Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings This Couple Returned to Mexico—Where Their Relationship Began—for Their Intimate, Bohemian Wedding Weekend by the Water By Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on April 10, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Lauren Louise Collective When Kevin McGaughey saw Haylie Ahart in his sophomore communications class at James Madison University, it wasn't the first time he'd spotted the beauty on campus. "I knew exactly who she was as I had been referring to her to all my friends as 'the hot girl on the quad' since freshman year," he says. Haylie, for her part, quickly developed a crush on her classmate, and introduced herself at a rooftop party during summer semester. "We were friends for two years after that, and in 2014, we officially began dating," shares Kevin. The couple got engaged in 2019 during their four-year anniversary trip in Belize. "After dinner in town, Kevin suggested we go to the end of the pier at our resort to drink, chat, and take in the view," says Haylie. Once there, he got down on one knee and proposed. "Neither one of us can tell you what he said," Haylie admits, "but it was super romantic being just us two, and exactly what I wanted." As Haylie is the owner of Wander + Whimsy Floral and Event Styling, wedding planning for the bride was a labor of love from both a personal and professional standpoint. The first order of business was to find an event planner, and choosing Claire Duran Weddings & Events was an easy decision. "I have known her for years and knew immediately she was going to be the perfect fit," Haylie shares. Next, the pair settled on an international locale—Mexico. Although they began their search for a venue with a guest list that topped 150 people, the pair quickly realized that an intimate wedding was more their style. "We realized that having a traditional-sized wedding wasn't us, and trying to force it was causing us a lot of stress and anxiety because we weren't being ourselves," says Haylie. "We changed everything to an intimate wedding where we only invited our immediate family and the friends who were in our bridal parties, and the end result was better than we could have even hoped for!" As an event designer, Haylie knew exactly how she wanted things to look and feel from day one, and Kevin was onboard with all her decisions. Neutral tones such as ivory, white, taupe, and chocolate brown with pops of rust, terra-cotta, and mauve formed the color scheme for the affair, with the breathtaking Mexican backdrop infusing the event with natural beauty. In the end, the event was thoroughly reflective of the couple. "Our wedding was exactly our style," says Haylie. "Our home is decorated much the same: a little boho, androgynous, with an overall neutral palette and a lot of attention to texture. I also think our event's design spoke to how we are as people: It was stylish and sophisticated, but didn't take itself too seriously. We're both relatively laid-back and genuinely want to have the best time, and I think our wedding day reflected that." 01 of 27 Welcome to Mexico Lauren Louise Collective "We picked Mexico because we actually officially started dating after Kevin professed his love for me in Mexico way back in 2014," says Haylie. "It just felt like the perfect place to exchange our vows. Once we saw photos of Cabo and the landscape, we were sold." 39 Amazing Destination Wedding Photos 02 of 27 Color-Block Itineraries Lauren Louise Collective Guests were given sleeves containing cards designated with details for each day of the wedding weekend. 03 of 27 Chic Welcome Bags Lauren Louise Collective Attendees were welcomed to the event with custom canvas bags. 46 Welcome Bags from Real Weddings 04 of 27 A Strong Start Lauren Louise Collective The celebration kicked off with a welcome party on the beach; guests got comfortable in the sand thanks to cozy lounge vignettes. 05 of 27 Almost Newlyweds Lauren Louise Collective The duo was thrilled with the tropical prenuptial celebration—something their faces prove here, as they got their first look at the space. 06 of 27 Modern Libations Lauren Louise Collective A geometric bar coverlet coated the wooden station, which was backed by shelves lined in libations. 12 Expert-Approved Ideas for Your Wedding Welcome Party 07 of 27 All Aglow Lauren Louise Collective The celebration carried into the evening; strung bistro lights cast a warm glow on the merriment below, turning off only when the group finally parted for the evening. 08 of 27 A Whole Lotta Love Lauren Louise Collective On the morning of the wedding, Kevin delivered a moving morning message for his bride that brought Haylie to happy tears. 