Newlyweds, Jake and Angel, first met 11 years ago. From the moment the two got engaged, they knew just how excited they were to celebrate their special day. As a wedding professional herself, Angel (a makeup artist), had seen all different types of weddings and knew exactly what she wanted for her own. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with its lovely warm weather and friendly hospitality made the perfect wedding destination for the couple.

Unfortunately, the pandemic had other plans and the couple had to postpone their original wedding date.

“With all the scenarios that can go wrong when it comes to planning a wedding, I never thought a worldwide pandemic would be the reason for me having to postpone mine,” Angel says.

While COVID-19 added new obstacles to their special day, Jake and Angel remained in high spirits surrounded by wonderful vendors who uplifted them throughout the process.

Angel’s long-time coworker and friend, Ashley of Ashley Cook Photography, played an important role in capturing all the beautiful moments during the special day. “Working weddings with Ashley, I knew someday that I wanted her to photograph my wedding,” Angel says.

After months of planning the couple’s ideal wedding day, they were eager to board their flight to Mexico and get the party started!

On the day of the wedding, waves gently crashed against the sandy beaches glistening in the sun. The smell of the salty sea filled the air. Just a short walk from the beach, guests gathered in the Mexican-style casita. The venue provided the feeling of a garden escape next to the sea. The elegant bushes dotted with bright red flowers contrasted the sunny day. The setting could not have been more perfect for Jake and Angel to exchange vows of “forever”.

“It was the most magical, perfect, stress-free day,” Angel says.

The ceremony commenced on the lovely oceanfront property with loved ones gathering on both sides of the aisles. Palm frowns on both sides of the aisle framed the couple in hues of earthy colors. Bridesmaids’ bouquets contained various shades of pink and orange, which complemented their lovely blush pink gowns. The sun setting over the ocean backdrop made the perfect destination for Jake and Angel to begin their lifetime of forever together.

The couple’s reception happened under twinkling lights. The tables were draped in blush pink and orange bouquets tied together with white satin bows. Authentic Mexican shot glasses with blue rims and white cursive writing saying “Jake and Angel” were placed on the table as party favors for guests to keep as special gifts.

As the waves crashed against the shore, love was in the air. Guests sipped from their glasses while sharing loving memories in the moonlight. The celebration’s sweetest moments were captured all night long.

“Getting all my pictures back, I cried so many happy tears while looking at them,” she says. “They were absolutely everything I wanted them to be.”

The couple, after having such a wonderful experience at their Puerto Vallarta destination wedding, would like to offer some advice to future couples before their wedding day.

Angel explained the importance of having a good photographer to capture all the beautiful moments. “Your wedding day goes by so fast it’s all a blur. I could hardly even remember what everything looked like,” she says. She reflects how grateful she is to have Ashley by her side to make all her dreams come true.

Vendors: Photography: Ashley Cook Photography; Planning: Vallarta Weddings; Venue: Casa Lido; Florals: Flor Mimo Florist; Ceremony Gown: BHLDN;  Reception Gown: Lulus; Hair: Nani Ramos Hair Design; Makeup: Radiant Beauty and Skincare; Catering/Cake: Plush Catering; Custom shot glasses: Shot and Co.; Styling board: Olive and Oak; Scans: Photo Vision Prints; Wedding Submission Services: Published + Pretty