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Colorful Destination Wedding at Cabo’s Acre Los Agaves

February 28, 2026 | justine

Bright florals, warm color, and a sense of ease defined Liza and Nate’s celebration at Acre Los Agaves. They envisioned a wedding that felt alive and joyful, where the natural landscape played as much of a role as the celebration itself. The couple met in New York City and went on their first date in the East Village, where “things felt clear and easy.” Their relationship unfolded through laughter, partnership, and shared values, eventually leading to an intimate engagement surrounded by nature in upstate New York. That same relaxed confidence shaped a wedding weekend focused on connection, presence, and genuine celebration.

What We Love About This Acre Los Agaves Wedding

  • The vibrant orange and pink palette layered beautifully into the natural landscape
  • A relaxed welcome party where guests arrived by boat at sunset
  • Personal vows and a ceremony officiated by a lifelong friend
  • Thoughtful cultural touches, including traditional Ethiopian music
  • Hand-blown glass heart escort cards that doubled as meaningful keepsakes

Setting the Tone Early With Intentional Pre-Wedding Events

Because their wedding meant traveling from New York City to Mexico, Liza and Nate wanted the celebration to feel like a getaway for everyone. The weekend began with a welcome party at Hotel El Ganzo’s beach club, where guests arrived by boat just before sunset. The relaxed atmosphere allowed friends and family to connect and settle into the joyful tone of the celebration.

Couples planning destination weddings can take inspiration from this approach. Thoughtfully planned pre-wedding gatherings help guests feel included and transform the event into a full experience rather than a single day. Preparing key details ahead of time also makes it easier to fully enjoy these moments once the celebration begins.

Featured Vendor:
MCW Photocinema

Relying on Trusted Recommendations When Planning From Afar

Instead of navigating endless options, Liza and Nate trusted their planner’s local knowledge to assemble their vendor team. Each recommendation reflected strong craftsmanship, attention to detail, and familiarity with the venue, which helped ensure a cohesive and seamless experience.

Photography and video were especially meaningful to them. Junebug vendor MCW Photocinema captured the celebration in a way that felt natural and unforced while keeping the couple relaxed and laughing throughout the weekend. Their experience highlights the value of choosing professionals who not only deliver beautiful work but also create a comfortable environment where genuine moments can unfold.

Incorporating Cultural and Personal Traditions Into the Ceremony

The ceremony at Acre Los Agaves felt intimate and deeply personal. Writing their own vows made the moment honest and emotional, while having a best friend officiate added a meaningful layer. Music also played a central role. Their DJ, a family member, blended styles that reflected their personalities and included traditional Ethiopian music in honor of Nate’s heritage.

Personal elements like these show that ceremonies don’t need to follow a strict template. Including meaningful people, cultural traditions, and music that reflects your story can create a ceremony that feels truly memorable.

Choosing Wedding Fashion That Reflects Both Style and Setting

Liza’s look combined timeless elegance with modern touches. She wore a Rosa Clará gown paired with a cathedral-length veil that shimmered softly in the light. Her accessories carried sentimental meaning, including her grandmother’s pearl ring and a diamond bracelet from her mother. Yellow satin Jimmy Choo kitten heels added a playful pop of color that tied beautifully into the vibrant palette of the day. Her hair was styled in a French twist with natural, glowing makeup that enhanced her features.

Nate wore a tailored SuitSupply suit that complemented the overall aesthetic of the celebration. Together, their fashion reflected the same balance of elegance and individuality seen throughout the wedding.

Choosing a Location That Simplifies the Planning Process

For Liza and Nate, choosing Acre Los Agaves came first, and everything else followed with clarity. The venue’s lush greenery and organic beauty guided their design choices, helping them create a celebration that felt vibrant yet effortless. They worked with full-service planner Arianna O’Campo’s team, who helped translate ideas into reality while allowing them to stay closely involved, especially when curating décor and guest experience.

Starting with a venue can simplify decision-making for couples planning a destination wedding. Once the setting is secured, colors, textures, and overall mood often fall into place naturally. As Liza and Nate shared, making decisions early helped them stay present and enjoy the weekend without distraction.

