Inspired by the creative process of planning a wedding, Lacey and Justin knew their special day had to be a destination wedding. With all the elements of a getaway with loved ones, culture and the beauty of Mexico, the lovebirds knew their desired destination would be a dream-come-true under the sunny and tropical skies of Riviera Maya.

“It was always a dream of mine to go away with all the people I love,” says Lacey. “What better way to celebrate the most important day of our lives than with all of our closest family and friends for an entire weekend?”

Now beyond happy with their wedding, the couple wasn’t always sure they wanted a destination wedding. Playing around with the idea of a more traditional wedding in New York, they knew they would love planning a destination wedding after looking at local venues and even looked forward to the planning process.

After finding the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, the bride knew that was where she wanted to say “I do.” With the help of wedding planners from Runaway Bride Destination Weddings, the lovebirds had the company of 194 guests and a perfect wedding.

“I had a vision of how I wanted the weekend to turn out and it completely exceeded my expectations!” says the bride.

Adding unique touches to make the day feel as personalized as possible, the bride had a couple of DIY projects around the wedding. From the wedding invitations to customized pillows, the little details are what made their time in Riviera Maya more special.

“I think our wedding weekend wasn’t just special for Justin and I, it was memorable for all of our guests,” says Lacey. “I know if we had a wedding at home it would have been the best day of our lives, but having a destination wedding was truly spectacular. It was a dream come true, I couldn’t imagine having a wedding any other way.”

Overcoming a couple of bumps along the road with close friends and family members not being able to attend and some communication issues during the planning process, everything was easily resolved and the wedding ultimately blew away the couple’s expectations. It was also surprisingly affordable.

“A lot of people say destination weddings cost less but I think it really depends on the weekend you decide on,” the couple says. “We had over five events throughout the weekend and had more people attend than we expected. In the end I think it was comparable in price, but we got so much more than a five hour party, we had the most incredible weekend.”

We asked the bride to share some advice on planning a destination wedding for all other couples considering one of their own. “Everything works out! When you get super frustrated just put faith into your venue, vendors and the decision you made,” says Lacey. “You can’t control everything because you aren’t there so just make decisions and go for it!”

Vendors: Photographer: Elizabeth Medina, Wedding Planner: Runaway Bride Destination Weddings, Ceremony/Reception Site: Beach/MK Blue, Florist: Alquimia, Stationery: Alpine Creative Group, Cake: Banyan Tree, Hair & Makeup: Backstage H&M & Styling Trio, Gown Designer: zcustom made by Zaza, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Ralph Lauren, DJ: Big Bang Productions, Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Arpason & Videography: Social Art.