We’re going out of the country for our next MAB Wedding Highlight! MAB Bride Emma and her husband Collin, had a micro wedding during the height of covid, but didn’t give up their dream of having their destination wedding. Read on for more about this incredible destination wedding in romantic Mexico.
What made you decide on a destination wedding? How did you pick your venue?
We always knew we wanted a small destination wedding and we’ve traveled to Cancun multiple times for family trips. We found the venue through our planner, Laura with Grit & Grace. We saw the other weddings she planned there and knew it was perfect. The venue fit our design/theme so well, not to mention the service and staff is incredible!!
Was it difficult finding/deciding on local vendors?
Most of our vendors were from the U.S. however there were a few we selected locally. The floral/decor, hair & makeup for my bridal party, and the welcome bag vendor.
What was the best part of planning a destination wedding?
We really wanted it to feel like a vacation for everyone. Especially after postponing our wedding due to COVID, the most important thing was spending time with our closest friends & family. Doing a destination wedding allowed us to limit our guest list and have four full days of activities/events to offer our guests.
What was the hardest part?
A common answer but COVID. Things were changing constantly and I was worried about the borders shutting down or new mandates being put in place.
You had to deal with a lot of uncertainty because of COVID-19. What helped you handle the stress?
Our friends and family, and of course lots of wine 🙂 We were fortunate enough to get legally married and host a micro-wedding in DC on our original date which made it feel special despite the circumstance. Our family & friends went above and beyond to make it feel as normal as possible, a “fake” bachelorette party, multiple surprises, and even a wedding video with best wishes from our family members that weren’t able to be with us in 2020. We felt so lucky to be supported and surrounded by these amazing people in our lives!
If you can pick one, what was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
My favorite part was surprising our guests with a choreographed first dance. My husband and I are not dancers but thanks to the help of our friend, she put together a simple yet amazing dance routine.
What is one thing you couldn’t do without at your wedding? From planning, a special feature at your wedding, or while getting ready?
Our wedding planner!!! Laura from Grit & Grace. She truly made the whole thing a magical experience, despite COVID, changing vendors, etc.
What made you choose Makeup By Ana B to be your HMU team?
I worked with the team for my micro wedding so I was familiar with the work and style. I also had a very specific look in mind for myself when it came to the wedding which was full glam and I knew this team could achieve that. Laura reached out to Ana last minute after I was unsatisfied with my original hair & makeup trial and Ana jumped right in. I had my trial scheduled within a week of reaching out to her and I feel so lucky that Ana was available!!! She completely understood my vision for hair & makeup. On the day of the wedding, Ana was there for touch-ups to make sure I looked flawless in all of our pictures even though it was 80 degrees. She truly went above & beyond as my makeup artist and I can not recommend her enough!!
What advice do you have for other brides?
Hire vendors you trust!! You want to enjoy every moment of the day because it goes by so fast.
Emma & Collin’s Vendors:
Design & Planning | Grit & Grace
Photography & Drone | Abby Jiu Photography
Makeup | MAB Artistry
Film Production | White in Revery
Videographer | Clayton Film Co.
Venue | Nizuc Resort & Spa
Floral & Production | Canteiro Weddings
Paper | Steph B. & Co
Gown & Jumpsuit| Carines
Rehearsal Dress | PatBo
Rehearsal Shoes | Cult Gaia
Tux | Black Tux
Custom Sneakers | Lauren Schneider
Music | Visuddha Entertainment
Are you having a destination wedding and want to take MAB with you as your glam squad? Check out our Destination Weddings page to submit your inquiry!