Why we do what we do
Profit is only half of the story. Discover the rest.
Read on to understand why we love what we do (so much) and why we are so grateful to the people of Mexico who have taught us to be real.
Gandhi once said: Be the change you wish to see in the world. I love that because it puts in our hands the authority to do something to change what we do not like. Why do we love Mexico so much? Because it’s helping us to learn this: you can really do more for others and doing that you become something different, something less selfish and more joyful. Like in the Velveteen Rabbit: you become Real.
We have been in business in Mexico for over 20 years. Things have been great and we are still alive. Clients have been wonderful, happenings happened in the right way, we have been lucky and, maybe, diligent. But the real amazing fortune has been to live and learn from Mexicans. When I arrived in Mexico, this is Maria speaking, I was extremely (inadvertently) Eurocentric. I thought that I was coming to live in a Third World country. Little did i know that the limitations were all inside of me and that opening up to this country has been a real blessing. Real good has been done to me. It’s almost impossible to define the Mexican spirit to the ones who do not live or deal with Mexicans. From the outside Mexico looks like a dangerous, messy, chaotic place. I won’t deny that.
But the spirit of Mexico is a pure, genuine open heart that gives. Only in Mexico can you read a letter to “Dear friend robber” on the door of a business, explaining that there is nothing to steal since “i am a poor devil like you” (real story). Only in Mexico they can steal from you (just a little :-))) and you love them nonetheless because they make you feel happy they are in your life.
There is a true difference between us and them: They take life in a joyful, disenchanted, free way that we only dream of. The real teachers have been my maids, the workers of the garden, the people that have helped me to organize weddings. The real teachers have been the most humble people in all moments of the day showing me generosity without money, joy in loss, security amongst dangers, hope in despair.
I have only received beauty, laughter and real help from all the Mexicans that I have encountered. The price? To open myself to a different way of life, to let go of my (false) securities and my beliefs to grow more and experience a different possibility of being alive… like a MexiCan.
Five tips to glam up your Beach wedding
Beach Wedding anyone? All of you!
Coming out of the winter we all dream about a warm beach and a margarita, better if in company of our newlywed husband and our families and friends. That is why we have created this post, to help you navigate in the realm of the easygoing yet OH so details filled beach wedding. There are a few things you need to find out before walking down the aisle…
Our experience of 20 years will help you to plan and solve any questions ahead of time. We are proud to share with future couples always incredible tips about our wedding planning skills. Yet mark my words: this wedding is yours alone… you decide what stays and what goes, only you!
1) Make sure your set up is wind proof
Mexican beaches are windy locations, this means you want to think twice about candles, balloons or windy ribbons. Use sturdy decor, we secure everything so your flowers or photos don’t fly. Avoid breakable items. Anything important we will double secure it!
Flowers: we have no preference, you want to make sure they stand up well against high temperatures so they don’t wilt. White flowers are the most delicate. Skip the veil or keep it short, or have a young child holding it…or let it fly, like our bride here in the photo.
2) Shade is vital
Just as important as Plan B for rainy weather, you need to cover your guests from the elements. Schedule your wedding at Sunset, so more shade is factored in, especially for the sake of the children and older people. Monitor the weather : It’s what we do at WeddingsinPlaya and advise you for the best.
3) Consider an updo and ditch the heels
Yes we all dream to stand tall and proud, yet heels in the sand are not the easiest. If you really cannot do without we will get you a solid surface where you can stand. Help your guests choosing the right attire, they will be thankful!
4) Food storage, keep it cool 😎
Weather here in Mexico is hot so food storage is a serious consideration. Consider food that is supposed to be refrigerated and don’t keep your cocktail food offer to more than 30 minutes. Prefer plated dinner to buffet. Avoid cakes with butter cream and creamy food. General rule: don’t pick anything that melts or spoils fast. Again, we are here to help and advise you.
5) Party wisely (…or at least try!!)
We had to save people from falling down, crack their skull or have the great idea to swim out to sea when drunk….open bar is too much grace and tough to handle for some. If you know that uncle Jack loves Jack let us know and we will keep a special eye on him. That’s the unheard calling of wedding planners; saving guests from danger, we are kinda Clark Kent but in a dress…
Whatever the number of guests or the type of location focus on accentuating nature. No need to add in too many elements like stones, shells or many flowers. Add in colors to contrast the light color of sand, like tropical colors… Mexican colors are the best! Shop locally, like we advise. Our vendors are all Playa based and we are proud to cooperate with them since 2001!
The perfect beach wedding requires planning and that’s what you can expect once you book with us. We will walk with you through the entire process and help you so you never feel overwhelmed. Here is what you can expect when you connect with WeddingsinPlaya.
We deliver.
Throwback Wednesday
We have been open since 2001 and over 20 years, Erica and I, Maria, have had our share of interesting and incredible clients.
With over 500 weddings planned, there have been clients with whom we still talk, see and exchange information. Some have also come back for their 10th anniversary, or have asked us to plan the baptism of their firstborn. Some have gone forever and that is Life.
I treasure a dozen of them and so does Erica. This couple is in our hearts: Brooke and Travis. They were young, vibrant, artistic, successful and in love. They wanted to get married on the beach and have their best friends and family members around to celebrate their love. The wedding was a whimsical beach event, so original we still remember it after 10 years.
They wanted an original wedding, so Brooke organized with our help a lot of details.
She is an artist and a restaurant owner and wanted to inspire and uplift every guest with her original details. We were enchanted and participated with enthusiasm! From the arch, artistically created and composed to the colorful cake to the cigar table to the musical mariachi band to the fab wedding bends… all was once an idea and then real beauty!
We try to create local art from the source with local vendors and do so in Mexico, where so many artists have talent. The couple wanted to create an enchanted, open-art and unique setting, creating a different ambience for the wedding from the usual.
The result is just for you, under your eyes!
Beach weddings are alluring in many ways: the freedom of the immense ocean and the infinity of the sky brings out sense of joy and simplicity. We love to be the facilitators of such feelings.
Like in every wedding that we organize, if there is a pool… there will be guests in it dancing!
So this wedding was no exception and we all loved to see bride and groom end the dances in the water. Way to go! To infinity and beyond…
Now 10 years have passed, but their love is stronger than ever.
To Brooke and Travis, we can only say: CONGRATULATIONS!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.
WE LOVE YOU.
MANY THANKS TO meganthompsonphotography.com
