Jessica and Chris’s wedding was an intimate celebration set against the breathtaking shores of Tulum, Mexico. Surrounded by their closest family, they crafted a day that beautifully blended cultural heritage with modern sophistication while embracing the raw beauty of the beachfront setting. Every detail, from the custom gown, sketched by the bride herself, to a warmly shared dinner with loved ones, was thoughtfully designed to feel personal, meaningful, and deeply connected.
Location: Tulum, Mexico
Style: Intimate, seafront, cross-cultural
Time of planning: 6 months
Number of guests: 10
Setting: Ceremony – beachfront, reception – private house
Season: Summer
Jessica and Chris’ love story unfolded naturally, as the shared passions and mutual friends brought them together. Their bond deepened through countless adventures, leading to a magical proposal in the Sahara Desert. Under a vast, star-lit sky at a secluded Berber campsite, Chris asked Jessica to marry him. For their wedding, they envisioned an intimate escape, a time for their loved ones to connect and create lasting memories. The couple’s heartfelt celebration honored Jessica’s Bangladeshi roots. A soft, airy color palette of all-white florals complemented the tropical landscape, creating the perfect setting.
Bride's Look
Jessica’s attire was a reflection of her cultural heritage. She personally sketched each element of her custom white silk sari-style gown, handcrafted in India, with delicate gold embroidery and pearl accents for a refined yet airy feel. The fluid fabric and subtle leg slit suited the beachfront setting, while a custom veil cascaded from her up-do, styled by Prep Hair. Soft bangs and loose tendrils framed her face, adding a romantic touch.
The bride’s jewelry had a bold, traditional South Asian style, with gold, clear gems, and cascading pearls. She wore a large tikka, an ornate forehead pendant, with pearl-strand ear chains connecting her earrings to her bun. Stacked gold bangles added to the richness, with delicate gold anklets shimmering as she walked. For footwear, she chose sleek heels with pearl straps by Dolce Vita.
Jessica also personally designed each gown for the women in her family, drawing custom pieces based on their inspirations. This allowed her mother and sister to embrace traditional Bengali saris, with her mother’s featuring a more modest design and her sister’s a modern twist. Meanwhile, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law wore dresses in silhouettes that felt familiar to them. To ensure a cohesive yet personal touch, all the gowns were crafted by the same designer from identical fabric, creating a harmonious look while honoring each woman’s individual style.
Groom's Fashion
Chris wore a two-tone tuxedo with a crisp white jacket and black pants, creating a bold contrast. A single white flower with greenery adorned his lapel, subtly tying into the floral theme. Keeping accessories minimal, he opted for a sleek black bow tie and a classic silver watch, a meaningful wedding gift from Jessica’s parents.
First Look
One of the most intimate and unforgettable moments of Jessica and Chris’s wedding day was their first look. Instead of waiting for the ceremony, they chose to meet privately on the beachfront, away from the excitement and anticipation of the day. As soon as their eyes met, any lingering nerves melted away. In that secluded moment they exchanged their vows in private. It was a moment of stillness, allowing them to be fully present with one another before the whirlwind of the day unfolded.
For a couple who had never considered themselves overly sentimental, this experience was transformative, it gave them the confidence to later share their vows with their families. Initially, they hadn’t planned to include their vows in the ceremony, but after that exchange, all hesitation faded.
That first look became more than just a pre-ceremony moment, it was a defining part of their wedding day. By their side was Martin Wilk Photography, capturing the heartfelt essence of the couple’s celebration. The visuals felt alive, flowing effortlessly like the light fabric caught in the sea breeze and glowing with the warmth of the golden sunset.
Ceremony
The couple opted for a private venue, which created a more intimate experience for their families. The ceremony decor perfectly complemented Tulum’s natural beauty. A half-circle floral arch framed the sea backdrop, while white florals and wicker flooring added a dreamy, earthy touch. With the help of Jessica’s friend, the vision came to life effortlessly. She also coordinated with vendors, ensuring every detail was aligned.
Breaking from tradition, the couple’s families stood close instead of taking traditional seats, creating an atmosphere of warmth that made the moment even more personal. At the heart of the ceremony were their fathers, who officiated together, standing side by side as they led the couple through the vows. Their words, a blend of humor, wisdom, and love, made the occasion feel even more special.
When Jessica and Chris exchanged their written vows and wedding bands, emotions ran high. Every detail balanced modern and traditional elements in a way that felt effortless and true to them. It was an unforgettable and personal celebration of love and family.
"After the ceremony, we felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and relief. It was exactly what we had hoped for — intimate, natural, and filled with love. It wasn’t about grand gestures or traditions we felt obligated to include; it was purely about us and the people we love"
Reception
Jessica and Chris’s reception also took place inside the private venue. For their first dance, the couple stepped onto the upper balcony beneath a canopy, with the setting sun casting a golden light over the sea behind them. As ‘Unchained Melody’ by The Righteous Brothers played, they swayed together, surrounded by their family members in a moment of pure magic.
The wedding cake was a simple yet elegant three-tiered dessert, decorated with delicate florals. Fresh white roses, green leaves, and small colorful flowers added a natural and romantic element to the design. The couple shared the cake with their loved ones before heading downstairs for cocktails and dinner.
A beautifully set 12-person table, perfectly fitting their small gathering, was adorned with the same all-white florals and lush greenery that had been woven throughout the wedding. Natural textures added to the cozy ambiance, making the space feel inviting.
A highlight of the evening was the interactive dining experience, with personal chefs from Piedra De Fuego preparing a restaurant-quality meal before their eyes. Fresh, beautifully plated sushi stood out as a luxurious treat. Chris curated a custom cocktail menu, offering both rich, dark drinks and refreshing tequila- and mezcal-infused options to suit everyone’s tastes. As dinner unfolded, heartfelt speeches from their families filled the night with laughter and love, making every moment feel deeply personal and unforgettable.
"Above all, what made our day unique was the way it blended our families and the essence of who we are. It wasn’t about traditions for the sake of tradition — it was about creating something that felt entirely our own."
Advice from the couple:
• Our biggest piece of advice is to focus on what actually matters to you as a couple. It’s easy to get caught up in traditions, expectations, and trying to please everyone, but at the end of the day, your wedding should reflect what makes you happy.
• For us, keeping the guest list small made everything feel more personal and allowed us to be fully present with the people who mean the most to us. It also gave us the flexibility to customize every detail without being overwhelmed by logistics.
PHOTOGRAPHER Martin Wilk Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Frame Wedding Film | FLORALS Grisel Serrano Floral Design | MUAH Prep Hair | SHOES Dolce Vita | CHEF Piedra De Fuego | BANDS Cartier & Tiffany & Co. |
