They say “Mother knows best,” and for Rachel, that proved true when her mom, Janet, decided it was time to assist with the “hubby hunt.” In May of 2020, the pair sat down to create a Bumble profile for Rachel and find a match. When they came across Chris’s profile, it was game over. Rachel and Chris started chatting and eventually met for drinks one evening, unknowingly cheers-ing the start of a lifelong love that would lead them to the altar in beautiful Punta de Mita, Mexico.

Chris is from Perth, Australia, and Rachel is from Florida, so both grew up with a deep connection to the beach and tropical environments. It seemed only fitting that they would honor their respective backgrounds with a celebration on the sand. Luckily, the perfect location quickly came to mind.

“The first trip we ever went on together, only a few months after we started dating, was to Mexico in 2020,” Rachel says. “It was in the middle of the pandemic, and Chris had to travel to the US embassy in Mexico City to renew his visa. We decided to turn that trip into a beach vacation, came out to Punta de Mita, and fell in love with this part of Mexico. The surfing, gorgeous West Coast sunsets and incredible food make this place a paradise.”

With a destination chosen, the couple quickly spread the word so guests, especially those based in Perth, could start purchasing flights and lodging. Due to the long travel times, Rachel and Chris opted to extend the celebration over multiple days and events.

“We knew we wanted to have our wedding over an extended holiday weekend,” Chris says, “so we could have multiple events, particularly since so many of our guests would be flying in from very far away.”

The venue selection came almost as easily to the couple as choosing Mexico itself. On the couple’s 2020 trip to Punta de Mita, their boutique-style accommodations at Imanta, with its private beach set amongst the lush jungle, wowed Rachel and Chris enough to want to bring all their friends along. Hosting a wedding there was the perfect excuse! Beyond its sentimental value, Imanta offered the practical control the couple desired for their multi-day vision. They opted for a full buyout of the property, which features only 12 rooms and villas, ensuring total privacy for their family and close friends.

“We wanted somewhere that allowed us full control over the setup, logistics, and vendors,” Rachel explains. “We didn’t want any restrictions on what time the party had to end, and didn’t want to have to move locations from the main reception to an after-party.”

Budget also played a significant role in the decision-making process. By choosing Mexico over other tropical locales like Hawaii or the Caribbean, the couple found they could stretch their investment much further.

“Having the wedding in Mexico was also significantly cheaper than other countries we considered!” Rachel says. “We were able to throw a spectacular 3-day affair for a fraction of what it would have cost in Hawaii or the Caribbean, so we were able to include pretty much every detail that we wanted.”

The couple’s team of talented local vendors transformed the empty beach into a custom event space, constructing a large elevated platform above the waves to host the reception and subsequent parties. The design aesthetic leaned into the natural surroundings, using the rugged cliffs and lush greenery as a backdrop for a “Jungle Disco” vibe that felt both organic and high-energy.

Music played a cornerstone in the celebration, featuring a blend of local traditions and international flair. The soundscape of the weekend featured everything from local mariachi bands to world-class talent flown in specifically for the occasion, including Eli’s Band from Los Angeles and several of the couple’s favorite DJs.

The festivities culminated in a unique transition of the space. While Saturday was dedicated to the ceremony and reception, vendors worked through the night to reinvent the venue for a “Jungle Disco Beach Party” on Sunday. This final day featured a relaxed beach barbecue, where the formal attire of the previous night was swapped for chic swimwear and linen, topped off by a surprise vinyl set by New York DJ Ge-ology.

The ceremony blended modern touches with traditional roots. While the couple incorporated traditional Jewish elements, including the signing of the Ketubah, they also chose to keep their vows intimate. They shared them in private at the top of the hotel overlooking the ocean, allowing for a quiet moment of reflection before the public ceremony began.

The processional was a true family affair. Eli Buzaglo sang a moving rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as Chris entered, followed by Rachel’s niece, Ellie, serving as the flower girl. Rachel eventually made her way down the aisle, accompanied by her parents, to the timeless sound of “Unchained Melody,” creating a striking contrast against the crashing waves behind them.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the “Jungle Disco” came to life. The elevated platform became a dance floor under a canopy of stars, proving that when you combine a mother’s intuition with a world-class location, the result is nothing short of magic.

Reflecting on their planning process, Rachel and Chris emphasize the importance of recruiting local experts and having realistic expectations.

• Hire Local: Having a local wedding planner who knows the vendors is crucial, especially if you aren’t fluent in the language.
• Site Visits: Meeting vendors in person at the venue helps map out site layouts and finalize décor in a way that photos cannot capture.
• Communication: Utilize accessible tools like WhatsApp for constant contact with your planner to ensure no detail is lost in translation.
• Manage the Room Block: Be conservative with room block guarantees. “The one thing we would probably change in hindsight is to not commit to as high of a room block count,” Rachel notes.
• Expect Attrition: Don’t be offended if some guests can’t make the trip; travel is a big commitment. Be prepared for last-minute cancellations and focus on the loved ones who are there to celebrate with you.

Vendors: Photographer: Kim Raaf; Wedding Planner: Gretel Aguilera; Venue: Imanta Resorts; Florist: Tropical Flowers; Rentals: Emotions Deco; Stationery: Watercolor Design Studio; Cake: Charme Reposteria; Catering: Elias Sapien Catering; Hair: Daniel Baseggio; Makeup: Stacie Ford Beauty Co.; Grooms’ Clothing Designer: Suit Supply; Bride’s Gown: Galia Lahav; Bride’s After Party Dress: Albina Dyla; Band: ELI’s BAND