While Jessica and Taylor were 100% committed to each other upon getting engaged, the same cannot be said for their wedding plans. “I’ll be honest, we contemplated eloping many times during our planning process, but now all I want to do is relive that day over and over,” reflects Jessica. The San Diego couple took their time in deciding on their destination. With the bride’s family on the East Coast and the groom’s family in Cabo San Lucas, Jessica and Taylor ultimately decided that hosting their nuptials south of the border was the right route.

“We thought [getting married in Cabo San Lucas] would be a great opportunity for my family and friends to see where Taylor grew up…we went down for a full week before the wedding to show them around and it was wonderful,” reminisces the bride. Between the groom’s family living locally and the bride’s excited family having never been to Mexico before, the couple had 85 guests in attendance come W-Day.

When it came to choosing a venue, this ambitious couple thought outside the box. “We had our ceremony and reception at a private villa on the Sea of Cortez,” says the bride. “It was great to have the property to ourselves; it kept it very private and we were able to design everything the way we wanted. The best part about renting the private villa was that we could bring in our own alcohol, which saved a lot of money, and we stayed until midnight instead of the usual 10 p.m. We had so much fun, we didn’t want it to end.

Looking back, the couple knows they made the best decision possible in hosting a destination wedding, but their resolve did waiver during their nine-month planning process. “It was definitely a rollercoaster ride at times, but no matter what, it’s 100% worth it when the day comes,” says Jessica. “It was so amazing to see it all pulled together. It was beyond our expectations.”

Vendors: Photographer: Mirelle Carmichael Photography, Wedding Planner: Lulú Kennedy with Lazy Gourmet Catering and Event Planning, Ceremony/Reception Site: Villa Vista Ballena, Videographer: Cheryl Tivar with Wonderfilm, Florist: Florenta Flower Design, Stationery: Walnut St. Studio, Bride/Bridesmaids’ Jewelry: Blue Begonia Jewelry & Cicie Jewelry (bracelets), Groom’s Ring: Blue Begonia Jewelry, Shoes: Vince Camuto, Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Jarlo London, Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Bar III, Gown Designer: Essense of Australia, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Bar III, DJ: Alex DJ, Musicians: John Bennett and Jim Volkert