A Dreamy Destination Rehearsal Dinner at Acre Baja: A Cabo Wedding Weekend Kick-off

Our unforgettable wedding weekend commenced with a magical rehearsal dinner at the breathtaking Acre Baja in Cabo, Mexico. As we arrived at 6 PM, after a scenic 40-minute drive from The Cape – where most of our cherished guests were staying and where our wedding ceremony would unfold the following evening – stepping onto the grounds felt like entering a vivid dream. The anticipation in the air was palpable, setting the perfect tone for the celebrations to come.

An Inclusive Celebration: Inviting All Our Loved Ones

From the very beginning of our wedding planning, we knew we wanted our entire guest list to be part of the rehearsal dinner. This decision stemmed from a deep desire to foster an inclusive atmosphere throughout the weekend and, more importantly, to maximize the precious time we could spend with all our friends and family. Given that many had traveled from afar to celebrate with us, providing an extra evening of connection felt essential. While we didn’t conduct a formal “rehearsal” of the actual wedding ceremony that night – we saved that for a quick walk-through the next morning, which worked out perfectly – this gathering served as the ideal prelude to our special day. It was an addition to our wedding weekend that I would wholeheartedly recommend and relive in a heartbeat.

Upon our arrival, we were led through Acre Baja’s exquisite on-site restaurant, which happens to be one of my all-time favorites. The path meandered through charming pathways and verdant landscapes until we reached the stunning pool area, where our cocktail hour was artfully arranged. The entire setting exuded an incredible “VIBE”— a blend of sophisticated relaxation and lively festivity that immediately captivated everyone.

Cocktail Hour Bliss: Signature Drinks and Irresistible Flavors

Acre Baja is renowned for its cocktails, which are truly exceptional. Seriously, if you’re looking for inspiration, their Instagram showcases the most gorgeous food and drinks on their stories! For our rehearsal dinner, we chose the Perla de la Baja as our signature cocktail. This delightful concoction featured tequila, mezcal, passionfruit, and pineapple – a vibrant and refreshing blend that perfectly complemented the tropical setting. Although I’m not typically a big drinker, I’ve recently discovered a fondness for tequila-based beverages on occasion, which for me is quite a significant development. The Perla de la Baja was incredibly fresh, and the passionfruit notes were an absolute highlight. It was a drink that truly encapsulated the spirit of a Cabo destination wedding.

Golden Hour Magic: Exploring Acre Baja’s Sanctuary

As cocktails began, the sun was just dipping towards golden hour, casting a truly magical light over the pool area. The rays filtered softly through the towering palm trees and unique cacti, creating a breathtaking tableau. Our guests effortlessly mingled, drinks in hand, exploring the property and even visiting the adorable resident animals, including the sweetest baby goats! They also passed by our single, elegantly set long table nestled within the enchanting mango orchard. Walking through the venue felt like being transported into a movie scene. My husband, Bridger, and I first fell in love with Acre Baja during our honeymoon in October 2020. I instantly knew it was the perfect place for our rehearsal dinner, and we considered ourselves incredibly fortunate that they had availability for our chosen date. This venue truly offers a unique and intimate destination wedding experience.

Acre Baja is much more than just a restaurant; it’s a sprawling 25-acre sanctuary that feels like a hidden oasis, nestled somewhere between the middle of nowhere and a vibrant jungle. It boasts an active farm, luxurious treehouses perfect for an adventurous overnight stay (definitely on our list for our next trip!), charming permanent residences, and a delightful collection of animals including goats, donkeys, horses, and bunnies. They even run a heartwarming dog rescue program, @acredogs, adding another layer of charm and community to this exceptional property. This unique blend of nature, luxury, and rustic charm makes it an ideal choice for a memorable Cabo wedding event.

The Heart of the Celebration: Friends, Family, and Unforgettable Moments

One of the most cherished aspects of the entire weekend was seeing all our friends and family gathered in one magnificent place. After a year of lockdowns and the necessary postponement of our wedding, this reunion was incredibly meaningful. It provided a much-needed opportunity for everyone to socialize, reconnect, and simply enjoy each other’s company. We received numerous questions about whether we were still proceeding with our original plans, and I’m delighted to say, yes! We meticulously stuck to our vision: a celebratory cocktail hour on Friday night, our enchanting rehearsal dinner at Acre Baja on Saturday, and finally, our dream ceremony complete with my wedding dress and heartfelt vows on Sunday evening. The plan was too perfect to alter; every element contributed to the magical Cabo wedding experience we had envisioned.

