This intimate destination wedding in Mexico was a breathtaking blend of love, adventure, and the beauty of nature. Inspired by the couple’s favorite sunset hues, this celebration brought close friends and family together for an unforgettable experience. Against Mexico’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, the couple created timeless memories that will be cherished forever.
Location: Zihutanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
Style: Classic with a glam & colorful twist
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 23
Setting: Cliffside Villa
Elizabeth and Joseph, both from Melbourne, Australia, first met at work just before the pandemic changed everyone’s lives. Elizabeth had been hired by Joseph’s brother, who also worked at the same organization, in early 2020. Their connection was instant, and it didn’t take long for them to fall deeply in love. After two years of being together, Joseph proposed, and four years after that first meeting, they finally became husband and wife. They often reflect that if it hadn’t been for the pandemic, they likely would have walked down the aisle much sooner.
I never thought I would say that I believe in love at first sight, but there is no way to deny that we were instantly drawn to one another in a way that words cannot describe.
The inspiration for the wedding came from the couple’s love for a soft, dreamy sunset—those gentle mauves and pastels fading into the pale, calm blue of the ocean. They knew they wanted an intimate celebration far from home, so escaping Australia with their closest friends to Mexico felt like the perfect adventure. The vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery offered the ideal backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.
To capture the magic of their day, they entrusted the talented photographer Valery Velazques, who expertly preserved every vibrant color and emotion both in photos and the video. Her artistic approach brought their vision to life, telling a unique and unforgettable story through her lens that perfectly reflected both the couple’s adventurous spirit and the rich vibrancy of Mexico.
Location
Planning the wedding presented its challenges, especially since neither Joseph nor Elizabeth had ever visited the venue or that part of Mexico, and they didn’t speak any Spanish. They chose a Casa Angelina in Mexico that could accommodate up to 15 guests for a week, ensuring there was an outdoor space large enough to entertain their closest friends. What made the venue truly special—and vital to the style and vibe of the wedding—was the large terrace that faced west, overlooking a serene, calm blue bay. Elizabeth knew this setting would perfectly capture her favorite time of day, with soft sunset hues painting the sky.
Wedding Fashion
Elizabeth envisioned a bridal look that was both elegant and jaw-dropping, capturing the Disney princess dream she had cherished since childhood. She wanted to blend the allure of a sexy, glamorous bride with the timeless charm of a traditional one. Her dress, designed by Dana Harel, was crafted from lightweight yet luxurious satin, featuring boning around the waist for a structured silhouette. Elizabeth had it customized with a sweetheart neckline to accentuate her chin and clavicle, creating a flattering frame for her décolletage.
The dress was a masterpiece of design, with ruching around the hips leading to a central focal point where a high leg slit, gold detailing, and pearl chains met. The slit added a touch of boldness, while the long train and gold accents kept the overall look sophisticated. To honor the vibrant spirit of Mexican women, Elizabeth adorned her hair with pink and red flowers. With her hair styled in a high bun and her dress strapless, she chose large, modern earrings that complemented her look without overwhelming it.
Joseph chose a distinctive and meaningful dark green three-piece suit. While black felt too heavy for the setting and navy blue was too common in Australia, the rich green not only honored their Irish heritage but also beautifully complemented the soft pastel tones of the sunset. His boutonnière matched the flowers in Elizabeth’s hair, creating a harmonious connection between their looks and echoing the colors in the bouquets, ceremony decor, and table settings.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the Villa, the same stunning location where Elizabeth and Joseph were staying and hosting the reception. With such breathtaking views, they knew they had to make the most of the setting. Although they aren’t religious, they wanted the ceremony to reflect their deep commitment to each other, so they opted for a traditional feel. The decorations were kept simple, allowing the flowers to take center stage. Beautifully arranged along the aisle and around the couple, the flowers created a sense of an altar, capturing the beauty and reverence often found in a church or more traditional setting.
When I first came down the aisle, and my husband-to-be had a huge smile on his face, all of our guests were cheering and going crazy with happiness.
Joseph’s cousin began the ceremony with a heartfelt poem she had chosen, taking the place of a traditional Bible reading. This personal touch added a special meaning, grounding the ceremony in family and tradition while also keeping the atmosphere unique and playful. It was a beautiful way to blend the old with the new, making the moment truly memorable.
Photoshoot
Valery Velázquez, the photographer behind these stunning images, beautifully captured the magic of Elizabeth and Joseph’s wedding day. Her ability to capture not just the big moments, but also the subtle, emotional exchanges, resulted in a collection of photos that feel both timeless and deeply personal. Her talent for using light to enhance every moment make these photos more than just images—they are a vivid narrative of Elizabeth and Joseph’s love story, preserved perfectly for them to cherish forever.
Reception
Elizabeth and Joseph’s wedding was truly unique, as only their closest friends knew about it beforehand. They invited just 30 people, and 23 of them made the long journey from Australia, with a few coming from the USA. The trek to Zihuatanejo wasn’t easy, taking over 20 hours and requiring four flights, all while managing a wedding dress, a three-piece suit, and more. Their families didn’t find out until the day before the ceremony when they received a streaming link. For Elizabeth and Joseph, it was essential to enjoy their wedding day, spend quality time with their friends, and savor the moment with each other, something they knew wouldn’t be possible with a large crowd. They made the difficult decision to keep their plans a secret, but they were fortunate that their family and friends back home were understanding and thrilled for them. Upon returning to Australia, they plan to “put on a drink”—an Aussie tradition of hiring out an entire bar for a night—to celebrate with everyone.
The reception was like a scene straight out of a movie, a sentiment echoed by many friends and family who saw the photos online. The location was an easy choice for the couple, as they were already drawn to the allure of Mexico, and finding the perfect venue only solidified their decision. They curated an extensive cocktail menu featuring a mix of fresh and frozen options, perfect for the warm weather. The couple wanted everyone to feel included, so speeches were a shared experience. Both the bride and groom spoke together, expressing their gratitude to the guests and each other, breaking away from traditional roles to create a more connected and inclusive atmosphere.
Both Joseph and Elizabeth share a deep love for music, often spending time together enjoying wine, talking, and sometimes dancing to their favorite tunes. Curating the wedding playlist was a natural process, although they chose to leave out some of their more intimate, slow acoustic songs in favor of tracks that were just as meaningful but carried a more uplifting vibe.
The couple infused their celebration with extra entertainment touches that made the day unforgettable. They hired a lively mariachi band and even had a donkey adorned with beautiful flowers to greet guests. Table games added a playful element, and after the cake-cutting, guests were invited to enjoy the infinity pool on the terrace. A champagne tower added a touch of classic elegance, and as they poured, fireworks lit up the bay, creating a magical moment. To top it all off, a light-up dance floor ensured that, despite the intimate guest list, the party was lively and full of energy.
Advice from the couple:
• Make a list of everything that’s important on the day, even what might seem obvious and simple or assumed. Just write them down so all of those who need to know are on the same page.
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Valery Velazquez | VENUE Casa Angelina Mexico | WEDDING PLANNER Jennifer Jaimes | CATERING Mito Bistro and Catering | DRESS Dana Harel – from Maelle in Australia | VEIL Ruine de Seine | SUIT Suitably, Melbourne | FLOWERS Flor Caballero | MUA Sharon Beauty
