Mexico is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly smiles, warm culture, sunny skies and decadent food. It’s no wonder couples flock here to tie the knot or celebrate having just done so. 

Just 40 minutes’ drive from Cancun airport and fit for any wedding away is Mayakoba. This sprawling 1,400-acre destination is connected by mangrove-lined waterways. Consider Mayakoba the “Venice of Mexico,” as you can travel from one hotel property to another via interconnecting canals. What makes Mayakoba even more special are the four distinct properties that stretch from one end of the community to the other. No matter what your style or price range, one of the four resorts will fit your needs.

If you’re looking for a romantic chapel backdrop, Mayakoba also has an area that is accessible from all four resorts. “A fantastic option is El Pueblito at Mayakoba, which transports guests to another time. It’s a place where you can live out a true Mexican experience,” says Fabiola Espinosa, Marketing & Communications Assistant Manager for Mayakoba.

Our dream team of professionals worked hard to create a one-of-a-kind design for each location, so you can see exactly what your wedding could look like. Each property is totally unique from the others and the designs you’ll see here are inspired by the colors and landscapes of Mayakoba.

Waterfront Watercolor

Set on the powder white sand directly in front of the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, this minimalist, eye-popping arrangement is repeated with incredible impact. A watercolor floral floor installation saturates the sand and shows through the glass-topped table. We love how the hand-painted menu design is repeated below, begging to be seen. The soft pops of light pink roses and white candles tie in with the juxtaposed black goblets, chairs and luminaries. Edison bulb lights echo the industrial vibe of the chairs. Floral, rentals, production and design by Gabi Lavor of Canteiro Weddings, lead design by Brian Worley of Bold Events, graphic design, invitations and menus by Ceci New York and images by James + Schulze.

Setting: Banyan Tree Mayakoba

True to its Thai roots, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba feels like a fusion between south of the border and Southeast Asia. The architecture is jaw-dropping, yet feels entirely indigenous to the area. With private villas and personal plunge pools for all, luxury and exclusivity go hand-in-hand. Weddings here are second nature: effortless and totally stress-free. The set-up shown is on the sprawling, white sand beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea, but there is no end to the backdrops Banyan Tree offers. From pool-side to fire-side, gardens and terraces, no matter what you desire, paradise is found.

Gilded Lagoon

Alfresco romance is in abundance with golden candelabras, white chandeliers, soft lavender and white floral centerpieces (all provided by Canteiro Weddings). The embroidered gold and white linens by I Do Linens paired with detailed ghost chairs allow the gorgeously adorned tables to be seen from any vantage point. Set on the negative edge pool of the Fairmont Mayakoba with the lagoon in the distance gives a “one with nature” feel, yet the glamour of the wedding design by Brian Worley of Bold Events and Gabi Lavor of Canteiro Weddings, as well as the sophisticated menus and invitations by Ceci New York beg for floor-length gowns and tuxedos. Images by James + Schulze.

Setting: Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya

Thatched roofs, sprawling lawns and meandering walkways invite guests to take in the destination and slow down just a little. The Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya resort is a great fit for families and romantic couples alike. There are countless activities on-site, as well as sumptuous restaurants to indulge in. The Fairmont has no shortage of event space and can accommodate just about any size of group. This classic-meets-modern design is set-off perfectly by the Fairmont’s negative edge pool overlooking the lagoon.

Fiesta Forever

Fiesta equals fun in this reception set-up at the Andaz Mayakoba. Brian Worley of Bold Events and Gabi Lavor of Canteiro Weddings collaborated to create a one-of-a-kind piñata installation in the center of a custom-made table embellished with a mix of citrus, floral and fine linen. The hand-painted, watercolor art of the menus, wrapped luminaries and invitations provides the perfect tie-in to the colorful excitement of the event’s design. Floral, piñata installation, custom table, tableware and whitewashed chairs provided by Canteiro Weddings, linens provided by I Do Linens, graphic art and stationery by Ceci New York, design by Brian Worley of Bold Events and images by James + Schulze.

Setting: Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

The Andaz Mayakoba’s design radiates modern luxury with just a dash of whimsy. The monochromatic buildings set off the juxtaposition of the brightly colored art, transporting guests to nirvana. The property feels like a contemporary village with the angular hilltop villas overlooking winding walking paths ensconced in foliage. A highlight here, and seen in the background from our stunning photo shoot, is Casa Amate. Its “residential concept” is reflected throughout the space with separate, intimate rooms where you can relax and enjoy family recipes from the chef. The lawn, where our piñata adorned table is positioned, overlooks a lagoon below and the rest of the property in the distance.

Romance in the Garden

Set in the chef’s garden at Rosewood Mayakoba, the intricately patterned linens by I Do Linens mix effortlessly with bright pops of floral and wooden bistro chairs. Moravian metal stars hang from a reclaimed wood pergola above the main table, while wicker-wrapped market lights illuminate the round tables. Soft blue napkins and custom menus by Ceci New York are delicately placed over the distressed, light gold chargers at each guest’s place setting. The metal star detail is repeated along with tin luminaries and metallic votive candles on each tabletop. Design concept by Brian Worley of Bold Events. Production, design, floral and rentals by Gabi Lavor of Canteiro Weddings. Images by James + Schulze.

Setting: Rosewood Mayakoba

This is approachable luxury at its finest. Not an impulse or need will go unchecked at the Rosewood Mayakoba. Accommodations are a standout with heated plunge pools, outdoor showers and individual boat docks. With the property’s sleek, modern design, the surrounding jungle and beaches blend paradise with natural landscapes. This offers a truly authentic experience and is precisely what the designers were going for. The Rosewood’s farm-to-table Cheiba Garden was the backdrop for this welcoming, yet romantically plush event.

Special Thanks To:

Production, Floral and Design: Gabi Lavor of Canteiro Weddings; Lead Designer: Brian Worley of Bold Catering & Design; Photography: James + Schulze; Invitations, Menus and Graphic Design: Ceci New York; Linens: I Do Linens.

This article can be found on page 48 of the Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Destination I Do magazine.