Location: Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, México
Setting: Resort, Beach
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 50
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Effortless chic, romantic, ethereal, elegant, neutral, intimate, warm.
Gail and Raoul met through mutual friends, and although neither was ready for a relationship, they couldn’t deny the feelings that developed between them. Four years later, they became the happy parents of two charming girls. After eleven years of many life adventures, Raoul felt ready to pop the question. Two attempts were unsuccessful, with Raoul nearly losing the ring once. However, all that was overshadowed by one magical morning during a trip with friends when Raoul woke up with a firm sense that today was the day to propose. He headed to the Tiffany store on Fifth Avenue, picked out the perfect ring for Gail, and in Central Park, in front of his best friends, he got down on one knee and proposed to the woman he loved unconditionally. Of course, she said yes!
The wedding occurred at the idyllic Riviera Maya Haciendas, nestled in a prestigious gated community along the Mexican Caribbean. Gail and Raoul chose this luxurious setting for its stunning beachfront villas, each featuring modern pools that overlook the sea. This provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate gathering of 50 guests. The entire staff, including a private chef and butler, ensured a seamless experience, allowing the couple and their guests to indulge in a magical wedding escape.
The couple greatly valued decor and detail, so Gail actively selected all the wedding details. The wedding stationery reflected the style of their beautiful celebration. Earthy tones emphasized the natural theme, while a unique, stylish font showcased the couple’s originality and individuality.
The wedding day started calmly as everyone prepared for the beautiful day ahead. The bride got ready with her bridesmaids and daughters, with their Vivot Cloquet Champagne toasts, and did not forget to make a final boomerang video in the closet.
For many years, Gail had admired wedding dresses from the Galia Lahav brand. When she tried on the Magia dress during a fitting, she knew it was the one—the dress of her dreams. Thanks to its flattering fit and flared shape, it represented the perfect combination of elegance and sensuality. The base was made of nude-colored tulle and adorned with white embroidered appliqués, placed gracefully and strategically to enhance the overall look. The ensemble was completed with a beautiful veil and shoes from Bella Belle Shoes. The unique makeup artist Zoe Elizabeth and her team created the perfect hair and makeup, highlighting the bride’s radiant beauty.
The groom got ready with his groomsmen, and they enjoyed several laughs and their Diplomatico Rum while they suited up as true gentlemen. Raoul was handsome in his custom-made Italian suit with leather Gucci loafers.
The most touching moment was when the bride and groom saw each other for the first time before the ceremony. Raoul was overjoyed when he saw his beloved; she was stunning in her wedding dress, and this tender moment was beautifully captured in the photographs.
The couple shares, “It was a magical moment. We got the chance to enjoy each other before the ‘official stuff’ and the partying. We were totally in love with each other’s looks.”
After this, the couple took wonderful, memorable photos with their friends. These emotionally filled photographs became a beautiful reminder of the moment, capturing the joy and affection they shared.
“The amazing team of photographers at Luxart Wedding Studio captured all these precious memories, which truly made everyone feel at ease. Together with our videographer, Sea & Love Wedding Films, they did an amazing job of capturing the heart of our wedding, our beautiful family and friends, and our bond.” Gail shared.
The wedding ceremony was held poolside at the front of the villa, with the ocean as a stunning backdrop, complete with palm trees, waves, the Caribbean Sea, and a clear blue sky. The florals, crafted by the talented Vanessa Jaimes, included an impressive floral arch and wedding bouquet, enhancing the venue with beauty. The arch, a significant investment, was crucial to the ambiance, as insisted by the bride. To align with their budget, the couple opted for a partially covered arch decorated primarily in whites and neutrals with touches of greenery, achieving their desired look.
The ceremony was heartfelt and beautiful. The stunning bride was escorted down the aisle by her father towards her waiting groom. The couple exchanged vows and included a particular unity sand ceremony, adding a unique touch to their weddings.
After the ceremony, Luxart Wedding Studio captured unforgettable and beautiful portraits of the couple, magically reflecting their love and emotions. Luxart Wedding Studio is known for its approach to photography, striving to make each session as comfortable and cozy as possible. Their photos reflect this approach, combining stunning editorial quality with a professional ability to capture every wedding moment, not missing a single detail.
The reception area resembled a magical garden. Nestled among palm trees and lush greenery, like a slice of paradise, the setting featured wooden tables adorned with beautiful floral arrangements and candles, creating a stunning visual. Woven chandeliers added a special coziness to the ambiance, and each plate bore a separate love quote, serving as a reminder of the importance of cherishing this beautiful emotion.
Originally planned to be held by the pool, the reception was moved to the courtyard of Hacienda Del Mar due to weather conditions, and it turned out to be an excellent decision. The reception unfolded in an atmosphere filled with love and warmth. Warm congratulatory speeches were made to the newlyweds, and the air was filled with friendly chatter and the clinking of glasses. “Music from our favorite Michael Buble and old favorites love songs were playing.” the bride tells.
The newlyweds’ first dance was unforgettable. They danced in the center of the dance floor, under disco balls that reflected light, creating the sensation that the couple was dancing among the stars.
The party after the reception was incredible! Guests danced all night, and some even continued dancing by the pool, making it an unforgettable experience.
The wedding cake, a creation of Lali Pasteles, was a white chocolate buttercream masterpiece adorned with preserved flowers and a simple yet elegant topper. It left a lasting impression on the guests, encapsulating the sweet essence of Gail and Raoul’s celebration.
The groom and a few of his best men gave a surprise show for the Bride: they turned into Backstreet Boys, complete with dance moves and a remix of a few of her favorite BSB songs. The crowd went wild!
Advice from couple:
• It’s been said a million times, but because it is very accurate: cherish every moment because before you know it, the wedding day is over. There is so much happening on that day; you have to plan moments for the two of you (even if it’s 15 minutes here and there) to take a breather and take in the moment.
In the end, don’t worry too much. Things will go wrong or be different from what was planned, but as long as you’re with your loved ones and enjoying each other, that’s all that matters!
PHOTOGRAPHY Lux Art Wedding Studio | PLANNER Mango Weddings | FLOWERS Vanessa Jaimes Floral Design | RENTAL Rebel Bloom Rentals | VENUE Riviera Maya Haciendas | MUA Zoe Elizabeth Makeup | BRIDAL DRESS Galia Lahav | VIDEOGRAPHY Sea Love Wedding Films | CAKE Lali Pasteles | SAX Ariel Rossini | SHOES Bella Belle Shoes | DJ Plugin Audiovisual | COUPLE So Gail, Raoul Habieb
