Cabo San Lucas is one of the most sought after wedding destinations. Beautiful weather all year long, breath taking nature, immaculate beaches, Mexican wedding ceremonies & traditions, and resorts like Capella Pedregal; where the memories of the most important day of your life get captured in a dream like scenery to cherish and to hold for the rest of your days.

Today we would like to share with you this beautiful photo gallery of wedding photographs of Shaliz and Robert, taken at Capella Pedregal by CHRIS+LYNN | Cabo Wedding Photographers .

When Chris and Lynn met, they knew two things: they wanted to be together and they wanted to travel. They became photojournalists, and whether they were dancing in cultural parades in Guatemala or kayaking beneath icebergs near Alaska, they had fun! Today, they have the greatest job in the world – documenting the lives of other couples in search of love, laughter, and a beautiful life together. They travel between Canada and Cabo San Lucas. I just love how Chris and Lynn capture truly magical moments of Shaliz and Robert. It makes us fall in love with love all over again.

Besides a stunning beachfront wedding destination, Capella Pedregal offers Yours Truly, a signature wedding, honeymoon and anniversary program that will court you throughout your lives together. Capella Pedregal’s commitment begins with a destination wedding, Capella style, for betrothed couples and their guests at this romantic enclave. It continues with an unforgettable honeymoon package, complete with a registry that allows wedding guests to contribute to an array of memorable resort activities for the newlyweds to enjoy. And it promises returns as everlasting as the couple’s love, in the form of a complimentary night and a bottle of champagne for each anniversary thereafter.

Did you know that wedding cakes came from a very non-romantic tradition? Back in the day, the Roman Groom would eat part of a loaf of barley bread baked specifically for his nuptials and break the rest over his bride’s head. Breaking the bread actually symbolized the ‘breaking’ of the bride’s virginal state. Scary.

Now a days we are much more romantic. A wedding cake is such a lovely tradition, Mr. & Mrs. cutting together for the first time… But more than tradition, it is also part of the décor of a wedding.

My clients ask me all the time ‘Do you think I should have a cake?, Will guests eat cake?’ My answer is always ‘Yes!’. I mean really, who says no to cake? But I also try to give them options that will make every guests mouth water. Though most people like cake, sometimes the flavor the Bride & Groom choose is not popular with their guests.

Consider a dessert or candy table for your wedding. If you are a traditional at heart, add the cake, but also add all sorts of fun desserts. Cupcakes, marshmallows, tarts, jelly beans, cookies, taffy, cotton candy, truffles, personalized chocolate bars, malted milk balls, sweet tarts, rock candy, popcorn boxes, petit fours… the sky is the limit.

Just remember that a dessert table done right needs the following to be wedding perfect:
- Make it color coordinated, so pick a theme and stick to your wedding colors.
- Choose containers that match and work well together.
- Give it some dimension with platforms so you have different levels.
- Remember to add a great linen that matches the general décor.
- Make it special to YOU – Add in your favorite childhood dessert or candy, personalize M&Ms with your names and wedding date, if you are in Mexico, add a Mexican dessert like “Arroz con leche”.

Happy planning and eating!

Leslie Bost,
Wedding Planner
ONE Happenings

For wedding ideas, tips, advice, follow me also at www.onehappeningsblog.com and read my Wedding Planner column on Escapes Magazine’s website biweekly.

Header photo by Principal Planner.

Just the other day I ran into the blog of a photographer Alex Aguirre, and was impressed by the photographs he took at a wedding of Nancy and Polo. The wedding ceremony was done by some of the traditions of Mexican ancestors. Alex also described the wedding ceremony and rituals, I hope you like it. I really loved the photos.

“… At night they performed the ceremony of the jaguar, with Mexican chichimeca dances and making a flower offering, every flower includes a prayer and has it’s own meaning in the ceremony… This ceremony is to honor the spirits of the earth; on this special occasion we honored the jaguar spirit manifested in the mountain with the light of a full moon. At dawn they performed the marriage ceremony by two different traditions, traditional Mexican ceremony called “Amarre de tilmas” and ceremony of “Amarre” by the Lakota tradition of the Indians in the North of the United States.

At the ceremony “Amarre de tilmas” the woman feeds man and the man feeds the woman, their hands and clothes are ties together with a bow of flowers. Before that, she enters the circle through the door at the west, accompanied by women who give advice her on marriage. The man does the same, but he walks through the door at the east, reaching the center of the circle. They lean together by their backs and are slowly turning face to face, they look each other in the eyes, they are tied and start sharing food.