Using Decor to Complement Rather Than Compete With Nature

One of the biggest advantages of hosting their wedding at Acre Los Agaves was having the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception in nearby spaces across the property. This created a smooth transition throughout the day and allowed guests to stay fully immersed in the celebration. The decor complemented the natural surroundings, with colorful florals and lively tablescapes enhancing the landscape rather than competing with it. A standout detail was the escort card display. Hand-blown glass hearts suspended from long ribbons moved gently in the breeze and doubled as keepsakes for guests. 

Planning Ahead to Stay Fully Present During the Celebration

Looking back, Liza and Nate wouldn’t change a thing. Because their wedding was destination, it was important that the experience felt like a vacation for both themselves and their guests. Their biggest takeaway was the value of preparation. “The work done ahead of time directly affected how present we were able to be during the weekend itself,” they shared.

Their advice is simple and practical. Be clear about your priorities, make decisions confidently, and avoid overthinking the rest. When the planning is handled early, the wedding day becomes less about logistics and more about connection, joy, and celebration.

From vibrant florals to meaningful personal touches, Liza and Nate’s Acre Los Agaves wedding shows how thoughtful planning and a clear vision can create a celebration that feels relaxed, joyful, and unforgettable.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – MCW Photocinema
Event Planning – Arianna O’Campo Creative
Venue + Cake – Acre Los Agaves
Floral Design – Martha Lomeli Events
Makeup + Hair Styling- Los Cabos Makeup
Wedding Dress – Rosa Clara
Bridal Accessories – Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply

 

Sponsors
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Step Into Downtown Chicago for This City Hall Wedding

February 26, 2026 | justine

For Julia and Alberto, a city hall wedding in downtown Chicago wasn’t about choosing the fastest option. It was about choosing the people who mattered most. Their story began back in 2016 when they met at work, both part of the same engineering department. Julia, an architect, and Alberto, an engineer, first crossed paths professionally before life eventually brought them back together in a much more personal way.

After migrating from Venezuela to Argentina, they reunited and officially started dating in 2021. What followed was a relationship shaped by change, resilience, and steady support. “Our journey has been beautiful—one of deep mutual support and being there for each other through the challenges of being far from the comforts of home,” Julia shared. After three years together, they felt ready to build a future and take the next step through both a civil and religious ceremony.

Chicago became the setting for their civil celebration so they could share this milestone with family and friends who wouldn’t be able to attend their church wedding. “We believe that family is the foundation of everything we are,” they explained. “Having their love and company during such a special moment was non-negotiable.”

What We Love About This City Hall Wedding:

  • Both partners wearing suits for a modern, coordinated look
  • Turning the day into a walk through downtown Chicago
  • Coffee stops, Chicago popcorn, and Riverwalk toasts
  • Documentary-style photography with minimal posing
  • Ending the celebration with classic Chicago-style hot dogs

Planning a Civil Ceremony Around Family Availability

While a civil ceremony was a legal requirement, the real reason Julia and Alberto chose to have their city hall wedding in Chicago was connection. They wanted their closest family members present, especially those who couldn’t travel for the church ceremony later on.

“Being with our family was the most important thing, regardless of the how or where,” they shared. Because they don’t live in the same city as many of their loved ones, they’ve learned to value time together in a deeper way. That mindset shaped the entire day. Instead of focusing on traditions or expectations, they centered the experience around shared moments and meaningful time with the people they love most.

Their approach is a good reminder that courthouse weddings don’t have to feel rushed or transactional. With intention, they can feel just as personal as any larger celebration.

Shop Bridal Suits:

How to Let the Location Do the Heavy Lifting Visually

For Julia and Alberto, the Chicago courthouse felt like the natural choice. “It is beautiful on its own. Honestly, there was no other option for us,” they said. Both are drawn to architecture and design, which made the city’s bold structures and historic details especially meaningful.

They described Chicago as a place that “embraces you with its structures while simultaneously making you feel like a part of it.” That feeling carried through the entire day, from the ceremony to the streets they explored afterward.

