Susan & Kirk traveled from Saskatchewan, Canada for a destination wedding at the Dreams Resort & Spa in Huatulco, Mexico.  Their crisp and colorful photography was by Keyhole Photography & Design.

Check out the great beaded foot bracelets that Susan made for her special day! Perfect for a beach wedding and also a great DIY detail.

How did the two of you meet?
Kirk and I met June of 2008, before that date we never even heard of each other. A really close friend of Kirk’s happened to be enrolled in the same college program as me. She and I didn’t know each other all that well until our second year of college and every now and then we would hang out. One Saturday morning I got a call from Eryn asking me to drive 2 hours out of the city  to come to a party with her. It didn’t take much convincing since it was summer and most of my friends left the city for the next few months. On the drive out to this party she sent me a text saying I was going to meet a really nice cowboy! My first thought, “She was playing match marker!” I just laughed and went along with her plan. When Kirk and I where introduced we were shy, but the topic that keep our conversation going was that we both traveled to Australia to work.

Tell us about the proposal!
The second date with each other happened the following weekend. Kirk invited me out to see his farm and tour around the beautiful country side by ATV. Kirk and I both have a love for the outdoors so quadding through a treed valley with a river located at the bottom was amazing. Leaving the Pembina Valley we stopped at this massive bolder and took our very first picture together. It was 2 ½ years later Kirk took me back to that same bolder and got down on one knee and asked if I would like to see “A Big Rock Beside Our Big Rock!” And of Course I said YES!

What made you choose to have a destination wedding?
Both of us felt that planning a huge wedding was not our style, we just couldn’t picture ourselves going through the motions of having a traditional wedding. We love spending time with our friends and family, but living far away from everyone we figured that the destination wedding would be a great idea since everybody would have a beautiful relaxing holiday and we wouldn’t feel rushed since we had an entire week to hang out.

How did you know your destination would be the perfect place to hold your wedding?
The thoughts of walking down the aisle barefoot with sand between our feet, hearing the waves roll in on the shore, being married at sunset and beach-side dinner with friends and family screamed no other words but romance to us. We figured that was a great way we would love to remember our special day.

What was the most memorable moment about your wedding day?
The most memorable moment of the wedding day was when we both exchanged our own written wedding vows to each other. We stood facing each other and held each others hands as we read our own thoughtful words to one another.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
The most favorite detail from our wedding day was how the wedding coordinator set up the bamboo tent in front of the ocean, and had rocks lying along the aisle way, everything looked and felt so natural and earthy. Everything looked so beautiful no words can describe it.

What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
The best part of having a destination wedding is that everybody gets to have a week long holiday in a beautiful tropical climate with close friends and family. The second best part of having a destination wedding is nobody has to plan or help out on the day of the wedding. Everyone gets to hang out at the beach side bar and relax, then join up with friends and family for a night of celebration.

Anything else you would like to share about your wedding? We would love to hear more!
The best memories that we will have forever from our destination wedding is very beautiful photos from the week long trip to look back on and a huge purple/orange swirl sea shell we found on the beach that is kept for holding our rings.

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Dreams Resort & Spa
Photography: Keyhole Photography & Design
Florist/Caterer: Dreams Resort & Spa Wedding consultants
Makeup Artist/Hairstylist: Chelsey Staples
Shoes: Handmade beaded anklets by Susan

Thank you so much Susan for sharing your wedding with us and also to Keyhole Photography & Design for submitting your awesome photography!

Related posts:

1. Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Destination Wedding – Kim & Sean
2. Destination Wedding in St. Petersburg, Florida – Chelsea & Casey
3. Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia Destination Wedding – Natalie & Claudio

Kim & Sean’s intimate beach wedding was held at the gorgeous Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico.

Brian Kraft, the Wyoming couple’s wedding photographer shares details from Kim and Sean’s special day–

The couple came down from Wyoming and brought only their closest family for the wedding. They wanted to keep it nice and intimate and it was. We all stayed for 3 days and the lovely couple extended their stay up the road a bit at another resort for another week for their honeymoon. The big day was just beautiful and the ceremony was out on the beach under a small tent.

After the ceremony and some photos on the beach, I wanted to take the couple in to the resort more for some fun couples photos using some of the nice architecture in the resort. Knowing that all the folks at the resort had just witnessed their wedding– if we went in to the resort along the main path, they’d be the center of attention from the crowd. Thinking they
may want a more subtle approach, I asked if they wanted to enter in the more roundabout way for a little more privacy. Not quite understanding the response they would receive from the crowd, they said ‘no, we’ll just go the main way.’ Well you should have seen as they almost got knocked over with the roar and applause from this giant group of strangers all hanging around the resort. Even with my warning, they were completely taken by surprise and actually seemed to really enjoy the attention. After all– it was their wedding day!!