In Lakota ceremony the old man sits the couple in front of himself and talks to them giving them advice, give them a charm which they must retain in their new home, he covers them with a blanket, give them a tobacco to talk to each other for four consecutive occasions. The old man also asks the family and friends to give them advice while they smoke tobacco. He gives them a present in addition to the amulet.

At the end of the wedding ceremony the old man offers a dance to the guests and gives them presents. He blesses the food which they share afterwards.

Wedding Planner Column on ESCAPES magazine’s website is brought to you by Leslie Bost of One Happenings Weddings & Events

So you’ve decided – you are having a destination wedding! You always dreamed of getting married on a beautiful beach, with the big blue ocean creating amazing scenery for your picture perfect wedding day. And with luck, you have considered Cabo San Lucas for your nuptials. Kidding aside, now you must consider some important tips and etiquette for your guests, as they will be travelling for YOU.

Save the date! As soon as you know the date and location of your destination wedding, send out your save the dates. This will give your guests a heads up on the location of your wedding so they can plan ahead. Consider an email version like the picture below:

Photo by Sara Richardson. Design by Rocio de la Cruz. Header photo by Scott Andrew studio.

Your guest list. Don’t invite everyone you know just because you think they won’t show up! This is a common mistake, brides tend to over invite thinking less than 40% of guest will fly to see you get married. The truth of the matter is that your wedding might also be a great excuse for a vacation!  Plus who wouldn’t want to travel to see you get married? Consider that anywhere from 55-75% of your guest list will show up.

Wedding Website. Consider making a wedding website on sites like http://www.weddingwindow.com/ It’s a perfect place to share information with your wedding guests about the destination like hotels, restaurants, things to do, weekend events, etc.

Gifts and Registry. Keep in mind that if someone is travelling to your wedding, their actual gift might be to travel for you. Don’t add your registry information in your invitation so that it doesn’t look like you are demanding gifts. Instead consider adding it in your wedding webpage and don’t expect gifts.

Who pays for what? Destination weddings can be expensive for your guests, as usually they cover their airfare and hotel. Make sure they don’t have to pay for wedding related events. If you can fit it into your budget, have a welcome cocktail for them, invite everyone to the rehearsal dinner and make sure you pay for the wedding in full. A next day brunch is always great and can be done instead of the welcome cocktail. Also make sure you add relevant information about hotels for their stay with in your wedding website. Usually you can negotiate a hotel room block that gives your wedding guests a preferred price. Lastly, try to include wedding day transportation (if you are not getting married at the hotel where everyone is staying).

Extras. Welcome your guests with a welcome bag full of useful items during their stay. If you are getting married on a beach in Mexico, fill the bag with travel size sunscreen, a mini Daily Spanish for Dummies¨ book, a map of the destination, fun travel tags for their bags, local snacks, maybe a small bottle of tequila, a tiny first aid kit, of course a welcome note and a local magazine to read about the area. In Cabo, always consider Escapes Magazine!

And of course, if you get married in Cabo – contact me! I would love to plan your amazing destination wedding.

Leslie Bost,
www.onehappenings.com

Wedding bands avec Corona. Wedding for Jason & Chelsea May 2010. Cary Pennington Photography http://www.carypenningtonphotography.com/

You are engaged! Congratulations! But now, after the hugs and congratulatory emails, wishes and excitement you might be wondering – Where do I start? Invitations, guest list, dress, budget, bridesmaids, food, cake, décor, flowers, music…. the list goes on and on. Don’t stress!  You need to enjoy this time in your life and trust that it will all work out as you envision it.  Here are some tips on what to focus on first…

Guest list: Start writing out your guest list on a piece of paper, word or excel. This list will change dramatically over the course of your engagement.  You need to have a solid number of guests in mind when working on quotes, budgets and next steps. When you write out your list remember to prioritize.  Add family first, close friends and the rest should be people that you would be happy to see on your special day. Keep bad vibes away and forget about obligations! Add people you feel you are obligated to invite at the end of your list. If you need to cut the list in the future, this would be where to start.

Budget:  Yes, this is the stressful part. But, if you start managing your budget early, this should be a piece of cake.  Start with a ballpark number of what you can invest and go from there. Ideally, your wedding planner will help you with you budget.  He or she will tell you the line items you should consider. It is important to set a number, so you can start with the next steps.

