For their March 16, 2019, wedding in Cancun, Mexico, Katie and Nick chose a fitting theme: "Fate," they say, because the couple knew they were destined to be together. Case in point: Nick met Katie's mother two years before he crossed paths with his future wife. Looking back on their love story, Katie says, "So many things had to be aligned for us to get together." (But they are glad they did, regardless of whether or not the stars had anything to do with it.)
Wedding planner Grit & Grace helped the couple execute their dream destination wedding at Nizuc Resort and Spa, using a white-and-fuchsia color palette that popped on the beach. "What we originally had in mind is not where we ended up at all," admits Katie, who says the couple first envisioned a more muted palette. "Our team at Grit & Grace was so fantastic in helping with the theme and color scheme," she says. "Through intimate conversations with them and many dinners, the ideas started to flow, and we ended up with a phenomenal result."
But most important to the couple, Katie says, was the experience their 65 guests—many who traveled far to attend the celebration—would have on the big day. "We always wanted an intimate weekend with our friends and family, and it was so amazing everyone came," Katie says. "[We] never knew we were going to end up together, so the fact we were able to have this gorgeous wedding and marry each other was more special than we could have imagined."
Welcome to Nizuc
Katie and Nick fell for Nizuc Resort and Spa for more than just its clean, structural beauty: The venue also offered enough space to host all of their events—including a welcome party. Another bonus? "It didn't feel too much like a commercial resort," Katie says. "It's very romantic and has a very sleek aesthetic."
- More Amazing Destination Wedding Photos
Chic and Beachy Invitations
The couple's Minted invitation suite featured a sunset-inspired ombré effect. Envelopes were addressed in coral ink by LH Calligraphy and stamped with vintage Mexican-themed stamps by Underwood Letterpress. "We were going for chic and beachy," Katie says of their stationery's vibe.
- More Destination Wedding Invitations
Handy Welcome Bags
Katie and Nick gave guests welcome bags filled with useful items for a resort weekend: sunglasses, sunblock, a timeline, and a pashmina for cool nights on the beach. "It was fun to see everyone carrying them around the resort," Katie says.
A Cozy Start to the Big Day
The wedding party donned matching pajamas on the morning of the wedding, while the bride wore a white robe.
The Classic Bride
Katie's Oscar de la Renta wedding dress was "classic and elegant," and just what she wanted. She also wore Yves Saint Laurent heels and a long, tulle veil. "I was obsessed with my veil," Katie says. "I would wear it every day if it were socially acceptable."
The Just-as-Classic Groom
The dapper groom kept his attire traditional, as well; he wore a simple suit from J. Crew.
A Fuchsia Gradient
Bridesmaids (and two bridesmen!) chose their own ensembles in hues that varied from blush to coral to fuchsia.
Matching the Groom
Nick's groomsmen also chose their own suits and wore long ties (a departure from the groom's choice in bow tie).
Below the Arch
Katie and Nick held their ceremony on the beach at sunset, and exchanged vows beneath a square arch covered in blush baby's breath.
- How to Time Your Wedding Ceremony to Coincide with Sunset
A Ceremony Movie Reference
The duo's ceremony wasn't religious, they say, bur they did write their own vows. "I walked down the aisle to Counting Crows' 'Colorblind,'" Katie recalls. "I wanted to emulate the escalator scene in Cruel Intentions."
Back Up the Aisle
Katie and Nick walked back up the aisle—after being pronounced husband and wife—to Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love."
All in the Cards
The couple had a very unique seating assignment display: Guests' table numbers were printed on tarot cards, doled out by a seer who gave everyone a reading before sending them towards their seats. "Nick and I love to get readings and I think I am psychic," says Katie. "Laura from Grit & Grace came up with this amazing idea for the escort card wall and hit it out of the park because it truly reflects something about us—plus it was interactive and entertaining for the guests."
Celestial Cocktail Hour
During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed drinks—of course!—plus lobster dumplings, sushi, lamb chops, and goat cheese tomato balls. Treats were served with napkins that described the compatibility between astrological signs—another celestial touch.
Lounge Areas with a View
Posh lounge areas (punctuated with fuchsia pillows) let guests enjoy their drinks while taking in the view of the ocean.
Dinner Near the Lagoon
Katie and Nick held their reception at the resort's Terra Nostra, a deck that extends over the water. String lights hung above a single long table illuminated the dinner setup. "With 65 guests in attendance, we decided to go for one dramatic king table," described Katie. "It fit perfectly on the deck at Terra Nostra, and with hanging celestial lanterns overhead, it truly took everyone's breath away when they entered to eat by the lagoon."
The Centerpieces
The couple asked floristCanteiro Weddings to create tall centerpieces—that wouldn't hinder guests' conversations—using a mix of red and pink roses and tulips. Smaller carnation-centric arrangements, placed in gold geometric terrariums, were placed flush on the tabletops.
On the Menu
Attendees' names were wrapped around the menu cards at each place setting. Menus previewed a delicious three-course meal: chilled avocado and crab soup, tomato and mozzarella, and filet with a lobster tail.
A Destined First Dance
After the bride changed into her custom reception dress (made from Alexander McQeen lace!) by My Metro Fit, the couple shared their first dance to Matoma's "False Alarm." "Before we got engaged, Nick heard the song and played it for me. He said if we ever got married, he felt it should be 'our song.'" When it came time to pick their first-dance song, it was a no-brainer.
Sources
Photography, Abby Jiu Photography
Location and catering, Nizuc Resort and Spa
Event planning, Grit & Grace
Flowers and rentals, Canteiro Weddings
Stationery, Minted; Underwood Letterpress
Calligraphy, LH Calligraphy
Music, Vissuddah Entertainment; DJ Services
Bride's gown, Oscar de la Renta (ceremony), My Metro Fit (reception)
Bride's shoes, Yves Saint Laurent
Hair and makeup, Styling Trio
Groom's suit, J. Crew
Groom's shoes, Saks Fifth Avenue
Lighting, JSAV