Location: Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Setting: Jungle
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 11 months
The number of guests: 35
Wedding theme/style: Colorful, minimal, joyful, fun.
Janet and Eric met on Tinder in 2017 in New York. At the time, Eric was living the van life with plans to move to Texas. The couple’s fourth date turned into a week-long road trip, and the rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward to 2023, and they found themselves surrounded by loved ones in the heart of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, at a private eco-experience set in the jungle. Their wedding was a joyful gathering of 35 friends and family members, all immersed in lush greenery and under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights. The natural, tropical setting perfectly reflected Janet and Eric’s love for nature and intimacy, offering a serene yet vibrant backdrop for their celebration.
That year was marked the Year of the Rabbit, symbolizing a period of profound transformation for the couple. They faced significant challenges, including a layoff, the closure of their business, and a cross-country move, which tested their resilience. Despite these hurdles, or perhaps because of them, Janet and Eric sought to infuse their wedding with “happy” colors to celebrate their perseverance and creativity. “We needed to surround ourselves with joy,” Janet shared, “so we embraced bright and playful hues to reflect our journey.“ Their backgrounds in the creative industry also influenced the wedding’s eclectic style. Artistic elements turned their wedding into a joyous, unforgettable celebration of overcoming adversity and embracing a bright future together.
Janet’s attire broke away from tradition in the most stylish way. She wore a beautiful chartreuse dress with a high neckline and bow detail from Staud and metallic purple heels from Jimmy Choo. The decision to forego a traditional white gown was budget-conscious and bold, perfectly matching her personality. “The dress was so loud that I decided to keep my hair and makeup minimal, which I did myself,” she said.
Eric complimented Janet’s vibrant look with a tan suit, a deviation from his usual dark earth tones. “I usually stick to blacks, greys, and dark colors, but I thought this was a rare occasion where I could actually pull off something different,” he reflected. Underneath the tan blazer, Eric wore a striking shirt featuring an abstract, multi-colored pattern that added a touch of artistic flair to his ensemble. Adding to the modern aesthetic, Eric donned a pair of sleek, round sunglasses that gave him a relaxed, contemporary vibe, perfectly suited to Tulum’s sunny, tropical setting.
The first look between Janet and Eric was a moment of pure surprise and delight. Eric, who hadn’t seen Janet’s dress before the wedding, was stunned when he turned around to see her.
Throughout the day, the talented photographers’ duo Mel and Fred from Memory Box worked seamlessly with the couple, capturing everything from the emotional first look to the joyful celebrations and intimate moments. Mel and Fred brought their expertise to preserve the most important and sincere memories. Their approach to photography focuses on creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, which allowed Janet and Eric to be their true selves in front of the camera.
With the closest friends and family, the celebration felt warm and personal. This intimate gathering allowed everyone to feel connected, creating a genuine sense of community and closeness. The ceremony took place in a tranquil spot amidst the jungle, with the sound of nature providing a serene backdrop.
Personally, we wanted to keep our celebration small. Neither of us likes to be the center of attention, so we wanted to design an event that wasn’t just about us.
The wedding also honored Janet’s late mother with a candlelight vigil during the ceremony. Instead of reciting vows, the couple wrote letters to their future selves. These letters, one focusing on their future and the other on the ideals that brought them together, added a deeply personal element to the ceremony.
The reception decor was a masterclass in colorful minimalism. Inspired by Janet’s stunning dress, the couple chose a palette of bright colors to fill their day with joy and vibrancy. Orange marigolds and pink roses adorned the tables, paired with lilac napkins, creating a striking contrast that brought the tablescape to life.
The decor was simple yet impactful, highlighting how a few well-chosen elements can create an elegant and inviting atmosphere. The warm glow of candles added a touch of romance, making every moment at the table feel special.
Before their cozy ceremony, Janet and Eric took a private walk through the serene jungle setting of their venue. This tranquil moment allowed them to reflect on their journey together and share a few intimate laughs away from the bustle.
This relaxed pre-ceremony walk provided a brief respite and resulted in some of the day’s most candid and heartfelt images.
Unique personal touches made the day even more memorable. Janet’s sister, despite having injured her neck a few days before the wedding, was a spirited presence on the dance floor, proudly wearing her neck brace. Instead of a traditional cake, they opted for a churro cart and a ramen bar for late-night snacks, adding a whimsical twist to the reception.
The newlyweds wanted to ensure their guests enjoyed the evening as much as they did, steering clear of traditional wedding norms. Their dance playlist, filled with disco and funk, was designed to get everyone from their parents to their friends on the dance floor. “Our music choice and the setup of the venue, with spaces for mingling away from the dance floor, were all about creating a fun, inclusive environment.“
“We had point-and-shoot film cameras for our guests to capture the night, which gave us a raw and unfiltered view of our wedding,” Janet noted. “It was incredibly fun to see our day through the eyes of our friends.”
Janet kicked off the night with a lively karaoke performance of “Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit, setting the tone for a night of fun and celebration. A highlight of the evening was when almost all the guests, energized by the music and atmosphere, jumped into the pool.
Janet and Eric’s wedding is a perfect reminder that a wedding can be a true reflection of the couple’s personality and love story.
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t get hung up on trying to design the perfect wedding. Perfect is an idea, not a reality.
• Don’t be overly concerned about pleasing all of your guests. If they’re at your wedding, they love you and support you.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Non-white dresses give you more fun options!
• We opted for an adults-only wedding, but if that’s hard for some of your guests, consider hiring a babysitting service on-site so you can keep your kids close and feel comfortable enough to party!
• If you’re planning a destination wedding, visit the city beforehand to work out as many quirks as possible.
PHOTOGRAPHY Memory Box | PLANNER Mango Weddings | VENUE Kima Tulum | CATERING Ginger Tulum | FLORALS Pri Ola | CHURRO CART Mr Tulum Churros | AV ProSound | BABYSITTING SERVICES Kangaroo Babysitting | DRESS Staud | BRIDE’S SHOES Jimmy Choo | SUIT Gutteridge
