In the post-pandemic wedding madness, many couples are searching for ways their weddings can stand out. Tyler and Cecilia decided ditching a traditional hometown ceremony for a once-in-a-lifetime vacay wedding would be more than enough to excite guests. When the couple realized they could combine their wedding and honeymoon into one big trip, plans got underway quickly.

“We chose Mexico for our wedding because it’s close to Texas where we live,” Cecilia says. “Puerto Vallarta has beautiful beaches and mountains. We also fell in love with our stunning resort and knew this was exactly where we wanted to spend the most important day of our lives.”

When Tyler and Cecilia announced their plans, the majority of their friends and family were ecstatic. Unfortunately, a handful could not make the trip due to the travel requirement. However, the couple tell us this helped to secure a smaller guest count and keep overall costs down

After scouting venues in Riviera Nayarit, the couple landed on the luxurious, all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. With plans beginning to solidify, Cecilia and Tyler knew they’d need a helper who could speak Spanish, knew of excellent vendors in the area, and could clue them in on local marriage requirements.

“The resort provided us with a wedding planner who was AMAZING and handled everything for us,” Cecilia says. “This was important because we were international and did not have any connections in Puerto Vallarta. She recommended vendors for us and got quotes.”

The bride also took to Google to research vendors, especially makeup artists and photographers. “Then, I would look the vendors up on social sites such as Instagram to view their work and reach out for quotes,” Cecilia says.

To further simplify logistics, the couple’s guests booked their travel independently. The flight was less than three hours so it wasn’t too taxing. Guests were also able to book ground transportation to and from the airport through the resort.

“Our wedding planner kept everything organized with a spreadsheet of when guests would be arriving/departing and flight information,” the couple says, “so, we did not run into any issues.”

At the end of all the planning, the couple was able to share a wonderful vacation with their nearest and dearest. After such a wonderful time, the couple reflected on their choice to go “destination.”

“I think it would have been less intimate if we had it back home,” Cecilia says. “Also, I feel the destination has more of a wow factor and everyone is in a good mood because they are on vacation! We had our ceremony and reception outdoors which is something we wouldn’t have been able to do back home. Finally, we now have a place away from home that is special to us to visit!”

Advice From the Couple

“Have a wonderful photographer because the whole day is going to be a blur. The photos are SO important to look back on. Try to soak in every single moment!”

Vendors: Photographer: Evgenia Kostiaeva of  Vallarta Photo; Wedding Planner: Leticia Ponce of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit; Venue/Florist: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit; Stationery: The Knot; Hair & Makeup: Palomagarcia Salon; Gown Designer: Enzoani; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Men’s Wearhouse