A Romantic Destination Wedding at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Carrie Ippoliti (28 and a homemaker) and Nick Sebes (32 and a dermatologist) met through mutual friends and shared a summer together making trips to the beach, attending Phillies games, going on bike rides and more; within months, they knew they wanted to plan more than just a summer together. Just before the winter holidays, in their Ann Arbor, Michigan apartment, Nick handed Carrie an early Christmas present. Inside the small box was a picture frame with a sketch of a ring. Upon opening the frame, there was a note to check her Christmas stocking, which confused Carrie—she snuck a peak only two hours earlier! This time, she found a box with a stunning canary diamond engagement ring. A few short months later, the couple planned a shotgun wedding in four days and were married in Michigan. On their one-year anniversary, the couple flew with their family and friends to Riviera Maya, Mexico to exchange their vows and say “I do” in a memorable destination surrounded by their family and friends. “We wanted a resort that was family friendly since our daughter Ava was the most important person on our guest list, while still providing our guests with the peace and quiet of an adults-only resort,” says the bride. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya provided remarkable views from every angle and a beach overlooking crystal blue water for the wedding ceremony that was beautifully captured by Melissa Mercado. The couple wanted the scenery to play a huge role, so touches of navy and gold helped inspire a nautical feel to complement the sunset beach setting. Aside from the significance of the union of their family, Carrie and Nick were overjoyed their wedding brought all of their favorite people together for a meaningful vacation. "By the wedding reception, it was as though everyone had been friends forever," says Carrie.