DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
WATTERS × WEDAWAYS
How to style and prepare for the destination wedding of your dreams — featuring insights from our talented team of vendors who came together for this inspiring photoshoot in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.
EMBRACE YOUR
Strike the perfect balance between romantic and sexy with this clean silhouette paired with fresh native botanicals and bold jewelry adorments.
shop mirall gown
DRIFT LIKE A
Romantic fairytale vibes with no-fuss comfort. Mist moves like a dream and feels like one too.
shop mist gown
The key to designing destination weddings is to draw from the local culture and community artisans to bring together something authentically beautiful.
— JAIME, DESIGN & PRODUCTION
DELIGHT THEM WITH
You'll turn heads in bouquets of lacy florals
amongst the natural beauty of local foliage.
shop prescott gown
Florals always depend on the season and I try to use local when I can. We did a lot of foraging, sourced from local growers, and incorporated florals and greens that were natural to the region.
— PINA, FLORIST
DARE TO PAIR
The delicate details of Trini sheath gown create a garden of lace that wraps you in whimsy from bust to bustle. Top with Danbury Overskirt and you'll be gliding to the alter, a vision of grace and poise.
shop danbury overskirt
shop trini gown
Advice I'd give to a couple planning a destination wedding is to hire a team of professionals who understand the complexities of planning and executing destination events. Then, lean into the natural abundance of the place, honoring the culture, beautiful surroundings, and don't forget to also infuse elements of your particular style to make it feel deeply personal and unique.
— VALORIE DARLING, PHOTOGRAPHER
Whether you're the modern classic type or one to express your unique artfulness, adorn yourself in the gown that is the greatest expression of you no matter where you are.
shop névoa gown
névoa
cappucine
The stark white of Cappucine makes a bold statement against the darker tones in the tablescape – making it the perfect contrast. The touch of color for the florals adds a bit of romance to tie it all together.
— SYDNEY, WATTERS STYLE DIRECTOR
The vision for hair and makeup was to make sure it looked modern, fresh and ultimately uncomplicated. We made sure the beauty of the models and the gowns came through first, and that the hair and makeup empowered the overall look as opposed to overpowering it. We kept the skin bright and glowy and the hair soft and modern for an approachable yet polished look.
— NICOLE, HAIR & MAKEUP
MAIDS THAT SHINE LIKE A
Beachy comfort meets shimmering elegance —
ready for radiantly toasting the happy couple or
dancing barefoot in the sand.
see shimmer mesh maids
We love this traditional fabric, set in a modern way, to bring a classic look to your beach side wedding. The low, square neckline keeps it fresh, with a touch of whimsy from the removable puff sleeves.
— SYDNEY, WATTERS STYLE DIRECTOR
shop serein gown
The design of the hotel includes a modern take on traditional architectural elements. We decided to draw from the unique tilework for our tablescapes, with custom linens mimicking the backsplash in the lobby as well as invitations and place cards using other patterns seen throughout the resort.
— JAIME, DESIGN & PRODUCTION
HINT OF DEMURE
Perfect for chilly Mexico nights, a sheer sleeve with
delicate floral embroidery is the solution.
see lucia with sleeves
PRODUCERS
Renée Strauss & Pamela Goldman
@wedawaystravel
Wedaways is a travel agency focused on
luxury weddings & honeymoons with a
curated portfolio of the world's best
destinations and venues for celebrations.
VENUE
The Thompson Zihuatanejo
@thompsonzihuatanejo
FASHION
Sydney, Xay, Maria
@watters
PHOTOGRAPHER
Valorie Darling
@valoriedarling
PLANNER
Jaime Kostechko
@wild_heart_events
FLORAL/DECOR
Pina Cate
@pinacate0202
BEAUTY
Nicole Samara Iyer
@samarabeautysb
VIDEOGRAPHER
Brandon Chesbro
@branchesbro
MODEL
Alex Watson
@thealextwatson
MUCH MORE TO EXPLORE
see all bridal gowns
GET A PEAK BEHIND THE SCENES
MODEL
Laura Persons, The Campbell Agency
@laurapersons_
shop cappucine gown
The Thompson Zihuatanejo