Love at First Sight: Sarah and Raphael’s Jungle Wedding in Tulum

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Location: Tulum, Mexico
Setting: Villa
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 65
How long did the couple plan the event: a year
Wedding theme/style: Mayan, traditional, jungle.

Sarah, a Colombian-born costume designer, and dancer, crossed paths with Raphael, a Swedish-American professional basketball player and sports coach, at the vibrant WeCanDance festival in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Their connection was immediate, like something out of a movie. They had a strong intuition that their bond was meant to last forever.

As the proposal was made in Tulum, one year later, they decided to tie the knot there. By choosing to get married in the same place as the proposal was made, Sarah and Raphael sought to create an experience that would transcend the ordinary. Their aim was to treat their loved ones to a celebration where every aspect, from the ceremony to the reception, would be infused with the magic and authenticity of this coastal paradise.

The charm of KIMA was that it is a private eco-experience in the jungle, naturally secluded yet in close quarters with central Tulum. It was an absolutely magical place, the setting, the jungle, the daylight, and the beauty of the building with its exquisite pool. It’s a real paradise. During the nighttime, this paradise underwent a breathtaking transformation as it hosted a magnificent light ceremony that captivated all who witnessed it.

The couple was fortunate to have among their friends a talented young designer BYVASITHY Moshi of Laotian descent, who crafted the groom’s suit, adorning it with exquisite beads sourced from the bridal dress’s cutouts.

Sarah, a talented designer herself, stumbled upon her dress by chance in a store. However, she completely remodeled it and created the sleeves because it was completely out of fashion. She also had a huge crush on the details of the dress, which resembled lush vegetation.

Sarah’s hairdresser was one of her friends too. This talented individual had years of experience working at a salon near Brussels and had even contributed to Paris Fashion Week. Sarah trusted him implicitly with her wedding look, as she considered him the finest hairdresser in Belgium.

Being a dancer entails you have the skill to do your own makeup, and on this important day, Sarah could rely on herself.

In a playful twist, one of the groom’s friends decided to surprise the groom by dressing up in a wedding gown for the first look. The moment they turned around, laughter erupted, instantly easing the tension. It was a lighthearted gesture that created an unforgettable memory and set the tone for a day filled with love and laughter.

The couple made a fabulous decision by selecting the exceptionally talented Fred & Mel from MemoryBox Photography as their photographers. They have accomplished outstanding work. Their photographs effortlessly encapsulate each moment’s true essence and exquisite beauty, allowing the couple to revisit those treasured memories fondly. Operating through their lenses, they skillfully capture fleeting moments, transforming them into timeless keepsakes. Every photograph meticulously crafted by MemoryBox Photography serves as a testament to its exceptional artistic perspective, showcasing unparalleled levels of creativity and brilliance.

The couple chose to have a Mayan wedding ceremony as a way to honor the land on which they were getting married. From start to finish, the ceremony was incredibly emotional and impactful. It provided a beautiful opportunity to showcase the Mayan traditions to their predominantly European guests.

The Mayan wedding ceremony was guided by a shaman. It began with the lighting of a sacred fire, symbolizing the eternal flame of love and the divine presence. As the couple stood before the flickering flames, they exchanged heartfelt vows, pledging their unwavering commitment and devotion to one another.

Situated in Belgium, the couple chose Moni Junco as their wedding planner for their destination wedding, MemoryBox Photography as their photographers, and KIMA as the wedding venue and catering. The wedding planner’s work was flawless in every aspect. Nothing was left to chance, from the stunning floral arrangements and the beautifully executed ceremony to the meticulously designed dance floor and tables. The decoration exhibited true finesse and left a lasting impression. The entire day flowed seamlessly, and everything was expertly managed until the evening’s conclusion.

To create a lively ambiance and add entertainment to the event, Sarah and Raffi decided to have Polaroid photos of all their guests, carefully placing them in a dedicated book. They kindly requested their guests to leave a heartfelt message in it. Additionally, they arranged for a classic mariachi band to perform, honoring tradition.

They also opted to have a giant bengal fires during their first dance, aiming to make it a memorable spectacle. They eagerly anticipated heartfelt speeches from their beloved family and friends, which enriched the reception evening with emotions of love and joy.

For her second dress, Sarah chose fabric adorned with stars and moons. To complement the look, she added an embroidered glass bead necklace that had been passed down as a legacy from her grandmother. She paired it with a beautiful pair of Jimmy Choo heels.

As the reception began, the dance floor filled up quickly, and soon everyone was singing and dancing their hearts out to their favorite tunes. The music was perfect, and everyone had a great time celebrating this special day with the happy couple. There was a sense of true love in the air as friends and family happily celebrated the union of two people in love. The festivities went on until dawn, and everyone went home with a smile on their face, unforgettable memories in their hearts, and a reminder of a night full of love and joy.

Advice from the couple

• Organizing a wedding with such a great distance may seem challenging, but it’s essential to have trust in the providers. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to collaborate with each one of them, and they truly understood how to bring our dream wedding to life.