The love that Cassandre and Antonio Cruz feel for each other is as all-encompassing as the ocean, and as invigorating as a sweet tropical breeze. So, they knew they had to have a destination wedding on the beach, surrounded by the beauty of the sand, sun, and the vast ocean. Their wedding was full of sweet DIY touches. The bride created all of the stationery herself, and searched Esty to find unique details including custom welcome bags. The couple incorporated the bold colors of orange and blue to complement their tropical beach backdrop, and to honor Mexican culture they tied their escort cards to maracas that also doubled as favors. While their surroundings were enchanting, the best part of having a destination wedding was that it gave their guests time to bond. The bride shares, “All of our guests became so close the days leading up to the wedding. By the time we actually got to the big show, it was like friends coming together for one last hoorah!” The Cruz’s wedding adventure in paradise was beautifully photographed by Amy of A. Anaiz Photography.
Quick Facts
- Wedding Date: 04/12/2013
- Wedding Location: Azul Beach Hotel, Cancun Mexico
- Color Scheme: Orange, Blue and White
- Wedding Flowers: Orange and white roses with alstroemeria
- First Dance Song: Angel – Robin Thicke
- Wedding Cake Flavors: Vanilla
- Wedding Menu Favorite: Everything – food was great
- Bridesmaids Gifts: Earrings and bracelets
- Groomsmen Gifts: Socks and engraved flasks
Wedding Theme
The venue was truly my inspiration. Getting married in paradise was one of the best parts of our wedding. I wanted to incorporate colors that were not just classic, but also bold enough for the Caribbean backdrop.
Wedding Style
My wedding dress was an amazing find at a Vera Wang sample sale. I put it on and felt chills. The organza waves at the bottom of the dress reminded me of the ocean. I knew it was perfect for my beach-side wedding.
Incorporation of Culture
We got married in Mexico, so we had to honor that culture somehow. Instead of doing traditional escort cards, we tied each card to a maraca. That way everyone could take a little Mexico home with them. My husband and I also incorporated our cultures through the music. The DJ mixed in Cape Verdean and Haitian music with the top current US hits. It was awesome.
Most Memorable Moment
I love that my wedding was a destination wedding. All of our guests became so close the days leading up to the wedding. By the time we actually got to the big show, it was like friends coming together for one last hoorah. I remember seeing everyone having such a great time and crying because it was the perfect physical representation of our union.
Wedding Advice
Soon after we booked our wedding date – April 12th, my husband and I decided to do date night on the twelfth of every month. We took turns planning our date nights and always met – no matter what day of the week or what mood we were in. Wedding planning can get pretty stressful. Our date nights were a great way to help us forget about all the details and celebrate our love. We still do it to this day. I recommend it for everyone.
Vendors
- Wedding Dress Designer – Vera Wang
- Wedding dress Salon – Vera Wang Boston
- Bridesmaids Dresses – CoralieBeatrix (Etsy)
- Hair/Makeup – Friends
- Shoes – RSVP
- Ceremony & Reception location – Azul Beach Resort
- Photography – A. Anaiz Photography
- Wedding Planner, Florist, Cake – Azul Beach Resort/Karisma
- Stationery – Bride designed all stationery
- Groom & Groomsmen suits – Perry Ellis
- Welcome Bag – The Happy Clam (Etsy)
- Garter – BosBlossoms (Etsy)
- Bride’s Bracelet & Necklace – Irene’s Jewelry (Etsy)
- Bride’s Earrings – Gift
- Flower girl basket & Ring bearer pillow- WhiteLace Boutique4u (Etsy)
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A. Anaiz Photography is a member of The Coterie, Munaluchi’s exclusive wedding collective. Be sure to check out her website here. To learn more about The Coterie, click here.
Doroteja
Gorgeous wedding, bride and groom, and bridal party! I love those colors, and I thought of the same combination for our wedding, though it will be a fall one. It looks like it was a wonderful, fun wedding. :)
Blanche
Absolutely gorgeous! So inspiring!
Jacquelyn west
So beautiful. ..