1. Real Weddings

A Festive Beach Destination Wedding at Restaurare in Tulum, Mexico

For Lindsay Battles (32 and a lawyer) and Martin Lijtmaer (37 and a

For Lindsay Battles (32 and a lawyer) and Martin Lijtmaer (37 and a lawyer), there's no place closer to their hearts than Akumal, Mexico. They spent time here while dating and they love diving and snorkeling, plus it’s a sea turtle sanctuary. “We have always dreamed of bringing our families and close friends to Akumal for a special occasion,” Lindsay says of their destination wedding. With a palette of fuchsia and white set against the backdrop of turquoise water and lush natural greenery, florists at Eventos Euforia enhanced the romance with an incredible floral wedding arch for their beachfront ceremony. Restaurare in nearby Tulum, Mexico, hosted the reception with over-the-top vegan catering: Its fresh, local cuisine was a highlight of the night. At the reception, Lindsay and Martin hosted a cigar and tequila bar equipped with dozens of vintage shot glasses that guests took home as favors. Although Lindsay and Martin didn’t plan for any entertainment, their guests were able to watch a nest of sea turtles hatch and then scuttle toward the ocean! One of their favorite moments? According to Lindsay: “After the reception ended, everyone made their way to the pool for an impromptu but amazing after-party. Our caterer served a midnight snack of vegan tamales with salsas and mole.” We're on board with that! See the amazing details, captured by Melissa Mercado Photography, below.

Lindsay's bouquet had pink gerbera daisies with white lisianthus, green chrysanthemums, hypericum berries and red spray roses. The bright florals amplified the tropical setting and cheerful vibe.
With a ceremony backdrop of the Caribbean Sea, how could you go wrong? Lindsay and Martin said "I do" under a sheer draped wooden wedding arch topped with bright pink flowers. Their guests sat in mahogany chiavari chairs on the lawn.
Lindsay wore her hair in soft, beachy waves, with a pair of white alstroemeria accents. She accessorized with a gold cuff bracelet and necklace that went with the V-neck of her wedding dress.
Martin wore a khaki linen suit with a copper metallic tie that went with the natural, beachy colors in Akumal, Mexico.
Eventos Euforia created the stunning florals on the wedding arch, which included blush gladiolus paired with hot pink blooms and wild greenery. Pale wooden posts held sheer drapery for a beachy, romantic touch.
"The appetizers were one of the most memorable elements of the day," Lindsay says. Restaurare, a vegan restaurant in Tulum, Mexico, served hibiscus tostadas, coconut aguachile over beet root chips and yuca balls filled with rajas poblanas. Everything was presented in a colorful, beautiful way, and was both local and delicious.
Restaurare provided a rustic-chic reception venue for Lindsay and Martin's 50 guests, with just the right beachy vibe they were going for. Plus, the vegan restaurant served incredible food that guests won't soon forget.
The dining table centerpieces included lush pink florals paired with wild greenery to evoke a tropical feel, while string lights around the restaurant enhanced the romance.
Gold-painted sea creatures made a bold statement beside the rustic, beachy wicker chargers and floral napkins on each place setting at the beachy reception.
Lindsay and Martin collected vintage shot glasses for their guests to use at their tequila and cigar bar. The glasses doubled as a wedding favor—and they were so cute.
White paper lanterns amplified the lighthearted, beachy feel at Lindsay and Martin's reception in Tulum, Mexico. After dinner in the restaurant, they continued the party on the dance floor with their closest loved ones.