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An Immersive and Sacred Cenote Wedding in Tulum

June 22, 2026 | justine

When Mel and Kim met at a St. Vincent concert, neither of them expected they’d eventually end up together, planning a wedding from a Sprinter van while traveling across the United States. They spent two years as friends before realizing there was something more between them. Once they started dating, the next decade seemed to fly by.

“From the beginning, it felt like we had been best friends our whole lives,” they shared. “It felt less like meeting someone new and more like reconnecting with someone we had somehow known forever.”

Over the years, they built a life full of adventure, including cross-country travel, van life, and countless experiences together. Along the way, they discovered that home wasn’t tied to a place. It was simply wherever they were together. That perspective would eventually inspire their decision to plan a cenote wedding in Tulum, where family, nature, and culture could all come together in one unforgettable celebration.

What We Love About This Cenote Wedding in Tulum

  • An entire wedding planned while traveling the country in a van
  • A sacred cenote ceremony that honored Mel’s Mexican heritage
  • Bilingual vows that brought both families into the moment
  • Thoughtful personal details, from pet cocktail napkins to café con pan
  • A reception that ended with guests jumping into the cenote

Starting the Celebration Before the Wedding Day

Because so many guests traveled for the wedding, Mel and Kim wanted everyone to spend time together before the ceremony itself.

The festivities began with a group outing to nearby cenotes and ruins, which quickly became one of the highlights of the weekend. Guests who had never met before had the chance to explore together and get to know one another. That evening, everyone gathered on the rooftop of Kimpton Aluna for a rehearsal dinner filled with mezcal, traditional Mexican food, and warm jungle air.

By the wedding day, it already felt like one big group of friends celebrating together. The couple also welcomed guests with cocktails upon arrival, setting the tone for the relaxed and joyful celebration ahead.

Planning a Wedding From the Road

When people ask how they planned their wedding, Mel and Kim can’t help but laugh. “We are both aggressively type-B people.” Despite that, they managed to plan the entire celebration in six months while traveling around the country in their van.

There were definitely moments of uncertainty. Planning from another country came with plenty of challenges, especially when internet connections weren’t always reliable. Thankfully, they had support from Natalia, Vesica’s coordinator. “Natalia was truly our saving grace.”As they worried about flowers, decorations, and whether they were doing enough, Natalia kept reminding them that the venue was already beautiful on its own. 

When they finally arrived in Tulum and saw everything in person a few days before the wedding, they realized she had been right all along. “It somehow looked even better than we imagined.”

Choosing a Wedding Location That Already Feels Special

From the start, Mel and Kim knew they wanted guests to experience more than just a wedding day. If people were traveling all the way to Mexico, they wanted them to feel connected to the destination itself. Tulum quickly rose to the top of the list.

“We really wanted the wedding to feel connected to nature,” they explained. “We knew we wanted somewhere beautiful where our guests could fully experience the environment around them, not just come to a venue and leave.”

For Mel, there was another layer of meaning. She wanted to feel connected to her Mexican heritage, and getting married beside a cenote felt especially significant since cenotes are considered sacred places.

After looking at numerous venues, they found Vesica Tulum. “We kept coming back to the idea of getting married at a cenote.” The venue offered exactly what they had been searching for: jungle surroundings, open-air spaces, earthy architecture, and a setting that didn’t need much added to it.

Bringing Family, Culture, and Spirituality Into the Ceremony

Some of the most emotional moments happened before the ceremony even began. Both brides shared first looks with their fathers before seeing each other, creating memories that quickly became some of their favorites from the day. Then came their first look together. “We were both just standing there completely in awe.”

Then came the ceremony, where the couple exchanged personal vows in front of all their guests. But Kim had one surprise planned. She read her vows in both English and Spanish so Mel’s family could fully understand every word. The gesture meant the world to Mel.

Their officiant also incorporated Mayan symbolism into the ceremony while keeping it spiritual rather than traditionally religious. Then came a moment neither of them could have planned. “At one point during the vows, a butterfly flew right beside us with the cenote behind it. It felt fake honestly. Like something out of a movie.” For a moment, it seemed as though the jungle itself had joined the ceremony.

Two Wedding Dresses and a Few Last-Minute Alterations

One thing Mel and Kim agreed on immediately was that they both wanted to wear dresses. “Honestly, there’s nothing better than two women getting married in dresses.” Kim chose a gown from Anthropologie’s wedding collection, while Mel selected a dress from Shona Joy.

Ironically, the dresses ended up being one of the last things they finalized. Not long before the wedding, both discovered that their outfits needed adjustments. Thankfully, Mel’s dad stepped in to help. “Somehow he worked actual magic.”

