The realization that I’m going to be married in exactly two months from today is absolutely surreal and exhilarating! For the longest time, our wedding felt like a distant dream, but everything truly started to come alive last week during a rejuvenating trip to Mexico. Bridger and I escaped for some much-needed R&R, but also meticulously ticked off several crucial items from our wedding to-do list. This included an exciting tour of our rehearsal dinner venue and a memorable overnight stay at our breathtaking ceremony location. We also had our highly anticipated menu tasting scheduled – a day I honestly looked forward to more than almost any other in my life, and I’ll delve into those delicious details later!
To be perfectly candid, I wasn’t the kind of girl who grew up meticulously sketching out every little detail of her future wedding. Of course, I always envisioned myself getting married, but the intricate specifics were never something I dwelled upon. Perhaps it’s just my personality; I’m certainly not a Type A, critical planner in that traditional sense, and this relaxed approach has surprisingly been a secret weapon in our stress-free wedding journey.
Our Enduring Love Story: From Middle School Sweethearts to Cabo Engagement
To truly understand our journey, we need to rewind quite a bit. Bridger and I have known each other since our awkward middle school days. We even had a brief, innocent three-month romance when I was in 8th grade and he was in 7th – classic young love, you know how those stories go! Life, as it often does, took us on separate paths for a while, but fate had other plans. We reconnected late in high school, and since then, we’ve been inseparable. It’s been over nine incredible years and counting, culminating in our engagement just one day before our nine-year anniversary in the idyllic setting of Cabo, Mexico. While I can’t claim it was a complete shock – after nearly a decade together, you start to anticipate these things! – it was still a beautiful, heartfelt surprise and, in my opinion, absolutely perfect timing.
We both shared a deep understanding that we were meant to be together forever, but we were also firm believers in building our life foundations thoughtfully. We didn’t want to rush into anything or exhaust all our resources on a single-day event before establishing a home together. Every couple has their own unique path, and I strongly believe that prioritizing personal happiness and core values over societal pressures is always the right choice. After all, who truly cares what external expectations dictate when it comes to your own love story and future, right?
Navigating Wedding Planning: A Surprisingly Serene Experience
Now, let me give you a glimpse into my wedding planning experience over the past four months. To many, this might sound incredibly rare, but it’s been nothing short of a breeze. I know, that’s likely a very uncommon sentiment in the world of wedding preparations, often fraught with stress and last-minute panic. However, once Bridger and I made the pivotal decisions regarding our dream venue and the perfect date, and after I found my exquisite wedding dress and secured an incredible wedding planner, the entire process transformed into a remarkably positive and low-stress journey. I genuinely believe a significant part of this depends on an individual’s approach to handling the inherent stressors of wedding planning. Of course, there have been monumental decisions along the way – the guest list, for instance, proved to be quite an undertaking! – but one profound realization has guided me throughout: the only thing that *truly* matters on that momentous day is the person you’re committing your life to. This perspective has freed me from worrying about trivial details, like the exact shape of the reception napkins; those small elements simply aren’t on my list of concerns.
I promise to provide another comprehensive update after the wedding itself, as circumstances can always evolve, but for now, I can confidently say: *so far, so good!* This tranquil planning phase has been an unexpected gift, allowing us to truly savor every step towards our big day.
The Quest for The Dress: An Australian Dream
And speaking of dreams, *The Dress* is currently making its way to me from beautiful Brisbane, Australia, as we speak! It comes as no surprise, given my deep affection for Australia, my favorite place in the world, that I was instantly drawn to a designer from there. At the end of November, I flew down to Los Angeles with my mom and met one of my wonderful bridesmaids at the Grace Loves Lace showroom. It was an absolutely enchanting experience, truly a dream come true! I was paired with the sweetest stylist, Sheryl, whose warmth and expertise made the process delightful. The gowns were simply breathtaking; I could have spent hours trying on every exquisite design. To think that initially, I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about the dress selection process now feels wild. If you’re reading this and find yourself in a similar frame of mind, my heartfelt advice is this: truly *savor* the entire experience. Trust me, you’ll never get to do it again – try on gowns you adore, dresses you might never consider for yourself, and even those you likely won’t choose in the end. It’s such a unique, fun, and once-in-a-lifetime moment that I unexpectedly fell in love with! The one I ultimately chose is, without a doubt, the most comfortable dress I have ever worn in my life. I genuinely cannot wait to wear it for real on our wedding day!
In total, before my incredible experience at GLL, I visited two other wedding dress boutiques and gleaned valuable insights from each. A few highly recommended shops in Seattle that were on my radar included a&bé Bridal (where I had a lovely visit), The Dress Theory, and BHLDN, Anthropologie’s dedicated wedding section. Each offered a unique selection and atmosphere, contributing to my understanding of what I truly desired for my bridal look.
