Set high above the coastline at Casa Angelina in Zihuatanejo, this intimate summer wedding combined vibrant florals, personalized details, and a sunset pool party finale. Captured by Amelie Black on both film and digital, the images carry a warm, lived-in energy—rich with color, motion, and the kind of honest moments that only unfold when everyone feels completely at ease.
Location: Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
Style: Tropical, warm, personal
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 50
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Justin and Gabriela’s story began at EDC in 2012, where a night of unexpected weather and thousands of people couldn’t keep them apart—they kept finding and losing each other until the festival ended. Over the years, they navigated long distance from coast to coast, supporting one another through Gaby’s graduate school and Justin’s hospital work.
In January 2023, they flew separately to Italy—Gaby arriving from Spain without her luggage, and Justin from Portugal after a friend’s trip—and reunited at a vineyard in Tuscany. There, surrounded by vines and quiet hills, Justin proposed with a dress packed for Gaby and photographers secretly in place to capture the moment.
Bridal Morning
Gaby spent the morning at villa surrounded by her bridesmaids, who surprised her with a book filled with letters from each of them, her mom, and grandmothers—a quiet, emotional moment before the day unfolded. The tropical light filtered into the master suite as she got ready, with the sea visible beyond the balcony. Her favorite flower, the stargazer lily, peeked through her bouquet, adding a personal touch that echoed her love for flowers—and her last name, Flores. The scent of Le Labo’s “Santal 33,” which she and Justin both wore, filled the room and lingered in the air as she stepped into her dress.
She wore the “Daria” dress by Madi Lane, a fitted design with delicate straps and bold floral lace that stood out against the soft ivory fabric. A single oversized flower tucked into her hair added a romantic statement, paired with a simple veil that let the dress shine. Gaby chose meaningful details for her accessories: her abuelita’s gold necklace, a bracelet borrowed from Justin’s mom, and blue Wander and Lust earrings gifted by her own mother. Later in the evening, she changed into a second look—a strapless pearl-covered dress, perfect for the party that would follow.
Groom's Fashion
Justin wore a custom light sage suit from Indochino with their wedding date embroidered inside, a subtle and sentimental detail. He paired it with bright orange drivers from Salvatore Ferragamo, a bold choice that matched the bridesmaids’ dresses and reflected his fun, expressive style.
Ceremony
The ceremony at took place on a stone terrace overlooking the Pacific, with panoramic views of Zihuatanejo’s emerald hills and bright coastline. The aisle framed the infinity pool, and the couple stood beneath a sky strung with café lights and a single silver disco ball—a playful, modern detail amid the natural setting. Wooden cross-back chairs faced a semi-circle floral installation at the edge of the platform, designed with a wild, tropical mix of lilies, dahlias, roses, and local greenery in coral, ivory, yellow, and blush. Each seat had a wooden fan waiting for guests, engraved with the wedding date—practical for the heat and thoughtful in design.
Before the ceremony began, Gaby watched from the balcony as Justin and the wedding party made their way down the aisle. When it was her turn, she walked out with her father through a cloud of floating bubbles and the sound of guests cheering softly in the background. Her bouquet spilled with orchids, stargazer lilies, and soft trailing greens.
Justin teared up seeing her for the first time. His younger sister officiated the ceremony, bringing a personal, intimate touch to the vows. Gaby and Justin were so wrapped in the moment that they kissed before the official introduction.
"We remember feeling so much excitement, love, gratitude, and happiness after we walked back down the aisle and had a quiet moment for ourselves."
Reception
As the sun began to set, the reception unfolded on the terrace with views stretching across the Pacific. Long wooden tables were set with terracotta-toned plates, gold flatware, and woven chargers, softened by gauze runners and sprigs of greenery. Clay vases overflowed with vibrant summer florals—snapdragons, lisianthus, lilies, and roses in shades of blush, apricot, and white.
Under the string lights, guests shared toasts and laughter while a mirror disco ball slowly caught the evening light. Personalized napkins featuring their dog Lola’s face added a playful touch, along with engraved wooden fans that kept everyone cool in the tropical heat.
The cake-cutting took place after dinner, with a simple white square cake piped with pearls and topped with the words “Just Married.” Gaby and Justin stood together at the table, surrounded by flowers, and cut the cake while holding hands, beaming at each other. The scene was lit by candlelight and the glow of the terrace—warm, romantic, and full of joy.
The night ended with a spontaneous plunge into the infinity pool—Gaby still in her dress, guests laughing, dancing, and splashing under the stars. It was the kind of ending they hoped for: carefree, connected, and full of love. Amelie Black captured it all with an eye for honest moments and natural movement. Her photos feel alive—with laughter in the air, salt in the breeze, and emotion on every face.
"Everyone said it was the most fun wedding they had been to, which was the ultimate compliment!"
PHOTOGRAPHER Amelie Black | PLANNER Eva Luz Ramirez | VIDEOGRAPHER Moises Diaz | VENUE Casa Angelina
