Couple ties the knot in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on a private beachfront palapa with beach wedding vibes, an emotional ceremony, a delicious dinner, and dancing.
Darren and Nicole’s love story began all the way back in high school. They met at Darren’s 18th birthday party, and even then, they knew they had a connection. On their 10th dating anniversary, the couple took a vacation to San Francisco, California to celebrate and Darren proposed on the beach!
Saying “I-do” on a beach was the logical choice for them. But the question was where? They set their sights on the beautiful beaches of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. With sprawling shorelines and sparkling blue oceans, it was the perfect location for their wedding.
They exchanged vows on a private beachfront palapa at the Blue Venado. The private venue let them have all the beach vibes they were looking for without the trouble of walking on sand all day. Another bonus: an intimate bridal suite on the premises allowed Nicole to watch all the magic of set up and see their dream wedding come to life. Nicole shared, “It is such a unique venue and everything we ever wanted in the most beautiful country!”
More sweet details on their love story below!
- Couple: Darren Little & Nicole Talis
- Occupations: Darren is a Car Sales Representative and Nicole is an Human Resources Analyst
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: May 27, 2022
- Wedding location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Gifts for your bridesmaids & groomsmen: I gave my bridesmaids pajamas and slippers to get ready in, a personalized toilet tree bag with emergency items that they might need day of, a Michael Kors’ wallet, and Uncommon James earrings. I also paid for their hair and makeup. Darren bought personalized Fossil watches and personalized toilet tree bags for his groomsmen.
- Gifts for one another: I gave Darren a pin that had pictures of his mother & grandmother to wear on his suit jacket. Darren bought me a personalized Fossil watch with our wedding date engraved.
- Ceremony entrance song: “All of Me” by John Legend
- First dance song: Darren made a mix of two songs for us to dance to for our first dance that represented us both individually but also a couple. We first stepped to “Tonight” by John Legend and then went into a bachata dance with “Corazón Sin Cara” by Prince Royce.
The bride…
How they met…
We met at Darren’s 18th birthday party.
The proposal…
It was our ten-year dating anniversary and we took a trip to San Francisco, California to celebrate. Darren proposed on the beach.
Wedding style & shopping experience…
My shopping experience was great, I went with my two best friends from my childhood. I tried on three dresses in total and picked my dress confidently even though I knew I wanted to make huge changes.
My dress was completely redesigned by my seamstress as it originally had an illusion neckline. I loved how the dress looked as if it came in two parts but, I was not fond of the illusion. I wanted to keep the low back so I bought extra fabric from the designer to match the dress. The seamstress was able to remove all the mesh like material from the chest and neck area to provide me the support needed for the dress. Everyone thought I was crazy because the “dress looked great as it was” but I knew I had a vision and it could be even better.
Darren had a custom suit made for himself and his groomsmen. He wanted to ensure that even though we were having a beach wedding that everyone looked elegant while also taking into consideration the heat. Darren and his best man wore a three piece suit while the remainder of the men wore a vest with no suit coat. The men were able to design their vest individually as they were going to be able to keep it forever. Darren has very particular taste in style therefore his shoes were his statement piece. Something that he bought at a local mall two days prior to the wedding that everyone noticed and talked about.
Special ceremony details…
A tribute to family…
The ceremony…
Best wedding day memory…
My best memory is walking down the aisle with my mother who is about to give me away to my husband. They were both crying and I was trying to keep it together. It was the second time in my life I have seen my husband cry in the 13 years we have been together.
Exchanging vows…
Cultural elements…
Darren wanted to jump the broom to incorporate his culture. Therefore, I bought a small travel-size broom and decorated it with ribbon and fake flowers. It is now hanging up in our house as memorabilia.
For my culture, I wanted to incorporate the lasso ceremony. The lasso is a blessed rosary that is big enough to wrap around the couple in the figure eight. The lasso ceremony demonstrates unity in the Hispanic culture in which symbolizes the everlasting union of the couple.
Mr. & Mrs…
Bridal party portraits…
Reception space & decor…
Place setting…
Cutting the cake…
Advice for other engaged couples…
Even if you think you have thought of EVERYTHING, there will be something that surprises you. Just do your best with staying present as the day flies by.
Looking for more destination weddings like this one in Playa del Carmen?
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Vendors:
- Venue: Blue Venado Weddings
- Wedding Planner: Mango Weddings & Events
- Photography: Andre Gouin
- Videographer: Sea & Love Wedding Films
- Makeup: Zoë Elizabeth
- Makeup: Angye Abarca
- Hair: By Sandy Mendez
- DJ: Plug In Audiovisual
- Photo Booth: PICME Photobooth
- Furniture Rentals: Rebel Bloom Rentals
- Dance Floor & Neon Signs: Event Technology
- Design: Hugo Martin Design
- Florals: Cherry Blossom
- Cake: Lali Pasteles
- Coconuts: Ko’coo
- Treats on Wheels: Los Pockets
- Wedding Favors: The Perfect Gift & Decor
- Wedding Dress: Martina Liana #1303
- Bridal Shop: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry
- Earrings & Veil: A.B. Ellie
- Shoes: Loeffler Randall
- Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Joseph Abboud
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