The Dream Venue: Our Heart Led Us to Cabo
Before Bridger’s proposal in Cabo, we had always somewhat assumed we’d be getting married in our home state of Washington. However, the moment he popped the question amidst the stunning beauty of Mexico, a profound clarity emerged: it simply *had* to be there. Cabo holds such an incredibly special place in both our hearts. We’ve traveled to this vibrant destination multiple times together, even visiting once only a year or so into our dating journey. The warmth and genuine friendliness of the local people are truly captivating, the landscape is utterly breathtaking, with its dramatic cliffs meeting the azure sea, and I’m honestly convinced that I simply belong under the perpetual Mexican sun.
The Cape Hotel had been firmly on my radar for about a year. Several friends and my sister had stayed there and absolutely raved about their phenomenal experiences. Its location is ideal, situated only about 40 minutes from the airport and a convenient 15 minutes from downtown Cabo. Bridger and I had the wonderful opportunity to stay there for a night after I hosted a few workshops at Grand Velas, which is just a short 10-minute drive up the road. It serendipitously coincided with whale watching season, so each morning I spent precious moments on our balcony, captivated by the majestic whales migrating east. It was an incredibly peaceful and awe-inspiring sight, and we felt immensely grateful to witness such natural beauty.
This hotel, in every sense of the word, is a VIBE. The moment we stepped through its doors, we instantly spotted the exact location where our ceremony will be held, and I nearly lost my composure from sheer excitement! It’s nestled just above, on the upper terrace, visible in that last gorgeous photo – truly stunning. One of the primary reasons we wholeheartedly chose The Cape is its incredible vantage point: you can clearly see El Arco in the distance, that iconic natural arch where Bridger proposed on a yacht. Casual, I know! It’s a dream scenario, and we feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to be hosting our wedding in such a magical and meaningful place.
A Taste of Paradise: Our Rehearsal Dinner at Flora Farms
When it came to planning our Cabo wedding, one element I was absolutely set on integrating was Flora Farms. Every single time I’ve traveled to Cabo, I’ve received countless recommendations to visit this enchanting 25-acre working organic farm and restaurant, which, not surprisingly, is always booked out far in advance. Unfortunately, we never had the chance to experience its magic until our most recent trip this month. And, to our absolute shock and delight, they had unexpected availability the night before our wedding for a rehearsal dinner at their charming Potting Shed! Their philosophy, centered on farm-to-table organic ingredients, resonates so deeply with what I advocate for on a daily basis. It feels perfectly fitting that our cherished guests will have the opportunity to experience this unique slice of magic nestled in the picturesque hills of Mexico.
Beyond its incredible restaurant, Flora Farms offers an array of delightful experiences, including engaging cooking classes, a serene spa, and adorable on-property shops brimming with unique finds. But what truly sets it apart are its commitment to sustainable and organic ingredients, which are prominently featured in their cuisine and available for purchase. They also boast several exquisite locations on the property perfect for hosting various events. I’ve been working closely with their wonderful events coordinator, Erika, who has been an absolute gem – so incredibly sweet, helpful, and attentive to every detail.
The Indispensable Wedding Planner: Our Cabo Guardian Angel
I’d say one of the primary considerations, and perhaps the main potential drawback, of planning a wedding in just six months – something I didn’t fully grasp until it was upon us – is the limited availability of everything wedding-related, especially a top-tier wedding planner. My hats off to all the incredible brides who manage to orchestrate everything themselves, but I knew almost immediately that I would absolutely need a dedicated team and extra hands on deck. This was particularly true given that we were planning a destination wedding. Having someone local on your side, who possesses established relationships with all the best local vendors and can offer invaluable tips gleaned from years of past experience, simplifies the process immensely. Plus, can you even imagine the potential for English to Spanish miscommunication and logistical nightmares without a seasoned local expert? It would have been a recipe for chaos!
I actually discovered my phenomenal wedding planner through an intensive Instagram search, which involved a good deal of “stalking” past Cabo weddings via relevant hashtags, exploring links from popular wedding inspiration sites, and diving deep into online portfolios. By the end of my initial few weeks of “planning” – which mostly consisted of research – I felt like I had a comprehensive understanding of every reputable vendor in each category: hair & makeup artists, florists, DJs, and photographers/videographers across the entire Cabo area. It was an exhaustive, but ultimately fruitful, deep dive.
