Memorable Weddings
By Josef Kandoll W.

What’s a destination wedding? Start out by planning a trip to a place you’d really like to go. Now make an event of it and invite everyone you’d like to spend time with for more than a minute. Make it an extraordinary cause for celebration by dressing in white and getting married. Just think: the invitation list is totally yours! Well, yours and your fiancé’s.

The key is to choose a destination that has something for everyone. This is where Puerto Vallarta comes into play. Not only is it one of the most beautiful, popular coastal towns in Mexico; it has a real Mexican alma, or soul. That’s to say nothing of the flavor, the energy, natural beauty and the welcoming friendliness of the people.

What are the crucial elements of a destination wedding? First, you need to choose your venue. Here in Puerto Vallarta you have the choice of gorgeous sandy beaches, charming haciendas, sophisticated villas, five-star resorts, traditional Mexican churches or even lush green jungles or deep blue seas. How do you decide? Early on, you must find a coordinator who will make magic for you.

A wedding planner or coordinator is more than just the director of the event: He or she is the one who will interpret your dream and find the way to bring it to reality within your budget. It isn’t inexpensive. But then, when you’re looking at arguably the most important social event of your entire life, who’s to quibble over the bottom line?

But let’s back up and take a look at Vallarta as a destination. What can it promise you?

Activities and venues: Something for everyone.

Weather: The temperatures are comfortable from October to June, with lesser control of inclement conditions the closer you get to the rainy season.

Ambience: I’ve already touched on friendly. Did I mention that the sun sets to the west? Here in the Mexican Pacific, we see the sunset nearly every night. Is that romantic or what?

Infrastructure: You can count on world-class dining, golf, sailing, fishing, transportation, venues, flowers, designers and wedding planners who know how to put it all together for you.

Visual memories: Still photography, video or both? Local professionals will be much less expensive than a photographer from your home area. This climate has its own set of challenges for a pro—and it’s a smart move to trust a local expert who not only knows the light and the weather, but those secret locations for extra-romantic shoots.

Hair and makeup: I can’t stress enough the importance of climate, wind, sand, humidity and heat, and local experts know how to deal with that.

Once you choose your venue, you might need to reconsider your fashion choice. A dream ball gown and Manolo Blahnik stilettos are not appropriate for a beach wedding. Barefoot hippie attire is not OK in the cathedral. And sandals, shorts and Hawaiian shirts are too relaxed for an elegant villa. Remember to choose for comfort as well as for style, both when you look at venues and when you decide on the dress code. And don’t forget to advise your guests on appropriate wear. They will be happier for it—and happy guests really do make a happier couple after all. I know. I’ve seen it!

Making Wedding Dreams Come True

Local coordinators will handle everything from A to Z in Vallarta and the surrounding area.

Evangelina (Eva) Sánchez of The River Café organizes weddings at your choice of venue. Whether at her romantic riverside gourmet restaurant, on the beach or in a villa, her team can help you coordinate your special day. She also owns The Flower Gallery, with her own florist to help you with floral designs and decorations. With her staff of professionals, Sánchez will help create a memorable event.
rivercafe.com.mx

Another restaurant that offers catering and more is Don Pedro’s in Sayulita, about 45 minutes north of Vallarta. They’ll pick you up at the airport, arrange your villa stay and provide catering. With a palapa on the soft sands of Sayulita beach, the staff can handle up to 250 people with ease. Even if it’s activities for your family and friends during their stay, trust them to handle it.
sayulitaweddings.com

Sheraton Buganvilias
Resort & Convention Center
Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 999
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48333
Tel: 322-226-0404
Fax: 322-222-3280
E-mail: eleane.joya@sheratonvallarta.com.mx
Website: sheratonvallarta.com
Days/Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday    9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Romantic weddings in the charming Banderas Bay. Celebrate your wedding on our spectacular beach or a romantic garden with an ocean view. Party with your friends and family—or enjoy a romantic dinner for two under the stars. For larger weddings, choose from elegant ballrooms, gardens, terraces and the pool area, which we can transform into a romantic backdrop for your magical day.