Tandem surfing in the Sea of Cortez with his beautifully tanned bride in her “just married” bikini, put extra sparkle in the eyes of a happy new husband. One last Mexican surf session completed the destination wedding of their dreams, and their guests’ dreams as well. 

A week of family and friends filled Santa Maria Bay with fun. A destination wedding to die for brought nearly 100 guests to Cabo San Lucas. Mexican hospitality and service was impeccable for all events, leading up to and following the wedding. The groom’s parents shuttled guests from the airport. Each new guest that passed through the gate to the Twin Dolphin resort was met with a contagious smile, offered a margarita at check in and escorted to their rooms. A sweet welcome gift from their hosts awaited them indicating the thoughtfulness, and generosity to come. The contents, included a corona and some soothing aloe gel, among other appropriate tokens; fun was on the horizon without a doubt! 

      It was no secret that this group knew how to have a good time, and knew how to do it in style. An eclectic assembly of outgoing adventurous guests meshed flawlessly to enjoy a full range of activities (or lack of activity if the mood so inspired). The bride and groom had posted a rough schedule of events on their website prior to departure for their wedding adventure, and invitations said the couple and their families were “looking forward to sharing the sun, the sea, and the joy of their wedding ceremony with their guests, with food fun and fiesta to follow”. All promises were fulfilled and much more!  

The families arrived at the beginning of the week, and guests trickled in at their convenience. A welcome BBQ of traditional Mexican cuisine, and local fresh seafood kicked off the festivities on Thursday evening. A group of over 30 were shuttled into town for some clubbing at Squid Roe. A down day was necessary on Friday. Mellow lounging and naps were a must. Bahia Santa Maria offered plenty of choices for a recuperation day. Snorkeling in the pleasant water was prime (as indicated by the fleet of tourist-filled boats gracing the bay with the presence of what came to be known by the wedding guests as snorkel-palooza). During the few afternoon hours when sun-burnt backs and bright flippers dominated the water, guests found serenity in or around the hotel pool, complete with swim up bar. Or they could choose to relax in the warm rays spilling onto their private balconies. Breathing beach air and appreciating the view of topaz blue water rolling onto the white sand. It was difficult every night to be wooed away from chatting around a bonfire, or being lullabied by acoustic guitar tunes, dancing, or star-gazing in the hot tub, but at some point, turned down sheets would speak. Beds beckoned with an enticing whisper that became irresistible. The promise that tomorrow would only bring more unforgettable adventure, allowed the guests to sleep peacefully in luxurious, perfectly air conditioned and comfortably furnished rooms.  

A casual evening rehearsal Friday night was followed by a bonfire with pizza and beer for all guests. Extravagance was certainly not the rule at this event, but was none the less an appreciated exception when it presented itself. A generous neighbor in a condo down the beach couldn’t help but be caught up in the infectious fun-loving spirit of the couple at the heart of this entourage of family and friends. The neighbor offered to bring his 80′ yacht into the bay for the day of the wedding, complete with crew, music, food and drinks! While the bride and her attendants were pampered with spa treatments at the resort, the groom’s friends and family allowed no opportunity for fun to slip through their fingers. Even after an unfortunate encounter with a jelly fish on his wedding day surf session, the groom still found it in him to join the party on the boat. He climbed to a 25′ platform to join his friends and throw a one and half front flip into the sea. 

The wedding invitation that all had received stated “friends forever we will be, whether walking on the beach or sailing on the sea”.  Fittingly the wedding day, a celebration of two friends committing themselves to one another, provided an appropriate opportunity for the guests to become better friends as well. Those who had found themselves new acquaintances, quickly became the best friends as the music played out there on the water… All this and I have yet to mention the main event! 

The ceremony and reception was carried out with the perfect proportions of class, tradition, and uninhibited celebration. Cocktails were served by the pool under festive pink and orange paper lanterns, and lit palm trees. The groom and his attendants graciously mingled with the guests until all were escorted down the aisle lined by tiki torches to their places on wooden benches set on the sand. Bamboo poles and bright flowing chiffon framed the oh-so-casually clad pastor, and bare-foot groom. Groomsmen wearing simple white linen beach shirts and khakis twirled the bridesmaids in their pink sundresses into place. As live mariachi music played little flower girls ambled down the aisle scattering petals. A radiant, sun-kissed bride appeared and locked eyes with her admirably anxious groom grinning with anticipation. The service included an appropriate sand ceremony where the pastor, bride, and groom alternated pouring various colored sand to beautifully mingle in a glass vase. Guests tossed colorful confetti at the newly-weds, and the wedding party literally skipped back down the aisle after them. Light-hearted photos were quickly captured in the magical lighting before a nearly unbelievable backdrop. All guests shared a taco dinner, drank mango margaritas and Tecate. They danced and laughed into a state of euphoria that eventually carried one and all (many fully-clothed) into the pool. The photographer, grandparents, and hotel staff joined in for the splashing, chicken fights, and impromptu diving contests that lasted until the early hours of the morning. Not a single detail was amiss, down to the center pieces and sand-dollar shaped cookie favors. The crowning glory was literally FIREWORKS! A surprise to the bride – she’d once mentioned dreaming of fireworks at her wedding – even this dream came true!