A Destination Wedding at Karen's Place in Bucerias, Mexico

Hannah Porter (24 and a Spanish teacher) and Chad Hoffman (23 and a store manager) met at church back when they were little tykes in a children’s ministry program. “It is funny to look back on old memories and realize we were both there,” says Hannah. In high school, Hannah and Chad would eat lunch together every day, and Hannah would give Chad her snack pack and cookies when she didn’t want them. Seventeen years of being acquaintances turned into being friends who would meet up often to watch “Friends,” and later, love. Chad planned an elaborate proposal for Hannah: He handed her clues throughout the day of tasks that started with an H that the couple would complete together all over Seattle. “H” stood for helicopter ride over the city, followed by hamburgers, hot tomales, hand painting, hats, hymns, hiking and finally, Hannah’s hand in marriage. The couple got married at Karen’s Cafe in Bucerias, Mexico, the same location where Hannah’s sister got married and a stress-free spot for a destination wedding. The couple spent most of the day leading up to their evening ceremony lounging by the pool, and got ready just in time for their beach wedding at sunset. The color palette of blue and orange accented the tropical setting, all captured by Jeff and Amanda Photography and Films, and showcased the bride’s pride for the school where she teaches. After the ceremony, a mariachi band played and the couple danced with their guests long into the night. “Both Chad and I grew up in the United States, but a big chunk of my heart belongs in Mexico,” says Hannah. “The mix between American and Mexican cultures was great,” says Hannah.