Seamless Planning and Exquisite Details

The attention to detail displayed throughout the event was truly remarkable. Our wedding planner and her dedicated team played an instrumental role in bringing our vision to life. We aimed for an aesthetic that was simple yet romantic, complemented by live music and a vibrant, joyful energy. I was particularly impressed when I observed the staff meticulously measuring the distance between each chair – that’s the level of precision and care we’re talking about! Every element, from the lighting to the table settings, was thoughtfully arranged to create a cohesive and enchanting atmosphere for our Cabo rehearsal dinner.

The musical talents of Gilberto from @cabobandlucas were simply incredible! He also performed at our wedding ceremony, and I cannot recommend him highly enough for anyone seeking a super talented guitarist who effortlessly plays all the best songs. For those who know Cabo’s music scene, you’ll recognize his name – he used to be the lead guitarist at Cabo Wabo downtown, truly a legend!

Crafting the Ambiance: Music and Cost-Saving Elegance

To be completely transparent, hosting a rehearsal dinner for all our guests at a separate venue from the wedding itself can feel like planning two weddings. To manage our budget effectively without compromising on elegance, we made some strategic choices. We opted not to hire a separate florist; instead, our incredible planner expertly handled the centerpieces, utilizing lush greenery – a beautiful and very affordable option – and charming mini bouquets. We also kept large decorations to a minimum, letting the natural beauty of Acre Baja, augmented by the vibrant open bar in the mango orchard, speak for itself. Utilizing the venue’s existing silverware and plain table settings further helped to keep our expenses in check. The string lights, which added so much warmth and magic to the ambiance, were already a part of the venue’s existing setup, meaning we didn’t need to incur additional rental costs for lighting. These thoughtful decisions allowed us to create a stunning destination wedding rehearsal dinner without breaking the bank.

Picture-Perfect Memories: Acre Baja’s Photo Opportunities

Did I mention that Acre Baja offers what feels like a million incredible spots for photos? The last time Bridger and I visited for our honeymoon, we captured one of our absolute favorite photos by the bathroom – it might sound a bit unconventional, but trust me, the entire area has a distinct, captivating “vibe.” It feels very Bali-esque, complete with a massive, stylish mirror that’s perfect for all your selfie needs and group shots. Every corner of Acre Baja presents a unique backdrop, making it a dream location for wedding photographers and couples seeking stunning visual memories of their Cabo wedding weekend.

Speaking of photography, our photographer, Marci from @marcellalaine, is an absolute gem. She was with us throughout the entire weekend, capturing every precious minute from our rehearsal dinner to the wedding ceremony. We had the pleasure of working with her multiple times before, including our engagement shoot, so we knew without a doubt that she was the perfect choice to document this incredibly special occasion. Her talent and warm presence made us feel completely at ease, allowing her to capture the authentic joy and emotion of our destination wedding.

Our Esteemed Vendor Team

Here’s a list of all the incredible vendors who helped make our rehearsal dinner at Acre Baja an unforgettable experience:

Photography: @marcellalaine
Planning: @eventsbybliss
Venue: @acrebaja
Rentals: @bajaboutiquerentalcompany and @delcaboeventdesign
Signage: @uscreating
Guitarist: @cabobandlucas
Dress: Bec & Bridge
Earrings: Grace Loves Lace (no longer available)
Shoes: Steve Madden
Green Purse: Purchased at The Cape Hotel
Bridger’s Shirt: Bonobos

A Culinary Journey: The Incredible Dinner Spread

Dinner was truly a special highlight of the evening. I hadn’t fully appreciated the magic of a single, long table until this moment. It fosters an unparalleled sense of intimacy and connection, allowing everyone to feel part of one big, joyous conversation – plus, it makes doing “the wave” incredibly easy! I feel immensely lucky to have been surrounded by such an amazing group of friends and family, making every moment around that table truly memorable.

The food, as expected from Acre Baja, was absolutely incredible. Their ability to accommodate various food preferences is outstanding, and we were thrilled to offer gluten-free and dairy-free options for most of our dishes. We began our culinary journey with family-style first courses, including delectable cheddar biscuits, light and fluffy GF bread, a refreshing avocado romaine salad, and exquisite aguachile ceviche. For the main courses, also served family style, guests savored butternut squash tortellini, a perfectly prepared fresh catch with romesco sauce, and a succulent whole roasted organic chicken. To conclude our feast, we enjoyed seasonal fruit platters – my absolute go-to dessert when on vacation, always so fresh and vibrant! – individual pineapple upside-down cakes, and delightful alfajores (traditional wedding cookies). Every dish was a testament to Acre Baja’s commitment to exceptional, farm-to-table dining, enhancing our overall destination wedding experience in Cabo.

For an even deeper dive into our magical evening, be sure to watch our entire Rehearsal Dinner YouTube video below! You won’t want to miss it. 🙂

xx Rachael