Exclusive: Go Inside Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner and Kourtney Pogue's Wedding in Mexico

Baseball people usually get engaged in the off-season. Kourtney Pogue knew that. So when her boyfriend, Justin Turner, proposed in the middle of 2017 spring training—after a helicopter ride to the edge of the Grand Canyon—it was a complete surprise. Such a grand gesture fit their year: They'd adopted a dog, bought a house, hosted a golf tournament... oh, and later, Justin—the Los Angeles Dodgers' third baseman with the powerful bat and wild ginger beard—became an All-Star and co-MVP, and led his team to the World Series. Why not cap it off by marrying his dream girl?

"We are yin and yang," Kourtney says of their chemistry. "He's sweet, patient, calm. I'm more of a ballbuster." It's a quality Justin has admired since meeting her in 2012. He was a New York Met; she was a student at UCLA. Besides the obvious sparks, he was dazzled by her intelligence and confident humor. "When we hung out," he says, "hearing her banter with my buddies, I was like, 'Who is this girl?'"

By the end of that season, they were a couple—and soon busy with travel, team events, and charity functions. The packed schedule was why they chose to wed at the One&Only Palmilla, in San José del Cabo on December 9, 2017. "Most of the guys live in L.A. for eight months," says Justin. "To come back in the winter—we thought it should be a mini vacation." Cabo, only a two-and-a-half-hour flight away, fit the party vibe they wanted.

Guests arrived on Friday and were met with a no-cell-phones rule. "We wanted them to have fun and not worry about people taking pictures," says Kourtney." Just relaxation and good food." And, of course, great music. "Kourtney handpicked every song," Justin says, "from the welcome dinner on the beach to Sunday brunch."

It was a weekend of surprises—including Dodger announcer (and former pitcher) Orel Hershiser officiating the ceremony on the steps of the Palmilla's historic chapel, and Kourtney pressing a giant button from the dance floor to start the fireworks show. But the biggest thrill? Seeing their friends and loved ones celebrating together. "Your childhood best friend chatting with a college buddy... a baseball friend posing with your grandma... it was crazy," says Kourtney. Justin agrees: "It was so much fun, from start to finish."

Watch Kourtney and Justin's wedding film by Robert Michael Films.

You're Invited

The letterpressed invitation suite, by Julie Song Ink, featured patterns inspired by colorful tiles and textiles at the resort. Orange is Kourtney's favorite color—and a nod to her husband's famous locks.

Welcome to Mexico

The colorful motif on the welcome bags was used throughout the wedding. A booklet and itinerary featured a watercolor illustration of the resort's chapel.

Pattern Play

A repeating floral pattern on a wall at the One&Only Palmilla is one of many around the resort that inspired the décor of the day.

Fun in the Sun

The bride used iron-ons to customize suits for her bridesmaids before they hit the beach. From left: Katie Garcia, Lindsey Springer, Kasey Dalby, Cat Belanger, Kourtney, Kristynn Pogue (Kourtney's sister), Christie Dishner, Kathryn Lucas, and Lauren Aardema.

Made in the Shade

Kourtney had two "Mrs. Turner" straw hats for the weekend—"one was a gift from [wedding planner] Mindy [Weiss], and another was a gift from my bridesmaid Christie," she says.

The Guys, Getting Ready

Robes with last names on the back were among the gifts for the groomsmen—a mix of childhood, college, and baseball friends.

Gifts for the Guys

The same tile motif that is seen throughout the venue was engraved on golf clubs for the groomsmen, along with each friend's nickname.

Cheers

Cocktail glasses for the groomsmen, like their robes and other gifts, were personalized with each guy's nickname.

Straw Man

"Mindy Weiss found that Dodgers straw hat for Justin when she was shopping in Cabo for our welcome bag goodies," says Kourtney. "She thought he would be embarrassed by it, but we actually brought it on Sunday to our sunset cruise around Cabo."

Looking Sharp

Justin, sporting a haircut and freshly trimmed beard, wore a tux with a (Dodger) blue jacket from Alba. The groom posed with his hometown contingent of groomsmen, who wore suits from The Black Tux and boutonnières in (what else?) orange. From left: Evan McArthur, Matt Dahlenburg, Matt McCraw, Justin, Cory Vanderhook, Nic Buckley, and Kevin Price.

