Marcella and Cooper didn’t set out to plan a destination wedding for the sake of it. Mexico was already part of their story. Childhood memories, family roots, and a shared love for the ocean made it feel inevitable rather than extravagant. What unfolded at Rosewood Mayakoba was not just a wedding day, but a full, intentional wedding weekend layered with meaning, design, and presence.
One of the things I love most about destination weddings is the space they create for connection. When everyone travels together, the celebration stretches out and softens. There’s time to settle in, to share meals, to laugh without watching the clock.
Marcella and Cooper welcomed guests starting Thursday with cocktails at Casa del Lago as friends and family arrived. Friday unfolded with a pool party, followed by a rehearsal and vibrant welcome dinner in the Ceiba Garden. Sunday closed with a relaxed family dinner and lingering goodbyes. It felt less like an itinerary and more like a reunion.
This is where destination weekends shine, and it’s also where my approach as a photographer matters most. Capturing a full wedding weekend allows the story to unfold naturally. The candids between events. The quiet moments in between. The way the energy builds and softens again.
[SEE THE FEATURE ON STYLE ME PRETTY]
Welcome Dinner at La Ceiba Garden
The welcome dinner at La Ceiba Garden set the tone immediately. Long wooden tables overflowed with vibrant florals and citrus. Lemons and grapefruits tucked between blooms in reds, oranges, yellows, creams, and soft pinks. White papel picado, custom-made with Marcella and Cooper’s names, floated overhead. Each guest received an Oaxacan floral candle, a small but meaningful detail.
Guests were encouraged to wear white, which made the color palette feel even more alive. The contrast was striking and joyful without feeling loud. It was celebratory in the most natural way. Paper goods played a major role throughout the weekend. A custom monogram and hand-painted leopards, birds, and tropical florals carried from the invitation suite through day-of pieces.
A Ceremony Rooted on the Lagoon Lawn
The ceremony took place on the Lagoon Lawn, framed by panoramic views of the lush gardens. The aisle was lined in soft whites and creams, leading to a sculptural, tree-inspired altar layered with tropical foliage. It felt organic and serene, like the setting itself was part of the ceremony rather than a backdrop.
Music was deeply personal. Every song was chosen intentionally and performed live by a guitar, piano, and vocalist trio. The wedding party entered to Moon River. Marcella walked down the aisle to La Vie en Rose. They exited together to At Last. Their first dance was Kissing You. It was emotional without being overproduced, romantic without being precious.
As an influencer, fashion was very important to Marcella! Her wedding gown, the Michelle gown by Liz Martinez, featured a sheer skirt and sequins that caught the golden light beautifully. She wore pieces by Anikena Atelier and Netta BenShabu throughout the weekend, bringing in local designers with intention.
Rosewood Mayakoba Wedding Reception at Aquí Me Quedo
Guests walked through a tropical forest to reach the reception, and the reveal was breathtaking. Bold tropical florals cascaded from the ceiling of Aquí Me Quedo, with all-white flowers displayed across the tables. Candlelight flickered everywhere, including from the ceiling, creating a soft glow that carried well into the night. A custom monogrammed dance floor anchored the space.
Dinner and drinks were abundant and thoughtful. Mexican vanilla wedding cakes, taquitos, mini lobster rolls, pastry-wrapped sausages, pineapple hearts floating in piña coladas, and a custom strawberry guava spritz kept guests well-fed and happy.
From the bride, Marcella: “As a little girl, I always dreamed of a fairytale wedding, but what I once pictured as a grand ball in a castle turned into palm trees, ocean air, and a sense of peace that comes from being exactly where you’re meant to be. We actually chose Mexico on our babymoon (almost by accident!), and it ended up being the perfect place to share our love story. Waking up on my wedding day to a private view of the ocean we both grew up loving, I didn’t feel like Cinderella or any other fictional princess. I just felt like myself. And that was my favorite part of it all, just how perfectly the whole day felt.”
Why Full Wedding Weekends Matter
Marcella and Cooper’s wedding is such a perfect example of why I love photographing destination weddings and multi-day celebrations. The portraits capture the beauty. The candids tell the story. The in-between moments hold the heart. Whether it’s Mexico, Texas, or anywhere in the world, I approach every celebration with the same intention: to document it honestly, intuitively, and with care.
Vendors:
- Featured On: Style Me Pretty
- Photography: Julie Wilhite Photography
- Venue: Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
- Coordinator: Tessa Wilson with Pearl Events
- Videographer: 718 Creative
- Content Creator: Cupid Content Co
- Florals: PS Flower Studio
- Band/DJ/Ceremony Music: Sole Power
- Stationery: Happy Menocal Studio
- Living/AV: Mills James
- Dance Floor/Stage: Planner1 Events
- Photobooth: PicMe
- Hair Pieces: Twigs and Honey
- Hair: Swamp Mermaid Beauty
- Her Ring: Sofia Zakia
- Bride Rehearsal Dinner Outfit: Anikena Atelier at Azulik in Tulum
- Bride Ceremony: Liz Martinez, Christian Dior
- Bride Reception: Netta Benshabu
- Groom Suit – G&N Bespoke Tailoring in Austin, Gucci Shoes
