WEDDING BLOG

A Warm and Tropical Punta Mita Wedding with Yellow Hues and Vacation Vibes

May 17, 2025 | justine

Elsa and Patricio’s love story began nearly a decade ago through mutual friends, and their relationship has been a beautiful journey of growth, adventure, and shared experiences. Over the years, Patricio (affectionately known as “Pato”) has been by Elsa’s side through it all.Their bond has only strengthened over time, and when it came to their wedding, Punta Mita—one of their favorite travel destinations—was the perfect choice to say “I do.”

What We Love About This Punta Mita Wedding:

The tropical paradise vibes at their Punta Mita wedding venue, Papelillo
Their thoughtfully personalized details, like handwritten letters to their closest friends and family
The blend of vibrant yellow florals and the natural beauty of the ocean view
The music that set the tone for the day, starting with a live saxophonist at dinner and turning into a non-stop party with DJ Manny
The intimate moments they shared before the ceremony, just the two of them, away from the spotlight

Having traveled the world together, it was no surprise that the couple chose to exchange vows in one of their favorite spots. “Punta Mita holds a special place in our hearts. From the stunning views to the peaceful beach vibe, it was the perfect place to celebrate our love with our closest friends and family.”

Their vision for the day was clear: move away from the traditional and focus on creating a day that felt like a vacation for everyone involved. “We wanted our wedding to feel like a party. A celebration of our love, filled with warmth, fun, and good vibes,” Elsa explains. Yellow was chosen as the primary color, inspired by its bright and cheerful energy that was a perfect fit for the tropical setting.

Featured Vendors:

AH Love Stories

Journey Films by VVR

Discovering the Perfect Punta Mita Wedding Venue That Aligned with Their Vision

Sometimes the perfect venue really does exist—Elsa and Pato found theirs in Papelillo, which had everything they were looking for.“We knew from the moment we saw it that this was the place. It ticked every box—surrounded by palm trees, tropical vibes, and a breathtaking ocean view. It was perfect for us.”

The couple worked closely with Vivi from Elemento Tres, a wedding planner whose creativity and attention to detail were exactly what they needed. “Vivi really got us. From the decor to the music, she brought our vision to life effortlessly.” With rattan chairs, chandeliers, and palm trees, every detail was meticulously chosen to complement the tropical vibe they envisioned.

Balancing Elegance and Comfort in Wedding Fashion

Elsa and Pato’s wedding day fashion was all about relaxed elegance. Pato chose a warm sand-colored Brioni suit and a brown tie, perfectly complementing Elsa’s stunning Clover wedding dress by Liz Martinez. “My dress had around seven layers of see-through tulle, making it look ivory with a unique depth. The final layer had intricate hand-sewn clover-like petals, which for me represented good luck.”

In Mexico, bridesmaids and groomsmen aren’t really part of the tradition. Instead, Elsa and Pato chose to have their closest friends and family dressed in warm pink tones, which looked beautiful against the venue’s greenery and the yellow decor.

A Punta Mita Wedding Ceremony That Captured the Beauty of Nature and Love

The ceremony was held in a lush outdoor setting, with tall yellow flower arrangements lining the aisle. “From the moment we saw this place, we knew it was the one. The ocean view, the lush greenery—it felt like we were surrounded by love and nature.”

The couple kept the ceremony simple, focusing on the most important part: their vows. “Having a private moment before the ceremony was so special. It gave us a chance to focus on each other and not the crowd.” As they walked down the aisle, a live orchestra played “Viva la Vida,” and guests threw white rose petals. Boho umbrellas were placed around for shade, ensuring comfort for their guests while keeping the natural aesthetic intact.

Creating a Fun, Relaxed Vibe During Their Cocktail Hour

One of Elsa’s most anticipated parts of the day was the cocktail hour at sunset. “I was so excited for the cocktail hour—getting to mingle with our loved ones and set the mood for the party,” she says. Guests enjoyed refreshing frozen Aperol spritz, margaritas, tangerine mezcal drinks, and a variety of canapés as they mingled and admired the breathtaking views.

Adding a fun twist to the drinks, Vivi surprised the couple by floating rubber ducklings in their cocktails. An adorable nod to Pato’s nickname, which means “duck” in Spanish. It was a playful and memorable touch that brought even more joy to the laid-back atmosphere.

