Love stories often begin in unexpected places and unfold in the most beautiful ways. For Chance and Julia Ward, their journey began on a boat when they were just teenagers. Fast forward to years later, after reconnecting through a heartfelt message, they embarked on a remarkable journey of love that culminated in a destination wedding filled with love, spirituality, and modern elegance. Read along as we delve into Chance and Julia’s enchanting wedding, held at the stunning Hilton Cancun in Mexico, and discover the details that made their day truly special.

“Chance and I originally met on a boat when we were 16 and 18. The timing was off, but we always knew we would find our way back to each other,” Julia shares. Their love story began to flourish when Chance was in Kentucky for work, and Julia reached out to him. After a five-month hiatus from social media, Chance finally responded, and what started as a “Hey stranger!” soon transformed into a love that would last a lifetime.

Julia and Chance chose to have a destination wedding for several reasons, and it all came down to intimacy and intentionality. “We are very intimate and intentional people,” Julia explains. They wanted their wedding weekend to be a celebration of love, where their closest friends and family could connect deeply with each other. Everyone who made the journey to their wedding became a part of their forever.

Selecting the Perfect Destination

Cancun, Mexico, was the chosen destination for this celebration of love. It was a practical choice, given that Julia’s big Italian family would have made for a large local wedding. Mexico was not only a short flight from their Florida home but also a place where many of their friends and family had never been. The proximity to the Cancun airport, with easy transportation options, made it an ideal choice.

The Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive resort was a natural choice for the couple. The property had just opened in December 2022 when they toured it, and it ticked all the boxes on their checklist. The stunning amphitheater, where their ceremony took place, captured their hearts instantly. They even upgraded their reception to the Waldorf Astoria within the resort for a modern, elegant vibe.

Decor and Details: Modern Elegance

Julia had a vision of modern, clean, and elegant decor for their wedding. Their ceremony was spiritual, emphasizing themes of love, connection, and becoming one. The venue, with its echoing amphitheater, was adorned with timeless baby’s breath and candles, creating a serene and timeless atmosphere.

Ceremony: Unique and Heartfelt

Julia and Chance’s ceremony was a departure from tradition in many ways. They opted not to have a traditional wedding party to create a relaxed atmosphere. Tears flowed freely from the moment Julia’s father lifted her veil and walked her down the aisle. The ceremony started with a violinist and included a worship song, “The Blessing” by Elevation Church, ft. Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes, emphasizing the message of Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you…”

The Planning Process From Afar

Planning a destination wedding might seem daunting, but with the right team, it can be a smooth journey. Julia and Chance credit their wedding planner, Brenda Peregrino, for helping with every aspect, from coordinating with vendors to finalizing details. They made a pre-wedding visit to meet key vendors, like Carlos from Inspire Solutions for video and audio, Marianna from Canteiro Weddings for floral arrangements, and Ana from Archive Rentals for decor. These meetings ensured their vision became a reality.

A Different Experience Close to Home

Julia believes their wedding would have been vastly different if it hadn’t been a destination wedding. The absence of a traditional wedding party, the carefully curated guest list, and the full weekend itinerary for their guests all contributed to a unique and intimate celebration.

Julia and Chance offer some valuable advice to future couples desiring a destination wedding: “If you are planning a destination wedding, do it, plan the whole weekend exactly as you want it, and people will make it work to support you. The memories will last a lifetime. Have fun while you’re doing it; you will get frustrated and overwhelmed, but ask for help and make the magic happen!”

Vendors: Photographer: Memories By Lindsay; Second Photographer: Paola Márquez; Ceremony Venue: Hilton Cancun; Reception Venue: Waldorf Astoria Cancun; Wedding Planner: Brenda Peregrino; Coordinator: Ana Parra; Rentals: Archive Rentals; Florist: Canteiro Weddings; Stationery: The Knot; Signage and Table Numbers: Devs Originals; Dessert: Cakeworld USA; Makeup: Bogart Beauty; Hair: Makenzie Beauty; Gown Designer: The White Magnolia; Custom Jumpsuit: Zavana Couture; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Leonardo 5th Avenue; Entainment: Inspire Solutions