I’ve always believed in signs and for as long as I can remember, the number 727 held a special place in my life. So, when it came time to finally tie the knot with Chris after not one, but two runaway bride moments -- yes, you read that right; I called off two weddings to the same amazing man before we finally made it to the altar -- it felt only fitting that July 27 would be the day I’d finally say, "I do!"
And what better place to do it than my home country of Mexico and Playa del Carmen, where Chris and I took our first trip together.
Our wedding weekend was everything we’d hoped for, and more -- small, intimate and overflowing with love. We were surrounded by 50 of our closest family and friends. It was the perfect mix of heartfelt moments, playful touches and unforgettable celebrations. Mahekal Beach Resort, nestled right on the beach in the heart of Playa del Carmen, became our oasis for the wedding weekend. The boho-chic beachfront resort, now part of ALHI’s Ever After Collection, feels miles away from everything, but just outside its doors is the bustling town of Playa del Carmen. The resort’s two-story palapas, secret pools, lush gardens and charming restaurants made it the perfect backdrop for our intimate celebration.
Thursday: ¡Bienvenidos a Mexico!
The festivities kicked off on Thursday with our welcome fiesta, where the vibrant Mexican culture was in full swing. We set the mood with live music from a talented duo we flew in from Mexico City, playing the best Latin hits to get everyone in the party spirit. Authentic Mexican food stations featuring everything from taco stations to a ceviche bar and an à la minute churro cart had everyone coming back for seconds, and thirds. To add a personal touch, we honored our beloved pup, Piper, with a signature cocktail aptly named the “Spicy Piperita.” Let’s just say it was a hit!
Friday: Sun, Sea and Snorkeling
The next day, we took the celebration to the high seas and whisked our guests away on a catamaran for a day of snorkeling with sea turtles. Fresh seafood, drinks and music kept the vibe just right as we soaked in the sun and the stunning turquoise waters. Later that evening, our fathers hosted a rehearsal dinner at a local steakhouse, allowing our guests to experience a taste of Playa del Carmen. It was the perfect blend of flavors, laughter, camaraderie and speeches.
The Big Day: A Dreamy Ceremony Finally, the day we’d all been waiting for … for a long time!
Our ceremony took place in a beautiful, secluded garden at the venue. It was non-denominational, and deeply personal. Our officiant was a rockstar, tailoring every detail of our ceremony with such care and personalization -- it felt like a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie. We even ended it with a shot of Clase Azul, our favorite tequila, a fitting toast to the journey we’d taken to get there.
Chris hadn’t seen me until I walked down the aisle, and I have to say, his expression made every bit of the wait worth it. We each read our own vows, pouring our hearts out in front of the people we love most.
Cocktails, ¡Por Favor!
After the ceremony, we moved to another garden for the cocktail hour before heading to the reception, which took place under a grand palapa. The vibe? Tropical Glam. Our wedding colors of pink, black, gold and white created a setting that was as chic as it was vibrant. The energy was electric as our world-renowned DJ, Dulce Rullan, kept everyone on the dance floor, and mariachis wrapped up the night in true Mexican style.
But the party didn’t end there. A group of us headed to Coco Bongo, one of Latin America’s top nightclubs, for an after-party that turned into a nightclub takeover, that included my 80-year-old father rocking out until the wee hours.
Personal Touches
We meticulously crafted every detail of our wedding weekend to ensure it was a truly personalized and memorable experience for our guests. From the moment they arrived, we wanted them to feel the warmth and love we poured into every aspect of the celebration. We incorporated personal touches and special surprises throughout the weekend, such as welcome beach bags filled with goodies, including our favorite snacks and beach towels emblazoned with our logo, “Los Chulos (the sweethearts).”
We had cocktail napkins printed with fun facts about us, giving our guests little glimpses into our journey together, and we included personal touches throughout the weekend that reflected our personalities and story. For those who danced the night away, we provided flip-flops so they could kick off their heels and keep the party going in comfort. Each element, whether it was a thoughtful keepsake, a custom playlist or the carefully curated decor, was designed to make our guests feel special and deeply connected to our celebration. Our goal was to ensure that every second of the weekend felt unique, intimate and filled with love, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone who joined us.
It was our way of thanking everyone for being a part of our special day and a little something for everyone to remember the weekend.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at the jokes that floated around all weekend about my runaway bride history. Instead of hiding from this quirky aspect of our love story, we decided to lean into it and let the laughs flow. As I stood there, hand in hand with Chris, surrounded by the people who mean the most to us, I knew I’d finally found my perfect place -- right there with him. As I look back on that incredible weekend, I’m filled with gratitude for the love and support of our family and friends who joined us in paradise. Our wedding was more than just a celebration of our love; it was the beginning of our next great adventure, and I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Here’s to love, laughter and a wedding weekend that was truly worth the wait.
Cheers to Forever,
Your Retired Runaway Bride
Vendor Shoutouts
Venue: Mahekal Beach Resort
Décor: Planner1 Events, Corazon Luxury Weddings
Florals: Corazon Luxury Weddings
Hair & Make-Up: Sara Tamargo Make-Up and Hair
Entertainment: Marco More Music, Big Bang Productions
Photography: Elizabeth Medina
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