Location, location, location! After you have an idea of how many people will attend the wedding and what you could potentially pay for a location, start pounding the pavement.  Get out there and find a location.  All quotes will be based on your location.  What size wedding do you need the location to be?  Is it indoor or outdoor?  Would you like a beach, villa or club house? Go see different locations and try to find a place that speaks to you and reflects upon who you are as a couple.  Some beautiful Cabo locations include Capella Pedregal  or Cabo del Sol.

Photographer: Believe it or not, photographers get booked a year in advance or more! They are the first vendor that you should choose. Book early, so you can get the photographer that you want.  After all, the pictures will be the life long memories you will keep. If you are looking for a wonderful Cabo San Lucas based photographer, check out Amy Bennett  and one of our preferred California based photographers, Lunaphoto.

Get your dress! Now that you have a location, you know what type of dress design could work. If you are getting married on a beach, you might not want a long-sleeved dress right?  Dresses can take more than 6 months to be made to your body, not including your fittings. Make sure you start looking at pictures right away and make appointments to try some on. One of our favorite designers? Monique Lhuillier.  Remember, your dress should be a representation of your personality. It is the only wedding item that will say BRIDE.  Feel beautiful and comfortable.

Get HELP. Hire a Wedding Planner, especially if you are having a destination wedding! You need someone to help you visualize and plan your big day, select and quote vendors, and give you tips and idea.  He or she will also be your confidant and friend during the wedding process. Most likely you have a full time job and planning a wedding should be fun, so get some help and enjoy! Make sure your wedding planner manages your budgets and timelines. If there is a good “click” with the person, hire them, you will be talking to your wedding planner almost every day! If you are getting married in Cabo, contact me, Leslie Bost, for a personalized proposal www.onehappenings.com

Last but not least – ENJOY. Your wedding is the representation of you and your Fiancé; it is you proclaiming your love in front of the people you care about.  Everything that leads up to this amazing day should be cherished.

***Wedding Planner is a regular ESCAPES magazine on-line column. Today’s column is brought to you by Leslie Bost, Wedding Planner and Event Organizer from ONE Happenings Weddings & Events.

*Main photo: Gorgeous ring. Wedding for Perla & John. May 2011. Pictures by Amy Bennett Photography

Meet Cabo San Lucas wedding planner, Leslie Bost and ONE Happenings Weddings and Events.

Leslie

Leslie Bost is a Cabo local, even though she was born in Queretaro, mainland Mexico, she grown up in Cabo since the age of 9! Leslie studied abroad during her high school years and college. She has a degree in Administration and Finance Logistics, which she now applies to systematic coordination and organization of her events.

Her passion for wedding and event planning came full force after her wedding in Los Cabos in 2008. Though events have always been a natural calling, planning her wedding made Leslie realize that she wanted to be part of people’s happiest moments, by being there for their wedding and making sure everything happened as expected.

Through the formation of One Happenings, Wedding & Events, Leslie has orchestrated numerous charity events, weddings and special occasions. Leslie´s own wedding was featured in The Knot National Edition Fall 2008.

Besides wedding planning, Leslie loves to dance flamenco! She has studied with some of the most prestigious teachers in the Flamenco world. Currently, Leslie is part of Flamenco Group Vitral.

Leslie´s passions also include giving back to the community, by forming Galento Foundation – a scholarship fund that finds students who have excelled in the public school system and support them through a private school education. For more information, visit www.galento.org

Through the Escapes column “Wedding Planner”, the One Happenings team has the opportunity to express themselves, their ideas, custom tips and all kinds of fun wedding guidelines for Brides and clients. Not to mention, their vision and love for Weddings.

Leslie hopes to not only coordinate many more weddings in the near future, but also to create events that transcend the moment and as mentioned on their website… events that become a happening.

For more information, please contact them at the contacts provided below, and don’t forget to mention that you saw the information on ESCAPES!

www: www.onehappenings.com
Leslie’s email: leslie@onehappenings.com
Vonage: 619.955.6958
Mexico Phone: +52.1.624.355.43.99
ONE Happenings on Facebook
ONE Happenings on Twitter @ONEhappenings

Photos by Lunaphoto

Returning with our bi-monthly Wedding Column on Escapes Magazine online. This week we want to focus on hair & make-up! Neysa Berman owner of Blanc Salon located inside Mar Adentro Spa in Pedregal, talked to us about her experience as a Hair and Make up artist in Los Cabos.

