Real wedding · MexicoLiz and Duncana modern beach wedding on the Riviera Maya
Photography by Pink Balance Weddings
It started with a Zoom call at work in the summer of 2020, then late nights in the office, side-chat messages and games of Jenga. Years later, Liz and Duncan married on the beach at the Conrad on the Riviera Maya, in a celebration as easy and close as their story.
A weekend, not just a day
They wanted their guests to feel connected from the start, so they hosted a welcome party for around 45 loved ones the night before, with speeches and a mariachi band. Keeping everything at one resort meant nobody worried about travel, and everyone could relax and enjoy the coast. Each guest found a welcome bag with Mexican sweets, mini SPF, hangover vitamins and a printed history of the Riviera Maya.
Dressing for the beach
Liz chose a gown with an airy A-line skirt and layers that moved in the sea breeze. In her words, she wanted to look like she belonged there. Dewy, bronzed make-up suited the heat. Duncan wore a pale blue tailored suit made for an oceanfront ceremony.
The ceremony
They wrote their own vows by hand, and the result was intimate, meaningful and made them both laugh. Their officiant asked them to pause and take in everyone who had travelled to be there, a small moment that helped them stay present for the rest of the day.
The celebration
The design followed the setting rather than a theme: textured tablecloths, soft pops of colour and wavy tables that echoed the shoreline. A Polaroid guest book caught candid moments, a friend handed out party sunglasses, and professional salsa dancers pulled every guest on to the floor for a lesson. Guests still mention it.
Their top tip for couples marrying abroadPlan at least one gathering before the wedding so your guests arrive as friends. Ask someone to bring you canapés while you are busy with photographs. And book a sweetheart table. It gave them their one quiet moment together after the ceremony.
Share the love: the wedding team
- Photography and film Pink Balance Weddings
- Planner Pride Maya Weddings
- Venue Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
- Florals and rentals Style Me Events
- Hair and make-up Prep Tulum