After more photos of the couple, everyone gathered at the bar for cocktails and then all enjoyed a fun private dinner surrounding the hibachi grill at a great Japanese restaurant– definitely the best restaurant around.

We always like to feature details from the couple and of course, we have some here direct from Kim & Sean–

How did the two of you meet? At the University of Wyoming in a course studying Shakespeare.

Tell us about the proposal! A long standing joke between us was that Sean wouldn’t have enough money to buy a fancy ring and would have to propose with a twist tie…which is exactly what he did on September 14, 2008. Later that day we went to Denver, CO to pick out something that would last longer than the tie.

What made you choose to have a destination wedding? While at a bridal fair with my soon to be sister-in-law and mother-in-law we saw a booth highlighting some of the destinations out there for a destination wedding. I had always wanted a beach wedding but living in Wyoming, it was out of the question.  After some discussion we realized that if we were going to
spend $10,000 on a “party”, we’d rather make it an event, on a beach, with all-inclusive drinks and someone else to fret about the details.

How did you know your destination would be the perfect place to hold your wedding? It had everything you’d expect from a destination resort and the views from the ceremony location made it extra special.  And it had activities on site, the people were fantastic and the price was right.

What was the most memorable moment about your wedding day? Sean: Getting ready for it; knowing the time had come.  Kim: After the ceremony, walking through the resort to take pictures with Brian and everyone would clap and cheer and
shout congratulations.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? Sean: The reception at the Hibachi/Sushi restaurant.  Kim: The after ceremony party.  Brian was taking pictures, everyone was having drinks and laughing, the music was playing, the breeze off the water was perfect.  It was so fantastic.

What was the best part of having a destination wedding? There was NO PRESSURE!  NONE!
Did you honeymoon at your wedding destination location, or go somewhere special afterwards? We left the next morning to travel to Cancun where we spent 5 days on our own celebrating at a couples-only resort.  Everyone else stayed at the wedding resort to have a vacation.




Anything else you would like to share about your wedding? We would love to hear more! We recommend this option to any and all.  Our friends and family who attended still talk about it as the best wedding they ever attended.  The families got to bond over food and drinks, laughs and fun instead of stress, details and schedules.  We spent about 1/3 of what we would have for a modest wedding celebration at home and the money was spent on US, not everyone else.  Our wedding pictures capture the entire experience, not just a few hours.  On our wedding day, we slept in, had an “anything your heart desires” breakfast, swam in the ocean, worked on our tans, chatted with the people we love, and then got married.  It was perfect.

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort, Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
Photography: Brian Kraft Photography
Florist/Cake/Caterer: Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort
Bride’s/Bridemaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s/Groomsmens’ Attire: Kohl’s
Stationery: All About The Honeymoons The entire event was planned, coordinated, scheduled, organized, stressed over, etc…by these ladies…NOT ME!  They were wonderful.
DJ / Band: Kim’s iPod
Lighting: The sun in the sky on a beautiful day.
Makeup Artist: Me
Hairstylist: My sister, Erin
Jewelry – Necklace, Earrings, Tiara, Veil: Homemade jewelry, David’s Bridal
Shoes: NONE!!!…flip-flops made for later by my Mother-in-Law, Kristy
Honeymoon:  Sun Palace in Cancun, Mexico

Thanks to Brian for submitting these beautiful photos and to Kim & Sean for sharing their destination wedding with us.

Related posts:

1. Lea & Brian’s Costa Rica Destination Wedding
2. Leslie & Juan – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
3. Cabo San Lucas – Dan & MacKensie’s Real Destination Wedding

Theresa & Rob’s beautiful destination wedding took place at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This Indiana couple’s gorgeous wedding photography was done by Amanda Wilcher Photographers.

Theresa was so kind to share the details her wedding day with us–

How did the two of you meet? We met through a mutual friend, Jenny, in 2002.  Theresa was with her brother, Bob, at the Indianapolis 500 time trials, and Rob was with a group of his friends. Jenny thought it would be a great idea for us to meet since Theresa was in law school at the time and Rob was an attorney.  We ran into each other the following week in front of the same suite and the rest is history!

Tell us about the proposal! Rob proposed to Theresa in 2009, at our home.  To Theresa’s surprise, Rob had two glasses of champagne, and handed Theresa one before kneeling and popping the question with a stunning ring.  That afternoon and evening, we celebrated with family and friends and watched the 4th of July fireworks.

What made you choose to have a destination wedding? We chose a destination wedding because we both love the beach and wanted our families and friends to join us at a beautiful location.  We hoped a long wedding weekend somewhere tropical would make the event even more special and memorable for all of us.  We were right!

