Today we welcome Chad and Theresa. The two celebrated their love surrounded by family and friends on December 7th, 2016. A breathtaking ceremony and reception took place in Riviera Mayan neighbouring Peurto Morales. The NOW Jade Resort was the perfect setting for their celebration that balanced luxury and family fun perfectly.

How did you meet?

Chad and I met at Chitek Lake eight years ago at his family cabin. He had invited a group of friends up for that weekend and I was part of the group. Although the timing was off and I wasn't on the dating market we just got along really well. Sometimes you meet someone and your personalities just click and that’s exactly what happened for us. We parted ways as friends as everyone dispersed from the cabin and I only saw him here and there around the city over the next 5 years. Then out of the blue I got a message from him and after a little chit chat he asked me to dinner and we have been together ever since!

Tell us a bit about your engagement .... and that ring!

Our engagement was perfect! We were engaged on New Year’s Eve. It was a beautiful winter day so Chad asked if I wanted to go for a walk by the river with the dog. He was so nervous and not talking much... I was so nervous because I thought the silence meant he was breaking up with me - haha! Then, out of nowhere, he stopped, professed his love for me and before I could understand what was happening he was down on one knee. Sparkling away in his hand was the most beautiful emerald cut Tacori engagement ring (My favourite jewellery guru Alex from GMG led him in the perfect direction).... and I said YES!

You had a gorgeous destination wedding - how did you decide upon a destination wedding?

We actually considered both options, local and destination. After weighing the options, we opted for a smaller more intimate destination wedding but we were very blessed to have nearly 50 of our favourite people travel to share in the big day. Once we settled on a destination wedding we started scouring endless resorts and our wonderful travel agent Tamara from Ixtapa travel helped us settle on the NOW Jade. It was the perfect balance of luxury and family fun which was important as we had our 16-month-old son with us and a few other travellers brought their tots as well.

What was the most memorable part of your day?

Honestly, the whole day was a blur!!! If Theresa had to choose a favorite part it would be hearing Chad's vows – we had written our own and the other hadn't heard them yet. For Chad, it was finally seeing Theresa come down the aisle in her gown. Other than that, we enjoyed the time spent celebrating with our family and friends. The whole day was exactly what I pictured... but better!

Please tell us a bit about the day and how you celebrated!

The day started out pretty relaxed. We were either strategic or insane when we planned the day as we opted for a 5:00pm ceremony, a 6 o’clock cocktail hour which was immediately followed by the reception at seven. Our idea was to have all the events take place consecutively and to not have our poor guests roasting in the mid-day sun and waiting around all day for the next event to begin. It ended up working out GREAT! Chad relaxed with his family and friends before the festivities and his family did a special blessing with him that is a tradition. In true bride style, it took all morning (and a few mimosas) for me to get ready including time to head to the alter! With hair and makeup done, my favourite girls on earth escorted me to the ceremony location. The ceremony was beautiful, cocktail hour was lively and beyond that we ate, drank and danced the evening away. A couple nightcaps at the resort disco capped the night off and just like that the day was over. It truly was the perfect start to our happily ever after!