Mmm, mmmm, mmmm! We sure are pleased with the results of our “Beach Chic” table photo shoot. This design, which was inspired by my trip to Mexico last December, centered around a very contemporary, clean look with a color palette of steel gray and white. Check out the photos, the story of how it came to life and the credits to the most amazing contributors below, including Kristy Huston, who captured the essence of the table perfectly!!

I started out by purchasing the centerpiece vase at a local outlet ~ It was a perfect fit with its rippled water-like finish to it. And then it was onto the flowers! Audrey from Botanica Floral Designs and I were on the same page when it came to the centerpiece construction. We wanted to do something that gave the look of coral, for which we chose white manzanita. We then added some elegance to it with white orchids and other very fresh feeling flowers, which reminded me of the crisp ocean air. 

Mimi & Co provided us with the custom linens and chair sashes, and I must say, they were delicious! Although I’m typically not a huge fan of pintuck linens, I loved the idea of incorporating that look in a cap on this table due to its’ strong resemblance to fishing net. Classic Party Rentals contributed the glassware, flatware and chivari chairs. And, Simply Elegant Rentals & Decor was sweet enough to loan me my favorite china, which we topped off with custom designed menus from Bella Vita Invitations.  Extra special thanks go to Kristy Huston for the amazing photography and Shannon Hall for letting us crash {one of my personal faves} Scott’s Seafood/LeRivage on the River, the perfect location to shoot this table!

Hope you enjoyed it!

During our recent trip to Mexico, we discovered oh so many reasons why it is beneficial to plan a destination wedding! Aside from the knock-your-socks off scenic backdrops that many locations offer, here are some other reasons to plan your wedding (or let us do it!) away from home!

1. Avoiding “Local Stress” ~ Guests coming into town, their accommodations, family being involved, overwhelming yourself with entertaining out of town guests while prepping for your big day and the million questions that everyone will undoubtedly be calling you with because you live here! ~

2. Cost Savings ~ Did you know that with the right connections, you can get flowers for 50% less than what you would pay in the US in many destinations, such as Mexico? Another plus: some hotels will waive your site fees when you meet their room block minimums. Negotiating power is tremendous as well and in the slow seasons you can get amazing deals! ~

3. Multi-Day celebrations with your closest friends and family made easy ~ It’s easy to plan the entertainment for your friends and family in a destination locale – with so much to do, and hotels at the ready to assist – you can create an “experience” for your guests beginning upon their arrival and ending with a brunch before your honeymoon departure. From a spa days to scuba diving and historical tours, it’s all easily attainable! ~

4. Wedding to honeymoon transition ~ You may want to switch hotels to escape to your own private romantic location, but your wedding destination spot will likely be a great honeymoon spot as well! ~

5. Weather ~ The weather in most destination spots during March or November is much better that what we typically experience here in the US! This opens you up to more possibilities for your wedding date. It also allows you and your guests to enjoy the outdoor activities that everyone loves while taking in the incredible scenery. ~

This week, I have the pleasure of familiarizing myself with one of the most sought after destination wedding spots. Mexico! Thanks to the Association for Wedding Professionals, along with Love Mexico, 100+ wedding planners and travel agents are here this week to tour the local hotels and resorts to find the best wedding locations for our destination clients! From the Riviera Maya, to Tulum and Cancun, we are visiting some of the hottest properties and meeting with local resources that can help us make your destination wedding a success! I am totally impressed with what we’ve seen and how much the hotels and vendors here in Mexico “get it”! I’m posting a few photos but will have lots more to share once I am back in the states on Tuesday so keep an eye out! Adios for now!

Boutique Hotel in Tulum

Riviera Maya Hotel