Karen and Alex met at a conference in Hollywood. According to the newlywed bride: “I had flown in from London (where I lived) just for this event. We met in the elevator on the way to the first day of the event. I remembered thinking, ‘Oh no, he’s so gorgeous! I’m here for the course! Please don’t get distracted!’ Sure enough, the feeling was mutual and we flirted a little throughout the course, but there was little time to socialise. One day of the course we were flown to Vegas and we were told to work with a member of the group not on our team. Alex asked me to work with him. It was the first time we’d really spoken and we immediately realized we shared so many similar beliefs, values and interests. We spent 6 hours (the only free time during the whole 10 days) walking round The Venetian. It was so romantic, we had a drink together and he bought me chocolate strawberries – my favourite! When it was time to head back to the airport, Alex told me he’d like to be with someone like me one day. I was on cloud nine!

On the last day of the event, Alex asked me to travel home with him. I said yes! And that was it. I moved in with him. I went back to England the following month, packed up my apartment and shipped it to Alex. We got legally married 4 months later, though we couldn’t afford a celebration at the time.

We always planned to get married in front of our friends and family, but we decided to start our family while we were saving. So, we got married, had 2 beautiful boys (3 and 1) and then Alex proposed to me! He took me away for a spa weekend and after the most fabulous dinner and laughter he proposed under the stars. I said yes and he gave me a stunning ring.

We knew we couldn’t have a honeymoon alone without the children – it’s just not our style to leave them. So we decided to plan a destination wedding so that relatives could babysit and we could have some romantic time too! Our wedding/honeymoon turned out to be a fabulous family reunion as well as our 5 year wedding anniversary and perfect way to renew our commitment and vows in front of the people we love.

About Karen and Alex:
Occupations: Marketing expert and entrepreneur The Tapping Solution
What attracted him to her: Kindness, confidence, honesty, style
What attracted her to him: Smile (kind eyes), confidence, good in business, spiritual
Astrological Signs (hers) and (his): Both Virgo

The Wedding Details
Ceremony location: Sky Gallery at Azul Beach Hotel
Reception location: Villa Carola
Photographer: Freddy Ku Photography (c/o Claudia Photo)
Wedding Colors: Cream and fuchsia
Wedding song: I could Not Ask for More by Edwin McCain
Bridal gown: From Julie Allen Bridals (French Lace), sheath style
Groom’s outfit: Cream Italian linen suit with vest and fuchsia pocket square and tie.
Flowers: Lilies, Fuchsia daisies, various pinks, purples and creams.
Signature Drink: Pink champagne.
Type of Rings: Platinum and diamond band for Karen, plain platinum band for Alex.
What was borrowed? A garter
What was new? A dragonfly embroidery patch for the back of my dress to honour my mother who passed away in 2005.
What was blue? Garter lace.
Wedding Favours: Fans with bride and grooms names and dates on and maracas.

Here’s their trash the dress session in the fishing town of Puerto Morelos.

Real Destination Wedding Advice from Karen and Alex:
Most unexpected moment: When our 1 year old stole the show waving to everyone as he walked down the aisle – he had everyone laughing or in tears
Honeymoon details: The 10 day stay at the Villa Carola with built in family babysitters!
Most romantic moment: Dancing together for the first time as husband and wife.
What was it like working with your LUXE planner: Alexandra was so attentive and actually brilliant at listening to me and interpreting what I wanted. She offered advice when I asked and gave wise opinions too from all of her experience that really made the whole process less stressful – especially when I only had nap times and evenings to plan everything. She gave money saving suggestions about vendors and packages and I’m thrilled with the result!

Despite the initial stress of wanting to change ceremony locations at the last minute, Alexandra made it all happen and it turned out even better than we could have imagined because our family and friends who couldn’t travel from Australia and other places were able to watch the ceremony via the internet/live feed! What a superb detail – this was one of our favourite, unexpected moments.

Alexandra and her assistant were terrific! She was so welcoming and so on top of everything on the day of. I felt like even with the rain, there was no rush and no panic and everything turned out even better that we’d planned. It was perfect and our guests are still raving that it was the most romantic, most beautiful wedding and week that they’ve ever experienced. Such a special time. Thank you!
The day in three words: Stunning, romantic, perfect
Karen and Alex’s advice to others: Don’t stress about getting every detail perfect before arriving in destination (i.e. flowers) like I did – I spent weeks researching indigenous Mexican flowers, only to find that none of my choices were available. But, it all worked out perfectly and LUXE (Alexandra) and the on site team made sure everything looked beautiful.