningful to the bride to walk down the aisle with the dress he loved most.
The bride looked divine in her sparkly, strapless gown paired with a bright and summery hair and makeup by Zoe Elizabeth Make Up.
Nicole had not one, but two first looks, with her beloved bridesmaids and handsome groom. She was so nervous to show Ryan her dress, but his reaction and getting to spend time together afterward meant everything to her!
The bride was inspired to set her wedding apart by choosing details you wouldn't see in every single wedding blog! She found it a challenge to find truly unique bridesmaids dresses that hadn't been done before - seeking a design that was chic with texture. When she found these stunning V. Chapman dresses in "cashmere blue", she knew they were perfect for her something blue and matched the unique reception candles.
The boy's rich blue suits were the pop of color needed to punctuate the pastel design of the day. We love this blue on blue bridal party!
When their planner introduced the couple to Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya region, the couple knew the elegant mission-style chapel in El Pueblito Mayakoba would be a visually stunning ceremony location. The white architecture of the chapel was punctuated with cascading magenta blooms and guests were all invited to dress in bright colors to match the tropical beauty of Mexico!
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"I have a lot of advice when it comes to planning a destination wedding. When you begin, write down your top 3 or 5 non-negotiables that you and your partner envision for your wedding day. Don’t lose sight of those. You will get so much input from family and friends but just trust your gut and do what you want, because it’s your special day. I would also say that there will be times where stress is on an all time high, but try and remember the why! Why you are planning such a beautiful event, because you and your partner want to celebrate your love. Be in the moment and try not to let the stress ruin the fun in making something so beautiful. I had to remind myself of that many times. It’s hard when you want things to be perfect, but no matter what guests will have fun if you make it your own! Lastly, don't stress about guest’s actions. The people that want to be there will make it happen."
Cocktail hour was full of chic and playful touches! After being serenaded by an amazing mariachi band, guests were guided to a custom neon bar sign inscribed "Let's Get Hammered" (a pun on the couple's last name, Hammer). Their drink menu featured a signature cocktail and illustration of their dog Biscuit, and the bride's coconut margarita that she still dreams of!
Inspired by the rich colors of Andaz Mayakoba, the bride and her mom worked with The Eventeur to plan a tropical reception that was bright, bold, and fun! Pink and magenta blossoms by Mandarinna Studio were contrasted by pops of unique blue floral candles. Going against traditional design brought so much vibrance to this jungle reception setting!
Gorgeous boho chic rentals from Archive Rentals and paper goods from Aralia elevated the decor of this pastel tablescape!
The bride and groom were thrilled with how their vibrant design turned out! They credited their amazing vendor team that felt like family throughout the entire wedding planning process; the team contributed a huge amount to making their wedding dreams come true.
If you loved Nicole and Ryan's cocktail napkins, you're going to be obsessed with their wedding cake! The stunning three tiered cake featured a custom miniature of their dog Biscuit and magenta blooms to match the reception decor. After cake cutting, the guests moved to the stunning light up dance floor where the incredible DJ Dulce Rullan transformed the night into a true dance party. Everyone in attendance had never seen such a packed dance floor through the end of the night!
Congratulations Nicole & Ryan! Be sure to check out the full gallery of images from Take It Photo to see even more gorgeous moments from their tropical wedding.
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