Congratulations to Tanya and Michael on your recent nuptials in Punta Cana. Their wedding was held at the popular Majestic Elegance resort, and all photos are taken by the lovely and wonderful Nikki at Crimson Photos.

About Tanya and Michael
Occupations: Tanya’s an Advertising Account Manager at TAXI. Mike is an Applications Sales Manager at Oracle.
How they met (as per Tanya): Originally I met Mike when I subbed in on a friend’s dodgeball team. Then for years we continued to run into each other at bars and on the beach volleyball courts, and we finally met again at a friend’s BBQ where Mike got my number. And the rest is history.
What attracted Mike to Tanya: Her smile and eyes
What attracted Tanya to Mike: His handsome eyes, athleticism, intelligence, quirky sense of humour, sweetness and the list goes on… 😉
What was the best advice you received as a bride/groom? Just enjoy the moment as it passes by so quickly.
Engagement story (according to Tanya): At the end of the summer in 2011, we drove the entire US Pacific Coast along HWY 1, starting in Seattle all the way down to San Diego. One of our longer stops along the way was in Santa Barbara, which was about half way into our trip. After we unpacked and explored the town a bit we decided to go for a run along the water at sunset. Halfway through the run, Mike started to complain about his hamstring and had to stretch it. So he stretch for like 10 seconds and we continued to run. Then as we turned back, he started to really complain. He said he pulled it, so he started to stretch again. This time he was really stretching, I was helping him; pushing his leg over his head and then I was just waiting, patting his back… Then he grabs my hand and says: “Darling, I love you so much, I want to spend my life with you, will you marry me.” I seriously thought he was just playing with me because I helped him stretch and also because he didn’t have the ring out yet. I said “Well, yeah, of course I’ll marry you!” and he continued, and I replied “Are you serious?” … “What?” and then he said, “I have a ring.” And all of a sudden, he pulls it out of his jacket and I started to feel my heart pump into my throat and thought “is this really happening?” OMG OMG! “Is this really happening, are you serious?” … and then I said “YES.” And he put on the ring! He proposed on a run because that is something we do together all the time and we will always remember it and think of it when we run together!

The Wedding Day
Wedding date: May 27, 2013
Number of guests: 30
Wedding colours: Navy blue and light blue
Tanya’s most memorable moment: Even though we did the first glance and photos before the ceremony, walking down the aisle with my mom and dad towards my future husband was a surreal, wonderful moment.
Mike’s most memorable moment: Standing on the alter was pretty surreal, the breeze was so nice and cool….and the sound of the waves was tranquil and calming
Advice to others: Don’t sweat it, just have fun and breathe.
Favourite wedding detail: The beach set up
Most unexpected moment: Mike and the best man taking off their suits and jumping into the pool!
Most romantic moment: The times when Mike and I were somewhat alone, while the photographer is in the distance taking our pictures. And at the alter holding hands.
Did you include any traditions in your wedding? First dance and cake cutting
Honeymoon: Over Christmas we are going to South America for 3 weeks, starting in Peru, climbing the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu and either heading to Argentina, Chile or Brazil, we are still trying to figure it all out.
The day in three words: Loved every moment.

Wedding Details
Ceremony location: Majestic Elegance beach in Punta Cana, DR
Reception location: Dinner at Asidato, Party at Parrot Bar
Why did you choose this location for your wedding? Beautiful and very affordable
Bride’s gown: Watters Wtoo – lace, sweetheart neckline, fit and flare
Bride’s shoes: Sam Edleman – Yellow, mint, cream, metallic
Groom’s outfit: Light grey Zegna suit – pants and jacket, Hugo Boss white shirt, Armani baby blue tie
Type of rings: white gold. Bride’s eternity diamond ring
Jewellery: Just beautiful earrings and engagement ring
Bridesmaids dresses: Navy blue, sweetheart neckline, and crystal blue earrings
Groomsmen attire: Navy blue dress pants, white shirt and blue tie
Wedding song: Ray Lamontagne “I could hold you in my arms”
Signature drink: Didn’t have one, but if we did it would a rum drink
Favours: Star fish
Flowers: Roses – white, pale pink, pale peach
Photographer: Crimson Photos
Hair: Beachy, partially off my face and wavy
Makeup: Simple but noticeable in pictures
Stationery/Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Catering: Asadito – Majestic Elegance

Fun Stuff
Astrological signs: Tanya: Aquarius and Mike: Capricorn
What was old? My mom gave me a handkerchief she had as a child
What was new? Dress, earrings, shoes, clutch, garter
What was borrowed? Handkerchief
What was blue? Garter, my eyes lol
What did you put in gift bags? For our bridesmaids I gave earrings and a Pretty Plum Sugar robe. Groomsmen received ties.

Tell us about your experience working with LUXE Destination Weddings: LUXE made this entire experience incredibly easy, I would not have done it any other way. Because everything was so well organized up front, I was able to relax, and enjoy every moment of the wedding day.