Iberostar Paraiso Beach Wedding | Shay & Joe

Well gosh, looking back, these two were so unbelievably lucky to have managed to pull off their destination wedding at the beginning of March. 55 of us flew down to the Riviera Maya. We spent 8 glorious days at the gorgeous Iberostar Paraiso Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This week was full of laughter, parties, food, drinks, and celebrating Shay & Joe.

Iberostar Paraiso Beach Resort is a gorgeous hotel. The grounds were tropical, peacocks were everywhere, and flamingoes and swans weren’t uncommon to see in the ponds. Situated right on the beach, this resort is full of colourful buildings, delicious food, and the company we were with were top notch.

We had 5 days prior to the wedding for the group to get to know each other. This also allowed time for our winter skin to bronze up before the event we were all there to celebrate. The 2nd night, Shay & Joe held a welcome dinner at the Mexican restaurant, followed by a party on the beach. We spent countless hours in the pool over those few days, indulging in more beverages than needed and laughing til our bellies hurt.

March 9th, the day of their wedding, we were delivered perfect weather. A little sun, a little cloud and of course that awesome Mexican heat. Shay & Joe had a first look prior to the ceremony in garden. We wandered around the resort with their bridal party before getting on golf carts to take us to the ceremony site. Instead of having their ceremony on the beach, like so many do, they opted on the garden behind the conference centre. It was far more private that way, with a touch of shade which is always nice. The ceremony was officiated by a family friend, and many happy tears were shed.

A Mariachi Band played during cocktail hour. Glasses of bubbles and shots of tequila were passed around. We snuck away for a quick few photos before they made their grand entrance to their reception. Dinner was served Al Fresco set up under twinkling market lights. Heart warming speeches as always, followed by one heck of dance party.

Looking back now, I can’t believe the timing on this trip. When we departed, there were no travel bans, and the talk of Covid-19 was focused on Italy. While we were away, we were starting to see on social media, the stories of people hoarding toilet paper. It was comical when you didn’t really know the severity of what was about to unfold. The day we were departing, it was becoming more and more prevalent on the news, and by the time we landed in Vancouver at midnight on the 11th, things had changed drastically. The following afternoon, it was recommended that anyone who had travelled was to self-quarantine for 2 weeks. The wedding crew kept a thread going during that time to ensure communication was happening in case anyone was experiencing symptoms. Thankfully no one did. Those that were able to work from home did, and those that work in hospitality, film, music and the self employed were all affected differently as our jobs came to a halt.

2 months later, and our new normal is looking quite different then the one we knew of before we left on this trip. I am SO unbelievably thankful for the timing of Shay & Joe’s wedding. The fact that everything was normal upon our departure, and we returned to a different world is still a shock. 8 days of being able to hangout in a large group, laughing, dancing, hugging, partying and stress free good times. One last vacation with an all time crew, given that international travel may be halted for some time.

Shay & Joe, thank you for bringing us all together to celebrate a decade of you. Two people so perfectly connected. Through all the ups and downs, you have continued to be each other’s strongest support system and each other’s best friends. I’m so grateful to have been invited along for the celebration. Happy tears streamed down my face the entire ceremony. Not only are you both amazing, but your friends are too. What an incredibly talented, hilarious and amazing bunch of humans. I couldn’t be happier to have spent a week of getting to know all of you.

Love you guys xo

PS. I honestly wept while finishing editing this wedding knowing it would be my last for some time.