After a thorough interview process (which I cannot stress the importance of enough!), I connected with Bonnie Chase from Events By Bliss, and I knew instantly she was “the one.” Her level of organization surpassed anything I could ever hope to achieve on my own. She presented me with the most incredibly detailed spreadsheet of a sample budget, which immediately put my mind at ease, and confidently assured me that she and her dedicated team have never once exceeded a bride and groom’s budget in the past. Furthermore, she miraculously had availability for our wedding on what turned out to be one of the busiest weekends of the *entire year* for weddings in Cabo! It felt like destiny.
Bonnie has truly been an absolute gem throughout this entire process thus far! She is not only incredibly helpful but also genuinely willing to offer invaluable advice and share her personal opinions along the way, which has been incredibly reassuring. She even joined us for our tour of Flora Farms and accompanied us to our menu tasting at The Cape, which brings me perfectly to the next delicious chapter of our planning journey…
A Culinary Journey: Our Unforgettable Menu Tastings
I can honestly say I almost shed tears of pure happiness after experiencing our menu tasting and getting to try and then narrow down all the incredible food options for our wedding. Seriously, Bridger and I both wholeheartedly agree that this will undoubtedly be the best wedding food we will ever have in our lives! I’ll be sharing some mouth-watering photos below, but I promise to give even more delectable details about the food post-wedding, so stay tuned. And I mean, fresh guacamole and warm churros on my wedding day? Sign me up, sister! It’s these personalized touches that make the experience so uniquely ours and utterly unforgettable.
Adding to the magic, they were even able to send an assortment of delightful cake samples directly to our room that very night! We got to try three distinct flavors for Bridger, and to my absolute joy, a dedicated dairy-free and gluten-free flavor just for me! Can you believe such thoughtfulness and accommodation? Apparently, there’s an absolutely amazing baker in Cabo who specializes in creating delicious allergen-friendly cakes and pastries. Nothing has made me more excited for Bridger to playfully “stuff” this cake in my face on the night of our wedding. Just kidding, darling, if you’re reading this! Please, refrain! Think of the carefully applied makeup!
Capturing Memories: Our Dream Photographer & Videographer Team
Choosing your wedding day photographer and videographer is, without a doubt, another monumental decision for your big day. These visual keepsakes are how you will vividly remember this precious day for the rest of your lives – no pressure at all, right? It’s about finding artists who can truly capture the essence, emotions, and unspoken moments that make your celebration uniquely yours.
Fortunately, I am blessed with several incredibly talented photographer friends, and a truly serendipitous chain of events unfolded. My good friend, Kendall (you absolutely *must* check out her Instagram here!), introduced me to the wonderful Marci. Marci had a job opportunity requiring models to shoot wedding dresses and engagement photos, and she asked if Bridger and I would be willing to step in. It just so happened that Bridger and I had gotten engaged only a week or so prior! Both Kendall and Marci ended up shooting our engagement photos, and I am completely obsessed with how they turned out – the stunning photo above and at the very top of this page are a testament to their artistry. Marci has an impressive portfolio, having shot dozens of destination weddings, so we instantly knew she would be the perfect photographer to bring with us to Cabo. Crucially, now that we’re familiar and comfortable shooting with her, our wedding day photography promises to be easy breezy and genuinely enjoyable.
As for videographers, securing a team was a definite non-negotiable for me from the very beginning. While photos are invaluable, they can only convey so much. A beautifully crafted video of our day, allowing us to relive those moments in real-time, will be an absolutely priceless and memorable keepsake for us. This is precisely why we firmly believe it’s worth the extra investment. Once again, my trusty method of searching all the relevant tags on Instagram came to the rescue – I literally do this for everything, whether it’s planning travel, discovering healthy food spots, or finding wedding vendors; it truly is our best resource these days! After an extensive search, I finally found the absolute best team in the area: Ana and Jerome. Their work is simply incredible, consistently producing stunning and emotionally resonant wedding films. Furthermore, they have shot and done video work at The Cape numerous times, which gives us immense confidence, knowing they are intimately familiar with the space and its best angles.
Counting Down to Forever: The Final Stretch of Our Cabo Wedding Planning
That’s all for now on our exciting wedding planning saga! We are continuing to meticulously plan and eagerly anticipate our big day on April 26th. I’m already envisioning sharing even more intricate details with you all in upcoming posts. Expect insights into how I asked my amazing bridesmaids to be a part of our special day, a candid discussion about what the most challenging or stressful part of planning has been (if anything changes!), and my current focus on fitness and nutrition to prepare myself not just physically but mentally for the celebration. But in the meantime, if you have any burning questions or specific requests for topics you’d love me to cover, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below! Your input helps shape what I share next. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to becoming husband and wife!
xx
Rachael