Erica and Steve
Five years after being introduced, Erica Halbrook and Steve Ott tied the knot on July 5, 2013. Their intimate (only 30 people total) destination wedding in Mexico spanned several days, with friends and family enjoying the stunning views throughout.
The Invitations
Square, two-color letterpressed suites by Southern Fried Paper were mailed with a cookie made by Layered Bake Shop, painted with the same motif that adorned the stationery—a duo of kissing seahorses with a heart in between them.
The Location
Though they split their time between northern New York and Ontario, Canada, Erica and Steve wanted to wed in a warmer climate. Villa Turquesa, in Cabo San Lucas, fit the bill for their destination soiree. After staying there a few years prior, the duo fell in love with the property, and since their guest list topped out around two dozen, it worked for their intimate wedding. Everyone stayed on site and enjoyed the oceanfront setting.
The Welcome Gifts
Sunglasses stamped with the couple's names and wedding date greeted guests as they checked into their hotel rooms. Erica and Steve also gifted everyone beach towels customized for the wedding weekend.
The Fashions
Steve chose a J.Crew vest and pants combo, with a coral Daniel Cremieux bowtie for his big day attire. Erica opted for a Vera Wang gown, Jimmy Choo shoes, a tanzanite ring borrowed from her mother, and a pair of earrings from her dad that had once belonged to Marilyn Monroe.
The Bridal Bouquet
Erica carried a bouquet of white and blush-pink peonies made by Mazarte Floral.
A Special Girl
Steve's daughter, Layna, not only helped him design the engagement ring (and keep it a secret), but she also provided the bride with her "something blue"—a blue heart pin and a safety pin with blue charms dangling from it, both which were pinned inside the bride's gown. Layna shared the maid of honor title with Erica's sister Lexi.
The Bridal Party
J.Crew-clad bridesmaids surround the bride and her stepdaughter Layna, who wore a custom dress from French Lace.
Beachy Boutonnieres
The guys donned boutonnieres made from seashells and raffia.
The Ceremony Setup
An arch of driftwood and dendrobium orchids, built just feet from the water, provided a picturesque backdrop for the couple to say their I Do's.
The Bride's Entrance
Erica and her father walked to the ceremony as Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" played.
The Ceremony
In front of their 25 guests, the couple exchanged vows that described how the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet and merge into one single body of water, symbolizing their families coming together and their new future.
An Aquatic Ring Pillow
Mini seashells were sewn onto the ring pillow, made by Sparkle & Posy.
The Guestbook
Bridewell Market burned a seahorse design, the couple's names, and the wedding date on the front of a wooden covered guestbook.
The Reception Tables
Pink runners, driftwood, and arrangements of peonies, David Austin roses, and garden roses dressed up the tables.
A Pretty Petite Cake
Ombré ruffles decorated the coconut cake with ganache filling. Kissing seahorses topped the confection.
Ice Cream Dreams
A sundae bar of chocolate and vanilla ice cream in honor of the groom's love of the cold confection was set up for guests to enjoy following dinner. A bounty of toppings were on hand to choose from, including dried cherries, mixed nuts, fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.
Sources
Photography: Sara & Rocky Photography
Location: Villa Turquesa
Event Planning: Sweet Pea Events
Flowers: Mazarte
Videography: John Christopher
Officiant: Rodrigo Palacio
Stationery: Southern Fried Paper
Cake: Cabo Flowers & Cakes
Music: DJ System
Rentals: Linens, Things and More
Hair and makeup: Suzanne Morel
Transportation: Danny Boy Cabo