Photo Credit: DreamArt Photography
Jared and Rachel are a fun-loving couple who met at the gym, where Jared’s the manager and coach, while Rachel does IT consulting. Outside of work, they’re big on staying active, hanging out with friends, jamming to music, catching sports games, and indulging in some junk food (they swear it’s all about balance!).
This vow renewal at Live Aqua Cancun marks their third wedding celebration—and we couldn’t be more honored to be part of it. It’s not every day we get to walk alongside a couple who’ve already said “I do” more than once and still approach each milestone with the same joy and intention as the first.
From the very beginning of their planning journey, Rachel and Jared made one thing clear: this vow renewal wasn’t just a celebration—it was a deeply personal milestone. While they were still shaping the details, they knew without a doubt that a destination celebration was the perfect fit. It allowed them to keep things intimate and intentional, without the stress of a large guest list, and it offered the kind of extended quality time they had come to love from attending destination weddings in the past.
But this wasn’t just another wedding for them—it was their third time saying “I do,” and perhaps the most meaningful of all. A chance to reflect on their journey, reaffirm their commitment, and celebrate the life they’ve built with the people who’ve supported them along the way. We’re incredibly grateful that they chose us to be part of something so special—and so full of heart.
What were your biggest fears when planning a destination wedding?
We were really nervous about making uninformed decisions—especially when it came to rates or vendors. Since we hadn’t traveled to Mexico before, we worried about not knowing what was “normal” or which vendors to trust. We didn’t want to second guess every choice or miss opportunities to maximize our budget.
Is there anything about the actual destination wedding experience that surprised you?
Yes—so much! We were honestly surprised at how many options we had when it came to themes, décor, and even activities. We assumed everything would be very “one size fits all,” but in reality, the flexibility was incredible. From vendors to florals, color schemes, and personalized details, almost anything we imagined could be brought to life.
What is your favorite memory of your destination wedding?
Hands down—our reception dance floor! The energy was electric. We kicked off the dancing with cold sparks, and from that moment on, people never left the floor. Seriously—the catering staff ended up delivering drinks right into the middle of the dance circle! It was everything we hoped it would be: high energy, joyful, and completely unforgettable.
Did you splurge on anything travel or wedding related? If so, what was it and was it worth it?
We definitely splurged on the resort. It was a bit above what we’d normally choose, and we were initially nervous that our guests might question the cost. But the turnout was amazing—about 80% of our invitees attended—and everyone raved about the resort. They were blown away by the quality, the service, and the entire experience. It ended up being totally worth the investment. It gave us more than just a wedding—it gave us a whole week of memories.
Did you attempt to *save* on anything travel or wedding related? If so, what was it and was it worth it?
Yes! We intentionally scaled back on wedding decorations. We kept florals, aisle décor, centerpieces, and even linens very simple. And honestly? We don’t regret a thing. The backdrop of our venue was stunning on its own—we didn’t need to add much. So many guests commented on how breathtaking the setting was. It allowed us to focus on what really mattered and saved us from stressing over the “small stuff.”
If you could change anything with your wedding (planning, the day itself, the location, resort, ANYTHING) – what would you change?
The one thing we’d do differently? Offering more than one dinner option! We chose to keep it simple with a single entrée, but in hindsight, we wish we’d given guests a choice between a couple of dishes. It’s a small thing, but it’s something we’d change if we had a do-over.
What kind of feedback did you get from your guests?
The feedback blew us away. Multiple guests told us it was the best week of their lives. People loved the resort and had nothing but amazing things to say about the experience. One of the things our guests appreciated most was the timeline of the wedding day. Our ceremony was at 5pm, which meant everyone had the morning to relax, soak up the sun, and ease into the celebration. It also gave our wedding party time to enjoy the day without rushing to get ready—it worked out perfectly.
Now that you’ve been through it, what is your #1 best piece of advice for wedding couples entering the planning process?
HIRE A TRAVEL AGENT—1000%! More specifically, hire Natasha and her team at Serenity Sand & Seas Travel! We can confidently say that there is no way our wedding would have been as smooth, successful, or fun without their help. Natasha’s insider knowledge, tips, and vendor connections completely changed the game. And honestly? Not having to chase down friends and family over RSVPs or travel documents was a total relationship saver. Letting the experts handle all of that was worth it alone.
In what ways did Serenity Sand & Seas Travel make this less stressful for you?
In all the ways. Their team kept us—and every single guest—fully informed and prepared from the moment we booked. They were so communicative and handled every individual concern with patience and care. Even our most anxious travelers felt confident and ready to go. On the wedding planning side, they were incredibly helpful when it came to nudging resort communication, answering all our “is this normal?” questions, and giving us tips we never would’ve thought of ourselves. They truly felt like experts in destination weddings and travel logistics—and we couldn’t have done it without them.
Photo Credit: DreamArt Photography
Travel Advisor: Serenity Sand & Seas Travel
Resort: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
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