Part 1: Trash the Dress Jet-Setting…Choosing the Perfect Location(s) September 1, 2011 – Posted in: Uncategorized

We did it! We planned a destination wedding and not only survived but had the time of our lives with friends and family. The wedding dress is hanging in the closet with a sad face because her big day is over…or is it?

Well, in my situation her day was over after dragging her all around the beach, on a pier, around a reception and through the discoteca. This is because she was raw silk. How could we possibly re-live the excitement of heading to our southern playground of Mexico and have these moments captured again? A Trash the Dress session with Del Sol of course!

Here are my steps to planning the adventure. Feel free to ask any questions to help you plan yours!

Choosing a location:

We knew that the Riviera Maya would be the place. We’ve celebrated birthdays and our own wedding there so we booked our usual DFW –> CUN flight. We chose Playa del Carmen because we’ve been to Puerto Morelos various times and wanted to head to a locale where we could have nightlife and the beach right outside of our door for the first half and a more serene “take it all in” boutique hotel experience for the second half.

Playa del Carmen also happens to be the home base for our wedding photographers, Del Sol. After speaking with them we knew it would be a great place to have a much needed routine…sun, sand, margaritas, night life, repeat.

Booking the right hotels for the trip we envisioned (Part 1):

Now came the fun part…digging through the copious amount of info from travel sites and personal recommendations in Playa del Carmen. We hit the jackpot when it came to finding accommodations that fit the trip we were looking to design. For the first few days we’ll be staying at El Taj Beachside Condo Hotel. This gorgeous property is one of four architectural gems with large condos instead of a teensy hotel room. A huge plus is they have kitchens with high end amenities to stock up on goodies for the beach!

We’ll have a private terrace and will literally have 5th Avenue as well as the beach within a few steps from our door! Another big sell was the fact that if you’re a guest at Condo Hotels you can use the Indigo Beach Club beds  free of charge…yes please! It’s said to be the most upscale beach club in Playa del Carmen so this is a huge bonus for us.

I can’t wait to photograph {Red-i} By Chelsea jewelry here!

Booking the right hotels for the trip we envisioned (Part 2):

After a few days in the center of it all we’ll be heading to a super sexy boutique hotel (and not just because they won the award)Le Reve Hotel & Spa. We chose a Garden Suite which will be steps away from a beautiful beach and their gorgeous pool (see photo below).

This secluded haven only has 25 rooms and boasts a romantic atmosphere which seems to make it a great choice for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. I think after a few days of fun in the heart of Playa del Carmen this will be the perfect way to end our trip.

I have a feeling I’ll be hiding somewhere when it’s time to leave.

Check out Part 2 here.