When Tamara and Alfredo met at The Wild Detectives, a cozy bookstore and coffee shop in Dallas, their connection was instant. Bonded over literature, music, and art, their love story came full circle when Alfredo proposed at the very same spot. But when it came time to tie the knot, they left the bookstore behind and chose a vibrant coastal canvas: Grand Velas in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

“We wanted everyone to have the opportunity to disconnect from work and other obligations for the weekend,” Tamara shares. “Puerto Vallarta is a special place for us because of its inclusivity, beautiful sunsets, and local galleries—not to mention my lifelong appreciation for all things Elizabeth Taylor.”

Destination Reflecting an Intersection of Heritages

Tamara and Alfredo’s wedding wasn’t just about saying “I do” in paradise—it was about creating space for joy, culture, and meaningful connection. With family and friends equally split between Mexico and the U.S., the couple knew a destination wedding was the best way to bring everyone together.

“We researched online and narrowed our search to a few options,” Alfredo recalls. “But our site visit to Grand Velas sealed the deal.” The couple was drawn to the resort’s boutique feel, strong food and wine program, and attentive service—especially for guests new to Mexico. Their planner, Nubia Ramirez, helped them bring every detail to life and ensured planning from afar was seamless.

A Tasteful Take on Día de los Muertos

Held on November 2, their celebration coincided with Día de los Muertos—an occasion they honored with thoughtful symbolism rather than a full-blown theme. “We wanted a wedding influenced by the beautiful elements of Día de los Muertos without the theme consuming the décor,” Tamara explains.

Guests were greeted by touches of tradition and personalization, from custom maracas and Talavera-style shot glasses to an altar that honored lost loved ones with photos of Tamara’s mom and Alfredo’s father. “Our floral vendor and wedding planner incorporated them into the altar, which was so meaningful to us,” Tamara says.

From lighted flower crowns to LED foam sticks on the dance floor, no detail was too small. Alfredo’s daughter even crafted a sign for their signature cocktails, while the Grand Velas Carajillo cart stole the show during the reception. And of course, towering Catrina performers—two on stilts—delighted guests during cocktail hour.

The Ceremony: A Celebration of Self-Expression

Tamara and Alfredo’s ceremony tossed the traditional rulebook. Instead of a standard entrance, they choreographed a soundtrack that reflected their personalities. “Our friends Benjamin and Jeff played a Sephardic love song to start. Alfredo walked in to Cage the Elephant, and I entered to an acoustic version of Here Comes the Bride,” Tamara says.

The wedding party, too, reflected a spirit of inclusion and individuality. “We didn’t do bridesmaids on one side and groomsmen on the other. We wanted the ceremony to represent the inclusivity in our lives,” she adds.

Welcome Aboard: Setting the Weekend Tone

The couple kicked off the celebration with a boat party to help guests break the ice. “That boat welcome event helped set the tone for the whole weekend,” Alfredo says. “Everyone relaxed, connected, and really embraced the destination experience.”

The weekend continued with a golf outing arranged by the Grand Velas concierge and an elegant evening under the stars, where the Riviera Nayarit sunset became a cherished part of their photo gallery. “The sunset was unbelievable,” Tamara recalls. “It created the most beautiful backdrop for both photos and memories.”

Lessons from the Journey

Looking back, both Tamara and Alfredo credit their planner with making the experience stress-free. “Meeting and connecting with your onsite wedding planner is the most important part of the destination wedding process,” Alfredo emphasizes. “Nubia learned our preferences and understood our vision. She guided us without changing it.”

And while many couples wrestle with the logistics of planning from afar, these two embraced the challenge with the help of a little community. “Several friends volunteered their extra checked bag allowance to help us get everything to Mexico,” Tamara laughs. “It was a true group effort.”

Tamara and Alfredo’s wedding was more than a beautiful ceremony by the beach—it was a deeply personal, artfully orchestrated experience that reflected their journey, their cultures, and their love. From the altar to the dance floor, it was a celebration where meaning met magic.

“It was important to us that our wedding reflect who we are—our love of music, art, family, and fun,” says Tamara. “And that’s exactly what it became.”

Vendors: Photographer: Jorge Mercado; Wedding Planner: Nubia Ramirez; Venue: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit; Florist: Yessy Mendez; Stationery: Zola; Cake Toppers: The Catrina Shop; Hair & Makeup: Russ Brouse; Ceremony Gown: Pronovias; Reception Gown: Nadine Merabi; Bride’s Shoes: Aquazurra & Jimmy Choo; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Suit Supply, Theory & Rodd & Gunn; Bridesmaids Dresses: Pronovias & David’s Bridal; Groomsmen Attire: Indochino; Music: Jeff Gruber