1. Real Weddings

Amy & Mike: A Destination Wedding in Jalisco, Mexico

Amy was taken with Mike when they first met through a mutual friend in New York City. But after their first meeting, they didn’t see one another again

Amy was taken with Mike when they first met through a mutual friend in New York City. But after their first meeting, they didn’t see one another again for several months. With Mike in the back of her mind, she attempted to orchestrate parties and meetings with their mutual friend hoping to see him again. Finally, six months later, she threw a Halloween party and he showed up. They were nearly inseparable from then on, and a year and half later, Mike planned a romantic proposal for Amy in New York City. The Bride Amy Giering, 34, senior brand strategist The Groom Mike McCarley, 34, senior vice president of brand and marketing The Date March 3 Mike proposed to Amy while they were taking an after dinner walk together. A photographer friend of Mike’s was there to capture the moment in pictures. The next day, the couple hopped a flight to Mexico to celebrate their engagement. Two months later, they picked the same resort to host their destination wedding.

Amy and Mike said “I do” beneath a bamboo structure overlooking the ocean. As the sun set, the couple recited handwritten vows in a ceremony officiated by the couple’s brothers.
Each of Amy’s six bridesmaids carried vibrant bouquets of pink and orange gerbera daisies hand-tied with orange ribbon.
Margaritas in blue-rimmed glasses and special Mexican fruit juices were served during the cocktail hour. To complement the setting, waiters also passed mini tacos, ceviches, chips, guacamole, and salsa bites.
Message-in-a-bottle escort cards filled with sand directed guests to their tables. Each table was named after a beach or seafood restaurant that was special to the couple during their courtship.
The resort, located beneath a canopy of beautiful palm trees and other greenery, was just steps from the beach and the ocean. A mariachi band played for the duration of the evening while guests munched on Mexican favorites, such as tequila shrimp and pumpkin flower quesadillas, as they took in the gorgeous sunset.
The Centerpieces
The reception took place on a patio overlooking the beach. Brightly colored table runners in green, orange, and yellow were topped with blue-rimmed hurricanes.
Setting the stage for their destination wedding, Amy and Mike sent out invitations in the shapes of starfish, sand dollars, and shells.
The Couple