How did you know your destination would be the perfect place to hold your wedding? Good question!  Before selecting the Grand Velas in Riviera Maya, we considered Jamaica and other resorts in Mexico.  We chose Riviera Maya because we thought it was easier for our guests to fly into and out of Cancun and because of the number of all-inclusive resorts in the area.  We felt that an all-inclusive resort was the most practical solution to accommodate everyone.  We narrowed down our search to around 7 or 8 resorts.  Then, we visited Riviera Maya for a long weekend.  We asked a very nice, patient taxi driver to take us to the resorts and began our adventure!  As soon as we visited the Grand Velas, we both knew it was perfect!  The people at the resort were wonderful.  They were so accommodating and helpful.  They took us on a tour of the suites, the restaurants and the areas where they suggested the wedding take place.  The suites were large and beautifully decorated, the resort food was  outstanding and the beach was one of the prettiest we had seen.  After  that visit, we were both convinced that there was no better location for our wedding!

What was the most memorable moment about your wedding day? That’s a hard question, since there were so many! One touching moment was during the wedding procession.  The aisle was rather long, and Theresa’s Dad, Jerry, has some difficulty walking distances.  He was determined to walk Theresa down the aisle though.  Theresa and her Mom, Marilyn, walked together to the stairs leading to the beach.  Theresa’s Dad joined them at the bottom of the stairs and she, her Mom and Dad walked together on the beach down the remainder of the petal covered, sandy aisle.  When they were nearly to the altar, Theresa’s Dad began to cry.  He continued to cry as he gave Theresa away to Rob.  There wasn’t a dry eye in sight!

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? The setting!  It was an amazing contrast of blue sky, aqua ocean, white sand, colorful dresses and beautiful rose flowers wrapping the bamboo gazebo.  Amanda and Kyle Wilcher captured the beauty in such an extraordinary way!

What was the best part of having a destination wedding? Spending quality time in a beautiful, relaxing place with family and friends.

Did you honeymoon at your wedding destination, or go somewhere special afterwards? Following the wedding, we spent a few days at the resort, then headed to Jamaica.

Anything else you would like to share about your wedding? One funny twist to our wedding…we had no idea when we chose the Grand Velas that the resort was hosting a large summit for Latin American Presidents…during our wedding weekend.  It was called Grupo de Rio, and 33 Presidents, their staff and various media were expected to be there – and were.  We, along with 2 other couples, arrived on the Tuesday before our Saturday wedding. As the week progressed, there was a noticeable increase in security around the resort.  What started with a few marines, developed on our wedding day into battleships and gunboats patrolling the coastline, snipers on the rooftops, numerous armed marines lining the beach and plainclothes security personnel walking around with surface to air missiles strapped somewhat inconspicuously to their backs.  It was an amazing site to see, and everyone attending our wedding thought it made the day and weekend even more memorable.  The resort was terrific in the way it handled the whole thing.  None of our guests felt remotely inconvenienced by the additional security.  It also provided many great photographs.  Today, we still laugh about the interesting addition to our wedding!

Vendors -

Ceremony/Reception Venue:  Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Photography: Amanda Wilcher Photographers
Florist:  Grand Velas chose a fantastic local florist, Varsouvia Florist
Cake/Caterer: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Bride’s Dress: by Casablanca, purchased from Nancy’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: by Jiovanni, purchased from Nancy’s Bridal Boutique; Sandals by Rampage purchased from Endless.com
Groom’s/Groomsmen’s Attire:Pants-Hugo Boss/Shirts-Tommy Bahama/Sandals and Belts-Abercrombie & Fitch
Stationary:  Jenny Moore @ Moore Creative – She did a fantastic job!  I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting unique Save the Date, Invitations, Place Cards, Thank You notes, etc.
DJ:Local DJ provided by Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Lighting: provided by Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Makeup Artist: provided by Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Hairstylist: Christine Hazel-DC Hair Lounge / Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Jewelry: Rings – Tiffany’s; Necklace & Earrings – Glam Gal Designs
Veil: Nancy’s Bridal Boutique
Shoes: Stewart Weitzman purchased from Endless.com
Wedding Postage: purchased from Zazzle
Welcome Baskets: disposable custom camera, mini sunblock, sea shells,  maracas – Windy City Novelties
Favors: murano starfish wine charm, wine opener, wine stop, “Beach Memories” photo album
Travel Planner: Irene at Mriberostar.com

Related posts:

1. Anne-Marie & Chris – Wedding at Isla Mujeres, Mexico
2. Leslie & Juan – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
3. Cabo San Lucas – Dan & MacKensie’s Real Destination Wedding

Who doesn’t want to have a little tropical getaway for their wedding? Well here is your chance!

