Shannon and Mike’s three-day wedding weekend in Cabo San Lucas was a literal dream come true! It was everything and more in terms of a destination wedding – an escape from the harsh winter weather, an inclusive and intimate event with loved ones, and a breathtaking backdrop on a private sandy beach. Honestly, what more could you want? Having been together for nearly a decade and rooted in a mutual love for the outdoors and adventure, their beachside wedding was overflowing with intentionality and romance. 

The Couple’s Vision

An Intimate Destination Wedding Weekend in Cabo

Their vision for the day was deeply rooted in the desire for an intimate and heart-centered experience. When reflecting on what they wanted to cherish in the years to come, they emphasized capturing the the “little in-between moments” that truly define the day – the feelings, their love for each other, and the warmth shared with friends and family. Essentially, a documentary style approach rather than traditional posed portraits and curated moments. They envisioned a relaxed dinner-party vibe that seamlessly combined simplicity and elegance. And it’s safe to say – they nailed it!

The Venue

A Private Beachfront Villa in Pedregal

Shannon and Mike truly went above and beyond to ensure a warm and welcoming experience for their loved ones. They selected the breathtaking Villa Marcella, a private beachfront estate nestled in Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas. This choice provided unparalleled convenience for their guests, who had the luxury of staying on-site for the entire wedding weekend. The villa’s expansive patio was perfect for the cocktail hour, while the broad beachfront offered a picturesque setting for the ceremony. Inside, the villa’s cozy interiors provided intimate spaces for quieter moments. With its spacious layout, stunning views, and luxurious amenities, Villa Marcella exceeded all expectations, offering everything Shannon and Mike envisioned and more for their special day.

Pre-Wedding Events

A Vibrant Welcome Party & Boating in the Bay 

The wedding celebrations kicked off with a lively welcome cocktail party at their villa, where guests wore vibrant neon attire and bright patterns, embracing the colorful spirit of Mexico. The following day, everyone enjoyed a fun boat ride. We even spotted some whales as we explored the bay! A lot of the guests decided to jump off the boat and have a swim, too. It was a really cool experience and something that everyone will remember. These pre-wedding activities not only built excitement for the wedding but also provided an opportunity for guests to bond and soak in the stunning location. 

Patty, the wedding planner, shared insights into Shannon and Mike’s wedding. “As it was an intimate wedding,” Patty notes, “they wanted their guests to interact and share a cozy location where they not only experienced an event together but also a weekend full of experiences.” Patty’s experienced advice for couples considering a similar event emphasizes the significance of weather, especially for beach destinations like Cabo. “Shannon and Mike chose an excellent season, allowing their guests to enjoy beach days, pool time, and events in pleasant weather.”

Getting Ready Moments

A Cozy Morning Breakfast with Loved Ones

To make sure they had tasty meals all weekend, the couple hired a private chef. On the morning of the wedding, Shannon and her girlfriends all sat on pillows, enjoying a nice breakfast together prepared by the chef before getting ready. It was a sweet and cozy morning, just hanging out and having a good time before the big celebration.

For their beach wedding, the couple opted for romantic and ethereal attire choices. Shannon looked stunning in a flowing a-line gown adorned with floral lace appliqué and soft tulle, creating a luxurious and feminine look perfectly suited for the beach setting. Meanwhile, Mike exuded timeless sophistication in a classic black suit with a bow tie and dress shoes. Their attire created that perfect mix of elegance and simplicity they were going for. The couple chose to do a private first look and vow reading, just the two of them, uncaptured and completely in the moment.

The Beach Ceremony

Steps from the Villa, Overlooking the Sea of Cortez

The ceremony took place on the sandy beach, just a few steps from the villa with the breathtaking Sea of Cortez and beautiful rocks as the backdrop. Instead of a traditional arch, they opted for a stunning floral semi-circle on the ground, preserving the ocean view. Following their vision, there was no bridal party, only the Best Man and Maid of Honor, who officiated the ceremony. It was short, sweet, and beautifully intimate. 

Cocktail Hour

Sunset Portraits & a Grand Sparkler Entrance

After the beachfront ceremony, the villa’s patio turned into a vibrant cocktail lounge where guests gathered for drinks and mingled. Meanwhile, we slipped away for sunset portraits. To add a fun twist, Shannon and Mike made a grand entrance into the cocktail hour with sparklers, transitioning seamlessly into their first dance as a married couple. It was magical! 

The Reception

Dinner-Party on the Beach & Dancing Under the Stars

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the dinner! Two long dining tables lined with candles were set up on the beach, creating a warm atmosphere under the glow of string lights. Guests indulged in a multiple-course plated meal while watching the sun set. Shannon and Mike kicked off the dinner with a warm welcome speech, but after that, they simply relaxed and mingled with everyone, savoring the experience. As the night continued, the celebration moved back to the patio, where the couple and their guests danced the night away under the stars. 

VENDORS
Planning: Patty Wedding Planner || Venue: Villa Marcella || Videographer: MC Weddings || HMUA: Gladys Treviño || Florist: La Floristeria Design Atelier || Catering: EAT Cabo Catering || DJ: Emmanuel Ibarra