Post by Puerto Vallarta Wedding Photographer Michelle Turner.

Post by Puerto Vallarta Wedding Photographer Michelle Turner.

I asked Lindsay and Chris to tell me a bit about how they met, and Lindsay said: Chris and I literally stumbled into each other on the patio at a local brewery.  As soon as we met, there was immediate attraction. We spent the entire evening talking and realized we had a lot in common including our professions as an architect and interior designer.  I cannot remember if it was the second or third date, but we knew immediately that we were a perfect match!

I asked her about how Chris asked her to marry him, and I’m so happy that she shared the story– it’s a fun one (and I have to admit that I never ever ever would have found the handbag– not even with the obvious hint).  Lindsay said: After a long day at work, I came home and found a surprise! Chris made a tasty dinner and when we were cleaning up he gave me an envelope. Enclosed were two cards, one said “hot” and the other said “cold.”  I was rather confused until Chris suggested I look somewhere hot and somewhere cold.  I proceeded to look in the oven and was shocked to find a handbag I wanted for a very long time.  I didn’t know how it could get any better than that, until I looked in the freezer and found another envelope.  In this envelope, there were two tickets to San Diego for the upcoming weekend.  Chris and I had an amazing Memorial Day weekend getting spa treatments, sightseeing, and dining at great restaurants.  The highlight of the weekend was a trip to a vineyard in Temecula for wine tasting. We enjoyed the day immensely and as we were driving back to the hotel, the driver mentioned he was going to take us on a scenic route.  I did not know this had been prearranged by Chris.  As we approached a beautiful spot on a hill overlooking the ocean, Chris and I got out of the car to take some photos. Chris got down on both knees and proposed overlooking the ocean, my favorite place. Of course, my answer was “yes!”

I have so many favorites to share– the design was simply incredible:

I have already professed my love for this wedding venue in the first paragraph, but I wanted to get the perspective of the bride and groom.  I asked Lindsay and Chris why they chose Casa China Blanca for their wedding, and Lindsay said:  I have been traveling to Puerto Vallarta every year with my family since I was one and knew from a very young age that I wanted to get married there. After Chris proposed we planned a trip to Puerto Vallarta to show him the area.  We met with Kristin and Michelle of the Dazzling Details and toured many properties.  As soon as we saw Casa China Blanca we fell in love with the location and knew it was the perfect spot for our wedding.

Wedding Venue: Casa China Blanca
Wedding Coordination, Floral, Event Design: The Dazzling Details
Invitations: Victoria York of Vee Creative
Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Wedding Gown Sash: Vera Wang
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids: Jenny Yoo
Groom & Groomsmen: Hugo Boss
Hair & Makeup: Sebastian Salon
Officiant: Lucie Aubert
Catering: Plush
Wedding Cake: Marriott Casa Magna
Band: Liverpool

I asked Lindsay and Chris to tell me a bit about their favorite part of the day– Lindsay said:  There were so many amazing parts of the day but I think my favorite was the ceremony and Chris’ vows.  Chris’ favorite part was for sure the cigar bar!  We enjoyed spending the entire week with our family and friends. The wedding day was absolutely amazing.  It was everything we hoped for and even more!

Congratulations, Lindsay and Chris!!  Your wedding was truly stunning!

Post by Puerto Vallarta Wedding Photographer Michelle Turner.

Josh and Marisa met 16 years ago when they both worked at Starbucks in Westport, CT, and even back then they knew they had a special connection. Both have great memories of the talks they shared on the bench by the river.  Many years passed until they saw each other again, but thanks to Facebook they reconnected four years ago.  A combination of their life experiences, lessons and timing they finally resulted in a lasting relationship in 2011.

Josh proposed to Marisa back on that bench on the river 15 years later, where they made a commitment to their love, children and lives together forever.  They  knew they wanted a destination wedding. A place where it was warm, beautiful and filled with the opportunity to join their lives along with great family and friends. The experience mattered to them most, who they shared this special time with and how it would honor the love they found in one another.  Playa Fiesta quickly became a first choice for them, mainly after a call Marisa had with Lindsey. They quickly fell in love with her and all the possibilities of Playa Fiesta and after a visit last winter, knew it was the perfect place to celebrate their love.

This wedding experience was not only about joining their love for each other but rather the joining of their two families, in particular their children- Calvin, Thomas and Madeline. The union of this family played a big role in their experience and was best commemorated by a beautiful poem Madeline read at the ceremony called Family. This four day celebration was meant to honor and celebrate this new family amongst their wonderful family and friends.

About the details:
All stationary including the donation card in honor of Josh’s best friend Chuck, who he lost two years ago to cancer, were procured at Storkie.

Marisa’s dress is by Elizabeth Fillmore from Gabriella’s Bridal in NYC. Her shoes were custom made in Tuscany, Italy. Her earrings from Esty.

Josh’s suit was custom made on their trip to Hong Kong.

The cuff links for the boys and Josh were from Esty and the beautiful brooch worn in Madeline’s hair from Tejani.

The fireworks were meant to honor those they have lost in their lives and commemorated by Guns and Roses- Paradise City.

Josh and Marisa both agreed that the ceremony was the most memorable part of the day.  The ceremony favorites included the beautiful music, setting, vows, reading and most of all the people that joined them and shared in their love. They both loved looking out at guest and seeing how rather than the traditional bride and groom side seating, guests were co-mingled in seating, a perfect expression of just what they wanted, an experience that brought everyone together and close to share in their love.

Other special moments- toasts by Jenn and Jay.

Photography by Puerto Vallarta Wedding Photographer Michelle Turner.