Real Weddings: Racquel & Lynn

I had the wonderful opportunity to plan and design Racquel and Lynn's destination wedding in Riviera Maya Mexico!

On the day of their engagement, year to date of their actual wedding, the bride called me up to book me and start the planning of her destination wedding. She told me she wanted it to be a unique destination, but also somewhere they love. As fate may have it, the week after she called I was going to Riviera Maya Mexico for a wedding conference...so I doubled up and did site visits for her while I was down there. One of the places that I visited was Xcaret and once I was on the grounds and saw the venues I knew this place was it. I sent pictures via text while I was there and within a day we had a signed contract and started planning the destination wedding of her dreams!

Racquel and Lynn's wedding took place on September 27, 2011 at sunset in the gorgeous St. Francis of Assisi church that overlooks the Caribbean Ocean in Xcaret followed by a reception at La Isla an underground cave venue with a river running through it...also located at Xcaret. Their guests dined on a gourmet four course meal (don't think your typical banquet food) that was one of the BEST meals I have had in a long time. The presentation, the flavors, everything was perfect. When the entrees were served, we surprised their guests with a full 30-minute Mayan stage show that brought the region we were in alive. Their guests partied well past midnight....and they didn't let the humidity stop them from enjoying themselves. We were all soaked at the end of the evening from dancing, but it truly was a memorable experience for all.

The staff at Xcaret, especially Gabriella and Graciela in the events department, were so dedicated and truly loved what they do that they executed my vision to the book and for the first time...in a long time, I actually got to enjoy and be part of the wedding festivities. I loved all the vendors that I worked with in Riviera Maya Mexico and also glad that I have formed a great working relationship with some new US vendors too. I can't wait to work with them all again!

Thank you Racquel and Lynn for letting me be a part of your special day!

Here are some photo previews of their beautiful wedding taken by the FABULOUS San Jose Photography, a group of 5 brothers who are photographers and cinematographers based out of McAllen, Texas. It was a pleasure to work with them and so happy that we were able to connect!

{CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE}

we had such a great time during hair and makeup at the Occidental Grand Xcaret. Lots of laughs with Racquel and her siblings as well as their mom.

Racquel went from the Occidental Grand Xcaret hotel to Xcaret via a traditional "trajinera." It really added to the feel of the event.

I absolutely love this photo. I remember this vividly as we were about to open the church doors for Racquel and her parents to walk in, Racquel got teary eyed...as her parents joyfully anticipated the walk down the aisle. This picture captures that moment perfectly!

One of the performers from the Xcaret Mayan stage show during the dinner portion of Racqul and Lynn's wedding dinner.

First Dance to Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are"

Father/Daughter Dance to Barry's White's "My First, My Last, My Everything"

Racquel and Lynn's interpretation of the lift from Dirty Dancing to the Black Eyed Pea's "Time of My Life"

Some Pictures of Racquel and Lynn's Trash the Dress Session

The Vendors:

Design and Coordination: Percy Sales
Location, Food and Beverage, Music and Entertainment, Glass Heart Favors: Xcaret
Xcaret Coordination: Graciela Carmona Rivera and Gabriela Rodarte Medrano

Photography: San Jose Photography

Cinematography: San Jose Filmmakers
Flowers, Centerpieces, and Rentals: Planner 1 Events
Cake: Dolcet Cakes
Transportation and transfers: Your Cancun DMC
Invitations, Paper Suites, Programs: Jocelyn the Paper Stylist
Hair and Makeup: The Spa at Occidental Grand Xcaret
Hotel Accommodations: Occidental Grand Xcaret

Paper Flowers: Tony Cervantez