After feeling inspired by her twin sister’s seaside Mexico destination wedding, bride Janae and her husband Jon decided to say “I do” in the same location of San Jose del Cabo. “It was such a beautiful, romantic, and intimate wedding, and I wanted the same,” the bride says about her sister’s wedding. “After her wedding, this location held such a special place in our family’s hearts.”

Because many of the couple’s loved ones had been to the location previously, they were excited to return. “The family and friends who were unable to attend my sister’s wedding were even more excited to experience what they missed out on years ago,” Janae says. The groom’s family also looked forward to the big day and was excited to experience the location.

Aside from the fact that San Jose del Cabo held a special place in the couple’s hearts, they wanted the chance to spend time with their guests for multiple days. “It’s rare to travel and vacation with numerous friends and family,” the bride says. “Everyone came together and had a blast! We had such a great group of people helping us celebrate our love!”

Overall, planning the newlyweds’ dream wedding was a positive experience. To truly enjoy the location and venue, they decided to keep their wedding simple. “We knew that there might be a few limitations so we kept everything easy,” says Janae. “I am so glad we did a destination wedding; everyone should do it!”

While the bride and her family were already familiar with the venue, Janae admits that having an extra helper would have likely been a huge help. “My only regret is not having my own wedding planner from start to finish,” she says. “A wedding planner would have been there overseeing everything and handling all the big and little things.”

When it came to travel, the couple says that reaching the resort was easy, especially when flying in from the West Coast. “It’s only a two hour flight from Southern California, but you feel so far away and on vacation when you arrive,” says the bride. “It’s only a 12 minute ride from the airport to the resort — very convenient!” Additionally, having a wedding website made it simple for guests to stay updated on transportation information, which Janae says was essential.

Upon arrival to the destination, the bride says meeting with your coordinator is a must to ensure every detail is exactly as you requested. “I wish I had requested to see the items we ordered through the resort when I met with my coordinator a few days before the wedding,”  says Janae.

Overall, the couple believes they spent less on their destination wedding than they would have spent back home. “Local venues were double the price to book than our location in Mexico,” the bride says. “Our destination is so beautiful, we didn’t have to spend money on decor. I had an all-white wedding and the minimal decor at the resort was perfect for the look we were going for.”

While the bride believes the wedding would have been amazing no matter what, the destination wedding made it all the more memorable. “I will never forget vacationing with all of our friends and family for a few days, and then getting to marry my best friend at the end of a fun-filled weekend together,” she says. “Doesn’t get better than that!”

Janae ultimately recommends having fun and being true to yourself on your big day “Don’t try anything new unless you do a trial. I promise you will feel so good and love your wedding photos even more.”

Vendors: Photographer: Taylor Kinzie, Wedding Planner: Wedding & Event Coordinator at Cabo Azul Resort, Ceremony/Reception Site: El Corazon Chapel and Javier’s Restaurant at Cabo Azul Resort, Stationery: Celebrate Florals & Invitations, Hair: Jacquelyn Christine, Makeup: DOUBLETAKE Makeup Artistry, Gown Designer: Grace Loves Lace, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Suitsupply, Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Wore dress pants from Macy’s, & Videographer: Land’s End Films