Gil completely floored Taryn on their 6th anniversary. He left a letter in the mailbox telling her to be ready at 6pm. When a limo pulled up to their condo (he would not tell where they were taking her), it first stopped at Starbucks and the driver picked up her FAVOURITE drink. The next stop was at Billy Bishop Airport (this is the Toronto island airport) with an envelope. The letter gave specific instructions and clues and she ended up walking into one of the hangers at the end of the island. Gil was waiting for her and told her that he was taking her on a helicopter ride over the city for their anniversary – which was a beautiful, stunning and incredibly romantic ride. Gil totally surprised Taryn by proposing way up high in the helicopter as the sun was setting over the beautiful city of Toronto! It was absolutely amazing! Definitely a memory that will be etched in Taryn`s mind forever.

ABOUT TARYN & GIL
Occupations: Gil works in Investment Banking and Taryn in Commercial Real Estate.
How they met: At university. Taryn and Gil were both in the same program.
What attracted Gil to Taryn: She is beautiful (eyes, smile… everything), caring and has an amazing personality.
What attracted Taryn to Gil: He`s handsome, crazy intelligent and witty.
What was the best advice you received as a bride/groom? Always remember how you felt on your wedding day and always kiss each other good night.

ABOUT THE WEDDING DAY

Wedding date: May 24, 2013
Number of guests: 40
Wedding colours: Navy and Gold (with accents of ivory and blush pink)
Taryn’s most memorable moment: I can’t limit it to only one … (1) Gil and I exchanged ‘gifts’ early in the day and each stood on opposite sides of the door. It was emotional to read his letter and hear his voice – but not being able to see him! (2) First look at Gil when walking down the aisle and (3) having him read his vows to me meant the world and made it ‘us’.
Gil’s most memorable moment: Seeing her for the first time on the wedding day (walking down the aisle) and being announced for the first time as husband and wife
Taryn and Gil’s Advice to others: Hire Luxe, cross your fingers that you get Alexandra as your wedding planner … and have your wedding @ the Azul Villa Carola!!
Favourite wedding detail: Everything!
Most unexpected moment: When the groomsmen tore their clothes off after the speeches were done … and cannon balled into the pool! It was hilarious and a great way to get the party started!
Most romantic moment: (Besides the actual ceremony of course) – one of our MCs suggested that we take a moment during the evening reception to ‘soak it all in’ … so we walked back to the ceremony location overlooking the beach just the two of us … and took a moment just for us 🙂
Did you include any traditions in your wedding? We added some unique aspects to make it our own. (1) Taryn’s grandmother ‘translated’ our legal ceremony (2) Gil recorded the acoustic song Taryn walked down the aisle to (3) They had some funny ‘Mexican themed’ pictures of their dog Knox at the reception (since he couldn’t make it!) and (4) They mixed in some more modern Mexican elements to celebrate where we got married: mini Jose Cuervo bottles as favours and place cards, a Mexican cocktail menu, a Mexican band for the cocktail party and a cigar roller at the reception.
Honeymoon: We stayed an extra 3 days in Mexico after our guests departed to relax … and then a honeymoon to the Mediterranean in the summer!
The day in three words: Best Day Ever!

WEDDING DETAILS
Ceremony and Reception location: The Villa Carola (adjacent to Azul Beach Hotel)
Why did you choose this location for your wedding? Luxe recommended this location for us because it’s completely private, the view is spectacular, access to the amenities of the Azul Beach, and the amazing wedding team onsite at the Azul!
Bride’s gown: Mikaella gown from Becker’s Bridal with a cathedral length veil (and veil weights from ‘Save the Veil’!)
Bride’s shoes: Michael Kors
Groom’s outfit: Hugo Boss suit
Type of rings: Verragio and Birks
Jewellery: Custom designed by Kim Winter (a jeweller from Peterborough, ON)
Bridesmaids dresses: Henkaa – convertible dresses to suite everyone’s style
Groomsmen attire: Custom tailored from Just Whiteshirts
Wedding song: Bride’s walk down the aisle: acoustic guitar recorded by the Groom
Signature drink: Mimosa Bar – enjoyed by our guests as they arrived at the ceremony!
Favours: Mini Jose Cuervo bottles and a printed group photo (thanks to Citlalli!!)
Music: Beachy acoustic themed (Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, etc.)
Photographer: The FABULOUS and TALENTED Citlalli Rico – from Claudia Photo Studio
Hair: LB Hair (Loriebelle Urrutia) The most amazing hairdresser on the planet … she handled 2 Mom’s, 1 Grandma, 5 Bridesmaids, 1 Maid of Honour and the Bride!
Makeup: Taryn did her own makeup – thanks to all the help from the experts at Sephora
Stationery/Invitations: Save the Date: Minted; Formal Invitations: By Invitation Only (Etsy store); All ‘in destination’ stationery was custom designed and printed by the Bride
Catering: The fabulous staff at the Azul Beach Hotel

FUN STUFF

Astrological signs: Taryn is a Leo and Gil is a Capricorn
What did you put in gift bags? At the welcome party at the Villa, Taryn and Gil provided guests with a welcome bag (a gable box) that included an itinerary, thank you letter, custom door hanger, custom painted shot glass (hand painted by the Bride’s mother), playing cards, Tylenol, hand sanitizer, a mini tide-to-go stick and Starbucks coffee.
Tell us about your experience working with LUXE Destination Weddings: Luxe was absolutely fabulous to work with – Amanda was a rockstar with travel arrangements and reservations … and Alexandra was a superstar wedding planner. We were looking for a destination wedding venue that was unique and private … and Alexandra recommended that we take a look at the Villa Carola. It was absolutely perfect – beautiful, private and next door to a fabulous resort (the Azul Beach) … our wedding party stayed with us in the Villa and the rest of our guests enjoyed the Azul Beach. Alexandra was organized, creative, imaginative, responsive and we felt like she totally ‘got’ what we wanted for our wedding. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to work with Luxe 🙂