This wedding looks like soooo much fun. You know what I am talking about – one of those fabulous destination affairs that is awesome from the word go. Think an intimate ceremony on the beach, followed by a non-stop dance party. In other words? It’s everything a destination wedding should be. See it all captured by Dustin Cantrell in the full gallery.
And a sweet film captured by Las Caletas…
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From the Bride… Meeting in Puerto Rico and getting engaged in Cabo, it only felt natural to get married on a beach. Mexico offered an ideal middle ground that could bring together both my side (most from her home state of TX) and Brian’s side (most from his home state of CA). In addition to accessibility, the most important thing for us was to make sure our friends and family would have a fun time and enjoy the party spirit!
Brian always had a soft spot for Puerto Vallarta’s quaint town with a local flair, and it fit my criteria for a beach, warm weather, and laid back ambiance, so there we had it! Up until our arrival the week of the wedding, all research, wedding planning and reservations were done from California. And in the end, even though we didn’t have time to take a pre-wedding vacation to visit the venue or to taste the menu (or cocktails!), immediately upon arriving, we knew we had made the right choice. Mexico greeted us with sunny weather, tequila was pouring throughout the weekend, food was oh so delicious, and baby dolphins even happened to swim along our boat to the wedding venue! Everything exceeded our expectations!
It was a particularly special occasion for me, as my father passed away less than a year prior. To have our closest friends and family fly from all over the US to join us in a joyous occasion was an overwhelming feeling. The guest size was big enough to feel like a party, yet still small enough to feel intimate. With smiles all around, we felt the immense love and support that evening. HUGE thanks to Blanca Ramirez, our venue coordinator who seamlessly coordinated every aspect of the wedding, Kelly Kahrhoff, who coordinated every other detailed aspect of our week there, and also Dustin Cantrell, our amazing photographer who not only was a one-man show capturing every special moment, but also was so fun and became one of the gang!
If we could do it all over again, we wouldn’t change a thing. We had a blast hosting our friends throughout the weekend. Time’s a precious thing, and it was amazing to have so many people come together for our special wedding weekend.
From Dustin Cantrell Photography… Hoan-My and Brian picked Las Caletas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for their destination wedding venue. Las Caletas is only accessible by boat and you have your own private beach for the entire wedding. The day started with Hoan-My, her bridesmaids, and mother taking a private boat to the Las Caletas. They spent the day relaxing, getting massages, eating, and hanging out in the jacuzzi in bridal suite. As the ceremony approached Brian and the guests arrived by boat just in time for the ceremony.
The coordinator and staff did an amazing job. The flow of the entire evening was timed perfectly and not one detail was overlooked. The ceremony took place on the private beach right as the sun was setting. After the first kiss the couple and bridal party turned and threw on their custom sunglasses with the couples initials. The amazing rock formations and trees made for stunning for photos during the perfect light. After the toasts and dinner on the patio with views of the stunning beach, the couple was called out to the dance floor, which is located right on the beach. Family and guests watched from the patio. Following the first dance the guests were allowed to come down to the dance floor. After a bit of dance floor action the couple was surprised by fire dancers and fire breathers.
Between the dance floor action and the endless tequila shots the guests couldn’t have a bad time if they wanted to. And, if the guests weren’t into dancing and drinking the night away the fire pits and s’mores kept them satisfied. At the end of the night the wedding party including guests leave on the same party boat and the dancing action continues on until the boat docks.
Photography: Dustin Cantrell | Coordination: Adventure Weddings | Event Design: Adventure Weddings | Floral Design: Adventure Weddings | Wedding Dress: Casablanca | Ceremony Venue: Adventure Weddings | Reception Venue: Adventure Weddings | DJ: Adventure Weddings | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Accomodations: Sheraton