Jia and Shawn’s chic wedding unfolded at a jungle resort near Tulum, Mexico. Inspired by nature’s beauty and minimalism, the celebration was designed to seamlessly intertwine with the lush green surroundings. The couple’s fashion, leaning toward the classics with white accents, balanced the wild jungle atmosphere with a tasteful and timeless atmosphere.
Location: Tulum, Mexico
Style: Tropical, minimalistic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 83
Setting: Resort
Season: Fall
The love story of Jia and Shawn began in lively and loud New York City. Shawn and Jia started going out together trying different restaurants and cuisines. Then, the love journey continued as they grew closer and started going on weekend trips around the area, gradually discovering more about the city and each other. Their bond grew stronger and stronger, and soon they became inseparable.
Shawn proposed to Jia during their beautiful trip to Santorini, Greece. With the blue Mediterranean Sea in the background, Jia enthusiastically said yes! Soon came the wedding planning, and the couple opted for a chic jungle in Tulum, Mexico.
Location & Planning
Jia and Shawn’s big day took place at Kima, a vibrant jungle wedding venue. The place is conveniently located close to the town and still provides privacy and full immersion into the wild nature to anyone who visits it.
The couple wished for a minimalistic and eco-friendly event, that would seem natural among the beautiful wild Mexican greenery. The affair also had to look elegant, timeless, and effortless to highlight the couple’s refined taste. After Jia and Shawn shared their ideas with the planner, Couco Nay began developing a detailed and precise mood board, that put their dream vision together.
"Everything was based on the couple's tastes. Their favorite music, movies, food, and even their styling at home. And all of this merges into the design of their big day."
Bride & Groom's Fashion
Shawn and Jia spent the morning getting ready with their groomsmen and bridesmaids. Both of them aimed for a minimalistic, chic, and classic look with some modern touches.
Jia wore white heels and a stunning sleeveless floor-glazing dress with layered floral applications. The cut of the dress skirt provided freedom for the bride’s movement and added a dramatic touch to the overall look. Her sheer veil with pearl accents was a romantic and sophisticated piece, and an elegant bouquet with wildflowers and greenery finished her look.
Shawn wore a custom-tailored midnight blue tuxedo, leather loafers, shiny cufflinks, and a watch to complete his classy look.
First Look
The couple’s first look happened outside. After sharing a private moment together, they took a stroll through the venue to take in the beautiful set design of their wedding.
Walking around the cozy romantic decor under the fairy lights was an unforgettable and magical experience for the couple.
"When Shawn and Jia first arrived at the wedding venue before the guests, they shared a private moment to walk through and see the magic come alive after a year of planning."
Ceremony
The ceremony was held in the fresh air of the secluded Tulum jungle. In the shade of tall palm trees, minimalistic wooden benches for the guests. Bushy white and green floral arrangements set the romantic mood while seamlessly fitting in the setting.
A weaved straw carpet led down the aisle, embracing the surrounding nature and simplicity and adding a light boho tone to the event. A close friend officiated their ceremony, adding a personal touch and a sprinkle of humor to the heartfelt tradition.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests moved to the cocktails that were served around the pool. Several lounge zones were set for everyone to take time to sip the drinks and feel cozy. Another eco-friendly and outstanding decision was coconut water, with a seating badge attached.
Reception Decor
The reception dinner featured ten tables around a beautifully lit pool. Long linen drapes covered the middle of every table, highlighting wild green and white centerpieces. The bushy florals hanging down the tables amplified the jungle feel of the venue. Candles and fairy lights created a cozy and intimate atmosphere as the sun began to set.
Dinner & Afterparty
During the dinner, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed modern Mexican cuisine, completely immersing themselves in the experience of the Tulum. Numerous heartfelt toasts were said, many jokes were met with contagious laughter, and soon came time for the cake.
The cake cutting was another lovely tradition that Jia and Shawn honored during their celebration. The wedding cake was served alongside with a vast choice of desserts, all hand-made with love by Lali Pasteles. The classic three-tier all-white cake decorated with roses exuded the couple’s minimalistic chic style.
Jia and Shawn’s first dance was one of the most memorable parts of the night. The bride changed for the dance, moving flawlessly in her knee-length flowy dress and dance heels. Shaw confidently twirled her around the dance floor, impressing the guests with their passionate performance.
Another stunning show was waiting ahead that no one could expect. A surprise fire performance on a floating platform made everyone gasped in awe. The skilled professionals manipulated the fire like real fire benders, creating amazing memories for everyone.
As the night fell, the crowd joined the dance floor, and the colorful party started. The air around the dance floor was filled with fog, highlighted by the bright stage lights. The disco ball above mirrored the light, creating the club atmosphere under the night sky.
Advice from the couple:
• Have a contingency, but don’t worry too much about the weather. It ended up showering just before the ceremony but everything cleared up for the rest of the day.
• It’s quite a bit hotter in the jungle than by the ocean, especially for the gentlemen all dressed up, so prepare accordingly.
PLANNING & DESIGN Couco Nay | PHOTOGRAPHER Andre Gouin | VIDEOGRAPHER Sea Love Weddings | VENUE Kima | MUAH Prep Tulum | FLORALS Grisel Serrano | CATERING Ginger Tulum | CAKE & DESSERT TABLE Lali Pasteles | PERFORMANCE Totem Perfomance | DJ & AUDIO Uno Audiovisual | VIOLINIST Miguel Bustamante | RENTALS Archive Rentals
