Wedding Inspiration from Rancho la Puerta (via Bridal Bubbly)

Anyone who has seen my blissed out state for the past week knows that I just returned from Rancho la Puerta. And anyone who has been to Rancho la Puerta knows what a beautiful and amazing place it is. Located in Baja, the resort sits at the base of Mount Kuchamaa and features traditional Mexican architecture and stunning gardens.

 I was completely captivated by the rustic charm of the buildings and the natural beauty of the herbs and cactus which cover the grounds. Walkways are lined with rosemary and lavender bushes, making strolling around the property a heady experience. After spending a week in this little bit of Mexican paradise and getting truly rejuvenated, I thought I'd share some inspiration for a Rancho la Puerta style wedding.

I was in heaven with the amazing cuisine at Rancho la Puerta. Since they have their own enormous organic garden, the meals were so healthy and delicious. Lots of fruit used in creative ways like an avocado sorbet served with mango and a lemon tiramisu with papaya. And, of course, bowls and bowls of papayas, mangoes, and melons. Exotic fruits are perfect to incorporate into a summer wedding, whether in a display or desserts. I am a huge fan of fruity desserts and find fruit in general so refreshing during the heat of July and August. ... Read More

via Bridal Bubbly

Luxury Resort at a Steal!

Do you wish that you could plan your ceremony or honeymoon at a celebrity-level resort, but think you won't be able to swing it? Think again! Here's a feature on one A-list Mexican resort, and how to snag it at a bargain:

One&Only Palmilla -- Los Cabos 

Located in Cabo, one of the biggest celebrity hot spots in Mexico, the One&Only Palmilla frequently hosts such celebrity guests as Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsdale and Ashton Kutcher. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, all 172 rooms of the hotel face the sea, ensuring an optimal view no matter where you are. The hotel channels authentic Mexican charm with its fountained courtyards, wrought-iron furnishings and hand-painted tiles. From January to March you can even watch gray whales breaching offshore from your private veranda!

How to snag it at a steal

Make your reservation midweek during the low season--from the middle of June through October. The resort also features a constantly changing list of specials, so keep track of their website for appealing discounts and deals, and whether you can plan your wedding or honeymoon around those dates!

Planning an Upscale Wedding in Mexico

People have various motivations for wanting to escape to Mexico for a getaway wedding--the goal for many in doing so is to create a relaxed and nontraditional wedding experience. There are many people, however, that want to channel the focus of their destination wedding into creating a decadent event fit for a king. Those wanting a luxurious beachside wedding will have a different set of priorities and criteria than those planning a more laid-back event. 

If you are planning an over-the-top destination wedding, you will probably want to look at larger scale resorts that offer accommodations for big groups and are more likely to have amenities like ballrooms, spas and larger waitstaff. Consider the Esperanza an Auberge Resort in Cabo San Lucas. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the Esperanza is spread over 17 manicured acres, and offers a direct view of the Sea of Cortez. Most rooms feature a private infinity-edge hot tub and sweeping ocean views. The Esperanza was also voted #1 hotel spa in Latin America, with full service treatments and health classes.