Blue-and-white details and tropical touches make up this Mexican destination wedding at The Tides in Zihuatanejo.

A big, traditional event never appealed to the Melanie and Giorgio. "We wanted an intimate party in a spot where our friends and family could vacation at the same time," says Melanie, now a public relations director. So once they settled on the Tides resort, a chic-meets-rustic oceanfront getaway in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, executing their wedding was literally a day at the beach. The hotel's planners pitched in on everything including booking an officiant and picking up authentic pinatas and woven bags. 

Here, the couple exit the aisle. Melanie wears a one-shoulder Moschino dress, while Giorgio stays cool in J.Crew.

Melanie and Giorgio stayed at the Tides once before and found it was even better the second time. "It's beautiful, with lots of local flavor and incredible service," she says.

The aqua-and-navy invitations and day-of details are modeled on shades of the sea.

Hand-woven totes brimming with treats and an activities program start the carefree celebration off on the right foot.

The bride's tropics-inspired green-and-white bouquet was tied with a lush blue ribbon.

Giorgio wore a simple boutonniere made of various types of greenery.

Melanie and Giorgio tied the knot at the water's edge under a canopy of fabric just as the sun was setting over the Pacific. "Saying our vows was by far the most memorable moment for me," Melanie says. The bride and groom poured sand from separate conch shells into a jar, symbolizing that their lives are now one.

Along with the rings, a pillow stuffed with change is presented to the pair for good luck, a Filipino custom that nods to Melanie's family heritage.

The bride's nephews were tasked with carrying the rings and coins.

Later, they joked around with banana leaves -- part of the tropical decor.

Guests enjoyed festive drinks at the resort's open-air La Marea restaurant.

Mango-wood vases hold local palmetto, banana, and heliconia foliage. "We wanted to incorporate elements from the surroundings," says Melanie.

Sugar flowers, flown in from New York, adorn a traditional tres leches cake layered with strawberry filling and frosted with Chantilly cream.

Location, Planning, Catering, and Cake: The Tides Zihuatanejo

Sugar Flowers: Sugar Flower Cake Shop

Stationery: Ditto Paper; Envelopments

Gown: Moschino

Hair and Makeup: Armando Figueroa of Armando's Inn

Groom's Attire: J.Crew (suit), Tiecrafters (neckwear)

Music: DJ Alex Lauterstein