Location: Tulum, Mexico
Setting: Resort, Jungle
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 50
How long did the couple plan the event: 2 years
Wedding theme/style: Glamorous, luxurious, intimate.
Zach and Erin first crossed paths through mutual friends at a Summer Camp in rural Missouri. They met at the party in 2014, and when Zach finished his US Navy contract four years later and returned home, they reconnected and found themselves open to a romantic relationship. They went on their first date three months later and have been together ever since. Zach proposed to Erin during a fall family photoshoot in October 2021.
It was never a question for the couple that they would have a destination wedding. The real challenge was deciding on the perfect location. They were determined to create a dynamic and memorable experience for their guests. After several incredible vacations at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa in Mexico, it became clear that this was the ideal spot for their special day. Their love for Mexico and their countless memories there made them start planning their wedding in that beautiful country.
The morning of Erin’s wedding in Mexico was filled with sunshine and joy as she prepared for her special day. She looked stunning in a unique gown adorned with floral patterns from Monique Lhuillier. Local makeup artist at Betzy Style accentuated her beautiful eyes, while Lisa Rose styled her hair in loose curls pulled back elegantly.
Erin had several “first looks,” with the first ones being her family, bridesmaids, and her son. They were all in awe of how stunning she looked in her bridal dress.
Zach wore a custom suit that was a collaboration between the couple and Darryl Tyler of Tailored Gents. Erin’s son also played a special role as an additional best man, assisting Zach as they got ready for the wedding day.
Before the ceremony, Erin and Zach decided to have a first look and privately read their vows to each other. This moment was even more special because they included Erin’s son, Oliver, in the first look and vow exchange. They shared heartfelt vows with Oliver alongside their own, making it a truly memorable highlight of the day.
Erin and Zach also had their first looks with each other’s friends, who were there to support them and celebrate their love throughout the wedding day. They came from all over the world for their wedding, and many of the guests were friends made at the same summer camp that brought them together. Erin and Zach wanted to make their guests’ trip truly special, turning it into a dream vacation. Instead of traditional wedding favors, they offered unique experiences throughout the weekend, including a yacht party hosted by Girls Travel Tulum, a visit to the ruins of Tulum, and various events on the wedding day.
Erin found inspiration in South Asian floral wedding traditions and wanted to create a visually striking contrast with the white and earth-tone florals set against the lush green backdrop of the Mexican jungle. The design also drew color and floral inspiration from the dress. The talented team at Coda’s Events perfectly coordinated every detail to bring the couple’s dream Mexico Destination wedding to life for them and their loved ones.
The planners at Coda’s Events made sure that every detail aligned perfectly with the chosen wedding theme. The custom stationery design exuded luxury and elegance, with deep green envelopes adorned with jungle-themed paper lining. The invitations were beautifully printed and letter-pressed, while the double-sided details insert showcased passport-style gold foil accents, all wrapped in a green velvet ribbon and sealed with wax.
The ceremony took place in the jungle was unique and romantic, creating a deeply touching moment as Erin was walked down the aisle by her son. The heartfelt scene moved their loved ones to tears, surrounding everyone in a beautiful and emotional atmosphere.
Just before the celebration began, Erin and Zach stole a quiet moment together to have beautiful portraits taken by Enkindle Photography in the vibrant jungle. The photos captured the immense love shared between the newlyweds, showcasing their deep connection.
The color palette was diverse and unexpected, featuring a mix of earthy pinks, purples, dusty blue, rust, and deep olive green hues. Floral centerpieces and candles adorned the tables, creating a romantic atmosphere for the celebration. The reception space was also beautifully decorated with an abundance of flowers, enhancing the overall scene.
The celebration was brimming with heartfelt words from loved ones, plenty of laughter, and touching moments. Near the end of the evening, the newlyweds shared a sweet moment, cutting into a three-layer cake decorated with beautiful flowers.
The couple also hired the fantastic The Imperial Band, to play music for the evening. The dance floor stayed full for most of the night, and guests couldn’t stop talking about the band’s talent and fantastic performance for weeks afterward!
First Twin Films created a film capturing this wedding, filled with touching and beautiful moments that will bring tears to everyone’s eyes. Zach and Erin’s destination wedding in Mexico was truly a dream come true.
Advice from couple:
• Consider a non-traditional wedding dress. It adds to your wow-factor and is so fun!
• Remember the power of a playlist! Music creates and changes the vibe of a whole event. Pick your music vendors wisely, you won’t regret it.
• Do what you want to do. Traditions are great, but if they don’t mean anything to you and your partner, don’t waste your time, money, or energy on it.
• Create a detailed budget! Don’t just create an overall budget. Decide before paying any deposits how much of your budget is dress, how much is the cake, how much are the florals, etc.
• Do whatever you can to get as much sleep the night before, you will need it.
PLANNING & DESIGN Coda’s Events | PHOTOGRAPHY Enkindle Photo | VIDEOGRAPHY First Twin Films | VENUE Dreams Resort Tulum | FLORALS Cherry Blossom | MAKEUP Betzy Style | HAIRSTYLE Lisa Rose | BRIDAL DRESS Monique Lhuillier, Berrybridge Bridal | TUX Tailored Gents | MUSIC The Imperial Band | STATIONERY Leighwood Design | TRANSPORTATION Girls Travel Tulum
