From Postponement to Perfection: Our Unforgettable Destination Wedding Journey in Cabo

The year 2020 was, without a doubt, a period of unprecedented change and unexpected turns for everyone globally. It felt like a paradox – a year that simultaneously raced by in a blur of uncertainty and dragged on in the quiet solitude of our homes. Did you experience that peculiar sense of time distortion too? Amidst the global shifts, one of the most significant personal impacts for us was the difficult decision to postpone our much-anticipated destination wedding due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. What unfolded in its place, however, was a beautifully intimate and utterly unforgettable celebration of love that we never could have foreseen.

An Unplanned Intimate Ceremony: Our Day, Our Way

We had originally envisioned saying “I do” surrounded by loved ones in a stunning international locale, but as the world paused, so did our plans. Yet, even as our Cabo dream was put on hold, we were steadfast in our desire to honor “our day.” On what would have been our original wedding date, we exchanged vows in a deeply personal ceremony at Bridger’s parents’ beautiful lakeside home. With just seven people present – ourselves, our officiant, our parents, and our incredible photographer – it was a moment stripped of all pretense, focused purely on our commitment to each other.

Never in a million years did I imagine our wedding day unfolding in such a way. It was simple, heartfelt, and profoundly authentic. The serenity of the lake, the warmth of our immediate families, and the raw emotion of the moment created an atmosphere that was, weirdly enough, more perfect than we could have ever planned. It proved that love finds a way, even in the most challenging times, and that the essence of marriage is truly about two souls coming together. This intimate gathering, often referred to now as a micro-wedding or elopement, offered a depth of connection that might have been lost in a larger celebration. We were able to be fully present, soaking in every word, every glance, and every quiet moment shared with those who mean the absolute most to us. If you’re curious to see more photos and read the full story of our initial wedding day, you can catch up on our blog post here.

The Dream Unfolds: Planning Our Destination Wedding in Cabo

Before the world turned upside down, our wedding planning journey had been surprisingly joyous and stress-free. I often hear brides describe wedding planning as a chaotic and overwhelming ordeal, but for us, it was anything but. From the moment Bridger and I got engaged, we knew we wanted a destination wedding. Our vision was clear: an intimate gathering, surrounded only by our closest friends and family, in a place that held deep meaning for us. Cabo San Lucas, with its breathtaking ocean views, vibrant culture, and unforgettable sunsets, quickly became the undisputed choice. We pictured a celebration where relaxation met romance, where our guests could enjoy a vacation while witnessing our special day.

Cabo isn’t just a beautiful backdrop for us; it’s a place woven into the fabric of our relationship. It’s where Bridger proposed, where we’ve shared countless memories over our ten years together, and a destination we’ve returned to multiple times for anniversaries and spontaneous getaways. The decision felt natural, almost destined, to begin our married life in a location so central to our story. Once we secured our dream venue, locked in our date, and enlisted the invaluable expertise of our wedding planner, the initial planning process truly began to feel seamless. The excitement built with each decision, from selecting the perfect floral arrangements that would complement Cabo’s natural beauty to imagining our first dance under the stars. My wedding dress, chosen with so much anticipation and joy, arrived soon after, finding its temporary home under our bed – a precious secret waiting for its grand debut. Little did we know, it would be waiting a little longer than planned, creating even more anticipation for our upcoming big day!

*photos by Marcella Laine

Navigating the Unforeseen: The Impact of March 2020

Then came March 2020. Our destination wedding in Cabo was just one month away, and our excitement was at its peak. Every detail felt nearly finalized, and we could almost taste the margaritas and feel the warm Mexican sun. However, it was also the precise moment when the COVID-19 pandemic began its rapid global escalation. News reports were dominated by rapidly spreading virus updates, and cities around the world started implementing unprecedented lockdowns. We clung to hope, monitoring travel advisories and border statuses daily, trying to remain optimistic about our dream day, but a sense of unease began to settle in.

The turning point arrived when the Mexican border officially shut down to non-essential travel. The stark reality hit us: our wedding, as planned, could not proceed. It was a heart-wrenching moment filled with disappointment, confusion, and a touch of grief for the vision we had carefully cultivated. However, we knew the health and safety of our loved ones, and indeed everyone involved, had to be our top priority. After careful consideration and many conversations with our planner and families, we made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone. We chose to reschedule for the following year, on the exact same day, hoping to preserve as much of our meticulously planned “special weekend” as possible. All the planning, all the dreaming we had poured into the previous five months, suddenly felt suspended, put on the backburner until a safer time. It wasn’t until around November that we began to cautiously revisit those dreams, feeling a renewed sense of hope as the global situation began to stabilize.

Rekindling the Dream: Restarting Wedding Planning

Getting back into wedding planning mode after an eight-month hiatus was an interesting experience, to say the least. It felt like reopening a cherished book that had been momentarily set aside. I remember feeling a bit disoriented, as if I’d forgotten precisely where we stood in terms of bookings and preparations. Our initial momentum had been so strong that, in the interim, some of the finer details had faded slightly, requiring us to refresh our memories on vendor contracts and decor choices.

The first step was to reconnect and re-establish our bearings. This involved sending a series of follow-up emails to our invaluable wedding planner and the venue, gently nudging us back into the rhythm of planning. We needed to confirm the status of our vendors, ensure all invoices were in order, and generally re-evaluate where we were in the process. We also had to consider any new protocols or changes that might have arisen due to the ongoing situation. Thankfully, because we had been so organized and nearly everything was finalized before March of the previous year, the restart proved to be surprisingly smooth. It was a huge relief to discover that the foundation we had laid was still firmly in place, making the remaining tasks feel manageable and exciting rather than overwhelming. Our planner, in particular, was a lifesaver, providing reassurance and expertly guiding us through the re-engagement process.

