Say “Si” in Mexico

Say “Si” in Mexico. There are so many great wedding venues with beachfront views view and sandy beaches. Check out the latest issue of Destination IDO & Honeymoons magazine. Two of my favorites Mexican wedding resorts are the Royalton Riveria Maya Hotel and Mahekal Beach Resort 

Gail Johnson Weddings & Events, es una empresa dedicada a la planeación, diseño y coordinación de eventos y bodas destino (Translation: It is a company dedicated to the planning, design and coordination of events and destination weddings).

Mahekal Beach Resort, your magical moment begins on a white, sandy path adorned with crimson rose petals. There simply is not a more magical backdrop for your Playa del Carmen wedding than the turquoise waters, supple sand and lush vegetation surrounding Mahekal BeachResort. The turquoise sea rises to greet you and your groom. Enchanting birds call out from the tropical palm trees with their songs of approval. This is the wedding you have always dreamed of; this is a Mahekal Beach Resort wedding.

The stylish rooms and bungalows (no TVs) feature terraces or balconies with hammocks, as well as free Wi-Fi, safes and sitting areas. Those on the beach add private plunge pools, and adults-only penthouses have outdoor showers and canopy beds. Room service is available. Breakfast and dinner are included and there are 2 restaurants and 3 bars. Additional amenities include 2 outdoor pools, a hot tub, private beach and dive center, plus event space. 

Royalton Riveria Cancun exclusive All-In Luxury™ concept is devoted to providing guests with a unique vacation experience, masterfully blending the Yucatan Peninsula’s unique culture with a luxury product that features top quality service, and great attention to detail. Dedicated and friendly staff, an incredible Puerto Morelos location, top-notch dining venues, wonderful destination wedding packages , spacious rooms and suites, a fitness facility, and great all-inclusive services are sure to enhance your luxury vacation experience.

Tie the knot at the Royalton Riviera Cancun. What could be more beautiful than marrying your true love in paradise? Our luxury resort is designed to make your destination wedding truly unique, and help you create everlasting memories you will cherish forever. Whether you're hosting an intimate family affair or a grand gala, weddings at our All-in Luxury™ resort are extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime events.

Destination Weddings - Mexico

If you want a fabulous destination wedding in Mexico, here are some helpful tips and valuable information. I'm your certified travel wedding planner and can help you plan the destination wedding of your dreams.I've included some of my pix from my last visit to Mexico. Contact me at gal@gailjohnsonweddings.com.

Los Cabos: 

Airport- Los Cabos International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in Mexico, located at San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The airport serves Los Cabos area: San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

Weather - The best time to visit Cabo is from May to June, when the wintertime crowds have gone home and the summertime storms have yet to hit. October and November are also nice months for a vacation, but you'll need to begin your hotel search early if you want to save money.

Currency- The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso but American dollars are also widely accepted. 

Cancun:

Airport- Cancún International Airport is the most popular for those honeymooning in Cancun, Mexico’s top leisure destination. 

Weather- The best weather will be found December through April. You can expect temperatures in the low to mid eighties and decreased precipitation during these months. 

Riviera Maya:

***The Riviera Maya is a large area. The highway runs from the airport in Cancun south 80 miles along the coast to the city of Tulum. The Riviera Maya is everything in between. There are several towns along the way, Playa Del Carmen being the most well known and developed.) 

Airport- You will likely find the least expensive flights flying into Cancún International Airport . 

Weather- If you want the best weather in the area -- still sunny, but milder and with less rainfall and virtually no risk of storms -- plan your vacation from December to April.

Puerto Vallarta:

Airport- Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is an international airport located at Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco in Mexico.

Weather- The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between April and June when the weather is pleasant and the room rates are affordable. During these months, rain is scarce and there are fewer tourists. If you're interested in whale watching, however, visit from January to March.

Xcaret! Mexico Wedding Venues

I had the opportunity to go on a site excursion to Xcaret! This park venue had some amazing sites to hold ceremonies from an underground chapel, to hacienda to circular spot that includes 4 elements. So for those who want something different the location offers plenty of variety for ceremony/reception spaces. We also had a chance to see tortillas made by hand and a real tortillas factory, you could taste the difference - both were good.

Destination Wedding - All-Inclusive Riviera Maya

I am now a certified destination wedding planner after attending Love Mexico conference. All I can say is WOW! Cancun is just a short 2 hour 15 minute plane ride from Atlanta. Once you land, the resorts are 30 minute ride. So, for those couples who want a small intimate wedding on the beach or rooftop, hacienda or underground cathedral. For the adventurous you can get married at some amazing venues in the jungle.

The Royalton Hotel was one of my favorites...

Omni Hotel Amelia Island - Thinking Outside the Box

This picture says it all....I had the opportunity to visit or should I say explore all that the Omni Amelia Island to offer. It wasn't until I was home that I had an "ah-ha" moment. This was the first venue that really got it! When I say got it, I mean thinking waaaay outside the box. Why have the groom's get together for the guys at a restaurant...what about on a cliff overlooking the golf course and ocean.

Why have bridal luncheon at the cafe when you can host your fab, fun celebration under large oak trees by the tennis court. What better way to enjoy the day sipping mimosa and watching young, hot tennis pros - I digress. Or, lunch at the chef's private greenhouse. You get the point, most venue don't promote other options but the Omni Amelia Island didn't miss a beat in making sure every event was unique.

And, I can't close without talking about those bourbon honey tea cocktails -- with honey made from their private on-property bee farm. I don't even like bourbon, but that honey tea was divine. #omni #omni_aip #travelblogger #venue #weddings #events #wedgail #firstclass #FAM

A Charming Love Story at Omni Amelia Island - Day 3

I was among a handful of wedding planners and event insiders invited to spend time at the Omni Hotel Amelia Island Resort. All things must come to an end - so this is my last post on A Charming Love Story at Omni Amelia Island. We had the most delightful brunch overlooking the Ocean Links #6 golf course and beach. The Chef prepared a meal for a groom's rehearsal complete with mini purple potatoes and golf theme inspired table by PRI. After brunch, we headed to the Presidential Suite to hang out before our shuttle took us to the airport. Thank you so much staff at Omni for working so hard to put together a beautiful event (Carol, Emily, Whitney, Mary, Chef and the staff of the Omni)

Orange slices, bacon, sausage

Best French toast with berries

Brunch with Chef

Brunch overlooking the beach and gold course

Brunch styling 

Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite 

Just Charmed - The End!

ABC Master Wedding Planner

Well, the year has past by in a blink of an eye. I spent most of the last quarter planning weddings and events but also working on my portfolio and conference presentation. The Association of Bridal Conference was held at Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica. I presented to a panel and I PASSED - now I can officially say that I'm a Master Wedding Planner. This is the highest level of accreditation and I feel blessed, honored and relieved to finally marking this off my 2014 goals.

I've never been to a Sandals resort but all I can say is "I had the time of my life". WOW, they rolled out the red carpet for the Association of Bridal Consultants annual conference. Ceci of New York spoke about branding and how she built a successful brand. Her speech was right on time as I'm busy working on re-branding my company in 2015.