Imagine the ultimate celebration in a lush jungle setting – welcome to Lexie and Justin’s extraordinary Espacio Chechen wedding in Tulum, Mexico! This unforgettable destination wedding was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. The first look between the couple will leave you breathless! But that wasn’t all – their weekend-long festivities, expertly planned by Arlenis Ruiz Weddings, included a breathtaking post-wedding shoot amidst the stunning in-water caves. Talk about taking it up a notch!From their meticulously curated outfits to the ethereal ceremony surrounded by nature’s splendor and the stylish outdoor reception that flowed seamlessly into the night, this colorful and quirky wedding is sure to capture your heart. A huge thank you goes out to Pablo Laguia for capturing these incredible moments of Lexie and Justin’s joyful celebration.
Espacio Chechen Wedding
The Proposal
As we ventured into the Alaskan wilderness, Justin dropped down to one knee beneath the mesmerizing display of the aurora borealis. The night sky was abuzz with ethereal lights, as if the very spirits of the north were performing a celestial ballet. With temperatures plummeting to -20 degrees Celsius, it was a surreal experience that we won’t soon forget. Our spontaneous decision to hop on a plane and spend a long weekend in Alaska proved to be an unforgettable adventure.
The Vision
As free-spirited travelers, we’ve always been drawn to new experiences and exploring the unknown. Whether it’s hiking through the wilderness or embarking on a spontaneous road trip, we thrive on the thrill of discovery. Given our shared sense of adventure, a destination wedding was the natural choice for us. We wanted to share this special moment with the people who matter most – our friends and family. Imagine an entire week dedicated to love, laughter, and celebration with the ones you hold dear.
The Venue
As I searched for a unique venue, my goal was to avoid the ordinary beach wedding. I had almost settled on a location near cenotes when I stumbled upon Arlenis’ work and decided to reach out. She immediately proposed an alternative that exceeded my expectations in every way. The setting she described – vibrant, exotic, and one-of-a-kind – was precisely what I had envisioned. After seeing Chechen’s photos, I was hooked. My fiancé, his mom, my mom, and I took a trip to Tulum to get a firsthand taste of the venue. We were all left breathless by the experience. The photos didn’t do it justice; in person, it was even more breathtaking. We had found our ultimate location, one that eclipsed everything else we’d considered. We were grateful to Arlenis for having this hidden gem up her sleeve! To add an extra layer of surprise, we kept the location a secret from our guests, only revealing Tulum as their destination. The moment they arrived at the towering wooden gates, jaws dropped in unison. As they walked along the winding path, taking in the lush surroundings and sipping tropical drinks, they were directed towards our ceremony area. It was exhilarating to be able to surprise them in such a way.
The Ceremony & Music
The celebration took an unexpected turn when my mother and her two sisters, with a flair for showmanship, burst into a mesmerizing dance routine set to the iconic ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA. Their costumes perfectly capturing the essence of the song’s legendary trio, Donna and the Dynamos.
Memorable Moments
The day itself was an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled, sensory-overwhelming experience! It started with my brothers’ hilarious comedy show during our ceremony, surrounded by vibrant colors, lush jungle landscapes, and perfect weather. The atmosphere was electric, with gorgeous florals, a live painter capturing the moment, delectable food and drinks, a saxophonist adding to the dance floor’s epicness, an unforgettable choreographed first dance, and even a churro cart that stole the show! Our photographer expertly captured it all.But that was just the beginning. The days leading up to our wedding were filled with adventure: rooftop welcome parties watching sunsets over Tulum, group tours exploring ancient ruins like Chichen Itza, swimming in numerous cenotes, snorkeling, and discovering hidden caves. We even had a rehearsal dinner on the beach with an incredible live salsa band, mouth-numbingly spicy tacos, and drinks that left us breathless.And then there were the days after our wedding – the morning after, when our photographer took us to a stunning cave cenote for an awe-inspiring photoshoot. And just 24 hours later, it was just the two of us, our photographer, and the picturesque beach where we let our hair down… literally! There are simply too many memories to count.