Neysa studied Hair & Make up at the Academy of Cosmetology Arts in Colorado and was trained by MAC cosmetics, she now has more than 8 years experience in the business. It is always her top priority to ensure that each bride look flawless on her wedding day.

The name “Blanc” represents a concept that is clean, simple and classic. After recognizing the high demand for quality bridal services in Los Cabos, Neysa and Spa Mar Adentro opened Blanc Salon. Now that she has lived here four years, she and her team of professionally trained stylists have contributed to the happiness of many beautiful brides! Blanc Salon and Spa Mar Adentro can now accommodate weddings with up to 50 services that include hair and make-up, manicure, pedicure, facials and massage. The stylists have been trained in all areas ranging from ethnic hair and make-up to 1940’s hairstyles. Neysa also gives private make-up classes for those clients that are interested in learning how to apply make-up correctly.

Neysa has a very important roll the day of any wedding, she is not only a make-up artist, she becomes a confidant for all brides by being one of the vendors to be with the bride and bridal party a big part of the day, getting everyone ready. She is a friend and makes each client feel comfortable and beautiful.

We asked Neysa what she enjoyed more, hair or make-up? Her answer was that she enjoys the entire process. “Specializing in one area and not the other is like starting a painting without finishing it.”  Her gratification comes from watching the concept come to life.

Lastly, we asked Neysa what her recommendation would be for a bride who comes to Cabo for a destination wedding?  She quickly responded, “Wear sunscreen and drink lots of water!”

***Wedding Planner is a regular bi-weekly ESCAPES magazine on-line column by Adriana Dupinet and Leslie Bost, Wedding Planners and Event Organizers from ONE Happenings Weddings & Events.

In Los Cabos and its outskirts, the starry sky is beyond amazing. You could fall in love, by simply laying on the beach looking up at the stars on a warm night. The study and science of astronomy, makes us seem minuscule in size before the impressive and infinite universe. On Saturday, One Happenings had the pleasure of attending an astronomy tour, which was full of surprises and incredible stories; there are so many stories of stars and constellations in the sky that it was hard to choose a specific one to write about. But of course, we picked a love story to share with you on this article.

This particular story is about a constellation called Corona Borealis (the Northern Crown), and according to Greek mythology it symbolizes the crown of the princess Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete. It tells the legend that every nine years, seven boys and seven girls from Athens were sent to Crete as an offering, by King Minos to Minotaur, a monster, half man half bull. If this offering was not made, Minotaur would terrorize the city. The Minotaur resided in the labyrinth of Crete.

On the third occasion of this offering, Theseus volunteered to slay the monster. When he arrived to Crete, Princess Ariadne fell in love with him and gave him a ball of gold string so he could find his way out of the labyrinth after slaying Minotaur. Theseus promised Ariadne, that if he returned from the labyrinth, he would marry her and take her with him. Theseus came to the heart of the Labyrinth and upon the sleeping Minotaur. Once the beast awoke, Minotaur and Theseus fought until Theseus killed the monster and then used the sting to escape the labyrinth.

Theseus took Ariadne with him, but on his return home, he left her in Naxos. He abandoned her. The gods felt pity for her and gave her a beautiful crown which after her death was placed in the sky by Dionysos. Ariadne died of love. Hence the Crown Borealis that we can see in the sky. The Crown Borealis also represents the thread that Ariadne gave Theseus.

This is only one of hundreds of stories found in the sky. When in Cabo, think of having a bonfire welcome party on the beach and having an astronomy showing. Or possibly after your Rehearsal dinner! It is not only beautiful, but also romantic and a different and original thing to do for your guests.

Thank you to Luis Camarena a man full of knowledge that shared his passion for the earth and the sky and gave us this wonderful tour.

***Wedding Planner is a regular bi-weekly ESCAPES magazine on-line column by Adriana Dupinet and Leslie Bost, Wedding Planners and Event Organizers from ONE Happenings Weddings & Events.

For sure more than once, you have seen Mexican wines on the Wine list at a restaurant…. And subsequently you might ask yourself  “A Mexican wine?”. We are so used to seeing French wines, Chilean, from Argentina, Napa and Sonoma, Spain, but Mexico? Believe it or not, Mexican wines are becoming more and more well-known and are actually delicious, passionate and worth your while to taste!

