Caroline & Blaine - A Simple, Meaningful Destination Wedding at Ava Resort Cancun
- Kimberly Jacoby
- 9 minutes ago
- 6 min read
On November 22, 2025, Caroline Owen and Blaine Bullard gathered their closest family and friends on the shores of AVA Resort Cancun to begin their next chapter together.
With soft ocean breezes, warm sand underfoot, and a palette of calm neutral tones, their wedding felt effortless and personal. The design was intentionally simple, allowing the beauty of the beach and the joy of the moment to take center stage.
But what truly made this wedding unforgettable was not the décor or the location.
It was the time spent together.
Over several days at the resort, both sides of the family shared dinners, laughter, and late-night conversations. By the time Caroline walked down the aisle, something special had already happened.
Two families had quietly become one.
“The most memorable moment of the wedding was having all of our family there together. Destination weddings allow guests to spend several days getting to know each other before the ceremony. That made it incredibly special for us.”
This is one of the biggest reasons couples choose a destination wedding in the first place.
It creates time for connection.
Their Wedding Vision: Relaxed, Neutral, and Beachside
Caroline and Blaine had a clear vision from the start.
They wanted a wedding that felt natural and relaxed.
“We wanted a beach wedding with neutral and a simple style.”
And AVA Cancun delivered exactly that.
The ceremony took place with the turquoise Caribbean as the backdrop, gentle waves rolling in while their guests watched from the sand. The neutral tones blended perfectly with the beach setting, creating a clean, elegant atmosphere without feeling overly styled.
Sometimes the best décor decision is knowing when to keep things simple.
And this couple understood that perfectly.
Why AVA Resort Cancun Was the Perfect Choice for a Destination Wedding
Choosing the right resort is one of the most important decisions couples make when planning a destination wedding.
Caroline and Blaine wanted a resort that felt upscale while still being affordable for their guests.
AVA Cancun checked every box for this destination wedding.
They loved the beautiful beach, incredible food, and welcoming staff. Another major plus was the location. The resort sits just about 15 minutes from a nearby golf course, which made it easy to mix in a little extra fun during the trip.
“We wanted a very nice but affordable resort. AVA was perfect and had amazing food! The staff was so friendly and the beach was beautiful.”
For couples planning a destination wedding, this balance matters.
Your resort becomes the home base for your entire wedding experience.
It needs to feel comfortable for everyone.
The Best Part of the Planning Process
Many couples expect destination wedding planning to feel complicated.
Caroline and Blaine had the opposite experience.
“Our favorite part of the wedding planning process was how simple everything was. Kim and Jeff made everything so easy and everybody at AVA was absolutely phenomenal.”
When couples work with a travel advisor who specializes in destination weddings, the process becomes much smoother.
Why?
Because there are dozens of moving pieces most couples do not even realize exist.
They don’t know what they don’t know.
Having someone guide the process removes a huge amount of stress and allows couples to actually enjoy the planning.
The True Magic of a Destination Wedding: Time Together
Traditional weddings often move fast.
Guests arrive, attend the ceremony, celebrate for a few hours, and head home.
Destination weddings are different.
They create shared experiences over several days.
Welcome drinks. Poolside conversations. Group dinners. Beach walks.
These moments build real connection between families.
Caroline and Blaine experienced this firsthand.
By the time the ceremony began, everyone already felt like they belonged together.
That kind of atmosphere cannot be replicated in a single evening event.
Personal Touches That Guests Loved
Even simple weddings can include memorable details.
Caroline and Blaine added a few playful touches that guests still talk about.
These included:
• Funny custom koozies
• Welcome bags waiting in each guest room
• Glow sticks for the reception dance floor
Small touches like these add personality without over-complicating the day.
They create fun memories while keeping the overall experience relaxed.
A Wedding Style Focused on Guest Comfort
Another thoughtful decision the couple made was keeping the dress code relaxed.
Beach weddings should feel comfortable, not restrictive.
“We did everything beach casual and cocktail casual. We wanted our guests to feel like themselves.”
This choice allowed everyone to stay cool, comfortable, and ready to celebrate.
Destination weddings work best when guests can truly relax into the experience.
Let the Beach Speak for Itself
When couples begin planning décor, many worry they need elaborate designs to make the ceremony feel special.
Caroline quickly realized something important.
The beach already does most of the work.
“My favorite aspect was the flowers. We didn’t spend a lot of money on them, but they added the perfect touch. The venue was so pretty that we didn’t really need anything extravagant.”
She also shared one of the most honest pieces of wedding wisdom you'll ever hear.
“Nobody comes to the wedding for the décor.”
They come for the people.
They come for the celebration.
And when you’re standing on a Caribbean beach, the scenery is already doing its job.
Helpful Advice for Future Destination Wedding Couples
After experiencing their own wedding week, Caroline and Blaine shared advice for other couples considering a destination celebration.
1. Handle details early
“Make sure to get things done early so you don't have to worry about little things.”
Finishing planning tasks early allows couples to arrive at the resort ready to relax.
And that is the entire point.
2. Focus on the guests who can attend
One of the emotional challenges of destination weddings is that not everyone can travel.
“It can be disappointing when some friends or family can't make it. Focus on the ones who can come and make the most of it.”
This mindset helps couples fully enjoy the experience without dwelling on what could not happen.
A 100-Guest Destination Wedding That Went Smoothly
Hosting a destination wedding with 100 guests is no small task.
Flights, accommodations, travel documents, schedules, transportation.
There are many details involved.
Caroline and Blaine were grateful to have expert support throughout the process.
“Romantics Travel are the most professional and amazing people I think I have ever worked with. They made our wedding experience perfect. We had 100 guests and not one issue.”
That kind of outcome does not happen by accident.
It happens when careful planning meets experience.
Mexico Destination Wedding Resort & Vendors
Venue: @AVAResorts
Photography:
Destination Wedding Experts: Kim + Jeff @romanticstravel
Thinking About Your Own Destination Wedding?
If Caroline and Blaine’s wedding story sparked ideas for your own celebration, you are not alone.
Many couples start with the same thought.
“Could we actually do this?”
The answer is yes. With the right guidance, destination weddings can be easier than traditional weddings.
That is where expert planning makes the difference.
Kimberly and Jeff Jacoby of Romantics Travel specialize in helping couples design destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean. With firsthand knowledge of hundreds of resorts and years of experience coordinating weddings just like this one, they guide couples through every step.
Because planning a wedding abroad is not something you should have to figure out alone.
Start Planning Your Destination Wedding
If you are dreaming about a beach ceremony like Caroline and Blaine’s, let’s talk.
Schedule a consultation and we will help you:
• Choose the right destination
• Find the best resort for your style and budget
• Coordinate guest travel
• Simplify the entire planning process
Start here:
Your future self will thank you.
And who knows.
Your wedding story might be the next one we get to share.
Visit our website at www.romanticstravel.com/destination-weddings to start planning, or schedule a chat at www.romanticstravel.com/appointments to talk over all the details.
Don’t wait! Let’s create the wedding of your dreams together!
Overwhelmed with Planning a Destination Wedding and Don't Know Where to Start?
Visit us at www.romanticstravel.com/destination-weddings
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