Design an unforgettable wedding week with a top Canadian expert

Kick things off with a barbecue bash

Before the breathtaking shores of Riviera Maya were witness to Amanda and Shawn’s paradise nuptials, they were the scene of a barbecue welcome party with plenty of Mexican flair! The resort’s Nautica Beach Bar was the chosen venue and decorated meticulously to match the couple’s chosen destination. There were sugar skulls aplenty, tropical flower centrepieces and table runners in the style of traditional Mexican serapes. Resort staff was on hand to help with setup and were able to bring this beautiful couple’s vision to life.

With their invited guests coming from across Canada, the barbecue welcome party was the perfect way to get everyone together and amp up the excitement for the week to come! The flavours and colours of paradise were on full display and the resort’s dedicated wedding planner made sure everything went perfectly, from ensuring that dietary restrictions were met to serving up fun finger foods for the kiddos! The party really kicked off when the sun went down with plenty of smiling, dancing and of course, the limbo! The night was capped off with a heartfelt speech from Amanda, thanking her guests for joining them to witness the start of their happily ever after.

Whether it’s a welcome barbecue or a cocktail party, bringing your guests together on night one or two of your wedding week is a great way to kick it off and share the first of many memories you’ll make in paradise!

Let the good times roll – or rather, sail

The festivities didn’t stop at the barbecue! With the help of the on-site wedding coordinators, Amanda and Shawn organized a special catamaran outing for their guests with Sunwing Experiences, powered by NexusTours. The whole group was greeted at the resort by a private bus transfer that brought them to a nearby marina where their luxury catamaran was waiting. The wedding crew cruised through the Caribbean Sea on their way to Isla Mujeres, taking in sweeping views of the coastline while dancing to Spanish music on deck, enjoying a tasty lunch and sipping on their favourite cocktail from the open bar on board, with plenty of kid-friendly drinks available!

While there was plenty of fun cruising with the waves, the group didn’t miss their chance to make a splash! En route, Amanda, Shawn and their guests were supplied with snorkelling equipment and lifejackets so they could swim alongside schools of tropical fish, getting a close look at the ecosystem that thrives in the world’s second largest barrier reef. Their adventure continued on land in Isla Mujeres with a guided tour of the island before some free time to explore on their own, strolling the charming downtown streets and browsing souvenir shops and cafés before heading back to base.

Practice makes perfect wedding ceremonies

The day had almost arrived but before Amanda and Shawn could walk down the aisle, they wanted to make sure everyone involved knew where to be and what to do. So, they organized a rehearsal! The big day going off without a hitch (no pun intended) is of course important, so the on-site wedding team walked their crew through every moment of the ceremony to offer even more confidence for the big day. Amanda and Shawn chose the resort’s stunning Sky Terrace as their venue, where every detail was in its place and every second went seamlessly – thanks to the amazing wedding team. A rehearsal is recommended for every couple to add to their destination wedding package, if applicable, so all they have to worry about is their vows – which we’re sure are perfect, anyway!