Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings The Color Palette at This Cancun Beach Wedding Reflected the Locale's Vivid Sunset By Jillian Kramer Jillian Kramer Jillian is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on July 30, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Abby Jiu Photography For their March 16, 2019, wedding in Cancun, Mexico, Katie and Nick chose a fitting theme: "Fate," they say, because the couple knew they were destined to be together. Case in point: Nick met Katie's mother two years before he crossed paths with his future wife. Looking back on their love story, Katie says, "So many things had to be aligned for us to get together." (But they are glad they did, regardless of whether or not the stars had anything to do with it.) Wedding planner Grit & Grace helped the couple execute their dream destination wedding at Nizuc Resort and Spa, using a white-and-fuchsia color palette that popped on the beach. "What we originally had in mind is not where we ended up at all," admits Katie, who says the couple first envisioned a more muted palette. "Our team at Grit & Grace was so fantastic in helping with the theme and color scheme," she says. "Through intimate conversations with them and many dinners, the ideas started to flow, and we ended up with a phenomenal result." But most important to the couple, Katie says, was the experience their 65 guests—many who traveled far to attend the celebration—would have on the big day. "We always wanted an intimate weekend with our friends and family, and it was so amazing everyone came," Katie says. "[We] never knew we were going to end up together, so the fact we were able to have this gorgeous wedding and marry each other was more special than we could have imagined." 01 of 19 Welcome to Nizuc Abby Jiu Photography Katie and Nick fell for Nizuc Resort and Spa for more than just its clean, structural beauty: The venue also offered enough space to host all of their events—including a welcome party. Another bonus? "It didn't feel too much like a commercial resort," Katie says. "It's very romantic and has a very sleek aesthetic." More Amazing Destination Wedding Photos 02 of 19 Chic and Beachy Invitations Abby Jiu Photography The couple's Minted invitation suite featured a sunset-inspired ombré effect. Envelopes were addressed in coral ink by LH Calligraphy and stamped with vintage Mexican-themed stamps by Underwood Letterpress. "We were going for chic and beachy," Katie says of their stationery's vibe. More Destination Wedding Invitations 03 of 19 Handy Welcome Bags Abby Jiu Photography Katie and Nick gave guests welcome bags filled with useful items for a resort weekend: sunglasses, sunblock, a timeline, and a pashmina for cool nights on the beach. "It was fun to see everyone carrying them around the resort," Katie says. See Our Favorite Welcome Bags from Real Weddings 04 of 19 A Cozy Start to the Big Day Abby Jiu Photography The wedding party donned matching pajamas on the morning of the wedding, while the bride wore a white robe. 05 of 19 The Classic Bride Abby Jiu Photography Katie's Oscar de la Renta wedding dress was "classic and elegant," and just what she wanted. She also wore Yves Saint Laurent heels and a long, tulle veil. "I was obsessed with my veil," Katie says. "I would wear it every day if it were socially acceptable." 06 of 19 The Just-as-Classic Groom Abby Jiu Photography The dapper groom kept his attire traditional, as well; he wore a simple suit from J. Crew. Should the Groom Wear a Suit or a Tuxedo on the Wedding Day? 07 of 19 A Fuchsia Gradient Abby Jiu Photography Bridesmaids (and two bridesmen!) chose their own ensembles in hues that varied from blush to coral to fuchsia. 08 of 19 Matching the Groom Abby Jiu Photography Nick's groomsmen also chose their own suits and wore long ties (a departure from the groom's choice in bow tie). 09 of 19 Below the Arch Abby Jiu Photography Katie and Nick held their ceremony on the beach at sunset, and exchanged vows beneath a square arch covered in blush baby's breath. How to Time Your Wedding Ceremony to Coincide with Sunset 10 of 19 A Ceremony Movie Reference Abby Jiu Photography The duo's ceremony wasn't religious, they say, bur they did write their own vows. "I walked down the aisle to Counting Crows' 'Colorblind,'" Katie recalls. "I wanted to emulate the escalator scene in Cruel Intentions." 11 of 19 Back Up the Aisle Abby Jiu Photography Katie and Nick walked back up the aisle—after being pronounced husband and wife—to Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love." 12 of 19 All in the Cards Abby Jiu Photography The couple had a very unique seating assignment display: Guests' table numbers were printed on tarot cards, doled out by a seer who gave everyone a reading before sending them towards their seats. "Nick and I love to get readings and I think I am psychic," says Katie. "Laura from Grit & Grace came up with this amazing idea for the escort card wall and hit it out of the park because it truly reflects something about us—plus it was interactive and entertaining for the guests." More Unique Seating Charts to Guide Guests to Their Seats 13 of 19 Celestial Cocktail Hour Abby Jiu Photography During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed drinks—of course!—plus lobster dumplings, sushi, lamb chops, and goat cheese tomato balls. Treats were served with napkins that described the compatibility between astrological signs—another celestial touch. More Cute Wedding Coasters and Napkins 14 of 19 Lounge Areas with a View Abby Jiu Photography Posh lounge areas (punctuated with fuchsia pillows) let guests enjoy their drinks while taking in the view of the ocean. 15 of 19 Dinner Near the Lagoon Abby Jiu Photography Katie and Nick held their reception at the resort's Terra Nostra, a deck that extends over the water. String lights hung above a single long table illuminated the dinner setup. "With 65 guests in attendance, we decided to go for one dramatic king table," described Katie. "It fit perfectly on the deck at Terra Nostra, and with hanging celestial lanterns overhead, it truly took everyone's breath away when they entered to eat by the lagoon." A Guide to Wedding Reception Tables 16 of 19 The Centerpieces Abby Jiu Photography The couple asked floristCanteiro Weddings to create tall centerpieces—that wouldn't hinder guests' conversations—using a mix of red and pink roses and tulips. Smaller carnation-centric arrangements, placed in gold geometric terrariums, were placed flush on the tabletops. Discover Even More Tall Wedding Centerpieces 17 of 19 On the Menu Abby Jiu Photography Attendees' names were wrapped around the menu cards at each place setting. Menus previewed a delicious three-course meal: chilled avocado and crab soup, tomato and mozzarella, and filet with a lobster tail. 18 of 19 A Destined First Dance Abby Jiu Photography After the bride changed into her custom reception dress (made from Alexander McQeen lace!) by My Metro Fit, the couple shared their first dance to Matoma's "False Alarm." "Before we got engaged, Nick heard the song and played it for me. He said if we ever got married, he felt it should be 'our song.'" When it came time to pick their first-dance song, it was a no-brainer. 19 of 19 Sources Abby Jiu Photography Photography, Abby Jiu Photography Location and catering, Nizuc Resort and Spa Event planning, Grit & Grace Flowers and rentals, Canteiro Weddings Stationery, Minted; Underwood Letterpress Calligraphy, LH Calligraphy Music, Vissuddah Entertainment; DJ Services Bride's gown, Oscar de la Renta (ceremony), My Metro Fit (reception) Bride's shoes, Yves Saint Laurent Hair and makeup, Styling Trio Groom's suit, J. Crew Groom's shoes, Saks Fifth Avenue Lighting, JSAV Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit