Ashley-Rose and Lane hail from Alabama, where big, Southern weddings are the norm. However, after attending a destination wedding, the couple knew an intimate wedding away was much more to their taste. “My sister had a destination wedding and I thought it was the most relaxing wedding I had ever been to,” says the bride. “If we had a wedding in our hometown, Birmingham, we didn’t feel like it was possible to pull off the intimacy and small size we wanted for our day.”

Ashley-Rose’s parents have vacationed at One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico several times in the past and always raved about it. As soon as the couple visited themselves shortly after getting engaged, they knew that an intimate Los Cabos wedding away was in their future! “The second we arrived at the One and Only Palmilla, we felt right at home. Seeing the chapel and stepping inside, we both just felt that it was the perfect place for us,” recalls Ashley-Rose.

Keeping their wedding as intimate as possible – just seven guests – did cause some tension among friends and family. The couple was understanding of loved ones’ wish to be there on the big day, but stuck to their guns and kept the guest list limited to just immediate family. Between keeping the wedding group small and their hired professional vendors, the couple thoroughly enjoyed the planning process.

“We had no issues at all with the planning process,” says Ashley-Rose. “Our wedding coordinator, Ruth Flores, and the whole staff at One & Only went above and beyond to ensure that our stay and big day were perfect. I cannot say enough good things about them!” The bride also struck gold when it came to her photographer. 

“I was lucky enough to find our photographer, Sara Richardson, by chance on Instagram. During our first conversation on the phone, we just clicked and it was such a relief! I knew I was in good hands with her taking our photos that we would forever cherish. [My wedding planner and photographer] both gave me recommendations for each vendor and we couldn’t have been happier with the way everything turned out. I believe that my planning experience was much more laid back and relaxing compared to most of my friends who get married locally.” 

The couple was extremely gracious hosts for their guests and covered the cost of their accommodations. This simplified the logistics and the couple was clever in booking everything during a Black Friday sale. The couple and the bride’s parents also visited once before the wedding to meet with their planner and view room categories, sample dinner menus and spa experiences.

When asked how a hometown wedding would have differed from their intimate Los Cabos destination wedding, the couple say the contrast is extreme. “Since we wanted such a small, intimate wedding, it really helped cut down on the costs of all the expenses that usually get out of hand at weddings in [Birmingham],” says the bride. “I think that by choosing to do a destination wedding that we spent less money. I was still able to have all the touches and special details I wanted, but at a smaller cost.

“I think that if we would have had our wedding at home, it would have been less special. Not only would it have gotten out of hand in terms of cost, but I think it would have been too big. We live in the South and weddings tend to go overboard. To me, what made our day so special was that it was so personal, small and intimate. It makes it that much sweeter that I can remember every detail from our wedding day and during it we were both able to enjoy it with the ones we love most.”

Not surprisingly, the bride’s number one piece of advice is to stand your ground and keep your wedding day about the two of you. While the couple’s decision to have fewer than 10 guests was met with surprise by some, they don’t regret their decision for a moment. “It is all about the commitment you are making to each other, your love and what you want for your big day. People will start throwing suggestions and ideas at you, but at the end of the day, it really is all about what y’all want.”

Vendors: Photographer: Sara Richardson Photography, Ceremony/Reception Site/Cake: One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, Wedding Planner: Ruth Flores with One & Only Palmilla, Florist: Florenta Flower Design, Stationery: Empress Stationery, Hair & Makeup: Blanc Bridal Salon, Gown Designer: Augusta Jones from Carriage House Weddings, Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Groom/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Brogue and Cuff, Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Bella Bridesmaids, DJ: Mexican Trio at One & Only Palmilla, Videographer: Angel with Cinematic Touch, Bride’s Hairpiece: Jennifer Behr, Earrings: Elizabeth Bower, Veil: Liancarlo, Blusher: Toni Federici & Couple’s Rings: Diamonds Direct in Birmingham