Set on a rooftop overlooking the ocean, this wedding was a perfect mix of modern elegance and high-energy celebration. A neutral palette of white florals and sleek decor created a timeless setting, while lush greenery and the warm glow of string lights added to the atmosphere. With just 60 guests, the night felt intimate yet lively, from the heartfelt ceremony to a dance floor that never emptied. A checkered floor at the center of the reception, a statement bar, and a playlist designed to keep the energy up made every moment unforgettable.
Location: Playa Mujeres, Mexico
Style: Classic, modern, neutral
Time of planning: 16 months
Number of guests: 60
Setting: Resort
Season: Spring
Allison and Ryan went to highschool together, but their story as a couple started years later after they reconnected at a mutual friend’s graduation party. After some months of dating the couple moved in together, settling in downtown Chicago. Ryan made sure the proposal felt both intimate and fun. He chose the rooftop of their apartment complex as a location, surprising Allison not only with a beautiful set up, but also with an afterparty full of closest friends and family members.
Bride's Look
Alison kept her look simple and elegant, focusing on timeless details that felt effortlessly refined. Her fitted Tara Lauren dress featured a square neckline and corset boning, giving it structure while maintaining a sleek, minimalist feel. The low back added a touch of modern sophistication, perfectly complementing the clean lines of her silhouette. She paired it with white low-heeled sandals for comfort, making sure she could move easily throughout the day. Her accessories were minimal, letting the dress speak for itself while enhancing the overall polished look.
Her hair was styled in a sleek mid-height bun, a choice that felt both classic and modern. Soft, natural glam makeup highlighted her features, with a subtle glow and defined eyes. A delicate pearl-dotted veil cascaded down her back, adding a touch of softness to the structured elegance of her dress. Her bouquet of crisp white roses and baby’s breath tied everything together, a perfect reflection of the wedding’s neutral and timeless aesthetic. “I felt very comfortable and confident”, the bride recalled.
Groom's Fashion
Ryan’s morning was filled with laughter and excitement as he got ready with his closest friends. Wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie, he looked sharp and ready for the day. His groomsmen helped with the final touches—straightening his bow tie, buttoning his jacket, and exchanging jokes that kept the mood light. Between the playful moments and quiet anticipation, Ryan took it all in, knowing the moment he would see Alison was getting closer.
First Look
Ryan stood with his back turned, taking a deep breath as Alison approached. The moment stretched in quiet anticipation until she tapped his shoulder, and he turned to see her. His face lit up instantly—his eyes scanning every detail, his smile growing wider. Alison laughed, watching his reaction, as he took her hands and pulled her in for a closer look. After taking in the moment, they exchanged private vows, sharing quiet words meant just for them. Then, they walked around the venue, soaking in the excitement while their photographer Take It Photo captured every glance, smile, and touch, preserving this intimate part of their day.
"We wanted to keep the day stress free for both of us."
Ceremony
Set on a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean, Alison and Ryan’s ceremony was framed by a breathtaking floral arch of white roses and baby’s breath. The soft breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers as the sun cast a golden glow over the space. Rows of rattan chairs lined the aisle, surrounded by lush greenery, creating an intimate, open-air setting that blended seamlessly with the coastal views.
Guests sat in quiet anticipation, soaking in the beauty of the moment. As Alison walked down the aisle, emotions ran high—smiles, tears, and prayers filled the air. Ryan couldn’t hold back his emotions, wiping away a tear as he saw her. Their vows were filled with deep, personal meaning, and for a moment, it felt like time had paused, with everyone fully present in their love story.
"Our ceremony was modern and quick which guests appreciated and everyone was in awe of the view, florals and detail."
The ceremony ended in pure cinematic fashion—Ryan dipped Alison into a sweeping kiss as guests erupted into cheers. The sunlit ocean behind them made the moment feel even more movie-like. White bouquets were raised in celebration, laughter filled the air, and the joy was undeniable.
As music filled the terrace, the newlyweds and their wedding party cheered, clapped, and threw their hands in the air, celebrating with unfiltered excitement. It wasn’t just a walk back—it was an expression of pure joy, setting the perfect tone for the cocktail hour.
Cocktail Hour
As the sun dipped lower, guests gathered for cocktail hour, buzzing with excitement. Laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as friends and family mingled under swaying palm trees. A guestbook table invited heartfelt messages, with Polaroid snapshots adding a fun, personal touch. Some guests posed with instant cameras, capturing candid moments, while others sipped cocktails and caught up with old friends.
"That was really important to us that everyone could fully enjoy all moments leading up to and throughout the day."
Private Moment
Before the reception, the couple took a quiet moment alone, stepping away from the excitement to soak in the day together. Take It Photo captured a beautiful mix of black-and-white portraits highlighting their genuine smiles and vibrant, sunlit photos filled with warmth. Every emotion is preserved—joy, laughter, and that undeniable just-married glow.
Decor & Setting
The reception took place on a spacious terrace, where a mix of round and long wooden tables created an inviting, intimate atmosphere. A neutral color palette of white florals, candlelit glass cylinders, and modern gold-accented tableware added to the sleek, elegant aesthetic.
Personalized menus with soft ribbon details sat atop each place setting, while custom napkins featuring the couple’s dog added a fun, personal touch. The statement seating chart display, reading “I Will Always Pick You,” added a stylish, memorable detail that tied everything together seamlessly.
"We wanted a neutral palette to compliment the greenery of the outdoor area we held our wedding at in Mexico."
Reception
The reception was held on a picturesque terrace with a wrap-around bar and DJ booth with newly weds’ initials. The dance floor in the middle allowed guests at the tables to get an equally beautiful view of the couple’s first dance. The song for such an exceptional moment was “Wondering Why” by the band called Red Clay Strays, which Ryan and Allison once saw perform live at the beach during the family vacation.
The brown and white checkered dance floor, which suited the clean color pallet of the celebration, was never empty. The couple wanted make the reception party fun and playful, choosing an upbeat DJ-set instead of more classic and slow wedding songs.
The two tiered wedding cake was decorated with the same white roses from the ceremony. The flavors, vanilla and carrot, were chosen according to the preferences of both the bride and the groom.
The couple’s favorite moment of the reception was their dinner at the sweetheart table, which perfectly fitted the layout of the space. The newly weds got to share this special moment, admiring the beloved friends and family amongst exquisite decorations. “It gave us an opportunity to slow down and really enjoy and soak in the moment”, the Ryan and Allison say.
"Having all of our friends and family there for the weekend made it so special."
Advice from the couple:
• If you are doing a destination wedding, hire planners! They were truly life savers and made our vision come to life. We could not have done it without them.
• You are the most important guest at your wedding so try not to stress over the little things you can’t change and just go with the flow – it’s too late at that point to chan anything. You will enjoy the day so much more.
PHOTOGRAPHER TAKE IT PHOTO | VIDEOGRAPHER Frame Wedding Films | PLANNER Ola Wedding Designers | VENUE ATELIER Playa Mujeres | FLORALS Boutique Wedding Florist | MUA Angye Abarca | RENTALS Canteiro Weddings | DJ Luca Zannelli | BRIDE Allison | GROOM Ryan
