Playa del Carmen Beach club wedding – Blue Venado – Sam and Eric

“We both love to travel and make it a priority to visit a new country each year. Before we were engaged we knew that we would have a destination wedding….it was just a matter of deciding where!” #TravelForLove

So many elements worthy of mention in Sam and Eric’s wedding. A special first look with a letter exchange, Eric’s best friend as an officiant and a beautiful detail of an offering of shells to the ocean as a unity ceremony for the couple and guests. 

“We wanted to exchange letters on our special day to express our love for one another and have and it make the experience even more memorable. Added with the excited nervousness (especially for Eric) of seeing each other for the first time, the moment was truly special. We met in a beautiful quiet spot and were able to enjoy an unforgettable first look together!”

“As neither of us practice a religion we knew that we would have a symbolic ceremony with an officiant. Instead of hiring someone that didn’t know either of us give a generic speech; we decided it would so much more personal to incorporate Eric’s best friend since childhood.”

“We didn’t give him many restrictions as to what he could and couldn’t say; only to keep in mind that it was our wedding ceremony and to save the roasting of the groom for the toast at dinner. We wanted to be surprised at the wedding so we did not listen to any rehearsals beforehand. The ceremony was a mix of emotion as he cracked a few well-written jokes and intertwined the meaning of marriage (which made Sam tear-up.) We were so happy with our decision to involve Eric’s best friend as the officiant of our wedding.”

“Since we had 30 people fly from around the country to join us on our special day Sam wanted a unique way to involve all the guests at the ceremony. We liked the idea of each individual tossing a shell into the ocean causing its own ripple. As the water rings expanded, they eventually all joined together and form one symbolizing the unity of us, our friends and family.”

“Everyone was told to make a wish for the bride and groom before tossing the shell. If those shells wash up on the shore may the good fortune of those wishes they contained touch those who find them.”

Del Sol Photography: How was your experience with the del Sol team?

Del Sol Photography was the first vendor we contracted. Yes, even before the venue. Sam knew by looking at photos online that they were the style of photography that she wanted to represent our lasting wedding memories. Preplanning with their team was fantastic! They were quick to respond to emails and the phone call to talk through all details right before the wedding was so beneficial. It was during that phone call Sam decided to add a videographer. That was undoubtedly one of the best wedding decisions we made.”

“While onsite the team was superb! They were professional and discreet as most times we didn’t even realizing they were taking pictures. They captured beautiful impromptu moments and gorgeous arranged portraits. The post production was well worth the wait as the composition, coloring, edits, and all the other magic they worked turned our photos and video into pieces of cherished art.”

Del Sol Photography: Why did you choose the combination of Barceló and Blue Venado? 

“We had been to Barceló for a friend’s wedding and were astonished at the cleanliness and privacy of the beach coupled with the abundance of marine life; that when we decided Riviera Maya was our destination there was no doubt we would host our guests at Barceló. A pleasant surprise was that the resort had expanded since the last time we were there by constructing a 24 hour bowling alley/sports bar (where we ended up after the wedding reception) and better dining and shopping options!”

“Simona is a catering manager at Barceló that Sam worked with to arrange a private welcome reception on the beach for all our guests. Simona orchestrated everything that we had discussed from audio capabilities for our iPhone to the stationed hors d’oeuvres and bar. The servers and bartenders were wonderful!”

“As a professional event planner Sam knew that she wanted a venue with a private beach. The challenge was finding something within a reasonable price in Riviera Maya. After extensive online research she came across Blue Venado Eco Park. The reviews were phenomenal so she contacted Sofia Garcia, the wedding coordinator, to talk about availability and pricing. Luckily the date was available and the price was within our budget.”

“Planning with Sofia was extraordinary! She took the time to listen to our vision and collectively we created our dream wedding. It was not a “rinse and repeat” type process at all. Sofia genuinely cared about the results and our ultimate happiness.”

“The food was a collaboration between Sofia, the Blue Venado chef, Sam and Eric. We were delighted with the local flavors and presentation of the hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour and the chile en nogada and steak with Mayan spices for dinner. The staff was highly attentive and made sure our glasses were never more than ½ empty.”

“Since we provided some of our own décor Sofia and her coworker, Miriam, set up and disassembled everything so that we did not have to think about those small details on our wedding day.

“Blue Venado was exactly what we envisioned as our perfect wedding location – the private beach, turquoise waters and lush jungle were breathtaking! Our guests were in awe of the beauty of Blue Venado and the pictures speak for themselves. It truly was an unforgettable event!”

Del Sol Photography: What’s your top destination wedding advice? 

“Planning can be stressful but once you are in a stunning destination surrounded by your closest friends and family remember to stop for a few minutes with your new spouse and enjoy it.”

“It is one day. Take it all in. Kiss. And be thankful for what you have accomplished leading up to that day and the amazing journey that lies ahead!”

Huge thank you to Sam and Eric for taking the time to share their wonderful words!

Principal Photographer: Valeria

Second Photographer: Vanessa

Destination Wedding Ceremony Location: Blue Venado

Getting ready

Vendor Roll of honor….

“We absolutely loved all the vendors as they were very professional and meticulous with details. They all contributed to the success of our gorgeous wedding. We would highly recommend each one to any couple looking for the absolute best of the best in Riviera Maya.” – Sam and Eric

Wedding Coordinator Extraordinaire: Sofia Garcia

hair and make-up for bride, MOH, MOB, MOG: Styling trio Riviera Maya
Hair: Alesia Solomko Make up: Alejandra Piedra

H&L Tanning Solutions (spray tan) – Hanna Larsson

Transportation: Kalido Transfers – Liam