From Crosby + Jon Design…
When we first visited Banyan Tree Mayakoba, it felt like a dream. So a year later, when we were given the opportunity to create this special shoot for the property, it truly felt like a dream come true. Our attraction to Banyan Tree is how the property balances nature with luxury in the most effortless way; it is the ideal place for a destination wedding.
Inspired by the property’s zen-like quality, we embarked on the design journey by focusing on the natural setting of the Riviera Maya. The color palette was derived from the soft white sands, pastel skies, and lush mangroves. We knew it was essential to collaborate with a photographer that would understand the aesthetic, and the obvious choice was Tec Petaja. With his limitless talents, he brought his worldly and artistic approach, and each photo seems to capture a dream-state. Tec Pataja seemed to command the sea and sky, blending the colors that can only be created by nature, and light so rare that it somehow seems exclusive to Banyan Tree Mayakoba. Indeed, our destination wedding dreams were realized.
As our Bride, Felicitas Oyhenart, made her way to the ceremony in a traditional Ixchel boat, she wore a taupe tulle gown from Tara Latour, the perfect mix of femininity and texture as she drifted through the romantic waterways to meet her Groom, Joel Cecottimade. Undone sand paths led her to the beach ceremony, where the sky was awash in lavender. For the ceremony, we wove white tulle on a simple teak canopy, with unconventional mixed tufted seating from Archive Mexico. Moni Junco brought her floral prowess to the day, providing a bridal bouquet as lovely as the Riviera Maya dawn with a mix of lavender, blush, and mauve. She added flowing arrangements to mirror each side of the aisle entrance.
For the reception, overhead café lights created a frame for dinner on the sand. We placed a handful of round weathered wood tables on the beach and added a mix of cane-back and bistro chairs. The tabletop, all from Archive Mexico, included vintage goblets of silver and grey, glazed stoneware, and modern rose-gold flatware. Centerpieces of aubergine florals were flowing from etched copper bowls and dainty lavender bottles. A found piece of lavender fan coral started as table decor but became our favorite alternative to the Bride’s bouquet.