09 of 27 Take Two Lauren Louise Collective Haylie's flowing trumpet wedding dress by Sarah Seven, featuring a deep V-neck and spaghetti straps, was actually the second dress she purchased. "I saw it online two months after I bought my first dress and knew I had to have it!" she says. 10 of 27 A Curated Bouquet Lauren Louise Collective Being a floral and event designer herself, Haylie made her own bridal bouquet; it was oblong in shape with all neutral tones and pops of mauve. "It was a mix of dried florals and grasses with hellebores, garden roses, sweet peas, and ranunculus, which are some of my favorite blooms," she says. 18 Petite Wedding Bouquets That Make a Big Statement 11 of 27 First Look with Dad Lauren Louise Collective After a special first look, Haylie's dad proudly walked her down the aisle to an instrumental version of "Beyond" by Leon Bridges. 12 of 27 A Smartly Dressed Groom Lauren Louise Collective Kevin wore a custom suit from Alton Lane in a shade of dark chocolate brown. As a special touch, his mother's wedding ring was tucked into his boutonnière, composed of dried grasses, and ranunculus blossoms. 13 of 27 Minimalist Ceremony Décor Lauren Louise Collective The couple wanted the striking view to be the highlight of their ceremony, so they worked with VVR Production to create a custom stage over the property's infinity pool. "Our villa was located on a cliff, so we were completely backdropped by nothing but sea and sky," says Haylie. Neutral rugs lined the aisle, a grounded arch of flowers and grasses marked the altar, and clear acrylic chairs ensured that nothing was competing with the view. 22 Ideas for an Elevated Beach Wedding 14 of 27 Sealed with a Kiss Lauren Louise Collective After they were pronounced husband and wife, Haylie and Kevin sealed the deal with a kiss. 15 of 27 Romance on the Sand Lauren Louise Collective The couple headed to the white-sand beach for post-ceremony portraits and private time together. 16 of 27 Drinks with a View Lauren Louise Collective A mezcal-tasting bar and spicy hibiscus margaritas were the highlights of the cocktail hour, which took place in the villa while the ceremony site was transformed into the reception area below. "We knew that the main attraction would again be the view, so we opened up the balcony for guests to mill about and watch the sunset," says Haylie. 38 Signature Drinks That'll Personalize Your Cocktail Hour 17 of 27 Unique Seating Cards Lauren Louise Collective Following the cocktail hour, guests grabbed custom Patrón bottles assigned with their table numbers. 18 of 27 So Personal Lauren Louise Collective Attendees' names were etched into the glass bottles. 19 of 27 Eclectic Reception Details Lauren Louise Collective "Our reception décor was my favorite part of the entire design," says Haylie. "We rented exposed-wood farm tables to keep with the organic, natural feel. On the tables, we opted for an eclectic set of floral arrangements with tons and tons of candlelight." Bistro lights strung overhead made the vibe even more romantic and intimate. 20 of 27 At the Helm Lauren Louise Collective Backed with a dramatic palm-leaf installation, the couple's reception table for two was covered with candles and flowers. Who Traditionally Sits at the Head Table During the Wedding Reception? 21 of 27 Exquisite Tabletop Lauren Louise Collective Custom table runners were topped with pops of rust and terra-cotta, while petite floral arrangements featured roses and ranunculus blossoms accented with baby's breath. Trending Now: Terra-Cotta Wedding Décor 22 of 27 Pretty Place Settings Lauren Louise Collective Layered leather-and-acrylic place cards and menu cards that matched the welcome bag itineraries finished off the table décor. 23 of 27 Grand Debut Lauren Louise Collective Much to the delight of their guests, Haylie and Kevin made their grand entrance into the party down the villa's elongated staircase. 24 of 27 A Memorable First Dance Lauren Louise Collective Haylie and Kevin swayed to the strains of "Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur. "Kevin said he'd never heard a song that sounded more like us when it came out," says the bride. 25 of 27 Cake Time Lauren Louise Collective Inside the couple's watercolor cake with terra-cotta tones were chocolate layers with buttercream frosting. 26 of 27 Love in Mexico Lauren Louise Collective The fun didn't stop after the wedding ended: "We did a mini-moon and stayed in Cabo for five extra days after our guests left," says the couple. 9 Mini-Moon Destinations for Every Type of Couple 27 of 27 Sources Lauren Louise Collective Photography, Lauren Louise CollectiveVenue, Villa La RocaEvent Planning, Claire Duran Weddings & EventsFloral and Event Design, Wander + Whimsy Floral and Event StylingVideography, CinemaMegan Rae FilmsFlowers, Lola del Campo for FlorentaInvitations and Stationery, Coco & Bailey DCBride's Gown, Sarah Seven via Lovely Bride DCShoes, Revolve ClothingEngagement Ring, JJ Brown JewelersWedding Bands, Holden RingsHair and Makeup, Blanc BridalGroom's Attire, Alton Lane DCMusic, Lucky DevilsCatering, Salt and SugarCake, Cabo CakesRentals, BBJ Linen; Let it Be Events; Main Event Cabo; Warehouse RentalsProduction,VVR ProAcrylic Signs, Bells & Whistle Was this page helpful? 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