Location: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Setting: Outdoor Resort
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 120
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year and 6 months
Wedding theme/style: Classic, floral, timeless, luxury.
Kimberly and Justin’s love story began in Key Largo, Florida, where they first met. Years later, a chance encounter at a happy hour with mutual friends brought them together, and Justin’s bold invitation to buy Kimberly a drink sparked their romance.
Kim, owner and lead planner for KVB Events in Miami, FL, had been dreaming of this day for years. Her and Justin had been to so many weddings together, both for work and for their very large friend group.When they visited the stunning Mayakoba resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, they knew it was the ideal venue.
Their wedding wishes were clear: create an unforgettable experience for their guests and celebrate with friends and family who had traveled to be there.
They meticulously planned their wedding, prioritizing what mattered most to them.
Looking back, Kimberly and Justin have no regrets, except for how quickly the weekend flew by. Their love story had led them to this beautiful chapter, and they eagerly await the adventures that lie ahead.
Kim and Justin’s entire venue was unique. Mayakoba is a masterpiece with charm, design, and attention to detail in every corner. Kim says, “Being a wedding planner, I knew how important the guest experience is at any wedding – even more so when you have to travel and spend money to be there to celebrate. It was important for our guests to relax and have the best time with us all weekend long! I am a sucker for the little details at weddings, so when I was planning my own, I wanted to make sure that there was not a single detail out of place!”
Surprisingly, Kim never knew what she wanted to wear on her wedding day. She went into her first bridal appointment very open-mindedly. Kim wanted to try all the different styles, textures, and designs to pick the best one. The moment she tried on lucky #7, she knew it was THE gown! It checked off all the boxes for her and made her feel like she was finally a bride. Kim looks back at herself in her wedding gown and still gets the chills.
When it came to hair and makeup, Kim was more of a natural girl, so she knew an over-the-top look wasn’t for her, but she still wanted it to look bridal. Choosing the artist wasn’t an issue at all. Chrysti of Chrysti Artistry had been doing Kim’s hair and makeup for all of her personal events for 5+ years. Kim knew that whatever Chrysti did would make her look and feel her absolute best! All Kim had to do was ask for her usual with a touch of bridal. She couldn’t have been happier with the overall look.
Kimberly’s attention to detail extended to every aspect of her wedding, right down to her choice of bridal shoes. With elegance and style in mind, she decided on a pair of exquisite Jimmy Choo heels. The moment she slipped them on, she knew they matched her wedding gown perfectly, radiating timeless beauty and sophistication. As she walked down the aisle, those Jimmy Choo shoes carried her gracefully into a new chapter of her life, symbolizing her steps toward a future filled with love and happiness.
Kimberly’s quest for timeless elegance led her to choose a breathtaking Galia Lahav gown for her wedding day. The dress perfectly blends classic and contemporary elements, reflecting her unique style and grace. With its intricate lacework and impeccable tailoring, the gown showcased Kimberly’s natural beauty, enhancing her radiance as she walked down the aisle.
The Galia Lahav gown was a testament to Kimberly’s impeccable taste, encapsulating the essence of her dream wedding. Its timeless design and ethereal quality left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who witnessed her special day. She exuded an air of timeless beauty and sophistication, creating a memory that would forever be etched in their hearts and those of all who shared in their celebration.
Kim speaks on her dress shopping experience as one of the highlights of the overall wedding experience. She recalls, “I loved dancing around Galia Lahav, trying on their beautiful designs. I was so grateful to wear two Galia Lahav fits for my day. When I went to my first fitting, I already had special-ordered sleeves for my gown, but I didn’t know that my dress had come with another pair, which allowed the first Galia Lahav dress to be so versatile. My dress included dainty, embellished straps for my reception entrance. I started the day with custom removable sleeves for the first look and getting ready. I wore my hair up for the ceremony, adding to the soft elegance of my custom sleeves. I then changed my hair look for the reception to a bit of an edgier vibe that tied together so perfectly with the dainty straps. For our after-party, I changed into a second dress, the Jill dress by Galia Lahav. I could sparkle in this mini dress alongside the dazzling metallic strings that fluttered with the DJ lights. I felt like a star!”
