Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

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Pennsylvania couple Jennifer Krug and Scott Kesler dreamed of an intimate Caribbean beach wedding, but wanted to make their faraway affair as affordable as possible for their nearest and dearest. With budget in mind, the couple set their sights on an all-inclusive resort — namely Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, in the peaceful seaside town of Tulum, Mexico. Once the venue was booked, the resort’s event planners, Annabel Sanchez and Aurora Garcia, communicated with the couple via email to help pull off their big day.

Jennifer, Scott and their 40 guests spent the days leading up to the wedding taking advantage of the resort’s activities like snorkeling, kayaking, salsa dancing, tequila tasting and touring nearby ancient ruins.

 After a week of fun in the sun, the couple wed under a canopy on the beach just before sunset. Jennifer wore an empire-waist gown by Mikaella, J.Crew sandals, a floor-length Toni Federici veil, and a necklace-and-bracelet set from Richard Designs. The bridal party all sported J.Crew — bridesmaids in silk chiffon tea-rose-colored dresses, and the men in tan linen suits with coordinating tea-rose ties. As a tropical touch, the ladies carried vibrant bouquets of pink and orange roses, white orchids, and orange and yellow calla lilies by florist Magdalena Hernandez.

 The cocktail hour — complete with a festive mariachi band — took place next to the resort’s relaxation pool, where guests enjoyed a full bar and hors d’oeuvres like mushrooms stuffed with black-truffle cream cheese. Before moving on to the reception, the couple shared a champagne toast with vintage-inspired Kate Spade toasting glasses. The reception followed just beyond the pool. White-linen-covered tables lit from underneath added a club-like vibe for a dinner of quesadillas, filet mignon, shrimp and a tres leches cake with fresh strawberries, all catered by the resort. Then guests hit the illuminated dance floor, provided by DJ Ivan Gomez, and partied late into the night.

Photos courtesy of Alison Conklin Photography

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