Cabo San Lucas set the scene for a celebration that moved seamlessly from oceanfront vows to a rooftop party under the stars. With the ceremony on the sand and the reception overlooking the marina, guests experienced two distinct views of the destination in one day. A palette of whites and neutrals kept the focus on the natural beauty of the setting, while live mariachi music, signature cocktails, and fireworks over the water brought the night to life.
Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Style: Timeless, classic, neutral
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 60
Setting: Resort
Season: Fall
AJ and Courtney Lotspeich first met through a mutual friend in Atlanta, Georgia, where AJ grew up and Courtney had moved after college. Years later, during a trip to Cambridge, UK to visit Courtney’s family, AJ planned to propose with the people dearest to her present. He secretly coordinated with her Uncle Owen and Auntie Jo, even emailing them to make sure every detail was in place, and arranged for local photographers to capture the moment. The surprise almost slipped when Auntie Jo, full of excitement, asked within earshot, “You ready for the big day?!” — but the joy of sharing it with family made it even more special.
Bridal Morning
Courtney’s wedding morning began on the balcony of her suite at the Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos, where soft sunlight reflected off the ocean beyond. Wrapped in a white satin robe trimmed with lace and plush slippers, she opened a bottle of champagne against the backdrop of terracotta rooftops and pastel resort walls. The atmosphere felt unhurried and bright, with the breeze from the water carrying into the room as her closest people gathered around, setting the tone for a day she wanted to feel relaxed, classic, and full of joy.
Her look came together with a fitted gown from Aisle and Veil, featuring a subtle corset back and floral-textured fabric that added depth to its clean, timeless silhouette. Hair and makeup by Magnifique kept the focus on her natural elegance, with a softly structured updo designed to stay in place for the beach ceremony. She paired her dress with white Louboutin mules, delicate drop earrings, and a slim bracelet, carrying a bouquet of white roses and baby’s breath.
Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded on the beach, where the ocean stretched out behind a white floral arch by Emporio Arte Floral. Clusters of white roses and baby’s breath framed the couple, echoing the bride’s bouquet and carrying the neutral palette through every detail. A smooth walkway led guests across the sand to their seats, ensuring comfort while keeping the view unobstructed. Rows of white chairs faced the shoreline, their clean lines blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape so that the sea and sky became part of the decor.
As guests settled in, the sound of waves mixed with the anticipation in the air. The couple’s decision not to do a first look meant AJ first saw Courtney as she walked down the aisle, a moment framed by the sunlight and the soft rustle of the flowers in the ocean breeze. One of AJ’s closest friends officiated, adding a personal tone to the exchange of vows.
The ceremony ended with a deep kiss captured by Novski. Nik and Thamm documented the scene with a relaxed, observant style, catching the small glances, the movement of the breeze, and the way the light fell across the couple, so each photograph carries the atmosphere of that moment.
Reception
The reception took place on the rooftop terrace, where white floral arrangements lined the tables, paired with soft candlelight that reflected in the glassware. The elevated setting gave a different perspective from the beach, replacing the sound of waves with mariachi songs. As the sun set, the terrace shifted from golden light to a starlit glow, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for the evening’s celebration.
Guests enjoyed live music through dinner, while both fathers delivered heartfelt speeches that drew smiles and a few tears. AJ and Courtney shared their first dance to a Leon Bridges song, a nod to the first concert they attended together. The rooftop became an open-air dance floor where guests stayed on their feet well into the night.
For dessert, the couple cut into a minimalistic wedding cake while also offering guests a full dessert bar with multiple sweet options. The night closed with a grand finale—fireworks bursting over the ocean, their reflection shimmering across the water. It was a moment of pure celebration, with guests gathered together on the terrace, looking out over Cabo as the sky lit up above them.
Advice from the couple:
• You only get one of these, so make it count. Enjoy the process of planning, don’t overthink it. No one is going to remember what florals you had or the food you served; they’re only going to remember spending one of the biggest days of your life with you.
• Hire a good photographer and videographer to capture the day. They’re worth every penny. And don’t forget to have fun!
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Novski | PLANNER Paulina Salido | VENUE Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos | FLORALS & DECOR Emporio Arte Floral | MUAH Magnifique | DRESS Aisle and Veil | MUSIC Mariachi Cabo
