Real Wedding: Shawn and Clay

real-wedding-shawn-and-clay

The idea of a beach wedding is appealing to plenty of couples. It’s a magical experience and with relaxed vibes, palm trees, sunsets and sandy toes. We’re swooning over Shawn and Clay’s stunning beach side “Love Party” in Sayulita, Mexico!

Where did you get married?

We got married on the Colorado River with a very small group (22 adults, 4 kids, 2 dogs)…. but we threw a big “Love Party” in Sayulita, Mexico at Frente al Punto.

Why did you choose to get married at Colorado River?

We wish we could have brought everyone along on the river, but that wasn’t possible. We chose Frente because we fell in love with Sayulita having previously traveled there…. when we saw the venue it just felt like us.

We wanted it to feel like the best backyard party you’ve ever been to. This place is ocean front, massive green lawns, incredible bar/pergola and landscaping without any effort.. it was already perfect.

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

Everything was perfect. We left all the details to our amazing event director, Denise. She understood our vision from the first time we met her and she totally over delivered. It was amazing getting to experience the party much like our guests did.

Also… in Mexico, we did none of the expected stuff – no ceremony, no bridal party speeches, no cutting of cake, or garter shit… just 6 hours of band/open bar/food court/ self serve tequila barrel & beer boat… late night tacos.. you name it!

Shawn, paint us a picture. What was the theme, style, colors, and overall vibe of your wedding day?

The pictures really help give color to all of this, but the vibe was CHILL.. we had open seating and food was available for 2.5 hours. we didn’t want people to “be sat” or feel like they had to do anything really.

You want to go have a drink, or dance, or take pictures on the beach.. go do it! the food will be here 🙂 the theme was natural + details… the venue was already beautiful so we spent $ on details, lighting, the band, an amazing photographer and just in general – things that represented our style.

What was your favorite part of planning your wedding?

Honestly, not planning it at all. We hired the best in Denise. We trusted her immediately and knew that she would deliver. We created a visual mood board of things we liked and style we were after… she proceeded to run things by us, but mainly just for the nod of approval. I don’t think there was one thing she presented that we didn’t love.

What was the best investment you made for your wedding?

Stay true to what YOU and your partner want. I’m sure some people thought it was “strange” to not have some of the traditional activities.. but we wanted none of that.

We wanted it to feel like you were coming to our house/ to our gorgeous backyard… and celebrating with us. When you feel pressure, which you will.. remember to go back to what you said you wanted! You’ll be happier in the end for doing it your way… and I truly believe your guests will appreciate it feeling more like you vs. another wedding…

Is there anything you would have done differently?

The only thing we’ve tossed around would have been hiring another band… The band we hired was INCREDIBLE… but there’s another group we love down in this part of Mexico that would have been a great compliment – to play every other set. haha… sounds crazy.. but that’s all we can think of!

Shawn and Clay’s custom designed wedding website

What was your favorite part of using WedSites for your wedding?

We loved the overall building of the site experience. We needed to provide a lot of information since the party was a destination. It was also really awesome to be able to email the group/ or smaller groups as needed directly from the site.

Wedding planning is notoriously stressful. Now that you’ve gone through the process, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for couples who are currently in the midst of planning theirs?

Simplify and stay true to you.. no one cares about some of the things that can seem really overwhelming at the time.

And, if you hire a planner or coordinator and you trust them…. let them do their job.

The amazing team of vendors involved with this wedding

Venue: FRENTE al PUNTO Beach Club
Photographer: Mimi McCormick
Jeweller: Jay Feder Jewelers
Wedding planner: Inspo Feliu
Wedding website: WedSites