For couples planning a city hall wedding, choosing a location that reflects your interests can make the experience feel more intentional from the start. Whether it’s architecture, culture, or scenery, letting your surroundings play a role adds depth without needing extra decor or production.

Planning a Post-Ceremony Itinerary Instead of a Traditional Reception

After saying “I do,” Julia and Alberto skipped a traditional reception and turned their celebration into a city adventure. “We loved the idea of exploring the city on foot,” they said.

Their post-ceremony plans included coffee stops, sharing Chicago’s famous popcorn, visiting The Bean, and making their way to a Riverwalk terrace to toast to their union. They wrapped up the day with an informal dinner featuring Chicago-style hot dogs.

This flexible timeline gave them space to slow down and actually enjoy the moment. For couples planning a city hall wedding, building in time to wander, explore, and celebrate in simple ways can make the day feel fuller and more memorable.

Creating a Coordinated Look Without Traditional Wedding Outfits

Instead of traditional wedding attire, Julia and Alberto both chose suits. Alberto wore black, while Julia opted for white, creating a clean, classic contrast that worked beautifully with the urban backdrop.

“Although the ceremony was intimate and informal, it was still important and special,” Julia shared. Without coordinating ahead of time, their families also arrived in looks that complemented the city tones and photography style.

Why Investing in Photography Matters for Small Weddings

For Julia, photography was essential. “Once the moment has passed, the photos are all that remain besides the memory itself,” she explained. Finding the right photographer mattered more than any specific activity or reservation.

Working with Amormio allowed them to document the day naturally. “We were able to share our vision of capturing moments spontaneously, without too much staging,” Julia said. They didn’t want to spend the day posing. They wanted the images to reflect their family’s energy and the emotion of the day as it unfolded.

What to Keep in Mind When Planning a Courthouse Wedding

Julia and Alberto’s biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the process. “If something doesn’t go as expected, trust that ‘this too shall pass,’ everything works out,” they said. They also encouraged couples to lean on their people and remember that you’re not doing this alone.

They ended with one final reminder: “Love each other deeply, cherish the company in the moment, and last but certainly not least: prioritize documenting your day. It is one thousand percent worth it.”

Whether you’re planning something simple or something more layered, their city hall wedding proves that intention, connection, and presence can turn a courthouse ceremony into something deeply meaningful.

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Amormio

 

Sponsors
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Unforgettable Industrial Wedding at an Abandoned Spanish Train Station

February 24, 2026 | justine

 

Sixteen years after meeting while studying in a city library, Marina and Jona planned a wedding that mirrored the calm, intentional way they have always lived their lives together. Now based in Madrid with their dog, Vermut, they chose La Estacion, an abandoned Spanish train station as the setting for their day. With handmade elements, candlelit spaces, and touches woven from their shared history, their celebration turned into an intimate weekend filled with memory, friendship, and the people who matter most.

What We Love About This La Estacion Wedding:

  • A dramatic industrial venue softened by candles and florals
  • Handmade wedding rings and a fully DIY celebration
  • A bridal gown embroidered with symbols from their lives
  • A full weekend spent with loved ones staying together onsite
  • “Have the wedding you want, not the one others want for you.”

Featured Vendor:
People TrueLove Tellers

Starting the Wedding Day With Friends and Family

Because guests stayed together in rural houses at La Estacion, the celebration began long before the ceremony. A Friday night barbecue welcomed everyone, complete with a surprise band from friends. The following morning, Marina and Jona hosted a flower workshop with their florist while friends decorated the ceremony and reception spaces. “Then, while we were getting ready, some of our friends decorated the ceremony and the tables where we had dinner later with him, which was incredible for us.” 

Managing Every Detail Without Hiring a Planner

Because Marina works as a wedding photographer, she and Jona knew they had to secure their date and venue early. From there, they organized everything themselves using a custom Notion system to track guests, vendors, and logistics. “Marina loves organizing. After having previously worked at many weddings, we didn’t need a wedding planner and decided to organize our wedding ourselves.” Their advice for couples is simple: stay organized, stay calm, and create a celebration that reflects your personality rather than following trends.

