Viva Mexico

Words by Jennifer Stein

Viva Mexico!

By: Kate Darnell

Photography by Elizabeth Medina, wwww.elizabethmedina.com

Jessica and John Helson’s destination wedding should be on an advertisement for eHarmony.com. Unbeknownst to them, they lived only one block away from each other, and it took the match-making web site to unite the pair. Quickly, they realized not only did they have geography in common, but the tho

ught of doing a destination wedding was something they agreed on as well.

Finding the location for their upcoming “I do’s” was simple. “We love Mexico and were engaged there in May of 2008. We also loved the destination weddings we had been to; where friends and family of the couple really got to bond throughout the week and became one big family by the day of the wedding,” says Jessica.

Friends and family met them with a little resistance at first, but it quickly dissolved. “Especially after the wedding, there was not a single guest who did not tell us it was an amazing experience and they were so happy they made the journey,” says Jessica.

With 80 guests in tow, they brought their group down to the intimate location of El Careyes Resort in Mexico. The couple chose this location because of the “unique qualities of the area and the unsurpassed service at the resort,” recalls the bride.

Jessica and John thought planning a destination wedding was as easy as it would have been at home. “Our vendors were instrumental in making everything as painless as it could possibly be for our guests. It is amazing how many incredible people work in this industry who are so talented and a complete joy to work with.”

During a sunset ceremony on top of a 3-story, privately owned villa overlooking the ocean and famous landmark of Careyes, Jessica and John became Mr. and Mrs. “We wrote our own vows drawn from various readings and books. Everything was very personal and heartfelt.” It also happened to be Jessica’s favorite moment of the day. “Looking into John’s eyes as we said our vows, we both got quite teary.”

Because all the guests knew each other by the time the reception happened, the proverbial ice had melted. “It was a PARTY with lots of dancing and revelry. We brought an amazing DJ from Denver who never let you sit down,” recalls Jessica.

But once they sat down to reminisce, they had these wise words: “Remember to breathe and have fun with it. Focus on what the day is really about - the love you share and the journey you are embarking on together.”

Photographer: Elizabeth Medina, www.elizabethmedina.com

Wedding Planner: Julie Gambrell for Classic Creations, www.denver-weddings.com

Travel Coordinator: Destination Celebrations, www.destinationcelebrations.com

Ceremony/Reception Site: Casa Dos Estrellas, www.casadosestrellas.com

DJ: Complete Music, www.cmusic.com

Gown Designer: Manuel Mota for Pronovias

Grooms Clothing Designer: J. crew suit, Thomas Pink shirt, tie, www.thetiebar.com

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Clothing Designer: J.Crew