Our Wedding Checklist: What’s Done, What’s Next

With renewed energy, we dove back into our checklist, appreciating how much had already been accomplished. It’s truly a testament to thorough early planning and working with exceptional vendors who understood our vision from the start!

• Wedding Venue: The breathtaking backdrop for our celebration in Cabo is confirmed and ready. ✓
• Wedding Planner: Our guiding star, Events By Bliss, who has been instrumental in navigating every twist and turn, ensuring a stress-free process. ✓
• Date: The new, eagerly awaited day for our dream celebration is set in stone. ✓
• Dress: Patiently waiting in its garment bag, anticipating its grand moment to shine. ✓
• Photographer: The talented Marci Laine, confirmed to capture every precious memory and candid emotion. ✓
• Videographer: Ana and Jerome, ensuring our special moments are beautifully preserved on film for us to relive for years to come. ✓
• Hair & Makeup: The perfect team is booked to ensure I feel my absolute best and look radiant on the big day. ✓
• Guest List: Happily, the same cherished list we finalized back in March 2020, featuring our nearest and dearest. ✓
• Menu/Cake Tasting: An unforgettable culinary experience, where we selected delectable dishes and our dream wedding cake. For a delicious peek into our choices, check out our 2-month countdown blog from last year here. ✓
• Guest Bags: Thoughtful welcome gifts for our arriving guests, designed to make them feel special and welcomed to Cabo. ✓
• Flights: All booked and ready for our journey to paradise, ensuring smooth travel. ✓
• Hotel Stay: Our comfortable base for the wedding festivities and a relaxing retreat. ✓
• Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The enchanting Acre Baja, promising a magical start to the celebrations in a unique, organic setting. ✓

And here’s what we still have left to finalize – the exciting details that will truly bring our vision to life and add those personal touches:

• Rehearsal Dinner Menu: Crafting the perfect pre-wedding feast to set the tone for the weekend.
• Rehearsal Dinner Dress: A special, elegant outfit for a memorable evening with our closest family and friends.
• Music Playlist: Curating the perfect atmosphere, from ceremony melodies to our lively reception dance floor.
• Song for Down the Aisle: That poignant melody that will accompany the most anticipated walk of my life.
• Last Dress Fitting: The final adjustments for that perfect silhouette, ensuring comfort and flawless fit.
• Shoes: The comfortable and stylish pair that will carry me through the ceremony and allow me to dance the night away.

Not too much left to do, which is a fantastic feeling! Each remaining item feels like a delightful step closer to our dream day.

The Dress Journey Continues: A Visit to Grace Loves Lace Seattle

Speaking of the dress, something truly exciting is on the horizon! Grace Loves Lace in LA, the incredible boutique where I found my wedding gown, recently extended an invitation for me to visit their brand new Seattle showroom in January. They’ve asked if I’d like to try on some of their latest designs, and you can bet I said yes! I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement, and I’ll deeefinitely make sure to keep you posted on that experience. It’s a chance to immerse myself in the world of bridal fashion once more, even though my dress is already chosen. Grace Loves Lace is renowned for their bohemian-inspired, luxurious designs, and I can’t wait to see what new magic they have created.

Picking out my original dress with my mom and my best friend, Jeannette, last year was such a cherished memory. It was an experience filled with laughter, tears of joy, and that undeniable feeling of “this is the one.” The thought of revisiting that magic in a new setting, with new gowns, is thrilling. It’s not every day you get to try on exquisite bridal wear, especially after your own selection is made! Of course, I’m crossing my fingers (and toes!) that I don’t fall head over heels for another dress – though knowing Grace Loves Lace’s stunning collection, it’ll be a delightful challenge to resist! This unexpected turn in the dress journey just adds another layer of excitement and a fun little bonus to the entire process, almost like a pre-wedding fashion adventure.

Two Weddings, One Love: Looking Forward to Our Cabo Celebration

This entire wedding journey has been anything but conventional. Getting married in 2020 didn’t go according to our original script, and frankly, it’s still surreal to think that we are officially husband and wife! Yet, through all the changes and adaptations, I feel incredibly lucky. We were blessed with an incredibly intimate and heartfelt ceremony, shared only with our parents (and our siblings joining via Zoom, a truly modern touch!). That day, bathed in the quiet beauty of the lake, will forever hold a special place in our hearts as a testament to love’s resilience and adaptability. It taught us that the core of marriage isn’t about grand gestures or perfect plans, but about the profound connection between two people.

And now, as we eagerly look ahead to next year, we get to experience the best of both worlds! We’ll finally have our “bigger” celebration – though still intentionally intimate with about 45 cherished guests – in the stunning setting of Mexico. This is the destination wedding we’ve been dreaming about for so long, a place where we can truly gather and celebrate with all our beloved friends and family. It’s a culmination of patience, adaptability, and unwavering love, marking the joyful reunion of everyone who has supported us throughout this unique journey.

Our journey has taught us that while plans can change, love endures and finds new, beautiful ways to express itself. We can’t wait to share every moment of this final chapter of our wedding adventure with you, from the last-minute preparations to the sun-drenched celebration in Cabo. Stay tuned for more updates, excitement, and perhaps a few more surprises along the way as we count down to our dream destination wedding! xx