How do you know when you’ve met the right person? That special someone with whom you want to spend the rest of your life? Shared interests would be high on the list. Or that sense that – pardon the movie reference – you complete each other, in a wonderfully ying and yang way. All of that was true for Amanda Alexander and Justin Quintana but perhaps the clencher was the four-paw test.
A Marriage Made in Heaven
Not only did Amanda fall in love with Peach – Justin’s just-turned four-year old pooch – but he reciprocated the feeling for her 10-year old dog Blue. And in a “this must be it” moment, the dogs have fallen madly in love with each other and are inseparable.
Perhaps it’s not surprising, because when you meet Amanda and Justin the powerful connection between them is clear. Not only are they now life partners but they also work together at Peyote Bird, the Santa Fe, New Mexico-based business started by Amanda’s father Mark Alexander in 1974 and home to an unrivalled collection of both artisan-crafted jewelry and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.
Sun, Color and Happiness
For their early December wedding, a location filled with sun and color was a must. The couple chose Villa Santa Cruz, an idyllic spot located squarely between the Baja desert and the Pacific Ocean in 20 acres of jaw dropping landscape. Like Amanda and Justin, this spot in Todos Santos Mexico is relaxed with a vibe that that’s equal parts bohemian and tranquil.
Working with Gemini Event Planning, Amanda and Justin wanted a destination wedding that worked with the stunning landscape, not against it. Color was key whether in floral arrangements of vibrant pinks, reds, yellows, and orange for the actual day or a Full Moon Fiesta the night before where guests dressed in celestial whites and shimmering silver to echo the super full moon that night. The lightness and brightness was balanced with a floral palette of deep purples, burgundies, and crimson hues in orchids and poppies.
A Nod to Fashion
The bridesmaids chose their own dresses for the wedding, opting for elegant and simple silk sheaths in tones of pinks, umber, burnt orange, and olive green and wearing block heels, wedges, or even boots in a stylish nod to practicality and the grass and gravel paths that awaited them. Hair was simple in loose waves and halfway up and makeup was what Amanda called ‘light beautiful.’
Elegant simplicity was the rule for the men as well. They wore light blue suits paired with classic white shirts and cognac brown boots or loafers and color-corresponding belts. To complete the look the groom provided his six groomsmen with ties and boutonnieres.
For Love of Food and Wine
Both Justin and Amanda share a love for food and wine which Villa Santa Cruz delivers with a farm to table approach. With its own garden, the resort creates curated menus that lean into the produce they grow themselves as well as an abundance of fresh fish and seafood.
The rehearsal dinner was family-style at the beachfront Green Room (the name comes from a surfing term of riding inside the ‘barrel’ of a breaking wave) where the food is inspired by Baja surf culture. Guests helped themselves to platters of Salsipuedes Temaris – thinly sliced salmon, tuna, and yellowtail served sashimi-style on rice with wasabi guacamole, chipotle mayo and microgreens – tacos, and tostadas including tempura-fried shrimp and sliced fresh tuna and shrimp, followed by Pescadero Beach Skewers – flank steak, salmon, and shrimp skewers marinated in a spicy Thai glaze.
The wedding ceremony was officiated by Amanda’s brother Jackson Alexander and took place on the main villa lawn, followed by cocktail hour by the pool with guests sipping a Brisa del Mar – an intoxicating blend of tequila, lemon grass infusion, lemon juice, agave syrup and fresh basil and nibbling on teriyaki shrimp bao and fresh catch ceviche served on homemade tortilla chips as they were serenaded by a Mariachi band. Lotería cards –from a popular Mexican board game of chance – directed guests to their tables for dinner where they were greeted with a handcrafted Talavera tile place cards bearing their name. A two-course plated dinner was followed by dancing under the stars.
A casual pool party the next day was the perfect way to wrap up the festivities. Stories and photos were exchanged as guests helped themselves to a taco bar, swam, or simply soaked up the sun. A perfect piece of paradise to celebrate a marriage – literally – made in heaven.
Amanda’s Tops Tips for Planning a Dream Destination Wedding…
- Work with a wedding planner. Amanda calls this “the saving grace for us through all of the planning process.” She says a planner – like Meridith Lowe at Gemini Event Planning – has a specialized knowledge of what needs to happen, and when, to keep your vision on track and on time.
- Visit the location. Amanda says she’s “a little bit of a death by details type of person” but is still surprised when she hears about couples who haven’t visited the location prior to the big day. Visits make it possible to meet the on-ground team, troubleshoot, and create the perfect day.
- Choose your team well. Communication and trust are the two keys, Amanda says, when it comes to choosing your team of vendors. With a good team you can relax, “because at that final day, you just want to be able to be present and let go…”
- Plan, but don’t over plan. Yes, schedule lots of fun events for your guests but don’t over plan. Allow downtime for guests to rest, sit by the pool, or go shopping. They’ll thank you.
- Nurture connection. Amanda and Justin invited some of their best friends for a combined bachelor/bachelorette party prior to the big day. It’s an opportunity for old friends to reconnect and new friendships to form. “And it was really magical, because now they’re all so close,” she says.
The folks who made it all happen…
Wedding Planning
geminieventplanning.com
Catering, Venue & Lodging
villasantacruzbaja.com
Event Rentals
warehouserentals.mx
Linen Rentals
bbjlatavola.com
Florist
@florentamx
Ceremony & Reception Musician
garmanmusic.com
Mariachi
@soymexicocabo
Photographer
shanemacomberweddings.com
Content Creator
everaftercabo.com
Event Activation
cabofineentertainment.com
Hair & Makeup
gladystrevino.com
Stationer
kellykristindesign.com
Transportation
chekeluxurytravels.com
Wedding Gown
galialahav.com
Groom’s Wear
neimanmarcus.com
Groomsmen Wear
theblacktux.com
Jewelry
peyotebird.com
Story by Julia Platt Leonard
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