Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo
June 2019
I've written about a lot of things on my blog that felt important, but those things feel small in comparison to the big life promise Rasmus and I made to each other a few weeks back. We got married on June 1st at Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
The destination wedding was a big hit, and almost more fun than we could handle! The whole thing was an absolute fairy tale. My whole life I wanted a smaller destination wedding. We picked up and headed south with our closest friends and family. Our week was filled with piña coladas, sunshine, fresh ceviche, room service, good company and lots of laughs. We also had our share of sunburns, mosquito bites, sweaty evenings and grumbly Montezuma's revenge stomachs! You have to love the Mexican Rivera for the good and the bad LOL.
We had blindly chosen the destination off of the recommendation of my good friend Allyson Coraggio. And we loved it! Our resort was right on the beach and a few blocks from downtown Playa Del Carmen where you could find lots of laid bars, night clubs, shops and guided tours. Playa Del Carmen is an hour south of Cancun and known for palm lined beaches, coral reefs and cenotes. Mahekal Beach Resort has a beach rustic vibe and it is very intimate compared to many of the monstrous resorts along the beach. Rasmus and I had our own palapa for a week.
Ceremony
Mahekal Beach Resort
Fuego Beach
June 1st, 2019
5:30 PM
We held our intimate ceremony on the beach and barefoot. As I walked down the aisle with my dad I looked over the crowd towards Rasmus and saw tears come to his eyes. And then I looked behind him, there was not a dry eye among the groomsmen or bridesmaids! I felt so moved. We had an “unplugged” ceremony, meaning that no one had cell phones or cameras. This allowed everyone to be present and really share in our special moment together. My good friend Mark Mastalski was our officiant, and he was amazing! I have never felt so supported by our loved ones. As I read my vows, I had never felt more sure about anything. I am so thankful that Rasmus and I have found each other and have a strong support system around us. (ceremony photos to follow)
Reception "La Fiesta"
The reception was a whirlwind! We had it in Las Olas restaurant overlooking the infinity pool and ocean with a heavy sea breeze.
Our DJ had our entire crowd dancing until the last song, with the help of a few tequila shots. I have never seen my dad take a shot of anything in the 25 years I've known him! But everyone was truly enjoying themselves. The 90 degree weather made for a hot and sweaty evening, but I wouldn't have changed a thing.
We also shared in a few wedding traditions. Rasmus' Danish friends held him down and cut his socks off, which was absolutely hilarious! And another tradition where when the crowd stomps their feet, we had to get under a table and kiss. I love traditions!
I tossed the bouquet to "Single Ladies" by Beyonce and Rasmus took off my garter to "Get Low" by Flo Rida. Mikaela caught the flowers and Nic caught the garter! The evening was so hot that Rasmus and some of the groomsmen took off their shirts and only had on vests... very Magic Mike-esque HA.
Rasmus and I shared our first dance to "When You Say Nothing at All" by Allison Kraus.
First Dance
At the end of the night the whole party jumped into the pool in their wedding attire, which was a great way to go out!
We also had our bachelor/ette events in Mexico before the wedding, and it was a blast hanging out with our best friends! I could not be more thankful to all the incredible women (+Kyle) who have supported me through everything. Lexi and the girls put on an amazing day for me filled with shopping, poolside action and a rooftop dinner. Nic took Rasmus and the boys out deep sea fishing. It was awesome to be back with all our people!
Family + Friends Forever
We are super grateful to our parents who raised us, shaped us and have supported our relationship all along. Everything we are, we owe to our parents.
And to our incredible group of family and friends who came, partied, cried and danced with us -- we love you forever! This is a day Rasmus and I will never forget. We had friends come from all over the states from Virginia to Alaska; and from all over the globe-- Denmark and Australia!
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We are over the moon with the way the whole event happened. The great thing about a destination wedding is that there are no worries. You show up, and the wedding coordinator does the rest (Gracias Karen!). Rasmus and I had fun picking out the menu, colors and music. But other than that, we basically just had to show up. And honestly, the whole thing was very affordable (even with the open bar)! The US dollar goes pretty far in Mexico.
We hired an amazing team of photographers and videographers (That Moment Photo), and the photos should be ready around the second week of July. I cannot wait to share them with you all!
¡Nos Casamos!
I adore Mexico and the Mexican people; we had the best customer service everywhere we went! I loved getting to practice my Spanish and telling the people we met “Nos Casamos!” (we got married).