A Sequined Dolce and Gabbana Suit Inspired This Vibrant Destination Wedding in Mexico
For Michael, a Hollywood screenwriter turned stand-up comedian, meeting Estevan was the perfect plot twist in his story, especially since they technically first met…twice. Initially, it was through Michael’s ex-boyfriend, but the next time was via the internet, where the connection finally stuck. A few months in, however, the two had to begin a long-distance relationship despite living only three miles apart as a result of the pandemic. From socially distanced dates to hikes together, the two decided they were ready for marriage, especially since they had already weathered something as trying as the lockdowns. Though Estevan had drunkenly proposed three weeks into the relationship, his eventual (real) proposal happened in Malibu on Michael’s 30th birthday. Michael returned the favor by getting down on one knee the following week, with Estevan’s family in attendance.
The grooms-to-be had ties to Mexico, so they landed on hosting their three-day extravaganza in Los Cabos. “Both our mothers immigrated from Mexico, so there is a special meaning to being back in their home country,” Michael and Estevan say. “We wanted vibrant colors that represented Mexico. The style was totally organic and loose.” For their wedding vision, the couple was inspired after walking into the Dolce and Gabbana on Rodeo Drive, stumbling upon sequin jackets with cheetah and snow leopard prints. These designs crafted the “party” vibe perfect for Cabo while bringing the elevated fashion that the nearlyweds were known for.
Each night of their wedding weekend had its own special theme and aesthetic, beginning with the “Fiesta Blanca,” a welcome party at a garden venue in Cabo San Lucas, complete with a personalized “hand-painted pink piñata bar, a Baja donkey, delicious farm to table appetizers, as well as a Mexican doll with a skirt made of tequila shots.” Estevan and Michael wore custom Zenga suits and designer shoes for the first night of their festivities. The outdoor space was decorated with vibrant colors of pink, orange and yellow. The couple adds, “The florists at Lola del Campo used flowers of all colors with a Mexican style to define the ‘kermes’ type decoration.”
To follow was a “Jungle Chic” rehearsal dinner, with the D&G suits bringing some inspo. Located at a “lush tropical oasis” at Acre Resort, the grooms wore black and brown bedazzled suits from Bode while enjoying a sit-down dinner in the venue’s open-air Blue Room. The decor matched their attire in shades of black and brown, with florals in earthy tones and some dried blooms. And as a special surprise, they even got a visit from some local rescue puppies to bring the animal theme to life.
There were a few simple stipulations for finding their dream wedding venue: It had to be near water and allow fireworks. With a backdrop of the Sea of Cortez, the Cape Hotel fit the bill and more, with its breathtaking view of the famous Land’s End landmark. “Once we found the perfect venue for fireworks, we built everything else around that,” the couple says. That included a blend of tropical elements, from foliage to fruit, for an unforgettable outdoor wedding with the glistening blues from sky to sea.
The all-natural blooms for the weekend took center stage, with pink tropical flowers, bright green plants and floral installations to create a “tropical disco” feel. Michael and Estevan say, “We used flowers like David Austin roses, orchids, tulips, anthuriums, proteas, all kinds of leaves and ferns, millions of ferns to dress the walls of the place and turn the place into a jungle full of color and flowers.” The two also had matching oversized boutonnieres on their white D&G tuxedos, the perfect burst of color to complement their shades of fuchsia throughout the venue.
They dubbed their wedding day theme as “Haute Tamale - colorful, sexy and disco fabulousness” with a “unique masculine design aesthetic.” Loved ones entered the ceremony space through entrance doors, with the invitation logo incorporated into their design. Wearing a mix of Dolce and Gabbana suits throughout the day (including the snow leopard and cheetah prints that started the whole thing), the two stood in front of a pink floral arch by the water. The color palette of tropical pink flowers and natural greenery flowed throughout the decor in their monogram, invites, florals and more.
The grooms add, “The ceremony was the most anticipated moment of the day as we both wrote our vows…Estevan sang Adele’s cover of ‘Make You Feel My Love’ for Michael, [and] Michael surprised the guests with a stand-up set.” Both performances left their guests in tears, from laughing and crying. And with Estevan’s previous musical theater background, this was a rare treat for Michael, who had never before seen his now-spouse perform.
With the ceremony behind them, the party truly began at the nearby reception. “The reception space was completely transformed into a tropical disco wonderland,” Estevan and Michael say. “The buildout for the reception required many vendors and staff to ensure everything was perfect from the hand-painted dance floor, to the grand piano, to the LED wall installation.” Custom menus with the fashionable cheetah and snow leopard print were a highlight, and the dining tables matched in black with natural wood elements for a modern and sophisticated take on the tropical setting.
The happy couple had one more surprise in store for their friends and family. They say, “What made the day unique? Flying in RuPaul Drag Queen superstar Alyssa Edwards to perform and get the dance floor all warmed up!” It’s no wonder their mantra for this decadent affair was “more is more,” which they achieved with the help of their vendors and wedding planner. The best tip they have to offer future couples for their very own personalized wedding weekend? “Take a moment alone with your spouse after the ceremony,” they say. “Take…and savor the moment you two just experienced.”