For hair and makeup, they kept everything natural and effortless. Hairstylist Daiana Saucedo and makeup artist Maida Bello helped create looks that felt polished without feeling overly glamorous.

Featured Vendor:
Adri Mendez

Decorating Around the Landscape Instead of Over It

The overall look was romantic, earthy, intimate, and warm. Tropical greenery, terracotta tones, candlelight, natural fabrics, wood, and stone all complemented the existing surroundings. “We didn’t want anything overly polished or super traditional.”

Every design decision pointed back to the setting itself. The jungle sounds, sacred waters, and open-air architecture naturally created the atmosphere they had imagined long before they ever stepped foot in Tulum.

Where They Chose to Spend and Save

Like many couples, Mel and Kim had to make decisions about where to spend and where to save. Their biggest priorities were the venue and photography. “We knew we wanted a beautiful place to celebrate with the people we love, and we wanted photos that captured the feeling of the day.”

Because the venue already offered so much natural beauty, they skipped oversized floral installations and elaborate decor. Food, however, was non-negotiable. “If you’re getting married in Mexico, the food has to be good.” According to the couple, Vesica’s traditional Mexican menu exceeded every expectation. Instead of stretching their budget across dozens of details, they focused on the elements guests would remember most.

Ending the Reception With a Jump Into the Cenote

After the ceremony, Mel and Kim intentionally stepped away for a few quiet moments together before joining the reception. “It all went by so fast that having a quiet moment together ended up meaning a lot.” The celebration quickly shifted into party mode after that.

Guests danced all night thanks to a DJ who somehow managed to keep every generation and culture represented on the dance floor. Personal touches appeared throughout the reception, including handmade signs, party favors, cocktail napkins featuring the couple’s pets, and a late-night serving of café con pan. 

But nothing topped the final surprise. At the end of the evening, everyone jumped into the cenote. Kim and Mel went in wearing their wedding dresses, surrounded by friends and family who happily followed them into the water. “There could not have been a more perfect ending to the night.”

Throughout the night, Mel kept turning to friends and family saying, “This is literally the best night of my life.” All considered,  it’s easy to see why.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Adri Mendez
Venue – Vesica Tulum
Floral Design – De Flores Corazon
Officiant – Mystery Ceremony Cancun
Makeup Artist – Maida Bello
Hair Styling – Daiana Saucedo
Wedding Dress – Anthropology + Shona Joy
Rings – Norm Jewels

 

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A Classic and Minimalist Tuscany Wedding Among the Olive Groves of Artimino

June 20, 2026 | justine

Before there was an Artimino wedding surrounded by olive groves and Tuscan sunsets, there was a DM.

Four years ago, Daniel sent Yasmin a message. Since then, they haven’t gone a single day without talking. Their first date happened in secret on June 16, 2020, a date that later became their lucky number. Less than two weeks later, Daniel asked her to be his girlfriend.

“I brought the chaos; he brought the calm,” Yasmin says of their relationship.

A rainy-night proposal in Paris eventually led them to Tuscany, where they gathered their closest family and friends for a celebration filled with good food, good wine, and sweeping countryside views. 

What We Love About This Artimino Wedding:

  • Yasmin’s decision to walk down the aisle alone
  • Olive grove views and a terrace dinner overlooking the Tuscan countryside
  • A brief rain shower that turned into an unforgettable sunset
  • A tenor performance that left more than a few guests emotional
  • A live Italian wedding cake presentation prepared by the chef

A Clear Vision Made Every Decision Easier

Although they waited two years before fully diving into wedding planning due to finishing college and relocating from São Paulo back to Sergipe, most of the major decisions had already been made. They knew how many guests they wanted, the type of celebration they envisioned, and even the country where they wanted it to take place.

“We had already defined everything in a moodboard: ideas, number of guests, country, and the style of the ceremony.” That clarity removed much of the guesswork. With support from Annaisa and Luiza of Favola Events, the couple was able to focus on bringing those plans together instead of constantly revisiting decisions.

Yasmin credits the planning team with helping them find trusted vendors and keeping the process organized from beginning to end.

A Solo Walk Down the Aisle Became One of the Day’s Most Memorable Moments

Ask Yasmin about the most memorable moment from the ceremony, and her answer comes quickly. Walking down the aisle alone. She says it was the moment that stood out most, not only for her but for many of their guests as well.

Music was another place where the couple decided to do things a little differently. Instead of using Mendelssohn’s Wedding March for the processional, they saved it for their exit as newlyweds. The unexpected choice made the recessional feel even more memorable.

White flowers lined the aisle, greenery framed the altar, and the surrounding views of the olive groves and village chapel provided a setting that needed very little else.

