An Oceanfront Destination Wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Five years after being introduced, Erica Halbrook and Steve Ott tied the knot on July 5, 2013. Their intimate (only 30 people total) destination wedding in Mexico spanned several days, with friends and family enjoying the stunning views throughout.

Square, two-color letterpressed suites by Southern Fried Paper were mailed with a cookie made by Layered Bake Shop, painted with the same motif that adorned the stationery—a duo of kissing seahorses with a heart in between them.

Though they split their time between northern New York and Ontario, Canada, Erica and Steve wanted to wed in a warmer climate. Villa Turquesa, in Cabo San Lucas, fit the bill for their destination soiree. After staying there a few years prior, the duo fell in love with the property, and since their guest list topped out around two dozen, it worked for their intimate wedding. Everyone stayed on site and enjoyed the oceanfront setting.

Sunglasses stamped with the couple’s names and wedding date greeted guests as they checked into their hotel rooms. Erica and Steve also gifted everyone beach towels customized for the wedding weekend.

Steve chose a J.Crew vest and pants combo, with a coral Daniel Cremieux bowtie for his big day attire. Erica opted for a Vera Wang gown, Jimmy Choo shoes, a tanzanite ring borrowed from her mother, and a pair of earrings from her dad that had once belonged to Marilyn Monroe.

Erica carried a bouquet of white and blush-pink peonies made by Mazarte Floral.

Steve’s daughter, Layna, not only helped him design the engagement ring (and keep it a secret), but she also provided the bride with her “something blue”—a blue heart pin and a safety pin with blue charms dangling from it, both which were pinned inside the bride’s gown. Layna shared the maid of honor title with Erica’s sister Lexi.

J.Crew-clad bridesmaids surround the bride and her stepdaughter Layna, who wore a custom dress from French Lace.

Steve’s guys wore J.Crew vests and pants, with Daniel Cremieux neckwear.

The guys donned boutonnieres made from seashells and raffia.

An arch of driftwood and dendrobium orchids, built just feet from the water, provided a picturesque backdrop for the couple to say their I Do’s.

Erica and her father walked to the ceremony as Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” played.

In front of their 25 guests, the couple exchanged vows that described how the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet and merge into one single body of water, symbolizing their families coming together and their new future.

Mini seashells were sewn onto the ring pillow, made by Sparkle & Posy.

Bridewell Market burned a seahorse design, the couple’s names, and the wedding date on the front of a wooden covered guestbook.

Pink runners, driftwood, and arrangements of peonies, David Austin roses, and garden roses dressed up the tables.

Ombré ruffles decorated the coconut cake with ganache filling. Kissing seahorses topped the confection.

A sundae bar of chocolate and vanilla ice cream in honor of the groom’s love of the cold confection was set up for guests to enjoy following dinner. A bounty of toppings were on hand to choose from, including dried cherries, mixed nuts, fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.

Photography: Sara & Rocky Photography

Location: Villa Turquesa

Event Planning: Sweet Pea Events

Flowers: Mazarte

Videography: John Christopher

Officiant: Rodrigo Palacio

Stationery: Southern Fried Paper

Cake: Cabo Flowers & Cakes

Music: DJ System

Rentals: Linens, Things and More

Hair and makeup: Suzanne Morel

Transportation: Danny Boy Cabo