Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Casual Elegance in the Sand

Words by Courtney Kellar
Photos courtesy of Cameron Leung Photography

It was during a vacation to Mexico that Annie and Noah decided a beach destination wedding was the right choice for them when the time came to say “I do.” For them, having their toes in the sand was both casual and romantic – the exact feel they wanted come W-day. It was a mere one year later that Noah got down on one knee and the couple was off to Secrets Maroma Beachin Riviera Maya, Mexico.

While some guests took a little convincing to make the trip, it was all worth it in the end and everyone arrived safe and sound. The planning was another area where this couple hit some bumps in the road. “It took more time and effort than we originally thought,” says Noah and Annie. “There are many things that you will not be able to verify/confirm until a few days before the wedding (unless you are fortunate enough to be able to make a separate site visit a few weeks before hand). There was a lot of compromising and we had to be ready to roll with the punches.”

Thankfully, the couple was able to be flexible and relied on their resort, which came recommended for destination weddings. Their beach ceremony was exactly what the couple had envisioned: more casual than a traditional church ceremony would have been, but beautiful and romantic. Annie was gorgeous in a lace gown with a satin bow detail at her waist. The soft pink of the bridesmaids’ dresses and white floral arrangements completed the dreamy atmosphere.

The couple was asked to pass on the best words of wisdom they received throughout this whole process. “The best advice is the cliché advice given to us by married friends and family,” says the couple. “There will be something that will go wrong that day no matter how much you plan. Just keep in mind that there is only one important thing that day and it is to get married to the love of your life. For us, our family and friends made the wedding. They made it fun and filled with love and laughter.”

Vendors:
Photographers: Cameron and Tracy Leung
Wedding Planner: Cecilia Reyes with Secrets Maroma
Florist: Premium Flores
Gown Designer: Tara Keely
Groom’s Clothing Designer: suit by J. Crew
Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: J. Crew