Keeping the Energy High and the Dance Floor Packed

The reception took place on the third level of Papelillo, with stunning ocean views and a vibe that perfectly captured the couple’s love for travel and fun. Guests were greeted by a striking mirrored installation along the staircase. Reflecting the surrounding palm trees and tropical landscape, which provided a great photo backdrop as they arrived.

The cocktail area was designed with vibrant yellow hues and striped umbrellas, creating a relaxed and fun setting for guests to mingle as the sun set. As they moved into the reception, Elsa and Pato ensured the energy stayed high. DJ Manny kept the dance floor packed until 4 a.m.

One of their favorite moments was just before their first dance. “We had a drink together in our room before the party really kicked off. It was our way of connecting before jumping into the whirlwind of the reception. Those quiet moments together were so special.”

Creating a Truly Personal Atmosphere with Special Details at Their Punta Mita Wedding

What set Elsa and Pato’s wedding apart were the thoughtful details they included for their guests. For example, each guest received a handwritten letter from the couple, filled with personal memories and heartfelt thanks. “We wanted our loved ones to know how much they meant to us. Writing these letters was a way to relive those special memories we shared with each person.”

Music played a huge role in setting the mood for the day. Beloit, the saxophonist, set the tone during dinner with a mix of timeless classics like the Bee Gees, Amy Winehouse, and the Beatles. As the night went on, DJ Manny took over, and the party continued until the early hours of the morning.

Elsa and Pato didn’t just want their wedding day to be memorable, they planned an entire weekend full of events for their guests. They kicked things off with a personalized golf tournament the day before the wedding. “It was a great way for everyone to unwind and have fun before the big day.” On the day after the wedding, they hosted a beach party for their guests to relax and celebrate once again.

Embracing the Unexpected and Letting Go of Perfection

Even with the best plans, things don’t always go as expected. Elsa recalls a mishap where her wedding dress got stepped on and ripped before the reception. “I was nervous about things going wrong, but by the time the ceremony started, all those worries faded away,” Elsa reflects. “I had a drink with Pato and waited for my team to fix it. By the time I walked down the aisle, everything was perfect.”

She adds, “I think I worried too much beforehand. On the big day, I was just happy and knew that everything would work out because we had a great team working with us.”

Key Takeaways for Future Couples to Enjoy Their Wedding Journey

Elsa and Patio’s biggest piece of advice to future couples is simple: enjoy the journey. “I wish we had been less nervous and enjoyed the process more,” Elsa admits. “Planning a wedding is a journey, so make sure to get the best out of every part of it.”

Elsa also stresses the importance of capturing the day through photos and video. “Investing in your photographer and videographer is totally worth it. They help you relive the memories forever. We’re so glad we did.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – AH Love Stories
Event Planning + Floral Design – Elemento Tres
Venue – Papelillo
Catering – I Latina
DJ – Manny
Live Music – Beloit
Videography – Journey Films by VVR
Wedding Dress – Liz Martinez
Groom’s Apparel – Brioni

A Vintage-Inspired Guestbook Alternative That’s As Fun As It Is Meaningful

May 16, 2025 | marissa

All images provided by After the Tone

Every couple wants their wedding to feel like them. Whether it’s the ceremony, the music, or small personal details woven throughout the day, those unique touches are often what guests remember most. One detail that’s surprisingly ripe for reinvention? The wedding guestbook.

A guestbook is a meaningful way to gather messages and well-wishes from your favorite people—but it doesn’t have to be the classic hardcover book of signatures you’ve seen before. If you’re searching for something more interactive, personal, and a little unexpected, there’s a creative new option that does just that—and brings a bit of vintage charm along with it.

Introducing After the Tone: The Ultimate Guestbook Alternative

Picture this: a charming vintage rotary phone (yes, the kind with the spinning dial) tucked into a corner of your wedding, just waiting to catch your guests’ attention. Instead of picking up a pen, guests pick up the receiver and leave a voicemail. Rather than writing a quick note, they share their thoughts, advice, or memories in their own words—and their own voices. It’s a wedding guestbook reimagined as an audio experience that captures not just what your guests want to say, but how they say it. It’s an audio guestbook that records voices, laughter, inside jokes, and well-wishes in a way no traditional guestbook ever could.

After The Tone offers these repurposed rotary phones for rent—rescued from becoming electronic waste to be lovingly restored––giving them a second life. Available in 11 different colors, each phone is wireless, rechargeable, and makes a nostalgic statement that draws guests in from the moment they spot it.

