Melissa and Sebastien | February 1, 2024
Photos by Genevieve Albert, genevievealbert.com
Sebastien and Melissa’s very first trip together was to Mexico. Since they both love to travel, they decided to get married at the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres in Mexico on their fifth anniversary as a couple.
“We wanted the biggest celebration of [our lives] to become an unforgettable experience shared with our loved ones while on a weeklong vacation,” Melissa explains, adding, “I have always dreamed of having a beach destination wedding with sand in my toes while saying ‘I Do.’ Being able to have all our closest family and friends by our side was our dream.”
As dreams go, this one was spectacular.
“The entire day was perfect,” the bride enthuses. “From getting ready in my ocean-view, two-storey loft suite with my bridal party—my maid of honor, my bridesmaid, my bridesman, my sister-in-law and, of course, my amazing mother—to my dream-worthy, white beach sand ceremony to my bang-on reception: Everything was perfect.”
The pre-festivities part of the day was special, but Melissa opted not to have a first look with her soon-to-be husband. “I wanted him to see me for the first time when I walked down the aisle, on the beach with my dad.”
Instead, she adds, “I did the bridal look with my father, at my ocean-view suite. My father was very emotional when he saw me all dolled up for the first time. He was teary eyed and gave me kisses on my forehead and kept saying how beautiful I was.”
The presence of her parents meant a lot. When Melissa’s mother had open heart surgery in October of 2023, there was no guarantee she’d be able to attend the wedding. There was much joy and relief when she got the go-ahead to fly: In Melissa’s words, “My mother was not only my something blue and wore a blue dress, but she was my flower girl. To have my mom present at my wedding and my father walk me down the aisle was the best gift I could ever ask for! Their presence while marrying the men of my dreams was gold for me.”
This bride was also grateful for the involvement and expertise of Ottawa-area photographer Genevieve Albert. Melissa booked Genevieve’s services just four hours after she got engaged in February 2023, because she says the sought-after photographer’s slate is often full up to 1.5 years in advance. “Thankfully, she was not booked, and we were able to fly her out for our wedding … She went above and beyond for me during my special day.”
So did destination wedding planner and travel agent Julie Thivierge, owner of Wedding in the Tropics. “We were a group of 52 in total and everything went smoothly,” says the bride, adding she couldn’t have done it without her.
Festivities included a four-course meal with a light and water drum show, a custom cigar bar, fairy lights on the ocean-facing deck for the beautiful reception and fireworks during the newly-married couple’s first dance. As a thank-you to guests for attending, the couple treated them to a five-hour boat cruise with Cancun Tours. It was a big hit. Still, the bride reveals, “My absolute highlight of my wedding day was the ceremony, exchanging our vows in front of our family and friends and seeing how difficult it was for Sebastien to say them without crying.”
The Details:
Venue: The Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres near Cancun, Mexico
Officiant: Sandra Macedo Briones
Photographer/Videographer: Genevieve Albert
Bride’s Gown: Terracotta Dress from Alliance Bridal
Shoes: Dolce Vita flats
Groom’s Attire: Custom linen suit from Stephano
Flowers: White and cream roses with fresh eucalyptus
Hair: Adeline from the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort and Spa
Makeup: Bride’s sister-in law, Caroline Beaudoin, a former makeup artist
Cake: Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort
Music: DJ Timo
Wedding planner and travel agent: Julie Thivierge, Wedding in the Tropics
