When Andy and Naureen set out to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted to travel far from their Los Angeles home and get married in a place that was ethereal, beautiful, and brought forth a sense of peace. It was the magnificent Mayan Ruins in Belize that stood tall amidst the flourishing jungle that drew the couple to choose this as the destination for their dream wedding.

“We love the jungle, animals, warmth, and deeply spiritual nature at these ancient ruins. We had visited Mayan Ruins in the past and fell in love with the awe, grandeur, and calming effect they had on us. We also desired beautiful spiritual singing and chanting, instruments and dance, with ceremonial native scents of Copal and Palo Santo,” the couple says.

Andy and Naureen decided to visit Belize before their big day, so they took a full weekend to enjoy the sights and source event locations. It was then that they stayed at the Ka’ana Resort & Spa, a luxurious oasis in the jungle, and knew it would be the perfect place to stay for their wedding.

“We suggest every couple visit their site once when planning, before the big day. It’s very romantic. We think about that weekend as fondly as the wedding days,” the couple says.

Entranced by Belize, Andy and Naureen wanted their wedding adventure to last for several days. With the help of a Lonely Planet book and the internet as resources, the couple planned a 4-day excursion full of exciting activities for them and their guests.

“We love to travel, as do our friends. We really just wanted everyone to have a nice, relaxing, yet adventurous vacation, with our wedding being just one day of it. It’s a real bonding experience to be with loved ones in an exotic locale,” the couple says.

With the help of Ka’ana Resort and Events Weddings Mexico, the bride selected every detail with care, from the turquoise accessories that accented her white dress to her bright orange bouquet.

On the day of the wedding, the couple’s closest friends and family joined them in singing, chanting, and celebrating their love in front of the towering Mayan Ruins. The Shamanic team of Spirituality Riviera Maya came all the way from Mexico to perform a beautiful, traditional ceremony.

After their big day, the couple shared what they learned from their experience. “Definitely go with the flow. There were so many unknowns going into the day of the wedding. We never had a rehearsal, and we didn’t sweat the details. That’s the exhilarating fun part of having a destination wedding outside of your comfort zone! Why be normal?”

Vendors: Photographer: Jose Luis Zapata; Coordinator: Events Weddings Mexico; Ceremony/Reception Site: Ka’ana Resort & Spa; Officiant: Spirituality Riviera Maya; Florist/Stationery: Ka’ana Resort & Spa; Gown Designer: Rue De Seine; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Hall Madden; Wedding PR: My Planner Journal