When Danielle and Matthew met nearly ten years ago in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, it seemed like fate that they would later return to get married on the same pristine white beaches where they first met.

Although a wedding in Cabo was always in the back of their minds, the couple did look into venues around their home. But in an effort to keep the budget and guest list down they decided to hold their marriage at a small boutique hotel.

The boutique hotel at Marbella Suites was the ideal location for the couple because they could afford to buy out the property for the weekend to house their 50-60 attending guests. 

“We also wanted a more private setting on the beach and the best place to do that was on ‘The Corridor,’ a stretch of beach between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas that isn’t built out with tons of hotel,” the couple said.

While some couples may be overwhelmed by the prospect of planning a wedding away from home, for Danielle and Matthew, it was the exact opposite.

“There is something peaceful knowing you can only do so much,” the couple said.

Danielle and Matthew lucked out in that nearly the entire staff at their hotel spoke English, something that helped out a lot in the planning process.

Some destination couples are only able to make contact with their vendors via e-mail, but this couple was able to meet with their vendors six months before the wedding so they did not have to rely solely on reviews.

For inspiration, the couple relied on blogs, magazines and the Internet to pull together their dream wedding.

Despite not being able to carry much in their suitcases in the way of DIY details, the couple was still able to put their personal touch on their wedding ceremony.

Matthew and Danielle’s wedding featured personal program fans, creative table cards, maraca place assignments (guests could shake the maracas to get a kiss from the bride and groom!) and Thai lanterns to release at midnight.

For advice, the couple encourages other destination I do’ers to party it up and enjoy their special day as much as possible.

Vendors: Photographer: Kelly Wood Photo, Wedding Planner: Katelyn Bobrow, Ceremony/Reception Site: Marbella Suites, Gown Designer: Provence, Florist: Cabo Flowers, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Hugo Boss, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Victoria’s Secret/Hugo Boss