1. Real Weddings

A Casual Destination Wedding at the Cabanas La Luna in Tulum, Mexico

Megan Isenstadt (31, a producer) and Benji Sirota (33, an architect) first met as teenagers on a tour to Israel. They were long distance friends for t

Megan Isenstadt (31, a producer) and Benji Sirota (33, an architect) first met as teenagers on a tour to Israel. They were long distance friends for ten years before they moved to New York City. “After a long period of relationship confusion, we started dating” says Megan. Benjie proposed while they were on vacation in Venice, Italy. With a love for traveling, the couple decided on a destination wedding with their friends and family. “We wanted a wedding that would be a reflection of us,” says Megan. “We are avid travelers, who love adventure, warm weather, street food and taking a risk for a great story.” As they had not visited Mexico before and wanted a convenient location for guests, the couple ultimately decided on the Cabañas La Luna in Tulum, Mexico. Megan and Benjie arrived at the hotel one week early, encouraged their guests to do the same and saw the venue for the first time. “It was great to be on vacation with family and friends and not be rushed in two days for a wedding,” says Megan. The couple had a casual beach wedding with DIY accents in front of 70 friends and family members. A 12 piece mariachi band played in the background. In lieu of a traditional wedding party, each guest was given a role in the ceremony. “It felt like a community affair,” says Megan. As she is from South Africa, many of Megan’s guests were not able to attend. Instead, they were represented though the country’s national flower placed in her bouquet, a king protea, she says.

The couple decorated their wedding huppah with fuchsia flowers and a white embroidered cover. The cover was made by a close friend and her mother who could not attend the celebration.
Wooden Torch and Colorful Floral Aisle Decorations
With the help of a friend the couple met as teenagers, Megan and Benjie planned a secular Jewish ceremony. “We asked my good friend Mina to M.C., and several other people to officiate each part of the ceremony,” says Megan.
The couple’s ceremony included music from a mariachi band, singing from Megan’s childhood friend and another friend playing the guitar, says Megan.
The couple exited their ceremony under a festive shower of confetti in various hues.
Megan carried a bouquet complete with orange ranunculus, white anemones, assorted greenery, green dianthus and a pink king protea. The latter represented friends and family from South Africa that could not attend, says Megan.
Megan wore an ivory Saja wedding dress with a champagne sash, jewelry from Erin Basin and heirloom earrings from Benjie’s grandmother on her wedding day. “I realized I never looked in the mirror at all,” says Megan. “I just saw my reflection in everyone's eyes and faces and it was amazing.”
The couple decorated their family style tables with white linens, teal place cards and white lace banners.
Megan and Benjie’s friends had a piñata imported from New York for the couple’s reception, says Megan
Megan and Benjie’s Traditional Hora
The couple used a handmade cake topper given to them as a christmas present to decorate their wedding cake. “She didn't realize we'd decided to use it untill the cake came out,” says Megan.