Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Seasonal Weddings
  6. Spring Weddings
  7. Julia and Jonathan's Destination Wedding in Punta Mita
Martha Stewart Weddings

Julia and Jonathan's Destination Wedding in Punta Mita

becky-mickel-0414.jpg
By Becky Mickel
Skip gallery slides
Pin
julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0498-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Guests shared good times (and their dinners) at this colorful south-of-the-border celebration.

Start Slideshow

1 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Couple

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0498-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

As a Hollywood film producer, Julia Lebedev knows what makes a great script. And her own romance with Jon Moss could hook an audience with its When Jon Met Julia twists and turns. In 2009, the two Angelenos were introduced in Brazil at the wedding of mutual friends. They hit it off, but Julia had a boyfriend. Once back home, the pair kept bumping into each other at parties. "It was like we were dancing around one another," says Julia. Indeed, two years later, she was back on the market, only to discover that Jon, an attorney, now had a significant other. And so it went until 2012, when Julia threw her annual February 14th "prom" for all her unattached friends. "Ironically, Jon came and asked me out," Julia says. "That was my last single Valentine's Day."

The next summer, the lovebirds were "glamping" in Big Sur, California, when Jon got down on one knee. Julia said yes, then went into filmmaker mode, casting the players who would help pull off their nuptials in Punta Mita, Mexico, a locale not too far from those on their largely West Coast–based guest list but exotic enough to feel special. "We loved the idea of having everyone come away for a few days," says Julia. "It was more a vacation than a party."

A south-of-the-border welcome dinner (complete with tequila, tacos, a fajita station, and a mariachi band) kick-started the wedding weekend, which culminated with a send-off brunch on Sunday. In between, they had a sunset ceremony on the cliffside grounds of the Imanta Resort. Though nondenominational and officiated by a friend, the service adopted two Jewish customs: marrying beneath a huppa (theirs was adorned with colorful bougainvillea) and the post-vows breaking of a glass. After a cocktail hour under thatched-roof palapas and a dinner of tuna tartare, beef steak, and mahi mahi, the revelers headed for the dance floor, where everyone got in on the action. "Even our photographers were out there dancing with us, taking pictures," recalls Julia. "You know, the hair's flying, and we're all a little sweaty, but those photos are the ones that show just how fun and amazing the day was."

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Save-the-Dates

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0030-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Burros and other Mexican animals pictured on save-the-dates signaled the celebration to come.

2 of 16

3 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bienvenidos!

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0011-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Woven totes purchased locally held welcome-bag contents: Coronitas wrapped in straw koozies, sunscreen to block Mexico's rays, a weekend itinerary, tajine seasoning packed in a muslin pouch marked "caliente!," and an assortment of animal trinkets. 

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

What a View

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0119-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Punta Mita, a beachfront Mexican village, is surrounded by more than nine miles of Pacific Ocean views, making it a romantic spot to vacation—or wed. 

4 of 16

5 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridal Bouquet

Red Peony Wedding Bouquet
Credit: Samm Blake

Julia carried a bright bouquet of bougainvillea, garden and tea roses, succulents, and coral creeper.

5 of 16

6 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Get With the Program

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0040-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Hand-tied cards outlined the celebration's attendants, a combination of friends (from as far back as high school) and family.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0349-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

The couple said "I do" on a cliff overlooking the beach in a ceremony led by their friend, an astrologer.

7 of 16

8 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Local Blooms

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0230-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

The huppa was wired with bougainvillea in a range of pinks and corals.

8 of 16

9 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sealed With a Kiss

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0498-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

The groom, in Alexander McQueen, and the bride, wearing an Elie by Elie Saab gown, paused for a postceremony kiss.

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Beachy Touch

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0210-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Escort cards marked with seashells directed guests to their tables. 

10 of 16

11 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0596-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Every guest was served a different dish to encourage sharing. "We had an amazing caterer, so it was good that people got to try each other's food," Julia says. "I know how people eat at weddings: they don't want one big meal anyway."

11 of 16

12 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Treats

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0032-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Not displayed on the deckle-edged menu are the mini desserts that held partygoers over until the cake was cut.

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Toast

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0723-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Jon and Julia listened to a toast by the mutual friends who brought them together.

13 of 16

14 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Wedding Cake

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0599-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

"Confession: I never saw the cake," admits Julia. Instead of stopping to cut the vanilla bean confection, she kept dancing.

14 of 16

15 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Muchas Gracias

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0036-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Loved ones came from as far away as Russia. Each received a note with a local wood carving thanking them.

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

julie-jon-mexico-wedding-0434-s111779.jpg
Credit: Samm Blake

Location, Catering, and Cake: Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita

Event Planning, Design, and Stationery: Bash Please

Flowers: Brown Paper Design

Photography: Samm Blake

Videography: Shark Pig

Calligraphy: Nicole Miyuki Creative

Music: Élan Artists [ceremony]; The Flashdance [DJ]

Rentals and Lighting: Peter de Anda

Bride's Gown: Elie by Elie Saab

Bride's Accessories: Malis-Henderson [veil]; Jimmy Choo [shoes]

Hair: Marisa Marino

Makeup: Zoë Rehberg

Groom's Tuxedo: Alexander McQueen

Groom's Accessories: Armani [shirt]; Hugo Boss [shoes]; Tom Ford [bow tie]

Photo Booth: Smilebooth

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Becky Mickel

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    • Dinner and a Show: This 3-Day Wedding in France Ended With an Epic String Concert
    • 15 City Hall Wedding Dresses and Jumpsuits for Your Courthouse Ceremony
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 16 The Couple
    2 of 16 Save-the-Dates
    3 of 16 Bienvenidos!
    4 of 16 What a View
    5 of 16 The Bridal Bouquet
    6 of 16 Get With the Program
    7 of 16 The Ceremony
    8 of 16 Local Blooms
    9 of 16 Sealed With a Kiss
    10 of 16 A Beachy Touch
    11 of 16 The Reception
    12 of 16 Sweet Treats
    13 of 16 A Toast
    14 of 16 The Wedding Cake
    15 of 16 Muchas Gracias
    16 of 16 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Julia and Jonathan's Destination Wedding in Punta Mita
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.