Wedding Paper Divas, makers of awesome Save the Date cards and unique Wedding Invitations wants you to have the destination wedding of your dreams! Fill out the form here for your chance to win a Gourmet Inclusive Destination Wedding from El Dorado Royale, a spa resort by Karisma!

This special package includes:

• A three-night stay in the luxurious bridal suite
• All meals served a la carte with premium drinks, 24-hour room service, a full-service concierge and beach butler service
• The Gold Wedding Package, including a photographer, wedding website, dinner reservations for the wedding party, a homemade wedding album, decorations, wedding planners, flowers and much more!
• Airfare for the bride and groom
• A $500 gift certificate to Wedding Paper Divas

Hurry! You have until 11:59pm (PT) on September 20, 2009. They will select the winner by a random drawing held within 15 days of the contest close date.

Related posts:

1. Destination Wedding Podcast!
2. Joseph & Amber, Lexington Kentucky
3. RealSimple Weddings

Leslie always knew that she was meant to be with Juan. They met when they were teenagers in Mexico; they stayed in touch while attending school in the States; and they know split their time living in California and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

The amazing photographs of their wedding have been provided by Lunaphoto.

So when they started to plan their wedding, Cabo’s Pedregal Beach was the perfect spot. Not only was it where they first fell in love, but it is also where Juan proposed. How perfect! Their wedding consisted of a four-day weekend, filled with a sunset cruise, fabulous meals, horseback rides, and of course – the wedding on the beach!

Leslie’s mermaid-style gown by Pronovias was covered in Spanish lace and had a stunning keyhole back. Her bouquet contained cymbidium orchids, freesia, and lady’s slipper orchids to pick up the lime green in the color palette. They wanted their beach wedding to have a casual vibe, so they laid down coconut mats in the sand. White canopies of fabric attached to bamboo poles helped to shield guests from the hot Mexican sun, and the couple recited their vows in Spanish underneath an arch covered in orchids.

The color palette of the wedding was showcased at the reception. Juan’s favorite blue and Leslie’s favorite green were highlighted by the deep blue glasses and dinnerware, while the centerpieces overflowed with green orchids, freesia and white roses.

Leslie performed a special dance with her flamenco teacher Susan Biali as a surprise for the guests – and for Juan! Afterwards, they had their first dance to the sounds of a mariachi band, the followed by a DJ from Mexico City who kept the party going until 2:30 a.m.! After a fireworks display, guests hit up the food stand set up for a midnight snack with churros and tamales.

Site: Pedregal Beach
Photography: Lunaphoto
Flowers: Elena Damy Contemporary Floral Design

Related posts:

1. Adrian & Dino’s Wedding in Vancouver BC, Canada
2. Winter Destination Wedding in a Historic New England Barn – Lea & Mark
3. Blue Bridal Shoes!

The 15 Minutes of Fame Returns! Anne-Marie & Chris were married at Zama Beach Club in Isla Mujeres, Mexico on April 30, 2007. The island is off the coast of Cancun, and they decided to leave their northern Washington home for a destination wedding because they wanted to elope and have only close family and friends at their wedding. Once they started their wedding planning, they decided that they wanted to go to a tropical location where they could scuba dive – making Isla Mujeres ideal!

Anne-Marie & Chris met on April 30, 2005, Chris proposed to Anne-Marie with an absolutely stunning ring designed by one of Tiffany’s former lead designers, Ritani, on April 30, 2006 – so picking April 30, 2007 as their wedding date was the perfect choice!

Chris’s brother is a monk, and he performed the ceremony for them. They had a cellist play for the ceremony on the beach.

Once they selected their destination, they planned a scouting trip to Mexico to check it out. While there, they met with Juliette of Papillion Weddings and hired her to be their wedding planner. This made the planning easier for Anne-Marie, who was planning from a distance while running a large successful business at the same time. The rest of the planning was done via email, making it a breeze!

Anne-Marie & Chris hired Wendy Kromer, Martha Stewart’s cake designer, to create 8 mini-cakes for them, designed to match the sash on Anne-Marie’s dress in the photo above. The cakes featured orchids that were simply stunning, and Chris carried them on the flight from Washington to Mexico! He actually made two trips to the airport before they left to make sure that they could make it onto the plane with him – once to make sure the would fit as a carry-on, and again to make sure that the wires in the cakes wouldn’t pose a problem with security. If planning something special like that that is that crucial to your wedding day plans, it is always wise to make sure that everything will work out well in advance!

Their fabulous wedding day photography is by Cecilia Dumas of Cancun and the Maya Riviera, and Anne-Marie and Chris truly loved working with her – they said that they can’t get enough of looking at their wedding photos!

Related posts:

1. Notice Some Changes?
2. Adrian & Dino’s Wedding in Vancouver BC, Canada