Alex and Marissa held an intimate destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, at a place very special to the two of them. Marissa said their wedding day details with us, and a sweet and sentimental story of how this location came to be their wedding location. Seriously swooning! “When we first started dating (we’d been on 3 dates), I went on vacation to Puerto Vallarta with a friend. Alex decided he missed me and asked if I would go to dinner with him. After pointing out that I was in a different country, and he said he could figure out a way around that, I said “yes,” and he got on a plane to Puerto Vallarta from LA and took me to dinner. The hotel he stayed in that night was Garza Blanca, where we held the wedding. The restaurant he took me to dinner was Cafe des Artistes, and that is how our venues were chosen.”
The bride wore a stunning backless dress by Elizabeth Fillmore.
Pops of yellow were everywhere at this cheerful destination I do!
“The ceremony was written and done by one of our closest friends and everyone, including Alex and I cried at least a little.”
After the ceremony, the couple hit the beach with destination wedding photographer, Laura Grier, from Beautiful Day Photography in tow. “Laura was fantastic. Alex and I, and all of our guests, couldn’t believe how beautiful all the pictures came out. She really captured the beauty of the location, and the atmosphere and mood of all the guests. And every one kept saying, “I didn’t even notice she was taking all those pictures!”
“I’m not particularly girly, but I do love flowers and I just wanted to make the most of our beautiful surroundings. So made sure to hold as many events as possible at sunset and for the reception used a lot of candles and flowers, lilies and roses mostly.”
We often ask the bride for advice for future destination couples and here’s what Marissa suggests! “I’d recommend keeping your numbers on the smaller side. We were able to do so much with 50 people, and it felt like we got to spend quality time with everyone there. Also, pick someplace that is special to you both, that way, when you get frustrated with cost and dealing with people speaking other languages and in other time zones, you can remind yourself why your putting yourself through this and that it will be so special when it happens.”
One of their favorite moments from the night? “When EVERYONE was on the dance floor, including my father who, according to my mom hasn’t danced in 20 years, was playing air guitar and high-fiving Alex and the best man.”
Then after dancing it was time to head outside for fireworks and lantern lighting!
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Beautiful Day Photography
Wedding Vendors: Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore, Wedding Location + Catering: Garza Blanca, Cake: Bakery Charme, Music: DJ Watussy, Flowers: Iris Maldonado, Ceremony + Reception Decoration: Details Vallarta
