I could go into details of the amazing weekend I had with my entire family the days leading to the wedding and the days after the wedding, but for now I just want to focus on the beautiful wedding that was held in Play del Carmen on Saturday June 11, 2011.
Apolonio & Mari during their wedding in Playa del Carmen! I would love to know what they were thinking. They both look beautiful and so at peace.
It looked like a backdrop used in many movies I’ve seen before. There they were my brother Apolonio and his wife to be Mari. Behind them a few green bushes and then the open sea filled with many shades of blue. I couldn’t hold my tears back they were just rolling down. They of course were tears of joy. I couldn’t believe my older brother was getting married and about to embark on a new life with a beautiful women. As the church ceremony ended he was asked to kiss the bride. Shortly after Mariachi’s all dress in white started playing some beautiful typical Mexican music. We then all congratulated them and had tamarindo martinis to celebrate the occasion. The photographers then snatched the couple away for a photo shoot by the sea. So many beautiful photos were taken. In the mean time we (the guest) continued to drink and chat away with stories filled with happiness.
It was a beautiful scene all around to watch them smile and happy while the Mariachi were playing.
A few moments later it was time to make our way to the reception. We all followed the couple in their Rolls Royce. Upon arriving at the reception I again felt like I was on the set of a movie. A carpet of white sandy beach in front of us and then a Caribbean ocean behind it.. On the beach were 10 tables set out and minimally decorated with a fish bowl and flowers and at the center was the dance floor. It was perfection at it’s best.
The couple then came on and danced their first dance. I again had tears rolling down my face. It was so beautiful to watch them mesmerized into each other’s eyes while dancing. I thought if this isn’t love then I have no clue what is. Then came all the usual dances with the parents and with others. After a bit of slow dances every one sat down and dinner was served. After dinner was when the real party started.
Apolonio & Mari during their wedding cutting the cake.
The DJ cranked up the music and the night rolled on. It was open bar so of course everyone was having a great time. The dance floor was packed and the bartender would come up with a tray of about 20-25 shots and hand them out to everyone. We were having the time of our lives. Then the music was paused and we heard tribal dancer coming on to the beach playing drums and spinning fire. It was an amazing show that went on for over 30 minutes. When that was over since we were off the dance floor and at the beach every one decided to get in the water fully dress for some pictures (I took some pictures of that but they are so blurry). It was so much fun to see everyone (myself included) in the water laughing, smiling, and having a good time. Once a million photos were taken the party returned to the dance floor.The bride had a change of clothes and looked refreshed in her cute lil white dress. They played all types of music and everyone was loving it. Sadly all parties have to come to an end the party went on and strong until 2am.
Now that it has been a few days and I have had time to reflect on the wedding. I would have to say I had a great time and am so glad that this was able to happen during my RTW trip. I am also glad I did not miss it, it is something I would have regretted forever. It is night I will never forget. I would also like to wish the couple nothing but the best as they embark on a new life together. I love you both and am happy Mari you are now part of our family.
I am seeing many weddings taking place, because I’m at that age and all my friends on Facebook are getting married and having babies, but I must say, this is one of the loveliest I have seen lately. Incredibly beautiful from the setting to the dress to the couple. Wish the couple well! So glad you were able to attend!
Thanks Allison, i know exactly what you mean about seeing everyone getting married. That is how I feel, but its all good no need to rush into anything. The wedding was truly amazing & I am so glad I was able to attend!
This looks like such an awesome wedding – they both looked amazing!
Thanks Megan, it really was!!!
She looks beautiful! What a good looking couple. I bet you’re so proud of your brother, I know I felt very overwhelmed when I watched my sister saying her vows. The backdrop looks lovely as well. And the mariachi band? Awesome. 🙂
Julia recently posted..Hot and Hungover at St Louis Zoo
Thanks Julia she truly looked beautiful & yes I am very proud of my brother and so happy for him.
I had goosebumps reading this! What an incredibly touching post!!! So glad you could be there for your brother and new SIL. Such a beautiful place to be married!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..My Wedding & Honeymoon: Day 4
Thanks Andi. It truly was a beautiful and amazing wedding & yes the location was also beautiful!!!
I’m so glad you were there to be a part of their special day! How hard was it/will it be to say goodbye to your family again?
Thanks Heather. Well it actually wasn;t that difficult to say good bye because I knew I was going to be seeing them again in a week at home. I do know though I think saying good bye to them when I go to Europe is going to be HARDER cus I know I will be gone for more than a year.
what a beautiful wedding… glad you were able to attend it..
flip recently posted..Deja Vu in the Old Quarters, Hanoi: Three New Learnings
Thanks Flip it really was and I am so glad as well that I was able to attend.
That looks like a dream destination really, and a wonderful wedding 🙂
Angela recently posted..A trip, a photo – Street photography in Shanghai, parking in TianZiFang
Thanks Angela it really was.
You are such a crier. LOL
Glad you got to spend time with the family, I know how important that was to you.
Justin Hamlin recently posted..June 19: Throw Caution to the Wind
I know I really am… but ahh it was tears of joy!!!
wow, what a beautiful wedding. I’m so happy for you and your family. Congrats to him btw. Was the reception on the beach?
Thanks Sarah! Yes the reception was on the beach. There was a time were a lot of even got in the water to take pictures. The wedding was so much fun and beautiful. I know you are planing a destination wedding down there… you are going to love it.
Worth reading the story without a doubt! I enjoyed a lot reading your awesome destination wedding experience, and thanks for sharing it. A destination wedding is more beautiful than a traditional wedding in terms of flexibility, enjoyment, and having fun etc. I just love attending the destination weddings just because of the addiction to travel. Thanks once again!