For Ty and Chase, music has always been part of the story. They met through mutual friends in early 2018 and quickly connected over DJ sets, live shows, and travel. Just months into dating, Chase left for a six-month backpacking trip. “We were able to stay in touch the whole time, and upon arrival back home, we picked up where we left off,” they shared. That rhythm of long-distance calls, festival weekends, and road trips eventually led them to settle down in Toronto.
In 2023, during a trip to Mexico with friends, Ty proposed. Two years of planning followed, all leading to a high-energy jungle wedding in Tulum that blended bold design, nonstop dancing, and a setting that felt completely different from home.
They knew early on they wanted a jungle wedding that leaned into Tulum’s natural surroundings while making space for their love of music, movement, and color. The result was a celebration that felt immersive, playful, and unmistakably theirs.
What We Love About This Jungle Wedding:
- A “disco jungle party” concept that mixed bold color with lush greenery
- A first look and private vows for a more intimate start to the day
- A neon sign reading “Music sounds better with you” that doubled as decor and a keepsake
- Film cameras on every table for guest-shot memories
- A dance floor set deep in the jungle for an unforgettable party atmosphere
Featured Vendor:
Julieta Rabadan
Shop Deep Red Bridesmaid Dresses:
Designing a Wedding Around Music and Movement
Three words guided Ty and Chase’s overall vision: “disco jungle party.” They wanted the day to feel expressive, high-energy, and built around dancing. “We are a very fun, quirky couple who loves to dance, so that was a big part of what we wanted our wedding to embody,” they explained.
Tulum stood out for its mix of jungle scenery, nightlife energy, and tropical atmosphere. Still, they were clear about one thing. “We loved all of the greenery that Tulum had to offer, and did not want a beach wedding, but a wedding with lots of foliage.” Warm tones like reds, pinks, and oranges were layered into the design to create contrast against the surrounding greenery and amplify the disco-inspired aesthetic.
Making Time for Quiet Moments Before the Celebration
Before the wedding day, Ty and Chase welcomed guests with an Italian-themed beach party at Zorba Villas. The relaxed atmosphere gave everyone a chance to connect before the main celebration. “It was nice that everyone was able to meet and say hello before the big day,” they said.
On the morning of the wedding, they focused on staying present. Getting ready alongside close friends and family set the tone, followed by a first look and private vows. “We knew we were both too shy to do those in front of everyone,” they shared. That quiet pause together helped ground the day before stepping into the ceremony.
Adding Meaningful Touches to a Small Wedding Ceremony
With only 65 guests in attendance, Ty and Chase designed their ceremony to feel intimate and interactive. A close friend officiated, bringing familiarity and warmth to the moment. Their wedding party stood beside them, and guests were invited to recite part of the vows together, turning the ceremony into a shared experience rather than a one-sided exchange.
Music once again took center stage. A live piano accompanied the processional, while their recessional song, “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone, immediately shifted the energy from emotional to celebratory. “Music was important for us during this,” they shared, and it was woven into every transition of the day.
Working With Local Experts for a Destination Celebration
Ty and Chase always dreamed of a destination wedding and landed on Tulum early in the process. Pinterest helped organize their ideas, but their planning team at Tailormade Dreams brought those concepts into reality. “There were certain things that we knew we wanted in our wedding, and our wedding planners were able to bring all of our ideas to life,” they shared.
Their photographer, Junebug vendor Julieta Rabadan, was already part of their journey. She photographed their proposal in Tulum two years earlier, making the decision to work together again an easy one. From there, their planners helped build out the rest of the vendor team, handling logistics that would have been difficult to manage from Toronto.
Finding a Venue That Supported Their Wedding Vision
Nu Tulum stood out early in the venue search. “Food and beverages were very important to us. We wanted people to go ‘Wow’ when they tried the food,” they explained. The open-air restaurant also offered the kind of environment they couldn’t replicate back home.
One of the biggest draws was the ability to place the dance floor directly in the jungle. “As a couple from Canada, we don’t have that type of event space back home, and really wanted to take advantage of the Tulum environment.” The venue’s layout and natural surroundings became a major part of bringing their jungle wedding vision to life.
Adding Personal Details That Travel Well
Because they flew in from Toronto, Ty and Chase relied heavily on their planners to execute details locally. Still, they packed meaningful personal touches that reflected their personalities. One suitcase was filled with custom fans, a postcard-style guest book, and film cameras for every table. “We adore film photos, so it was such a nice touch to have everyone’s point of view of the wedding after.”
Their neon sign reading “Music sounds better with you” became both a statement piece during the reception and a keepsake they were able to bring home.
Creating a Reception That Keeps Guests on the Dance Floor
Once the ceremony wrapped, the celebration shifted into full party mode. The couple curated a playlist that moved from disco to house and wrapped up with dubstep. Ty even stepped behind the decks to DJ part of the night.
The bar added another layer of energy. “The bartenders had so much flair. They always wanted to make drinks and wanted people to have a great time.” Combined with guests who stayed on the dance floor from start to finish, the reception felt less like a formal program and more like a late-night festival with friends.
This was the heartbeat of their jungle wedding, where music, movement, and community came together.
What Couples Should Know Before Planning a Destination Wedding
Looking back, Ty and Chase keep their advice simple. “If it is a destination wedding, have a good planner and trust them.” They also encourage couples to slow down during the process. “It’s very easy to get away from the main point, which is that you are marrying your person. Take the time to be excited and trust that everything will work out.”
And one final reminder for tropical celebrations: weather is unpredictable. Staying flexible and focused on what truly matters made all the difference for them.
For Ty and Chase, their jungle wedding wasn’t just about bold design or late-night dancing. It was about gathering their favorite people, celebrating their shared love of music, and creating a day that felt joyful from beginning to end.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Julieta Rabadan
Event Planning – Tailor Made Dreams
Venue – Nu Tulum
Floral Design – Grisel Florals
Videography – Jesica Talento
Makeup Artist – Prep Tulum
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