In order to learn more about Mexican wines, we had the task of interviewing Rogelio Cortez Sommelier of Baja  Wines in Los Cabos , who spoke to us a little bit more about the position Mexican wines occupy in the world and the future of Mexican wines on wine lists around the globe.

In the past years  Mexican wines have not had a great impact in the worldwide market and there were no wine zones that were relevant in Mexico, however, recently Mexican wines are starting to appear and  to be mentioned  as great wines,  much so, that their future looks very promising. Specifically the Northern Baja wines.

Unlike other countries that specialize and produce a class of grape in each region Mexico is characterized by the diversity of their grapes, as every wine zone is not just focused in producing one type of grape, but a variety.

A funny tad bit about Mexican wines, is that most Mexican wine makers were established for the love of wine and for the fun of making wine, not necessarily with commercial purpose in mind. Obviously now, these wine makers have found that their wines are being well reviewed and have now structured the necessary administrative means to commercialize their product.  But the fact that Mexican wines were created, for the most part, in this manner, makes them have excellent flavor and aroma, a history of life, love or friendship… they were made for the passion of making wines.

Some of sommelier Rogelio Cortez’ favorite Bodegas in Mexico are; Roganto, Adobe Guadalupe, Casa Madero, Tres Valles,  and creations of the enologist Hugo D’Acosta.

If you decide to include Mexican wines in any of your events or your Wedding, you will be sharing  one more aspect of the Mexican culture with your guests, while experiencing some delicious flavors, not to mention amazing food, and fabulous landscapes provided by this beautiful destination.

A wonderful way to incorporate Mexican wines into your Wedding weekend is by giving a bottle to each guest in welcome baskets, or by including a wonderful Mexican wine as part of your reception dinner. This will add a memorable touch to your event

Don’t wait any longer and try your first Mexican wine!

***Wedding Planner is a regular bi-weekly ESCAPES magazine on-line column by Adriana Dupinet and Leslie Bost, Wedding Planners and Event Organizers from ONE Happenings Weddings & Events.

Weddings are special for the bride, groom and all the guests, but they are also special for those who participate in them, this is, all of the vendors who make up the wedding.

For this week, we have chosen to interview our favorite local photographer, Francisco Estrada from Photomexico. He is a clear example of how weddings strike our lives forever and whose excellent work comes from doing what he most loves to do most: photography.

Francisco is one of the most recognized photographers in the destination, his interest in photography comes from childhood, where he grew up surrounded with cameras and photos due to his  father’s hobby in photography.

For Francisco, photography is a way to  express emotions and a sincere and amazing means to capture an instant forever. Unlike other branches of photography, in weddings, emotions and unrepeatable moments are captured in the life of the bride & groom, which differs so much from commercial photography, where pictures are posed and modeled. At a wedding, each moment is a happening and each instance is full of emotion, but you only have seconds to actually catch each occurrence.

Estrada works by being completely uninhibited, with extreme positivism (we have never seen him stressed or not smile) and most of all, with bursting energy. He is not afraid to jump up on a chair to get a shot or to get down on the floor during the party or even to get completely soaked by a wave…if it means getting the best image.

During Francisco’s trajectory as a photographer, there have been infinity of experiences but one, which he will always remember, is when a Groom asked him to only take one photo during his whole wedding, and that that picture, would be the one they would keep for the rest of their lives. This particular request was a challenge for Francisco or anyone! In him, depended what image and what memory the Bride & Groom would keep for a lifetime, it had to be a picture that could best express their whole wedding.  A challenge that Francisco met and conquered. The instant he chose was the moment the ceremony was over and the Bride and Groom where now joined in marriage, once they turned around and started their walk back down the aisle as one. Francisco explains that during each wedding, this instant is always the happiest moment, smiles cannot be faked and emotion is raw.

Photos: Fransisco Estrada, Photomexico

Francisco’s photography stands out and differs by being natural and close to reality, his photography is clean and transparent and he always shoots the best moments and colors without altering the naturalness of the instant captured, this and more qualities distinguish Francisco as one of the best photographers in this perfect Wedding Destination …. Los Cabos.

***Wedding Planner is a regular bi-weekly ESCAPES magazine on-line column by Adriana Dupinet and Leslie Bost, Wedding Planners and Event Organizers from ONE Happenings Weddings & Events.