How Does It Work?

We love that this guestbook alternative is not just meaningful but also sustainable. After The Tone’s phones are authentic rotary models from the 60s and 70s, thoughtfully restored and upgraded with modern tech. This gives each phone the ability to capture crystal-clear audio while still preserving its old-school charm.

To make things easy for your guests, After The Tone offers signage templates and customizable signs that explain what the phone is for and how to use it. After The Tone’s proprietary technology ensures crystal clear sound quality with just a touch of the nostalgia of a classic voicemail. All voicemails are hand-edited and all vinyls are cut in-house (more about that below).

What You Keep

After your wedding, you’ll receive a digital file with all of your guests’ recordings—ready to save and revisit whenever you like. Want to take it a step further? You can add on a USB or even a custom vinyl record. Yes, a vinyl record of your wedding voicemails. You can personalize the album jacket with photos from your day, and since it’s all done in-house, the process couldn’t be easier. That in-house approach means faster turnaround, better quality control, and a more personalized, seamless experience from start to finish. In the end, you’ll have a keepsake you’ll love to display and experience.

For anyone planning a destination wedding, you can easily travel with the rotary phone and utilize After the Tone’s main service. If you’re traveling light, After The Tone also offers a virtual guestbook option. With this, guests can call a custom phone number to leave their message from anywhere—no vintage phone required.

Why Couples Love This Guestbook Alternative

Beyond being a fun and interactive experience (especially during cocktail hour, when guests are mingling and looking for something to do), After The Tone makes every guest feel part of the celebration.

There’s something incredibly touching about hearing a loved one’s voice—whether it’s an off-the-cuff toast, a bit of marriage advice, or even a goofy inside joke that only the two of you will understand.

In many of After The Tone’s reviews, couples mention that these audio guestbooks became even more meaningful over time. One especially touching note? Some couples shared that the voicemail they received from a loved one was the last recording they had before that person passed away—a reminder of how powerful it can be to capture voices, not just signatures.

With over 4,000 five-star reviews and a 4.9 rating, After The Tone is widely trusted as the go-to audio guestbook company.

If you’re looking for a guestbook alternative that’s as personal, fun, and keepsake-worthy as it gets, this is one you’ll want on your radar. Beyond being a playful, interactive feature on your wedding day, After The Tone gives you something truly lasting: the voices of the people you love, captured forever.

Vivid Color and Vibrant Style Define This Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding

May 12, 2025 | justine

bright red light pink orange purple sage green yellow

Some love stories take the scenic route. For Dom and Chase, what began as high school smoothie “dates” sparked by Dom’s dad’s soccer games eventually led to years apart, and a surprise reunion on Black Friday that changed everything. That reconnection turned into daily Skype calls between San Francisco and Shanghai, followed by a spontaneous trip to Japan “as friends.” A trip that quietly, completely, changed the course of their relationship.

When it came time to plan their wedding, it was only fitting that their day would be as intentional and unconventional as their love story. Rooted in personal meaning, layered with creativity, and set in the desert landscape of their hometown, this nontraditional Palm Springs wedding was an honest reflection of who they are—fun, expressive, sentimental, and full of soul.

What We Love About This Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding:

A vibrant color palette of chartreuse, cayenne pepper, lavender, and cream that made every detail pop
A private vow exchange at the Palm Springs Art Museum that felt as personal as it was meaningful
Statement wedding fashion, including a gold jacquard suit and a veil with fluffy floral appliqués
DIY touches everywhere—from the stationery to handwritten guest cards and travel-inspired table names
The relaxed, intimate energy of a 50-guest wedding that still felt full of personality and fun

“We didn’t have a rigid wedding vision,” Dom shared. “But I always knew how I wanted it to feel—intimate, creative, and completely us.”

Rather than build around expectations or tradition, Dom and Chase focused on feeling. That approach inspired every choice, from skipping a wedding party to choosing a bold palette of chartreuse, cayenne red, lavender, and cream. It was vivid and unexpected—just like their relationship.

Both creatives in their fields, they drew inspiration from their design backgrounds to lean into texture, color, and emotion. The result? A nontraditional Palm Springs wedding that felt artful, effortless, and uniquely theirs.

