1. Real Weddings

A Beach Destination Wedding at Casa Malca in Tulum, Mexico

The only thing better than a dream vacation with 125 family and friends? Adding a wedding to the mix. That’s exactly what Amanda Cey DeMonaco (founder

The only thing better than a dream vacation with 125 family and friends? Adding a wedding to the mix. That’s exactly what Amanda Cey DeMonaco (founder of ABCey Events) and Adam DeMonaco did for their destination wedding in Tulum, Mexico, and their entire wedding day took place on the beach at Casa Malca. As Amanda and Adam exchanged their vows under the chuppah, guests relaxed on white ottomans and blue pillows with their programs doubling as fans. The couple included other cultural traditions to symbolize their union: As a nod to local culture, Amanda and Adam participated in the Mayan Blessing of the Four Directions, followed by an Andean shaman tradition of creating a mandala, or despacho ceremony, as a symbol of health, well-being and prosperity. And to incorporate Jewish tradition, they participated in the glass-breaking ceremony too. After “I do,” the newlyweds walked up the aisle to “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles, followed by a jazz band performing during cocktail hour. For the reception, guests found their name on calligraphed driftwood escort cards. The highlight? DJ JOill got the party started with a light-up dance floor that was definitely a hit. But that’s not all: One of the musicians, Shawn Barry, performed a fire show and spun poi. Needless to say, this was a day to remember. Larissa Cleveland Photography captured the amazing moments, below.

Amanda wore Octavia by Vera Wang, a ball gown that's designed to be in motion. It had tulle layers with sheer, ruched pieces that seemed to have a life of their own. "There was a moment of me twirling alone on the dance floor, and the layers were just floating in the air," Amanda says.
Amanda's bridesmaids matched the beach backdrop. They chose beachy blue dresses in different shades to create an ombre effect as they stood beside her at the altar.
Amanda carried a white bouquet of zinnias, ranunculus and spray roses with pops of green hypericum berries for a natural touch. Her bridesmaid bouquets included blush roses with whimsical curly willow branches.
Adam wore a white ranunculus boutonniere with canary yellow hypericum berries wrapped in a bright-striped wrap. A polka-dot pocket square was the perfect patterned touch to his look.
The ceremony program fans doubled as fans to keep guests comfortable during the outdoor ceremony at Casa Malca in Tulum, Mexico. A variety of fonts, calligraphy and blue details composed the whimsical design.
Amanda and Adam's wedding took place right on the beach. Guests sat on white ottomans adorned with blue decorative pillows from Bali. A program fan waited on each seat so guests could stay cool.
Amanda and Adam's family friends handmade their chuppah, framed with white drapery that blew in the beach breeze. Blue parasols and wooden sticks lined the aisle and brought out the natural waterfront colors.
Blue-paper lanterns and star lanterns enhanced the laid-back beach theme at Casa Malca in Tulum, Mexico.
Calligrapher Rona Siegel created these beach escort cards with each guests' names in turquoise calligraphy on a piece of driftwood. Turquoise sand enhanced the display.
Adam paired the blue hues of the Caribbean Sea with a fitted blue Hugo Boss suit and chambray tie. He and Amanda walked up their sandy aisle to "All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles.
Amanda and Adam's guests wrote them "keys to wisdom" to a happy marriage advice and love notes on keys. We love this idea!
Amanda and Adam dined family style with their guests at one long, white table on the beach, set with white linens and white chiavari chairs. Bistro lights overhead illuminated the reception as the sun set.
Blue-bordered china waited at each place setting along the dining table. Arrangements of pink and green flowers, seashells and starfish enhanced the beach ambience.
Amanda spared no decorative detail and added colorful hanging decor wherever possible. Colorful painted signs directed guests to each step of the day and included sweet love quotes.
Amanda's best advice for brides-to-be? "Destination weddings are great, because you get to spend even more time with family and friends. Go a week early and relax!"