In a tale that began in high school hallways and endured through the twists and turns of life, Stephanie and Anthony’s sweet love story culminated in a breathtaking destination wedding at El Pueblito in Mayakoba, Mexico. 

When asked why they chose a destination wedding, the couple’s response was as genuine as it was heartwarming.

 “We are pretty low-key, but we love to have a good time,” Stephanie says. “A destination wedding perfectly fits our vision of having an extended vacation and a fun-yet-elevated party with our closest friends and family.”

After considering various options, they found themselves captivated by the charm and allure of Mayakoba. “At first, we were set on a villa, but after visiting Mayakoba during our site tour, we knew it could be a great hub for us and our guests,” Anthony says. “El Pueblito, with its character and charm, immediately caught our eye. The chapel provided a perfect backdrop for our ceremony, while the town square allowed us to create different zones for our guests to enjoy.”

With the venue secured, attention turned to the finer details that would make their wedding day truly unforgettable. “We really wanted our reception to feel like an elevated party,” Stephanie says. “Fun and experience were our priorities.” From an interactive outdoor cooking setup by Chef Cristian Morales to incorporating dried citrus and vintage travel elements into their decor, every aspect was thoughtfully curated to reflect their unique style and shared love of travel.

Describing their ceremony, Stephanie and Anthony emphasize their desire to create a deeply personal and meaningful experience. “We knew we did not want a traditional ceremony,” Anthony says. “Our best friends officiated, crafting a script from scratch that truly captured our essence. Live music played a significant role, with violinists performing instrumental versions of modern songs that hold special meaning to us.”

Planning a destination wedding from afar certainly presented its challenges, but Stephanie and Anthony found invaluable support in their wedding planner, Anastasia, and the Mango Weddings team. “We did one site visit, which was extremely helpful,” the bride says. “Anastasia and her team kept things on track and guided us every step of the way.”

Reflecting on their decision to have a destination wedding, Stephanie and Anthony express gratitude for the unforgettable experience it afforded them and their loved ones. “We probably would have done something in New York City,” Anthony muses, “but a destination wedding was truly perfect for us and our vision.”

As they offer advice to couples embarking on their own wedding planning journey, Stephanie and Anthony emphasize the importance of organization and perspective. “Spreadsheets, spreadsheets, and more spreadsheets – and share them with your partner,” Stephanie advises with a laugh. “But beyond that, remember that the wedding is just one part of the journey. Focus on what truly matters – celebrating love, creating memories, and cherishing the time spent with those who matter most.”

Stephanie and Anthony’s Mayakoba destination wedding was a testament to love, adventure, and the joy of sharing life’s most precious moments with those who matter most. As they begin this new chapter together, their story serves as a reminder of the beauty that awaits when love takes flight in the most unexpected of places.

Vendors: Photographer: Take It Photo; Wedding Planner: Mango Weddings & Events; Venue: El Pueblito; Florist: Pri Ola; Stationery: Etsy; Hair & Makeup: Angye Abarca; Ceremony Gown: Grace Loves Lace; Reception Dress: Michelle Mason; Groom’s Attire: Suit Club NYC; Chef: Cristian Morales;  Live Musicians: Sofia Lych; DJ: Disco Movil Cancun