Invitations That Set the Vibe Early

As a wedding stationer, Dom knows that design is more than just pretty details. It’s the first impression. “The save-the-dates were neon chartreuse with cayenne pepper letterpress and a bold floral liner. We wanted people to feel the vibe immediately.”

The invitations kept things playful, asking guests to dress in “festive formal wear,” with a cheeky note: “Outdress the bride and groom.” That energy carried into the day-of details too. Everything from menus and signage to handwritten cards, was designed and crafted by the couple. Their table names were inspired by places they’ve traveled together, each holding a piece of their shared story.

Making the Guest List Count (And the Guest Count Small)

Limiting their guest list to 50 meant every invite was intentional. “It was one of the hardest parts,” Dom admitted. “But having only our closest friends and family there made everything more meaningful.”

They kicked things off with a welcome party at Chase’s childhood home, where his parents once hosted their own pre-wedding event. With tiki drinks, handmade tacos, their favorite coconut cake, and music by their friends, the night was full of nostalgia and love. It set the tone for a weekend rooted in memory, community, and joy.

Featured Vendor:

Carmen Lopez Photography

Wedding Fashion That Reflected Their Personalities

Dom and Chase decided to keep things simple by skipping a wedding party and focusing on personal style, each wearing a different outfit for their first look and their ceremony.

Dom’s first look: a silky white open-back dress with a birdcage veil—elegant with a playful twist.
Dom’s ceremony look: a timeless Katherine Tash gown with a chapel-length veil adorned with soft floral appliqués, plus a pearl heirloom ring from her great-great-grandmother.
Chase’s first look: a Miami Vice–inspired Paul Smith top to complement the museum backdrop.
Chase’s ceremony look: a gold Hibiscus Jacquard suit from Mr. Turk paired with a sentimental heirloom watch and a crane lapel pin symbolizing longevity in Japanese culture.

“It was important to us that our outfits told a story. They were bold, personal, and very us.”

Intention in Every Layer of their Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding Day

Rather than jump straight into the ceremony, Dom and Chase made space for private vows at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Just the two of them, surrounded by art. Dom arrived in a vintage Rolls Royce, a meaningful nod to her late father’s love of classic cars.

Related: Get Inspired By These 30 Touching Wedding Vows Examples

A Simple, Sentimental Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding Ceremony

Their official ceremony took place in the intimate Cactarium at Moorten Botanical Garden. Surrounded by towering cacti, guests explored the space with champagne in hand before and after the vows.

“We wanted a venue that felt timeless and returnable. Moorten is a local gem. It’s historic, beautiful, and feels like home.”

They kept the decor simple—acrylic chairs and pedestals, sculptural florals, and calla lilies as a tribute to Chase’s mom. The couple co-wrote the ceremony script with Chase’s sister and included a group reading of “Scientific Romance” by Tim Pratt. “It was a little silly and very us. Exactly what we wanted.”

Trusting the Right People for Their Nontraditional Palm Springs Wedding

As someone who works with couples daily, Dom knew exactly who she wanted to bring this day to life—like Junebug vendor Carmen Lopez Photography, whose warm, artistic eye matched the tone of the day.

“I gave them a mood board and said, ‘Run with it.’ When you trust creative people to do what they do best, magic happens.”

They carried that same energy into their music choices. No DJ, just a guitarist and a meaningful playlist that honored their late fathers and favorite memories. “Every choice had a reason. Even the fun ones.”

Rethinking What a Reception Needs to Be

Forget a traditional dance floor. After the ceremony, the celebration moved to Mr. Lyon’s, where cocktails on the terrace led into a moody, textured dinner surrounded by vibrant floral arrangements and funky paper goods. “We put our energy into what mattered—good food, drinks, and a well-designed experience.”

The night ended with a silent disco back at the couple’s Airbnb. Just them and their closest friends dancing the night away.

Redefining What a Wedding Can Look Like

A nontraditional Palm Springs wedding gave Dom and Chase the freedom to focus on feeling instead of formality. And for couples planning their own celebration, they offer this advice:

“Stay anchored in your why. When every decision comes from that place, the day just clicks.”

This wasn’t a wedding that checked boxes. It was a love letter—to their hometown, their people, and the life they’ve built together. It was layered with meaning, infused with artistry, and completely, unapologetically theirs. Because in the end, a wedding doesn’t have to follow a script. It just has to sound like your song.