Love knows no boundaries, and for Vanessa and Kotheid, their journey began on the dance floor at an after-party for a networking event in Washington DC. Little did they know that this chance encounter would lead them to a breathtaking destination wedding in Costa Mujeres. In an exclusive interview, the couple shared their story and offered valuable insights for couples planning their special day.

After six years of dating, Kotheid chose a romantic weekend getaway in Virginia Beach to pop the question. With the ocean as their witness, he proposed to Vanessa, creating a moment filled with love, champagne, and a beautifully decorated room. The engagement marked the beginning of their journey towards a destination wedding, fueled by their shared passion for travel.

When asked about their decision to have a destination wedding, Vanessa and Kotheid emphasized their love for exploring the world and their desire to share this joy with their loved ones. Choosing a destination was an exciting process, and they considered factors such as ease of travel for their guests, ultimately deciding on Costa Mujeres, Mexico. However, they did encounter a minor challenge in organizing airport pickups and drop-offs. Thankfully, their wedding planner with Xanath Banuelos, who had expertise in the area, handled the logistics seamlessly, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved.

The couple’s search for the perfect venue led them to three potential options curated by their planner. “When we arrived, we immediately knew it was the one,” Vanessa says. “She understood our criteria and delivered.” 

When it came to decor and extras, Vanessa and Kotheid opted for a professional touch, relying on the expertise of their planner and vendors. While they didn’t undertake any do-it-yourself projects, the couple ensured that every detail reflected their personalities and love story. From elegant floral arrangements to carefully selected table settings, the decor created a magical atmosphere that enhanced their wedding day’s significance.

Their ceremony was a blend of tradition and personalization. As individuals with deep-rooted faith, Vanessa and Kotheid incorporated a traditional Christian ceremony into their wedding, including a hymn and a sermonette.

“Each decision we made felt right for us and our families,” the couple says. “It was a pretty seamless process as ultimately, our families just wanted us to be happy so there were no major disagreements.”

Planning a wedding from afar can be challenging, but frequent communication with the planner played a vital role in overcoming this hurdle. Vanessa and Kotheid made two pre-wedding site visits to ensure everything was in order, but they entrusted most of the preparations to their planner, who delivered beyond their expectations.

Reflecting on the significance of holding a destination wedding, Vanessa and Kotheid emphasized that it added an extra layer of magic to the day. “It wouldn’t have been as memorable because most of our guests had never been to Mexico,” the bride says, “so the gift of travel is one that will create a lifetime of memories.” From exploring the local culture and cuisine to basking in the sun on pristine beaches, their wedding became an adventure that extended beyond the ceremony itself. 

The couple’s advice to future brides and grooms is to prioritize open communication and regular check-ins, ensuring that both partners are on the same page throughout the planning process.

Vendors: Photographer: Pharris Photos + Films; Wedding Planner: Xanath Banuelos; Venue: ATELIER Playa Mujeres; Florist: La Distribuidora; Hair & Makeup: Renata Lynette Beauty & Capitol Bride; Gown Designer: Enzoani; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Black Lapel; Musicians: Mariachi La Diferencia; DJ: DJ Claude of Tag Soundz; Dress Store: Elegance by Roya