As their wedding day approached, Justin and his groomsmen took a moment to relax and bond before the festivities began. They enjoyed a laid-back morning, taking in the warm sun and the serene atmosphere of the venue.
Justin, the dashing groom, made an unforgettable statement in his Damiani tuxedo. The impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design of his attire perfectly mirrored the elegance and sophistication he embodied. With each step, he exuded confidence and style, ready to embark on this new chapter of his life with Kimberly.
The first look, that precious and intimate moment when Kimberly and Justin saw each other for the first time on their wedding day, was a heartwarming and emotional experience. Time seemed to stand still as they locked eyes, their hearts filled with love, excitement, and anticipation. In that moment, all worries and nerves melted away, leaving only the profound connection they shared, reaffirming that this day was the beginning of their beautiful journey together as husband and wife.
At the heart of El Pueblito is the beautifully appointed, mission-style chapel, providing an exceptional venue for weddings at Mayakoba. Its towering wood doors open to the town plaza, where the traditional architecture and vibrant Mexican colors bring the spirit of Riviera Maya alive. After choosing the location, Kim and Justin flew out to see the spaces in person. Once they saw the spaces, Kim immediately could envision how she would revamp them. Her floral designer, A Lavish Event Design, created a mood board based on images she’d saved from all her years of planning. It was a team effort! Being a wedding planner, Kim felt a bit overwhelmed with the countless inspirations she’d come across, but she did know her wedding had to be timeless, different than anything she’d seen or done, and not too on-trend. Her destination was unique, so it was important to build off of that and create something she’d been in love with for ages.
The ceremony unfolded amidst an aura of pure happiness and profound love. With a tender heart, Kim’s father led her to the spot where Justin stood, his eyes brimming with affection and anticipation.
In a picturesque moment, they exchanged rings, symbolizing their bond, and recited vows of everlasting devotion that echoed through the hearts of all who bore witness to their love story.
Talented photographer Lauren Alatriste has masterfully captured the essence of the entire wedding – its aesthetics, emotions, love, and friendship. Lauren’s artistry is devoted to crafting photographs that resonate deeply with the heart. His wealth of experience and a keen eye for beauty have immortalized every precious moment, enabling the couple to cherish and relive this wonderful day through their memories forever. Lauren’s skillful work has transformed fleeting moments into timeless treasures, ensuring the magic of their wedding day lives on in each stunning photograph.
The proposal took place on the water, which has always been significant to the couple. Kim relives the experience: “Justin proposed to me on a boathouse/container that is docked at a marina in Miami Beach. I thought we were attending my best friend’s birthday brunch, but it was a ruse. My friends played along and created a “brunch” group chat, messaging me as if they were on the way/arriving at the location. Justin was relaxed on the way there and even walked out of the car closer to the dock. He was as cool as a cucumber. I didn’t notice anything weird until we started getting closer, and I saw none of my friends and only a beautiful little container on the water filled with white flowers. Justin quickly dropped down on one knee. Needless to say, I was in shock! Tying in with our proposal on the water, Mayakoba’s reception space was also on the water. It was only fitting to enter our reception space from the water onto the dock. None of our guests expected us to be introduced at the back of the reception, coming up from this fairytale little boat that was decorated with white and pink roses. This was a unique way for us to incorporate a piece of our proposal and made for an incredible grand entrance!”
When planning the dance floor and ceiling installation, Kim struggled to determine what she wanted to do. She says, “When you see my venue bare, it is a complete white canvas. We had a lot of room to play, but that means you must completely transform the space. Overall, I was very pleased with the way that it came out. I didn’t want something that was done before. I wanted something unique. My amazing floral designers came up with the idea of hanging fringe strand by strand above the dance floor, incorporating florals to make it all look cohesive. We wanted another textural element, so we combined medium and large chandeliers, shimmering amongst the metallic fringe, giving a timeless, magical feel. It felt like a dream as you walked into the room.”