Featured Vendor:
The Alms Brand

Olive Grove Views and a Sunset Terrace Dinner Sealed the Deal

The couple wanted an outdoor ceremony location, flexible accommodations, and a setting that worked well for an intimate guest count. Artimino offered all three. Choosing the venue also meant exchanging vows with views of the olive groves and historic chapel that first captured Yasmin’s attention. Later, guests moved to the terrace for dinner beneath a ceiling adorned with a remarkable painted fresco.

Their Artimino wedding design stayed true to the couple’s minimalist vision. White flowers, seasonal greenery, candlelight, and personalized paper goods created an elegant look that complemented the surroundings rather than competing with them. The only surprise came from the weather. “I have to admit, I was a little scared, haha.”

A brief rain shower rolled through before clearing away entirely. What followed was one of the most beautiful sunsets of the weekend, turning what initially felt like a concern into one of the day’s highlights.

Dinner and a Show Turned Into the Evening’s Biggest Surprise

After the ceremony, Yasmin and Daniel spent time taking portraits before heading to the bar, where Aperol spritzes, Negronis, and an impressive cheese display were waiting.

Dinner brought some of the evening’s most emotional moments. The couple arranged for a tenor performance during the meal, and the reaction from guests was immediate. By the end, there were plenty of teary eyes around the table.

Later, guests gathered to watch the chef prepare a traditional Italian wedding cake as part of a live show-cooking experience. Combined with the music, the food, and the setting, it became exactly the kind of evening Yasmin and Daniel had hoped to share with the people closest to them.

A Smaller Guest List Allowed Room for Bigger Priorities

Because the wedding was intentionally intimate, the couple approached their budget differently. Rather than trying to include every trend or extra, they focused on the elements they knew would have the biggest impact on the experience: the location, the food, the drinks, the entertainment, and the vendor team.

Dessert stations, ice cream carts, and similar additions never made the final list because they simply weren’t necessary for the celebration they had in mind.

It’s easy to feel like every wedding needs every extra. Yasmin and Daniel’s celebration is a good reminder that a smaller guest list often makes decision-making easier because you’re able to focus on the parts of the day guests will actually remember.

Every Choice Came Back to the Same Priorities

Yasmin and Daniel spent two years planning their wedding, but not because they struggled to make decisions. Most of the big ones had already been made. They knew they wanted an intimate celebration in Tuscany. They knew they cared more about great food and music than wedding extras. And they knew they wanted the weekend to feel relaxed and enjoyable for both themselves and their guests.

Their advice to other couples is simple: don’t plan a wedding based on what everyone else is doing. Choose the details that mean something to you and work with vendors you trust. Looking back at the weekend, from the welcome dinner letters to the olive grove ceremony and sunset reception, that’s exactly what they did.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – The Alms Brand
Event Planning – Favola Events
Ceremony Venue – Artimino
Reception Venue + Catering + Cake – Galateo
Desserts – La Confetteria Firenze
Floral Design – Jardin Divers
DJ – Simone Borth
Live Music – Kaleydo
Videography – Fernanda Bellucci
Invitation Design – Estúdio Cravo & Canela
Makeup + Hair Styling – Dico Moreira
Wedding Dress – FASÔ por Sa Fasolari
Bridal Accessories – Vitoria Cabaleiro + Guadalupe Joias + Alexandre Birman
Flower Girls + Ring Bearers Attire – Laçarotte Damas e Pajens
Groom’s Apparel – Boss
Groom’s Accessories – Boss +  Zegna
Rings – Cartier

 

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A Modern, Textured Alt-Bridal Editorial at Calgary’s Fortuna’s Row

June 18, 2026 | justine

When Junebug vendor OM Wedding Storytelling began planning this modern romantic styled shoot, the goal was surprisingly simple: create something different.

Photographer Olga Martinez wanted to move away from the wedding inspiration she was seeing around her and create a look that felt modern, romantic, slightly vintage, and a little unexpected. She started with the idea of an alternative bride and built the shoot one detail at a time. The jewelry. The dress. The braid. The flowers. Each element was chosen individually, with the hope that everything would somehow come together in the end.

What she didn’t expect was where those choices would lead. Once the shoot was finished, Olga looked at the images and immediately saw something familiar. “When I saw the result it was to my surprise that the shoot screamed Mexico! My homeland. Little did I know that I was doing a homage. My roots have spoken.” Without planning it, she had created a modern romantic styled shoot that reflected the colors, textures, architecture, and feeling of home.

