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Newlyweds
Blue-and-white details and tropical touches make up this Mexican destination wedding at The Tides in Zihuatanejo.
A big, traditional event never appealed to the Melanie and Giorgio. "We wanted an intimate party in a spot where our friends and family could vacation at the same time," says Melanie, now a public relations director. So once they settled on the Tides resort, a chic-meets-rustic oceanfront getaway in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, executing their wedding was literally a day at the beach. The hotel's planners pitched in on everything including booking an officiant and picking up authentic pinatas and woven bags.
Here, the couple exit the aisle. Melanie wears a one-shoulder Moschino dress, while Giorgio stays cool in J.Crew.
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Slice of Paradise
Melanie and Giorgio stayed at the Tides once before and found it was even better the second time. "It's beautiful, with lots of local flavor and incredible service," she says.
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Stationery
The aqua-and-navy invitations and day-of details are modeled on shades of the sea.
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Welcome Bags
Hand-woven totes brimming with treats and an activities program start the carefree celebration off on the right foot.
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The Bouquet
The bride's tropics-inspired green-and-white bouquet was tied with a lush blue ribbon.
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The Boutonniere
Giorgio wore a simple boutonniere made of various types of greenery.
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Special Moment
Melanie and Giorgio tied the knot at the water's edge under a canopy of fabric just as the sun was setting over the Pacific. "Saying our vows was by far the most memorable moment for me," Melanie says. The bride and groom poured sand from separate conch shells into a jar, symbolizing that their lives are now one.
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Coin Cushion
Along with the rings, a pillow stuffed with change is presented to the pair for good luck, a Filipino custom that nods to Melanie's family heritage.
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Bearers of Good News
The bride's nephews were tasked with carrying the rings and coins.
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The Littlest Attendants
Later, they joked around with banana leaves -- part of the tropical decor.
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Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoyed festive drinks at the resort's open-air La Marea restaurant.
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Tablescape
Mango-wood vases hold local palmetto, banana, and heliconia foliage. "We wanted to incorporate elements from the surroundings," says Melanie.
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Dessert is Served
Sugar flowers, flown in from New York, adorn a traditional tres leches cake layered with strawberry filling and frosted with Chantilly cream.
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Sources
Location, Planning, Catering, and Cake: The Tides Zihuatanejo
Sugar Flowers: Sugar Flower Cake Shop
Stationery: Ditto Paper; Envelopments
Gown: Moschino
Hair and Makeup: Armando Figueroa of Armando's Inn
Groom's Attire: J.Crew (suit), Tiecrafters (neckwear)
Music: DJ Alex Lauterstein
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