A Lavish Event Design worked their floral magic, transforming the venue into a breathtaking masterpiece of real flowers. The entire space was immersed in a sea of vibrant blooms, creating a stunning, fairy tale-like atmosphere that left everyone in awe. It was a floral wonderland, where their artistry turned the venue into a living garden of beauty and love.
As the owner of a KVB Events, Kim personally oversaw and lovingly organized her wedding with meticulous care. All the design elements, from the customized details to the stationery, were artfully crafted by Lovely Olive Living. The stationery was beautifully brought to life through the expert Stationary printing services of The Card Cottage.
The wedding cake was a masterpiece, elegantly adorned with a generous display of meticulously crafted flowers. Each petal and bloom seemed magically woven into the cake’s design, creating a stunning and harmonious fusion of culinary artistry and floral beauty. It was a cake that delighted the palate and served as a breathtaking centerpiece, a true masterpiece of edible and botanical craftsmanship.
The first dance was mesmerizing, where Kimberly and Justin’s love took center stage. As they glided gracefully across the dance floor, their eyes locked in a deep, soulful gaze. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two and the sweet melody that encapsulated their journey together. It was a dance of love, a symbol of their commitment, and a beautiful start to their lifelong duet.
The couple included custom Casamigos Tequila bottles in the welcome bags (which were a huge hit). Kim loved seeing their guests carry the welcome bags to the poolside along with custom hats they embroidered for each guest. The wedding design included custom napkins, coasters, stirrers, coconuts, and koozies. The guests appreciated every detail.
An added bonus was the stage set up for their DJ! When the beat dropped, and the laser lights came to life, it felt like you had been transported to a music festival deep within the heart of the Mexican jungle. The energy was electric, a night of dancing and celebration that none of the guests would ever forget. The vibrant music, dazzling lights, and enchanting surroundings made it a night to remember, turning the wedding into an unforgettable experience.
Videographer Giselle Films was the brilliant mind behind capturing the essence and magic of Kimberly and Justin’s special day. With an artistic eye and a talent for storytelling, Giselle expertly documented every precious moment, ensuring the memories would last a lifetime. Her cinematic expertise brought the wedding to life on screen, allowing the couple to relive the emotions, the beauty, and the love of their wedding day, over and over again. Giselle Films transformed moments into lasting memories, weaving together a visual narrative that perfectly encapsulated the joy and significance of this unforgettable occasion.
Advice from the couple:
• My advice to future couples getting married would be the following: Enjoy every minute.
• Don’t stress about the small stuff because I promise something will go wrong, and you can do nothing to change it. Nothing will take away from your perfect day marrying your perfect person. Don’t let the small stuff affect you.
• Trust your vendors, as you chose them for a reason, and let the day go by as it should.
• Eat your dinner so you can party and dance the night away with your favorite people. Cherish the entire day with all of your loved ones!
• Lastly, hire a planner who understands you and will take charge on your wedding day, as they should be in control of everything, making your dreams come to life.
PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Alatriste | VIDEOGRAPHER Giselle Films | PLANNER KVB Events | VENUE Ceremony: El Pueblito Mayakoba, Reception: MK Blue at Banyan Tree Mayakoba | MUAH Chrysti Artistry | FLORAL, DESIGN & PRODUCTION A Lavish Event Design | BRIDAL DRESS Galia Lahav | BRIDAL SHOES Jimmy Choo | GROOM’S SUIT Damiani | ENTERTAINMENT Ray Costa | STATIONERY PRINTING The Card Cottage | RENTALS Archive, Canteiro, Oleo Rentals | GRAPHIC DESIGNER for DETAILS and STATIONERY Lovely Olive Living