What We Love About This Fortuna’s Row Wedding Inspiration:

  • The dramatic braid that became a recurring design detail throughout the shoot
  • Rich red florals that bring energy to an otherwise neutral palette
  • A wedding cake inspired directly by the textures of the bridal gown
  • Fashion choices that feel editorial while remaining bridal
  • The warm, modern atmosphere created by Fortuna’s Row

Featured Vendor:
OM Storytelling

The Unexpected Inspiration Behind This Fortuna’s Row Wedding Inspiration

One of the most interesting parts of this shoot is that it wasn’t inspired by a specific destination, trend, or color palette. Instead, Olga followed her instincts.

She was drawn to opulent jewelry, feminine details, textured fabrics, and a color palette of warm neutrals accented with bold red florals. Looking at each element on its own, the connection wasn’t obvious. But once everything came together, the inspiration revealed itself.

The long braid became one of the strongest threads throughout the design. It appeared not only in the model’s hairstyle but also in the floral installation and tablescape. The warm earth tones echoed the venue’s architecture, while the red roses added just enough color to catch the eye.

The finished result reminded Olga of the modern, design-forward spaces found throughout parts of Mexico, especially places like Oaxaca and Tulum.

For couples, it’s a good reminder that wedding inspiration doesn’t always have to come from Pinterest. Sometimes the most meaningful ideas come from places, memories, and experiences that already feel familiar.

How Collaboration Elevated Every Detail of This Fortuna’s Row Wedding Inspiration

Although Olga developed the initial concept, she knew the shoot would only work if she found the right team to help bring it to life. She intentionally looked for vendors who weren’t afraid to think outside the box while still creating something elegant and approachable. “The styled shoot itself is a sum of the talents and creations of everyone involved.”

She had worked with designer Sofia Fasado before and knew she could help refine the tablescape and fashion styling. Florist Lauren of Hanako Studio was someone she had admired for some time, and her floral designs ended up becoming one of the standout elements of the shoot. Cake artist Raman of Veeri Cakes transformed inspiration from the gown into edible artwork, while model Vinasa brought exactly the energy Olga had envisioned from the start.

The Design Details That Tied Everything Together

Although the color palette stayed relatively neutral, the shoot never felt plain. Much of that came down to texture. The dress featured intricate details and layered fabrics. The flowers combined soft grass with rich red roses. The concrete walls and natural materials throughout the venue added warmth without competing for attention. 

Even the cake borrowed details from the gown itself. “The cake being inspired by the dress’s textural depth; the venue being a Latin restaurant with these earth colors and concrete walls. Everything is a full circle.”

Rather than relying on lots of colors or elaborate decor, the team focused on repeating small details throughout the design. Those subtle connections helped the entire shoot feel cohesive.

The Statement Dress That Influenced the Entire Design

The bridal fashion played a bigger role in this shoot than simply dressing the model. Olga knew from the beginning that she wanted something different from a traditional wedding gown. She had followed Colombian designer Maxime of Sagradesa for years and admired the brand’s use of texture and unconventional silhouettes. The dress quickly became one of the shoot’s biggest sources of inspiration.

Details from the gown later influenced the cake design, while its romantic texture balanced the modern feel of the venue. It helped set the tone for everything else that followed. When model Vinasa finally stepped into the completed look, the vision that had existed only in Olga’s mind suddenly became real. “The outcome of the model. When I saw her with the hair extensions and the dress my eyes watered a little bit.” It was one of those moments every creative hopes for when months of planning finally come together.

A Venue That Offered a Different Perspective on Latin Design

Finding the right venue was another important part of the puzzle. When Olga discovered Fortuna’s Row, she immediately connected with its modern interiors, warm earth tones, and understated architecture. It felt rich without being overly decorative and minimal without feeling cold. What she loved most was how closely it reflected the kind of contemporary design often found in parts of Latin America. “This is very similar to what we have in Mexico, especially in places like Oaxaca and Tulum.”

The venue also offered plenty of flexibility for the creative team. When the original location for the tablescape didn’t provide the lighting they hoped for, the florist, designer, and photographer made a last-minute decision to move everything into the main salon. The change ended up improving the final result.

Of course, there were a few other challenges along the way. Temperatures reached a chilly -20 degrees Celsius on the morning of the shoot, and the bridal shoes arrived only the night before. But like many wedding days, a few unexpected hurdles became part of the story.

What began as a simple desire to create something new became something much more personal. Through fashion, florals, architecture, and thoughtful details, this modern romantic styled shoot became a reflection of Olga’s creative vision and a reminder that the ideas that resonate most are often the ones closest to home.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – OM Storytelling
Venue – Fortuna´s Row
Floral Design – Hanako Studio
Styling + Table Design – Sofia Fosado
Cake – Veeri Cakes
Invitation Design – Seeking Light Studio
Makeup Artist – Nicole Saxton
Hair Styling – Jessie Liao
Wedding Dress – Sagradesa
Model – Vinasa Lucella

 

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