Why This Industrial Venue Was The Perfect Choice

Marina first discovered La Estacion while working and immediately knew it would be the place if they ever married. “La Estacion is an old train station factory and is a very, very special place,” they shared. The industrial setting paired beautifully with florals by Cultura de Flor, requiring very little additional decor. Candles and flowers were enough to create the refined and elegant atmosphere they wanted without excess.

Choosing People They Trusted Completely

Since neither of them enjoys being photographed, choosing the right photographer was essential. “We don’t really like being photographed, so we needed someone close to us who wouldn’t make us feel uncomfortable,” they explained. They chose longtime friends Dani and Gloria from People Truelove Tellers, knowing they would help them to feel relaxed in front of the camera. Their florist was also a close friend, and the rest of their vendors came together gradually. “We found the rest of the vendors little by little, and we couldn’t have been in better company.” Their experience reminds couples that comfort and trust matter more than popularity when building a wedding team.

Including Meaningful Tributes During the Ceremony

One of the most unforgettable moments happened during their civil ceremony. “As a surprise, our masters of ceremony sang our entrance songs live,” they shared, something Jona had no idea about beforehand. Emotional speeches followed, and they honored Jona’s late father by ending the ceremony with one of his famous phrases: “A shot and then to bed.” These personal touches made the ceremony especially meaningful for both the couple and their guests.

Wedding Fashion Filled With Personal Meaning

Every detail of their wedding day carried significance. Jona wore a navy handmade three-piece suit from Madrid, finished with cufflinks shaped like a vermouth glass in honor of their dog. Marina designed her gown herself, selecting the materials and creating embroidery filled with personal symbols. “The sleeves were decorated with images representing many aspects of our lives,” she shared, including family birth years, meaningful places, and tributes to loved ones. She also honored Jona’s father and her grandmother, who passed away on the same date two years earlier. Before the wedding, her stylist created a skincare plan and conducted a full hair and makeup trial so she would feel relaxed and confident on the day.

Celebrating Together From Cocktail Hour to Late Night

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a long cocktail hour followed by dinner and an energetic party. A rock band opened the celebration before transitioning to a DJ, and later in the night, family members surprised them with a lively “crazy hour.” There was one unexpected moment when rain arrived just before cocktail hour ended, but their backup plan kept everything running smoothly. Their experience shows how preparation allows couples to stay relaxed and enjoy the day no matter what happens.

Why This Industrial Venue Was The Perfect Choice

Marina first discovered La Estacion while working and immediately knew it would be the place if they ever married. “La Estacion is an old train station factory and is a very, very special place,” they shared. The industrial setting paired beautifully with florals by Cultura de Flor, requiring very little additional decor. Candles and flowers were enough to create the refined and elegant atmosphere they wanted without excess.

Turning Personal Hobbies Into Wedding Details

Their wedding was filled with handmade elements that reflected their creativity and shared story. They made their own wedding rings in a workshop, designed vermouth bottles with their dog’s face as favors, and created a custom wedding newspaper featuring family stories, celebrations, and future milestones. Marina even learned English calligraphy to write each guest’s name by hand. One of the most meaningful details came from her mother, who embroidered the coordinates of where they first met onto the ribbon of Marina’s bouquet. 

Investing in Moments That Last Beyond the Wedding

For Marina and Jona, the greatest gift was spending an entire weekend with the people they love most. “We wanted a small wedding so we could give each guest the time they deserved,” they shared. Their advice for couples is clear: “Have the wedding you want, not the one others want for you.” And above all, invest in memories. “It’s the only way to remember how the flowers looked, what you ate, and who was there when they are no longer with us.” Their La Estacion wedding was not about grandeur, but about connection, memory, and the quiet beauty of celebrating life together.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Videography – People Truelove Tellers
Venue – La Estacion
Floral Design – Cultura de Flor
Catering – Artigot
DJ – High Volume Event
Live Music – Los Alcántara
Invitation Design – Lady Frambuesa
Makeup + Hair Styling – Elena Deleyto
Wedding Dress – Raquel Zapatos
Bridal Accessories – La Belleza Está En La Cabeza 
Groom’s Apparel – Silbon
Rings – Irene Zaera
Party – Crazy Time

 

Sponsors
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