Rachael Watt and Brendan O’Sullivan met in Vancouver in the summer of 2018, introduced by friends during a lakeside holiday. The setting was casual, but it marked the beginning of something lasting. Years later, on a trip to Morocco, Brendan proposed at sunrise in a hot air balloon. This unexpected gesture perfectly reflected their love for experiences that feel both daring and personal.
When the time came to plan the wedding, the choice of venue was clear. Rachael’s family owns Acre in Los Cabos, a 25-acre resort surrounded by palms, citrus groves, cactus, and agaves. She grew up connected to the property, and the couple knew they wanted their celebration to unfold there. Marianna Idirin, a close friend of the bride and the first person to learn about the engagement, took the lead as planner and designer.
Location: Los Cabos, Mexico
Style: Natural, Chic, Romantic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 160
Setting: Resort
Season: Spring
Rachael invited us to reimagine the space through her eyes, allowing us to craft something deeply romantic and refreshingly unique. Her trust gave us the freedom to design a celebration that not only honored the lush, organic beauty of the venue but also reflected the tenderness and depth of their love story.
Bride's Morning & Fashion
Rachael began the day with quiet rituals: slipping into lace lingerie, sharing moments with her bridesmaids, and the emotional reveal. Her morning details reflected the understated elegance of her style with a pair of delicate ivory heels and white bougainvillea blossoms.
The dress by Daughters of Simone featured off-the-shoulder long lace sleeves and a fitted bodice that highlighted the waist before flowing into a slim, elongated skirt. The all-over Spanish-inspired lace added texture and depth without overwhelming, and the row of covered buttons running down the back brought a touch of old-world craftsmanship.
Makeup artist Guty Cachon emphasized Rachael’s natural beauty with clean, luminous skin and soft definition, while her hair was styled in a low chignon, classic yet relaxed.
The emotional highlight of her morning was the first reveal with her bridesmaids. Dressed in shades of chocolate and espresso, they reacted with unfiltered laughter, gasps, and tears.
The bride’s look was completed with a bouquet designed by Kamala Floral Design. Loose in shape yet intentional in detail, it combined soft ivory tones with hints of greenery, echoing the natural chic palette of the day.
Groom's Fashion
Brendan’s preparation unfolded in a more understated way but carried equal significance. He wore a custom chocolate brown suit from Surmesur, tailored to a sharp, modern cut. The look was completed with Gravity Pope shoes, a cream tie, and a vintage silk pocket square.
One of the most meaningful accessories was his vintage Cartier watch, with a square face and brown leather strap, gifted to him by Rachael years earlier. It was a quiet detail, but one that tied his look back to their shared history.
The groom’s party echoed the natural tones of the wedding palette. In light beige suits, open collars, and classic brown shoes, the groomsmen created a warm, cohesive backdrop against which Brendan’s darker suit subtly stood out.
Vision of the Day
Designing Rachael and Brendan’s wedding at Acre meant leaning into the natural poetry of the venue itself. Surrounded by greens the setting called for a concept that blended seamlessly with its Baja desert roots.
Instead of overwhelming the venue with color or heavy installations, Marianna chose restraint. Bougainvillea cascaded from the canopies above, airy arrangements framed the ceremony, and the clean lines of Acre’s architecture were left to speak for themselves. Every detail was intentional, every element was tied to the natural landscape. “It was a heartfelt collaboration from start to finish,” Marianna shared.
Ceremony
The couple chose to forgo a first look, making the walk down the aisle the most emotional moment of the day. The ceremony took place beneath a tree covered in yellow blossoms, with a custom floral stage designed by Kamala that seemed to grow naturally from the ground. This organic floral altar was both understated and striking.
Family and friends watched closely, some with tears, others with laughter, as Rachael and Brendan exchanged vows. Guests were deeply engaged, holding fans and flowers, fully immersed in the intimacy of the ceremony. It was simple, heartfelt, and unforgettable, the kind of atmosphere that could only happen when the design and the people aligned perfectly.
Cocktail Hour & Moments Together
After the ceremony, guests moved into the garden terraces for cocktail hour. Against the backdrop of golden light and desert greenery, conversations flowed easily as friends mingled with glasses in hand. Signature drinks brought a playful Baja touch, while fresh oysters and sashimi were served alongside.
In the midst of the celebration, Rachael and Brendan stepped away for a short walk through the winding paths of Acre. Photographer Maureen Evans followed them discreetly, capturing the way they held hands, exchanged smiles, and allowed themselves a few quiet minutes together.
These images reflected a balance between the energy of the party and the intimacy of their connection, moments that might have gone unnoticed, yet became some of the most meaningful in the gallery.
Reception & Decor
The reception carried the couple’s vision of Natural Chic. Neutral linens in muted green tones paired with layered, organic centerpieces of grapes, pears, and loose florals. Bougainvillea cascaded from the canopies above, blending seamlessly into the Baja landscape.
The dinner took place in Los Agaves, an amphitheater-like venue that opens to the surrounding hills. Long tables encouraged a communal atmosphere, while candlelight added warmth as the sun set. Because the bride’s family owns Acre, the food and cocktails were central to the experience. Signature drinks reflected Baja flavors:
Spicy Sandía – tequila, watermelon, jalapeño, lime
Green Agave – mezcal, pineapple, sage, Chartreuse
The Bugambilia – vodka, honey-ginger syrup, bugambilia soda
Dinner was served family-style, showcasing Acre’s most iconic dishes: miso fish with black rice and bok choy, organic chicken with morita chili glaze, braised short rib with red wine reduction, corn agnolotti, roasted cauliflower, and fresh salads.
Music was central to the day. Alex Maher provided the soundtrack for cocktail hour and dinner, while DJ Galen Allan kept the party alive well into the night. The couple’s first dance was to “Road to Venus” by Leif Vollebekk, a soulful choice that set the tone for an evening of celebration.
Although the couple embraced a modern, laid-back style throughout the day, they wanted to keep the tradition of cutting a wedding cake. Surrounded by their guests, they cut into a coconut cake, simple yet elegant, and shared a quiet, emotional moment together.
Dessert followed with an assortment of miniature sweets: strawberry pavlovas, individual chocolate cakes with candied cacao nibs, and coconut confections. Candlelight reflected on the tables, glasses filled with signature cocktails, and the sound of laughter rising as speeches turned into dancing.
What stood out was not the design, though it was exquisite, but the freedom the couple allowed themselves. They trusted their planner, honored their venue, and stayed true to what felt genuine. That combination is what made the celebration unforgettable and what every couple can take as inspiration.
Advice from the couple:
• The best advice we could give would be to save your first look for the actual ceremony to really sink into that moment. The love and passion were so heightened.
• We also really loved sitting separately during the dinner and speeches, giving us some moments together alone amidst all the celebrations.
PLANNING & DESIGN Marianna Idirin Team | PHOTOGRAPHER Maureen Evans | VIDEOGRAPHER Apervision | VENUE Acre | BRIDE’S DRESS Rituals of Love Vancouver, Daughters of Simone | BRIDE’S SHOES Jennifer Chamandi | GROOM’S SUIT Surmesur | GROOM’S SHOES Graviti Pope | MUA Guty Cachon | HAIR Piel Canela | RENTALS Warehouse Rentals | FLORALS Kamala | LIGHTING Surface | DAY-OF STATIONERY Bells & Whistles | COCKTAIL HOUR & DINNER MUSIC Alex Maher | RECEPTION MUSIC DJ Galen Allan
