Party in Puerto Vallarta: Real Wedding

Party in Puerto Vallarta: Real Wedding

CATEGORIES

September 21, 2022
Words by Alexandra Aley
Photos courtesy of Chrisman Studios

Dating in the Bay Area wasn’t always a walk in the park for strangers, Kelly and David. An optimistic swipe right by David matched him with a beautiful brunette named Kelly. The two exchanged a few charming messages, but never followed through with plans to get together.

couple smiling happily

A few years later while dining at a restaurant in San Francisco, Kelly couldn’t help but notice the (ever-so-familiar) handsome man sitting at the other end of the table beside her. Her curiosity sparked for that young man and moments later he walked over to formally introduce himself. That is where the chapter began.

Their first date took place under the lights at a San Francisco 49ers game, officially kicking off their love story. Their special bond has led them to explore many different adventures around the world together.

“We share the same love for travel and collecting passport stamps, social events with good friends, and Bay Area sporting events,” says Kelly. “I knew early on David was the one.”

A lovely afternoon in the spring led the pair on an adventure to Marin Headlands. Overlooking the picturesque views from the mountain top, David snapped photos to capture the beauty. Just up the hill, a perfect spot overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. David pulled out his camera but this time he pressed record. He knelt down on one knee beside her and promised a lifetime together.

“The well-rehearsed speech David had prepared became less deliverable as he presented the engagement ring, and tears of joy became contagious,” says Kelly.

The couple’s passion for travel made the decision to have a destination wedding a simple choice.

“We wanted to spend quality time over the course of several days with our family and friends who were able to travel and share in our wedding weekend,” the couple says.

The biggest decision they faced: deciding where. Kelly, an avid traveler of Mexico, spent lots of her vacations exploring the country and even took David with her after just a few weeks of dating. It was their first vacation together! David, having spent his childhood on the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, loved the location and had the pleasure of showing Kelly all his favorite spots after just six months of dating. With both locations having such significant value to the couple, choosing one was not easy.

Ultimately, the couple decided on Puerto Vallarta. Travel expenses made it much more affordable for guests flying in. In addition, the destination had far more great restaurants and lively nightlife for guests to enjoy.

“The real benefit of doing a destination wedding in Mexico is we were able to have the wedding of our dreams including a larger guest list, fireworks after our first dance to kick off the party, a late-night taco bar to soak up the alcohol, and many other elements because the costs in Mexico are just more reasonable,” says Kelly.

Thanks to the help of Talbot Ross Events, bringing the couple’s wedding fantasies to life was made simple. They even incorporated some unique DIY projects utilizing independent vendors found on Etsy. One of their favorites: custom white maracas with green monstera leaves as wedding favors.

A monstera leaf painted green was on the front side of the maraca, and guests’ names, the wedding date, and location were on the opposite side. Satin hand-tied ribbons looped onto each of the party favors reading, “shake at the kiss.”

“Everyone had a great time shaking away at our wedding reception,” says Kelly.

As the sun set in the Mexican sky, the fiesta continued on the lovely shores of Mexico. The bride and groom danced the evening away, making it a beautiful success.

“Having all our favorite people in one place, connecting with each other in a meaningful way because of our wedding weekend, was a priceless gift that we will cherish always,” says the couple.