Last week marked a milestone for us: our first trip since February 2020. The destination? The Yucatán—where we’re putting the final touches on our long-awaited wedding.
Like so many couples, our original plans were derailed by Covid. Instead of the celebration we had envisioned, we opted for a civil ceremony in Miami with just immediate family. It was intimate, sweet, and practical—my husband’s grandmother couldn’t travel, and getting married in Mexico comes with its own complexities. So, with champagne and cake in our backyard, we tied the knot in a way that felt right for the moment, even if it wasn’t the grand vision we once imagined.
We always knew, though, that the “real” celebration would come later. That promise to ourselves kept us going during a strange and uncertain time.
Rethinking Traditions
I know the next questions: When is the wedding? Where is it happening? What’s the dress, the décor, the vibe? Here’s what I’ll say.
I think we’ve all been conditioned to believe weddings must follow a certain formula—three priorities, the rest negotiable, keep it “safe.” And I understand why many couples choose that path. It’s a big day; nobody wants to take risks.
But for us, the experience matters just as much as the ceremony. Our wedding will balance tradition with a sense of adventure. It’s set in a small, off-the-beaten-path town—someplace most of our guests might never have traveled to otherwise. My goal isn’t only to make the day meaningful for us but to create a memory-filled trip for everyone who attends. A little mystery keeps it exciting, so for now, I’ll leave it at that.
The Joy of Traveling Again
Planning a destination wedding comes with its perks, and the travel itself is one of them. After a year of postponements, restrictions, and uncertainty, returning to Mexico felt like a breath of fresh air.
We booked the most incredible Airbnb, owned by a former landscape designer from Vancouver. Picture a lush garden overflowing with tropical plants, terracotta pots arranged just so, and a sparkling concrete pool stretching across the backyard. It was the kind of place that makes you want to spend your mornings swimming laps, your afternoons cooling off with a book, and your nights dipping beneath the stars.
If you’ve ever been to the Yucatán in the summer, you’ll know the heat can be relentless. You don’t just appreciate the pool—you live in it. It’s indoor-outdoor living at its finest, and now I finally understand why everyone here embraces it.
A Shift in Wardrobe
As wonderful as it was to be back, this trip reminded me how much my travel wardrobe has changed. There was a time when my suitcase was filled with airy dresses for al fresco dinners, midi skirts for shopping, lace-up sandals for wandering, and swimsuits too pretty to stay dry.
But after the pandemic, my closet looks a little different. I donated a lot of clothing over the past year and pared down to basics—cutoff shorts, white button-downs, tried-and-true favorites. Functional, yes, but not exactly the playful pieces I once loved packing for a trip.
This visit felt like the perfect excuse for a refresh. It’s less about chasing trends now and more about building a wardrobe that feels both stylish and sustainable. Back then, I wanted to make an impact. Today, I’m focused on longevity—pieces that serve me for years, not just a single season.
Holiday Style Inspiration
Which brings me to holiday style. As much as I adore the ease of old favorites, I still believe in the joy of dressing up, especially during travel or celebrations. Florals, basket bags, timeless silhouettes—those little touches that instantly transport you to a festive state of mind.
Harvey Nichols has become my go-to for these kinds of finds. Their current lineup feels like the perfect marriage of chic and functional, pieces that can move seamlessly from a tropical getaway to a city holiday. And yes, they’re running a 4th of July sale—making it a very good time to refresh a suitcase or two.
Some favorites on my radar:
- Flowy floral dresses that carry you from daytime exploring to evening cocktails.
- Basket bags that add a casual, artisanal touch to almost any outfit.
- Lightweight separates—think linen trousers and cotton tanks—that keep cool without sacrificing polish.
- Effortless sandals that strike the balance between comfort and sophistication.
Pieces like these aren’t just “vacation clothes.” They’re wardrobe staples that work at home and away, making them worth the investment.
Looking Ahead
As our wedding draws near, I find myself savoring these small joys—traveling again, rediscovering my personal style, and dreaming about the moments we’ll soon share with loved ones. Planning hasn’t always been smooth sailing (when is it ever?), but stepping back into the Yucatán reminded me why we chose this path.
It’s not just about saying “I do” in a beautiful place. It’s about creating an experience that feels authentic to us, one that honors tradition but also reflects who we are now. And if along the way I find the perfect floral dress or woven bag to bring it all together? Well, that’s just the icing on the cake.