Daisy and Andy’s wedding wasn’t just another destination celebration—it was a dream brought to life in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, at Arcadia Hidden Arches. Nestled in the lush jungle and surrounded by ancient ruins, the moment they stepped foot on the venue grounds, everything fell into place. It was the ideal setting, allowing their vision to come to life in a way that felt completely authentic.

What We Love About This Wedding:

• The breathtaking lavender wedding dress that stole the show.
• Cultural nods, like the traditional Qi Paos for the bridal party, that honored their Chinese heritage.
• The custom wedding newspaper and Instax photo booth that kept guests engaged and entertained.
• Decor that complemented the jungle’s natural beauty, from the floral arch to the thoughtfully designed tablescapes.

Featured Vendor:

Elegance Photographie

How the Venue Shaped Their Wedding Vision

When Daisy and Andy started their wedding planning, they didn’t have a specific theme in mind, until they found Arcadia Hidden Arches. “We just knew it was the one. It felt so raw, natural, magical, and full of adventurous spirit.”

With its stunning ruins and vibrant jungle backdrop, it became the perfect canvas for their celebration. From that moment on, every detail just seemed to flow naturally, embodying their love and adventure in Mexico.

Merging Cultural Traditions with Contemporary Style

One of the most heartfelt elements of the day was the couple’s effort to honor their Chinese heritage. For their morning photo shoot, Daisy wore a red Qi Pao, a classic choice for Chinese weddings, along with matching dresses for her bridesmaids. “Red is the classic color for Chinese weddings, so I also brought along red decorations to decorate the Airbnb,” she explained. “It all turned out perfectly!” The combination of vibrant red with the lush greenery and rustic setting created a stunning contrast.

Daisy’s Fashion Journey: From Traditional Red Qi Pao to a Dramatic Lavender Dress

Daisy’s wedding dress journey was as bold and beautiful as her day. For the ceremony, she wore a classic white gown with a dramatic train. “The long train worked perfectly with the venue’s magical vibe.” The backless design flowed beautifully as she walked down the aisle.

For the reception, Daisy changed into a showstopping lavender wedding dress. “I bought my lavender dress before we even booked the venue. It was risky, but it was worth it. The dramatic long train blended beautifully with the jungle atmosphere.”

But Daisy didn’t stop there. For their first dance, she switched into a lighter, more comfortable blue dress. “It was so much more comfortable, and I could finally enjoy the moment.”

For Andy, the off-white linen suit was the perfect choice to complement the natural surroundings. His relaxed yet refined style matched the event’s laid-back charm.

Small Details That Made a Big Impact

Daisy and Andy’s ceremony set the tone for a beautiful day, with their venue’s natural beauty enhanced by thoughtful decor. The space was framed by an impressive floral arch, positioned against the backdrop of towering trees, creating a breathtaking focal point that perfectly complemented the jungle atmosphere.

In addition to the stunning florals, Daisy and Andy added personal touches that made their ceremony uniquely theirs. They designed a custom “wedding newspaper” to share their love story with their guests, which served as a beautiful keepsake. 

A Magical Walk Down the Aisle

One of the most unforgettable moments of the ceremony was when the giant doors opened, and Daisy walked down the aisle with her parents. “Seeing all the people I love standing there, smiling at me, and Andy waiting by the arch—the sun shining through the trees onto the path—it felt like a fairytale,” Daisy said. 

Exchanging their vows was equally emotional. “We’d never written or shared anything like our vows before. Saying those words in front of everyone we love made our bond feel even stronger.”

Blending Rustic Charm with Romantic Details Inspired by The Bride’s Lavender Wedding Dress

The reception setting beautifully blended rustic charm with soft, romantic touches. The long tables, draped in a delicate ivory runner and floral centerpieces in shades of soft lavender, pale pink, and white, accented by eucalyptus. The carefully arranged place settings featured raffia fringe chargers, minimalist white plates, white and gold cutlery paired with hand-tied ribbon napkins, adding a refined but personal touch to each guest’s place.

For extra fun, they set up an Instax photo booth with playful props for guests to enjoy. “We couldn’t bring our French bulldog to the wedding, so we placed little statues of him on the tables. It made everyone smile.”

Music, Laughter, and Friendship Was at the Heart of Their Reception

The reception was all about making guests feel connected. Daisy and Andy handpicked every song for their music playlist, ensuring that every beat reminded them of those meaningful moments. “Whenever one of those songs plays now, it takes us right back to the day.”

They also asked a close friend to be their MC, someone who knew them well enough to make everyone laugh and keep the event relaxed. “It felt like a celebration with friends, not just a formal event.”

When the Unexpected Adds to the Adventure

As with every celebration, there were a few surprises along the way—like the jungle’s mosquitoes! “We didn’t think about the bugs. But it honestly added to the adventure. Everyone ended up laughing about it, and it became one of those funny moments we’ll never forget.”

Their advice to other couples? “Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the unexpected moments. They often turn into the memories you’ll cherish forever.”

In the end, their wedding wasn’t about perfection. It was about staying true to who they are. The lavender wedding dress, personal touches, and heartfelt vows came together to create a day they’ll always remember. As Daisy and Andy shared, “Find a theme or setting that feels like you, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal touches. It makes the whole planning experience so much more meaningful.”