This Couple's Laid-Back Boho Wedding in Tulum, Mexico, Was Born Out of the Tropical Surroundings

Invites to Paradise

The bride stumbled across an invitation designer on Etsy and fell in love with one of her existing invitation designs featuring tropical palm trees. "We wanted to include the tropical design to get people excited for the destination aspect of the wedding," Caroline says. Guests received welcome bags upon arrival that featured a map of Tulum created by the couple's friend, Jessica.

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101 Dresses

Caroline thinks she tried on 100 different options while looking for her wedding dress, and although she found a few she liked, she didn't find "the one" right away. She made an appointment at Galia Lahav to try on a few more gowns, and although the first few weren't right, her stylist, Anthony, had set aside a wedding dress the moment she walked through the door that he thought would be the winner. This one featured a deep V-neckline and embroidered tulle with lace trimming; the moment she tried it on she knew it was the right gown for her. "I was originally trying to do a simple, beachy, boho style as our entire wedding was on the sand but ended up with a ball gown with a train," she says. "And it totally worked on the beach. Wear what makes you feel happy and beautiful—it'll all work out!" She skipped the veil and wore simple earrings gifted by a bridesmaid.

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Block Heels

The bride was a bit worried about walking in stilettos in the sand, so she opted for a pair of block heels from Badgley Mischka, which she wore all night.

Bright Bouquet

Caroline's colorful, organic bouquet featured red-and-coral roses, Craspedia, ranunculus, oncidium orchids, various eucalyptus, smilax, ferns, astilbe, anthuriums, and lisianthus. The bouquet was finished with dried elements found at the Mexico City market.

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Handsome Groom

Kenny wore a midnight blue tuxedo from Indochino with a black silk shawl. He opted for slip-on loafers that felt formal enough for the occasion and comfortable enough for the beach.

Cool Accessories

The groom completed his look with a vintage 1976 Rolex watch that was gifted to him by his father on his 30th birthday.

Getting Ready

Before the first look, Caroline and her bridal party got ready together at their hotel, Ahau Tulum. "It really is the most beautiful place," she says. "We're already planning on going back for our anniversary!" The ladies enjoyed Champagne as they got their hair and makeup done for the big day.

Ladies in Gray

Bridesmaids chose their own dress styles from Show Me Your Mumu in the same gray shade. "We chose a neutral color, as I really wanted to capture the natural look of Tulum and also allow the dresses to pop against the colorful bouquets," Caroline explains.

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Petite Clutches

Caroline's 'maids held miniature versions of Caroline's bouquet, featuring bold shades of red, pink, and yellow in a hand-tied design.

Gray Groomsmen

The groomsmen wore gray, as well; their suits were sourced from Friar Tux and complemented the groom's blue ensemble.

A Moment Alone

Caroline and Kenny planned a first look at their hotel to share a moment alone before the wedding began. It ended up being one of their favorite memories from the day.

Beach Backdrop

The couple's ceremony took place on the beach, with the Caribbean Ocean as the backdrop. They kept the décor simple, allowing the arbor embellished with pampas grass and greenery to take center stage. A few bright rugs were placed down the aisle for a pop of color; bench seating was provided for guests.

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Loaded Coconuts

Before the service started, guests enjoyed coconut water; the shells were carved with the couple's names and the date.

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Here She Comes

Caroline wanted her Irish heritage reflected during the ceremony, so she chose Irish artist Damien Rice's "The Blower's Daughter" as her processional song. She was accompanied down the aisle by her father.

A Light-Hearted Ceremony

Kenny and Caroline planned on writing their own vows, but realized while penning them that they'd likely end up too emotional during the ceremony. Instead, they worked with their officiant, one of Caroline's best friends, to write "I do" promises. "We kept them light-hearted and fun," Caroline says. "Kenny may have promised to do the dishes and protect me from spiders for life!"

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Portrait Mode

Immediately after the ceremony, Caroline and Kenny snuck away with their photographer to take portraits as they walked through the jungle and around the property.

Tropical Sips

To choose their signature cocktails, Caroline and Kenny looked to menus from local restaurants and bars to get ideas for beach-ready drinks. They landed on a cucumber jalapeño margarita and a watermelon vodka passionfruit punch cocktail.

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Take a Load Off

A lounge area was set up on the beach, inviting guests to grab a comfortable seat on the couch or cozy up with a blanket.

Find Your Bottle, Find Your Table

Attendees found their table numbers written on ribbons tied to small bottles of Don Julio. A sign read, "Don Julio has your name on a label, find your bottle, find your table."

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Party Time

The reception took place in a palapa with a thatched roof of dried palm leaves. Long wooden tables were paired with black chairs and embellished with lush floral garland centerpieces that matched the bridal bouquets; they cascaded onto the floor. "I've never seen such beautiful florals in my life!" the bride says. Other tables held smaller centerpieces, along with bud vases filled with pampas grass for a natural accent.

The Place Settings

Colored glassware and tealights complemented beige chargers and gold cutlery. "Our wedding planner suggested adding some black candlesticks last minute and everything was so romantic all lit up by candlelight!" Caroline says.

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The Local Specials

For dinner, Caroline and Kenny wanted their guests to enjoy local dishes. The menu included fish fillet wrapped in a banana leaf, beef medallions in a Roquefort and pumpkin seed sauce, and chicken breast stuffed with cheese and covered in a mango sauce. Vegans enjoyed crepes stuffed with pumpkin stew and covered in a poblano sauce served with epazote potatoes. For dessert, the celebrants enjoyed a duo of miniature chocolate and fruit tarts.

The First Dance

Caroline and Kenny shared their first dance as husband and wife to "Beyond" by Leon Bridges, one of their favorite artists.

Sources

Photography, Krystle Akin
Venue and Catering, Akiin Beachclub
Event Coordinator, Fresa weddings
Event Design, Kay & Tee Boutique Rentals
Flowers, Vanessa Jaimes
Invitations, Tradition and Tribe
Place Cards, The Painted Paper
Menus, Millie Stone UK
Escort Cards, Inkberry Calligraphy
Signage, Letters + Dust
Bride's Gown, Galia Lahav
Bride's Shoes, Badgley Mischka
Bride's Hair, By Sandy Mendez
Bride's Makeup, Zoe Elizabeth
Bridesmaids' Attire, Show Me Your Mumu
Groom's Attire, Indochino
Groom's Accessory, Rolex
Groomsmen's Attire, Friar Tux
Music, Mariachi Sol del Caribe
Cake, Pasterelia La Migaja
Rentals, Kay & Tee Boutique Rentals
Favors, Off The Vine
Lighting, Gama Group
Sound, Pluginaudiovisual