What started off as unfamiliar faces sparked into a friendship that led to the unforgettable words “I do.” Becca and Jojo’s love story started in college while playing for the softball team, and according to the couple, “the rest is history!” With a mutual love for the beach, they decided to tie the knot in Cancun, Mexico. 

“We wanted to get the most bang for our buck. A local wedding would have cost the same amount or more and only last one night,” the couple says. 

While planning their destination wedding, the couple’s travel agent sent them venue recommendations, which helped their process go smoother than expected. After searching for countless hours, they decided on El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma’sEnclave package. This allowed their guests to stay in the casita area of the resort, a pod of rooms specifically for the newlyweds and their guests, complete with a swim-up bar and pool. 

“The resort is top-notch in every aspect. The food, customer service, spa amenities, and entertainment were superior. We may never be able to ever go to another resort,” the couple says. 

Becca and JoJo thought about the Caribbean at first, but many countries there do not accommodate same-sex marriages. In their pursuit of a tropical setting, the couple chose Mexico because it was affordable, beautiful, and allowed same-sex marriages. The lucky couple was fortunate enough to not run into many issues while choosing their destination. Their wedding took place during COVID, which required a negative test to reenter the United States. Luckily, their resort offered on-site testing. 

“By doing a destination,” Becca says, “we feel the whole process was relatively stress-free. We highly recommend destination weddings, and do not regret our decision one bit.” 

The couple did most of their planning via email and video chats. They also joined multiple Facebook pages that revolved around destination weddings in Cancun in order to help them. One thing they wished they would have done was an onsite visit yet even without it, the happy couple still wouldn’t have changed a thing. 

When it came to decorating, JoJo and Becca hoped to keep it minimal but wanted to add some fun with a few added elements. They splurged on an LED dance floor and a “fairy light” covered ceiling which made the night even more magical than it already was. Although they decided to keep DIY decor to a minimum, they made custom table numbers and wedding favors. The couple wanted to give favors that guests would actually use, so they made custom-insulated tumblers with their wedding logo and each guests’ name. They also made key cards and money holders which made it easy for guests to store their belongings. 

“Everyone still uses their tumblers today,” says the couple. 

The ceremony itself was short and sweet. Becca and JoJo decided to have their legal wedding in the United States before heading to their destination so the ceremony in Mexico was more spiritual. A special moment they shared was writing their own vows with one of their closest friends being the officiant. 

“With these two special details, our ceremony was very intimate and could not have been any more perfect,” JoJo says. 

For future couples, Becca and Jojo’s advice is to remember that your wedding is your love story. With that being said, don’t let any outside influences get in the way of what you want your wedding to look like. 

“Your wedding will be beautiful so don’t stress on the small things! Be present in the moments and soak it all in. It all goes by very fast!”

Vendors: Photography: Jennifer Lourie Photography; Venue, Planner, Florist & Cake: El Dorado Casitas Royale, a Spa Resort, by Karisma; Wedding Party Attire: Azazie; DJ: Eduardo Javier DJ; Beauty: Náay Spa at Casitas Royale; Videography: LunArts Films; Becca’s Dress: Lang’s Bridal; Jojo’s Attire: Suit Supply, Diamond Bar Leather & Molly’s Custom Silver