Location: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Setting: Ceremony – beach; Reception – outdoor
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 14 months
The number of guests: 190
Wedding theme/style: Classic, timeless, beachy.
Shelby and Gabriel met at the Old Town Art Festival in Chicago during the summer of 2019. Gabriel’s attention was immediately captured by Shelby’s elegant presence in her white overalls, a striking contrast against the festival’s colorful backdrop. Little did they know, fate had already been at work, weaving the threads of their destinies together.
Unrevealed to them, but they had been attending the same Corepower yoga classes. Emily, the yoga trainer, and their mutual friend had been urging Shelby to attend, citing the appeal of the “hot crew” in attendance. Yet, it seemed life had other plans as their missed connections continued.
However, after a month or two of unsuccessful attempts, Gabriel finally spotted Shelby standing alongside Emily. With a smooth yet unconventional pick-up line, he initiated their first conversation by asking Shelby for directions to the bathroom despite her standing right outside of it. Whatever the reason—whether it was Gabriel’s accent, towering height, striking good looks, or a combination of all three—Shelby was immediately captivated.
Their love story had a new turn in the summer of 2021 when Shelby and Gabriel embarked on a new adventure, packing their bags and moving to Cabo. In a romantic gesture just weeks before her birthday, Gabriel took Shelby on a little weekend trip to La Paz. On the last day of their journey, after snorkeling and exploring private islands, their tour guide offered to take a few more pictures before returning to Cabo. Shelby turned to face the guide and saw Gabriel on his bent knee.
Shelby and Gabriel’s wedding was celebrated against the picturesque scenes of Mexico. They sought to create an event that would stand the test of time, avoiding overly trendy elements in favor of timeless touches that would be just as beautiful twenty years later.
Worried about Mexican heat, the bride chose to wear her fair hair in a soft, low bun. Regarding makeup, Shelby wanted a naturally radiant appearance with warm hues that accentuated her features without overpowering her natural beauty.
The bride shares, “I wasn’t sure what dress I wanted, but I knew I wanted something different from my usual style to stand out. I usually avoid strapless dresses because I’m busty, but with my stunning custom Galia Lahav gown, I knew I’d be perfectly supported! I personalized the MAYA dress by choosing white on white instead of tan/ivory because I wanted a more bridal look.”
This semi-sheer mermaid gown fit perfectly and accentuated the bride’s silhouette with grace and allure. Intricate 3D flowers over silk tulle exuded a romantic charm that perfectly complemented the scenic backdrop of their wedding in Mexico. The gown featured elegant off-the-shoulder straps. When it was time to hit the dance floor, Shelby effortlessly shed them, allowing her to move freely and easily.
Gabriel chose a perfect black suit that exuded effortless elegance. Paired with a sleek black bow and a white shirt adorned with black buttons, the ensemble displayed classic style with a modern twist.
The suit’s sharp lines and tailored fit perfectly hugged the groom’s figure. Gabriel exuded confidence as he stood beside Shelby, looking every bit the modern gentleman in his impeccably tailored outfit.
JW Marriott Los Cabos provided the ideal setting for their romantic ceremony. The decor and floral arrangements, in soft, neutral shades, set the tone for the event. Elegant touches such as lush greenery, delicate blooms, and natural textures added depth and sophistication to the overall ambiance, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.
With the gentle breeze rustling through mango trees and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore, it was a scene straight out of a fairytale. Surrounded by their loved ones, Shelby and Gabriel exchanged vows beneath the azure sky, the beauty of nature serving as the perfect backdrop for their union.
Ximena Zermeno, the photographer behind these beautiful wedding photos, has a simple yet powerful goal: to capture the couple’s authentic essence. She believes in telling the couple’s unique love story frame by frame, allowing their personalities and connections to shine through them. Ximena created a collection of images that shows Shelby and Gabriel’s relationship and the love that binds their circle of family and friends together.
“Since we were in Mexico and it was an outdoor celebration, we aimed for a balance—keeping it elegant but not too formal. I scoured online for inspiration, picking out my favorite elements while consulting with my husband who works in design,” – the bride says.
With the last of the day’s rays, Ximena captured beautiful shots, playing with silhouettes and shadows on the sunset’s gradient. The warmth of the ocean breeze seems to envelop you as you gaze upon these pictures.
Baja Luna is a one-of-a-kind event space nestled among a working mango farm in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur. The venue exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a tranquil pool shimmered softly under the twinkling lights above, creating a mesmerizing scene that captivated guests during the reception. Tables adorned with delicate floral arrangements were nestled on the lush green grass, offering guests a cozy and intimate setting to enjoy the evening’s festivities.
The string lights, delicately strung overhead like a canopy of fireflies, cast a soft and ethereal glow over the outdoor event space. When the evening sky darkened, the lights danced and flickered, creating a magical effect that seemed to transport guests to a whimsical wonderland.
Under the enchanting glow of those string lights, Shelby and Gabriel shared their first dance as husband and wife.
One of the most amusing details of their wedding was undoubtedly the cake. While minimalist in design, the tiered confection was a charming centerpiece. Standing tall and elegant, the cake featured clean lines and a simple yet refined aesthetic. However, the unexpected addition truly stole the show—a small figure of the couple’s beloved dog playfully taking a bite out of the cake.
Whimsical details were sprinkled throughout the event, adding a touch of personality and charm. Every element was carefully curated from a churro cart and fireworks at their welcome party to a live saxophone serenading guests during the reception to enhance the guest experience and create lasting memories.
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t stress about anything that goes wrong, only you’ll know!
PHOTOGRAPHER Ximena Zermano | VENUE Ceremony: JW Marriott, Reception: Baja Luna | PLANNER Events by Bliss | MUAH Blanc Bridal | FLORAL Cristina G | RENTALS Bazaar Cabo | MUSIC Cabo Strings | DJ Alex DJ Cabo | RABBI Aaron Katz
