Sterling and Ryan’s love story began in the most unexpected way—a chance meeting at a house party in 2020 that sparked a connection neither of them saw coming. Four years later, during a spontaneous mountain getaway, a quiet morning walk with their dog became the best surprise of Sterling’s life when Ryan proposed.
When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted more than a single day of celebration. With the help of LUXE Destination Weddings, they envisioned an immersive destination wedding experience where their closest family and friends could gather for an entire week in the sun, creating memories together far from the November chill back home. Set high above the Pacific Ocean, Secrets Bahia Mita provided the perfect backdrop for their wedding vision, captured by Soul Lovers Wedding and I Do Diaries. With panoramic ocean views, a private beach garden deck, and a naturally beautiful setting, the venue offered everything they were searching for in a luxury destination wedding.
Wedding week itinerary at Bahia Mita
For Sterling and Ryan, the destination itself was just as important as the wedding day. Rather than focusing solely on the ceremony and reception, they wanted to create a full wedding week experience that allowed guests to relax, connect, and celebrate together.
The oceanfront setting of Secrets Bahia Mita offered a sense of escape while creating an intimate atmosphere that felt both luxurious and welcoming. The result was a celebration that felt less like a single event and more like an unforgettable shared experience.
Clean & modern bridal aesthetic
The bride embraced a clean, modern bridal aesthetic that perfectly complemented the coastal setting. The understated approach felt timeless, elegant, and entirely in keeping with the relaxed sophistication of the day.
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On trend: soft butter yellow
The wedding party reflected the couple’s minimalist coastal vision. Bridesmaid dresses in soft butter yellow created a warm, sunlit palette against the blue waters of the Pacific. By selecting varied silhouettes, the bridal party achieved a look that felt cohesive while allowing each bridesmaid’s individual style to shine through.
The groomsmen embraced a similarly relaxed aesthetic, wearing beige ensembles without ties or belts. The effortless styling reinforced the destination wedding atmosphere while maintaining a polished and refined appearance.
Oceanfront ceremony design
The ceremony embraced simplicity with intention. Hosted on the beach garden deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the couple intentionally chose a ceremony design that highlighted the natural beauty of the setting rather than competing with it.
Wedding flowers with a coastal palette
The floral design complemented the couple’s minimalist vision while adding softness and texture to the ceremony space. The floral podium installations created architectural interest without obstructing the ocean views, allowing the wedding flowers to enhance the setting rather than dominate it. The understated approach reinforced the effortless elegance that defined the celebration.
Laid-back beach-club cocktail hour vibes
Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour infused with personal details and laid-back beach-club energy. One of the most memorable touches was “The George,” a signature cocktail named in honor of the couple’s beloved chocolate lab. The thoughtful detail gave guests a glimpse into the couple’s everyday life while adding personality to the celebration.
A live saxophonist provided entertainment throughout cocktail hour, creating an atmosphere that felt sophisticated, relaxed, and perfectly suited to the oceanfront setting.
Reception design beneath delicate fairy lights
As the sun set over Bahia Mita, the celebration transitioned into a romantic beachside reception. Overhead, strands of fairy lights created a glowing canopy that transformed the space into an intimate coastal oasis. The lighting design added warmth and atmosphere while preserving the relaxed feeling of the destination setting. Warm wood tones anchored the reception design, while white linens, candlelight, and touches of butter yellow echoed the wedding color palette established earlier in the day.
Ideas for personalizing wedding day details
Beyond the wedding design, it was the personal touches that made the celebration truly unforgettable.
1. The bride’s twin brother officiated the ceremony, adding an emotional layer to one of the most important moments of the day.
2. The couple also selected a song that honored her parents’ Jamaican wedding from twenty-eight years earlier, creating a meaningful connection between generations.
3. A custom bar sign created for the celebration now hangs in their home, serving as a lasting reminder of the memories shared throughout the wedding week.
Advice from the couple
When reflecting on their planning experience, Sterling and Ryan offer one piece of advice above all else: hire a planner. They credit their stress-free wedding experience to having the right support throughout the planning process and being able to fully enjoy the celebration once it arrived.
They shared: “Don’t sweat the details—big or small. No one remembers perfection; they remember how it felt. And soak up every minute of the week. You’ll never again have all your favorite people on the same trip.”
A day defined by connection
From the oceanfront ceremony and coastal wedding design to the deeply personal details woven throughout the celebration, Sterling and Ryan created a wedding that felt exactly as they envisioned—warm, effortless, and meaningful. Surrounded by their favorite people in one of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations, they proved that the most memorable weddings aren’t about perfection. They’re about creating an experience that genuinely reflects who you are and sharing it with the people you love most.
