This morning we’re whizzing away to warmer climes — to Mexico no less — to revel in the Jewish destination wedding of Deborah to Larry.
Their wedding is the ultimate ‘beach chic’ with a colour palette ranging from metallics to pastels, and the breathtaking setting of the Mexican coast as backdrop. Countless gorgeous details come together to create a wedding that is clean and modern, yet also incorporates many sweet and personal touches. Take Deborah writing and singing a surprise song for Larry for example, and the mini hangover kits attached to bottles of water handed out to guests at the end of the night. So thoughtful!
I adore the juxtaposition of Deborah and Larry’s formal attire (her Vera Wang dress, his Hugo Boss suit) with going bare feet for the ceremony. Our gorgeous bride tells me, “I walked barefoot down the aisle with the sand between my toes, – it was a very grounding and magical experience for me.”
And my goodness, am I loving every single image by the à¼ber-talented international photographer Brian La Brada, especially those portrait shots — just wait until you see Deborah’s beautiful brown bambi eyes and that glowing smile.
Oh to be beside the seaside this morning. Is it ok to be dreaming of summer already?
How we met
Deborah, the Bride: Larry and I actually met whilst each other was in a prior long term relationship. Years later, we found ourselves together at a party after both of those relationships ended. At the party we danced, shared jello shots and did some meditative breathing together. The rest is history.
A destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico
We got married at the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, Mexico. Between the warm location, and the outstanding customer service of this hotel, we realised it was the right venue for us.
A travel theme
The theme of our wedding was inspired from the groom’s passion for traveling. Our colour palette was antique gold with soft pastels, especially seafoam green. We utilised the expert skills and patience of Williams Perez of the Ritz-Carlton as our wedding planner. *(Yes, his name is spelled Williams).
Invitations
Our invitations were designed by our friend, a very talented graphic designer called Angela Herrmann. She made the invitations for us as a wedding gift.
A Vera Wang dress, bare feet for the ceremony and Monique Lhuillier shoes for the party
I bought my dress from Vera Wang on Melrose, Los Angeles, California. I went to many designers but found this dress to be most appropriate for an afternoon beach ceremony.
I walked barefoot down the aisle with the sand between my toes, a very grounding and magical experience for me. Yet for the party I chose antique gold stilettos by designer Monique Lhuillier.
Accessories
My jewellery was designed by a friend and jewellery designer, Lawrence Hart of Milari. I used a simple veil from Vera Wang. My hair piace was something simple from a shop in London.
Hair + makeup
I had two changes of make up and three changes of hair by Melina Ruiz. We brought her down from California as she could produce a look I wanted and make all the changes I requested on the go for each part of the event.
The handsome groom
Larry wore a Hugo Boss charcoal grey two piece with a Canali shirt and tie. He was barefoot as well.
White roses
Due to the nature of the weather at that time of year in Cancun, and the season, we chose white roses. We used the Ritz-Carlton florist who had a good ear for listening to our requests and a great eye for design.
A beach chic chuppah
We needed a structure that would be on the beach when we walked out as we didn’t want members of the wedding party to hold it. It also had to stay up on the windy outdoor setting. We had a beautiful angled flower arrangement of white roses that added a stylish touch.
Favourite part of the ceremony
Walking down the aisle barefoot with the sand between my toes . . . seeing my future life partner, family and close friends in front of this breathtaking ocean view. Deborah said. “It was a moment of joy and tremendous gratitude with God for allowing everything I envisioned to be materialised.”
Music for the ceremony
We love The Beatles, so I chose Here Comes the Sun to walk down because this song reflects the impermanence of things and how we were ready to start a new chapter in our lives. Queen is another favorite band and I could not resist dancing to the tune of You’re My Best Friend later on at the party.
Our amazing wedding photographer
Our photographer was the talented Brian LaBrada. I saw his work on a wedding blog and I knew he was the one! This did not even happen when choosing my wedding dress. Brian’s work has a soft, almost glowing, warm feel (done without filters) utilising a variety of angles and perspectives that produce the most flattering and enduring effects I have ever seen. Additionally, he was able to produce small video clips so we didn’t need to have a separate videographer.
Wedding cake and catering by the Ritz Carlton
To balance the extensive styling of the room and tables I wanted an uncomplicated and modern cake design (though the inside had three flavours, only two of which we know with the third being a surprise to us!) A few months before the wedding we visited the hotel and did a food tasting. We found each of the chefs to be excellent and receptive to our requests. We used the hotel for all of the catering as their savory and sweet items were just make to perfection.
Mexican music and a super cool DJ
We had a fantastic DJ for dancing and a Mexican Music trio that came to close the party with tacos as a midnight snack. The trio was added for a local music touch that provide lively fun to close the night out.
Candles, s’mores kits, and mini hangover kit favours
We had a few favours for our guest. At the dinner table we had custom made scented candles made for the adults (Larry and I really love candles) and s’mores making kits for the younger guests. Also, for the adults we had mini hangover kits attached to bottles of water that we gave out at the end of the night.
Advice to other brides
Kudos to the couple, and especially the bride, that plans a destination wedding. You better be sure you have a wedding planner extraordinaire as we did. Between the miles and being out your own country there are plenty of challenges. For us in particular, it was a challenge to find a local rabbi in Cancun, as we didn’t care to fly one down.
Finally, when doing a destination wedding, it helps to plan as we did for other events and tours for your guests. We had to demo food and locals for the pre-wedding dinner, as well as a Thanksgiving event, as we were down there for the holiday time.
Deborah + Larry’s LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography — Brian LaBrada
Venue + catering — Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Mexico
Bride’s dress + veil — Vera Wang
Bride’s jewellery — Lawrence Hart of Milari
Bride’s reception shoes — Monique Lhuillier
Groom’s Attire — Hugo Boss and Canali
Flowers — Ritz-Carlton
Hair + make up — Melina Ruiz
DJ — Show System
Event Planner — Williams Perez
Stationery — Angela Herrmann
Great settings for a wedding! Got to love the sparklers too!
Love it! Thank you! 🙂