Studio 54 meets Jumanji in this eclectic jungle wedding!
After meeting on vacation in 2017, Tulum was the obvious choice for these Mikala and Andrew's unique and stylish jungle wedding. The bride knew she would marry her groom after just 3 days together, and this wedding radiates their love. Blending the beauty of the tropical Kima Tulum with warm-tone florals, custom wedding fashion, and a Studio 54 worthy reception - this wedding was a destination in itself! In the couple's own words, the vibe was "glitz, glam & BYOBugspray".
Keep reading to see how Arlenis Ruiz Weddings transformed this highly conceptual vision into a gorgeous reality. All beautiful photography by Gabri Palmieri.
Bespoke Bride & Groom Fashion
One of the most unique parts of Mikala and Andrew's wedding style was their custom attire! The bride spent 6 months designing her custom wedding dress with LUXTAILOR to create a stunning vintage inspired gown. While "everyone said she was crazy" to design her own dress, Mikala gives all the credit to the custom designer who brought her vision to life.
Inspired by Old Hollywood icons such as Vivienne Westwood & Marilyn Monroe, Mikala was a vision in vintage. She accessorized with Christopher Kane feathered veil and Manolo Blahnik emerald heels. Her bedazzled makeup look was created by David Friedmann.
Andrew wore an INDOCHINO suit with several phrases embroidered. A blending of the couple's last names “Goldchevski”, "Go Birds" (in support of the Philadelphia Eagles), and "Meet me in Tulum" added to his custom groom style.
Biggest destination advice from the bride:
1) Choose a venue that can accommodate you and your closest friends & family! They chose a 30-person villa over a holiday weekend so they could enjoy a 5 day vacation with their loved ones, and get to see the sights of Mexico.
2) Be prepared for a lot of logistical questions! This couple consolidated all details on their website covering everything from hotels, transport, and food- but were still bombarded with questions. Their remedy was to send a full itinerary email the week of the wedding and choose a point of contact for all remaining questions.
A Tulum backdrop, sans the sand
While they knew they wanted to return to Tulum for their nuptials, the bride knew she hated the sand and felt there was too much left up to chance for a beach wedding. When she found Kima Tulum in a magazine she fell in love with venue, in the heart of the jungle. This backdrop was a Jumanji-esque slice of tropical paradise!
The jungle backdrop was the perfectly accompanied by the couple's floral arrangements, as vibrant as their love story - created by Dia Uno Floral Studio. The funky and eclectic decor was provided by
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Pro tip
Planning an intimate destination wedding? Hire a local planner who understands the language, local vendors, and your needs as a couple. This bride did not know how much she would depend on Arlenis Ruiz Weddings to reassure her during any planning meltdowns from decor to logistics. She advises anyone who can make room in their budget to hire a planner like Arlenis!
These homemade candle holders were handmade by Mikala's grandmother, both functional and a truly sentimental favor for the guests.
Disco nights reception at the villa
As the sun went down, the neon lights went up and Mikala and Andrew's reception was illuminated for their disco jungle dance party! Entertainment and lighting by Uno Audiovisual transformed the villa into a hot pink Studio 54. The bride loved working with her vendors and felt like Dorothy of Kima was like family by the end of their celebration.
Congratulations Andrew & Mikala! Be sure to check out the full gallery to see every spectacular moment from Gabri Palmieri.
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- Event Planning & Design: Arlenis Ruiz Weddings
- Wedding Photographers: Gabri Palmieri
- Flowers: Dia Uno Floral Studio
- Venues: Kima Tulum
- Cakes & Catering: Ginger Tulum
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: David Friedmann
- Wedding Dresses: LUXTAILOR
- Wedding DJ: Sam Katz
- Groom & His Men: INDOCHINO
- Dress & Apparel: Christopher Kane
- Favors & Gifts: Decor and Gifts
- Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Uno Audiovisual
- Accessories & Lingerie: Manolo Blahnik