The couple rented one of the casitas (private house) that sat on the cliffs right next to the El Careyes Resort. We could see it from the beach, but the guests had no idea how amazing it would be!
The house is called Dos Estrellas ("Two Stars") and that was used for inspiration in a variety of details. The El Careyes Resort uses turtles in their logo and that also was seen throughout the wedding. The colors were mostly green with a few blue accents.....ocean colors.
(Again....these are my photos as the pros pics won't be back for a bit, so will post some of those when available.)
Guests were shuttled to the top of hill, and when they entered the house, jaws dropped!
The views were stunning from every floor and there were MANY floors! Guests were asked to write a wish for the couple.
Then guests could wander around the lower level and enjoy the "Starlight" signature Drink, served with two slices of starfruit ("Dos Estrellas") before the ceremony started.
I had to try a mini sip and it was delicious! Refreshing and light, I know you're dying for the recipe...go ahead and make one and then continue reading!
Starlight Recipe
1oz lime juice
2 oz Midori
6 oz pineapple juice
2 oz white rum
Pour in to shaker, shake for 20 sec. and pour in to glass, garnish with Starfruit.
Just one of the seating areas on the main floor...as I mentioned in a previous post...the destination wedding locations always have so much color! I love it!
The venue had so many levels, just in the back yard there were three. White lounge furniture was brought in for guests to kick back and relax on prior to the start of the ceremony.
This next one is looking back at the house (this is the first of the lower levels)...it had one of those fab infinity pools.
Once the bridal party arrived (they were back at the hotel doing photos) we asked all the guests to join us upstairs under the grand palapa for the ceremony. Greeters handed out the programs, with the turtle logo on the cover.
While the guests sat in the shade of the palapa, the bridal party was on a deck area with the bamboo structure and soft organza drape flowing gently in the breeze. (The guys were thankful for the breeze!)
(The sun was setting during the ceremony which was absolutely spectacular!)
After the ceremony the guests went back downstairs while we flipped the room. The guest tables each had a slightly different centerpiece, all with green and white textural arrangements....so lovely!
A closeup of the centerpieces before they set them out....lots of roses, curly willow, orchids, local flowers that had a cactus/succulent feel, amaranthus and tulips.
Our little pocket fold napkin with a gorgeous orchid. Placecard holders were little turtles.
Tables surrounded the dance floor...and boy did they party!!!
The cake was a Tres Leches cake, and was super yummy.
We knew they would be partying a lot, and the tequila was flowing (of course!). Once the dancing started we brought out fiberoptic sparklers and the dance floor looked so cool with guests waving them in the air.
They kept extending the party...good thing we had late night apps planned....chips and more platters of guacamole of course!!!!
I know my photos don't do the wedding justice, but I just couldn't wait to share this terrific wedding. I promise I'll post a few when the "real" ones become available. John and Jessica are such an amazing couple and we wish them all the best in their life together!
Cheers,
Julie