The Bridesmaids

Kourtney's 'maids, including her MOH sister (left of bride), wore dresses by Theia from Bella Bridesmaids. Kourtney's sleek, swishy gown was a happy hybrid of two Monique Lhuillier wedding dresses: "I paired the top of the 'Lennox' dress with the skirt from the 'Hailee'. The sample of the Hailee dress was only available in pink in the showroom and the stylist wrapped the pink skirt portion of it around me while my friend snapped a photo," she remembers. "We were able to remove the lace in the back and lower it. I was obsessed with the ability to customize a gown from Monique! Thus, my 'Lenlee' gown was born."

Family Time

Justin and Kourtney pose with the groom's parents, Betsy and John Turner.

With These Rings

Kourtney's cushion-cut engagement ring, with a halo of pavé diamonds and a thin, white gold, diamond-set band, came from Rafaello & Co. "The first year we were together I was with a group of the Mets wives at a jewelry store in New York City," she recalls. "I tried on a ring because they told me I needed to drop a hint of my ring size 'just in case,' and to leave the notes on a business card on his dresser 'on accident.' He told me he had that business card in his wallet for 5 years!"

Kourtney's bands pictured here are also from Rafaello & Co., but she has a rose-gold David Yurman band as well, which coordinates with Justin's.

I Thee Wed

During the Christian ceremony, the couple lit memorial candles for Kourtney's dad and Justin's grandfather.

Happily Married

The couple didn't want a first look, so they took their wedding photos with The Grovers after the ceremony as the guests started cocktail hour. Here they share a kiss on the beach.

Dodger Family

Pals from the team were in happy attendance. From left: Kenley Jansen and his wife Gianni Jansen; Yasiel Puig and girlfriend Andrea de la Torre; and Scott Van Slyke with wife Audrey Van Slyke.

Shell Game

Oyster shells inscribed with guest names served as escort cards.

Dinner on the Beach

Planner Mindy Weiss was instrumental in coordinating décor and other details long-distance. "The setting at the Palmilla was insane, so it didn't need a lot," says Kourtney. Floral designer Elena Damy arranged centerpieces of bold roses and a variety of white blooms.

Dance with Me

Just after dinner was announced, the couple took the stage for their first dance. It was choreographed to "Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur—and they mastered the steps in four lessons at home. "We got a crash course," says Justin.

To Mom, with Love

In order to make the moment extra special, Kourtney recorded herself singing the Carrie Underwood song, "Momma's Song," in secret ahead of time, and had it played for their dance.

Group Hug

Justin's grandma, Judy Turner, pauses for a chat with two of groomsmen, Kevin Price and Nic Buckley, during the reception.

A Sweet Moment

The bride and groom share a kiss along with a glass of bubbly before cutting their confetti cake. Justin's grandmother, Patricia Bates, had a role in the creation of the cake. "When we told her we were getting married in Mexico she mentioned that her family cake-making streak would be over. She had made 20 wedding cakes for the family, and probably over 300 wedding cakes total," Kourtney says of the longtime baker and cake-decorating teacher. "When I was in Cabo doing our tasting menu, I mentioned her story to the Palmilla wedding coordinator, and she and the pastry chef decided they wouldn't let the streak end! They made her a custom apron embroidered with our wedding logo and invited her to assist in making the cake. She was beyond thrilled."

Fun Favors

Specially made "Kourtney Turner" bobbleheads were a surprise gift from Justin to his bride. Every guest got one, too.

Big Finish

Fireworks marked the end of the reception—after which everyone climbed into golf carts to go to the after-party.

Second Look

For the after-party, the bride changed into her second dress, by Berta. "I wanted something a little sexier and easier to move in so we could dance the night away with our friends and not worry about everyone stomping on the back of my dress," she laughs. The groom, already in his custom white ADIDAS Superstars, changed into a white jacket, also by Alba.

Sources

Location, catering, and cake, One&Only Palmilla

Event planning, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

Flowers, Elena Damy

Photography, The Grovers

Videography, Robert Michael Films

Stationery and calligraphy, Julie Song Ink

Music, Adrianna Band; DJ Alex

Rentals, Del Cabo Event Design; La Tavola Fine Linen

Bride's gown and veil, Monique Lhuillier

Bride's shoes, Stuart Weitzman

Bride's jewelry and groom's necklace, XIV Karats Ltd

Reception Dress, Berta

Engagement ring and wedding band, Rafaello & Co

Wedding bands, David Yurman

Hair and makeup, Emma Willis

Bridesmaids' dresses, Theia

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Bella Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids' earrings, Kendra Scott

Groom's tuxedo, dinner jacket, and accessories, Alba

Menswear, The Black Tux

Groom's and groomsmen's reception shoes, Adidas

Getting-ready robes, Plum Pretty Sugar (for women); Ugg (for men)

Lighting, VVR Pro