My New York Times Wedding

Photo Credit: Talia Lopez

There are moments in life that feel straight out of a script, and for me, February 26, 2023, was one of them. While our wedding in Los Cabos was later featured in the New York Times Style section (which sweetly highlighted how we met and showed off our gorgeous engagement photos), today I’m sharing the raw, unforgettable details that made our day at Villa Marcella in Pedregal pure magic.

When we decided on a destination wedding, there was really only one place that felt right: Los Cabos. After all, it was the location of my husband and I’s first vacation together when we started dating! Choosing the secluded and spectacular Villa Marcella provided the perfect backdrop for our intimate group of about 75 guests.

This was more than just a party, it was a full celebration of luxury, love, and a few hilarious fashion mishaps.


The Look: Custom Couture and a Missing Veil

For a feature-worthy wedding, the look had to be memorable. I commissioned a custom gown from a brilliant local designer in Houston, Texas, and she delivered a masterpiece.

The Dress and the Louboutins

The true star of the show was my train—and when I mean long, I mean miles long. It flowed across the sand, providing the ultimate dramatic, cinematic moment for our beach wedding.

To tackle that Cabo sand and make the ultimate style statement, I wore a pair of fabulous Christian Louboutin heels. Between the custom gown and the iconic red soles, it was a high-fashion statement that was unforgettable.

A High-Style Scent & The Funny Flub

The finishing touch was my signature scent for the day: Pure Magnolia by Cartier. Choosing this sophisticated fragrance was a beautiful, personal tribute—my great-grandmother’s name was Magnolia. It’s key for locking in those memories; every time I smell the scent now, I’m instantly back on that beach.

And speaking of memories… with all the focus on the miles-long train and the custom details, I have a confession: I completely forgot to put on my wedding veil! It was a tiny moment of chaos that became a funny, endearing part of our story—and honestly, the custom dress and that spectacular train provided all the drama I needed.


The Vibe: Tequila, Tunes, and Tropical Nights

The reception, held right there at Villa Marcella, was designed to be both chic and full of energy.

A Wall of Drinks & A Feast of Culture

We went all-out on the decor, including a truly beautiful drink wall that served as a perfect photo backdrop and an instant conversation starter. It was the ultimate statement of luxury—personalized service and style everywhere you looked.

But the real party started when the music kicked in. To celebrate the vibrant culture of Mexico, we hired a fantastic mariachi band for the reception. There is nothing like a group of people in white tuxedos playing festive music as the sun sets over the Pacific. It provided the kind of authentic, celebratory energy that only a destination wedding can deliver.

Final Thoughts

My wedding was a dream because it blended high-end style (custom gown, Louboutins, Cartier perfume) with genuine, relaxed fun (the mariachi band, the drink wall, the forgotten veil). If you are considering a destination wedding, Los Cabos—and specifically a private luxury villa like Villa Marcella—is the perfect place to create a day that is so unique, it just might end up in the New York Times Style section!

About Courtney

Courtney is a Bay Area based lifestyle blogger and influencer who loves luxury travel, beauty, and fashion.

Latest Article

FOLLOW ALONG

About Courtney

Courtney is a Bay Area based lifestyle blogger and influencer who loves luxury travel, beauty, and fashion.

Get The Look

Shop My LTK