I Do Abroad

Photography by Elegance Photographie

Danielle and Tyler knew one thing from the start. They did not want to marry inside four walls. They wanted trees, their favourite people and a day that felt like them. They found all three in the jungle outside Tulum.

Bride resting on the bed before the ceremony at Kima, Tulum

How they met

They met as students at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, reconnected at a country bar, danced all night and met for coffee and a study date the next morning. They have been together ever since. Years of long distance followed, with Dani playing professional volleyball in Europe and Tyler moving across Canada for graduate school, and nightly phone calls kept them close.

Why Kima

After weeks of searching online, they found Kima, a secluded property tucked into the jungle with guest rooms, a greenhouse, a pool and an outdoor bar. Every other venue they looked at was measured against it, so the decision made itself. Using the venue’s own tables, chairs and tableware freed the budget for flowers, lanterns and atmosphere.

Long candlelit dinner table set under lanterns in the jungle at Kima

A first look in the rain

They chose a private first look and exchanged their vows away from the crowd, so the words could stay between the two of them. Then the rain came. Rather than panic, they laughed, took their photographs under the greenhouse roof and moved the ceremony inside. By the time guests sat down, the sky had cleared.

Bride walking towards her first look in the jungle garden at Kima
Groom laughing as the bride reads her vows at their first look
Bride and groom reading private vows in the rain under the trees

The ceremony

Their officiant was Dani’s best friend since childhood, Becca, who spent weeks shaping the script until it told their story exactly. Walking down the aisle of the greenhouse with every face turned towards her is the moment Dani holds closest.

A tribute to Dani’s mum

Dani’s mother passed away in 2022, and she was part of the day throughout. Lockets with her photograph were tied to the bouquet, Dani’s wedding band was made from a piece of her mother’s gold jewellery, the signature cocktail was a margarita in her honour, and the whole party raised a tequila toast to her memory.

Wedding rings, locket and vow letter beside orchids and dahlias

The celebration

Dinner was the moment they had pictured from the beginning: long tables beneath lanterns and greenery, like a dinner party hidden in the trees. Each guest found a seating card stamped by hand by Dani with a personal note, more than sixty in all, and a clay ornament engraved with their name and “Mexico 2025” to hang on the tree at Christmas.

Couple at their candlelit sweetheart table under woven lanterns at Kima

Later, DJ Diego kept the dance floor full under lanterns and disco balls, and the night ended the way only a jungle wedding can, with everyone jumping into the pool.

Couple pouring a champagne tower at their jungle reception in Tulum
Couple cutting a white wedding cake at night in the jungle

Their top tip for couples marrying abroadThings will not go exactly to plan, and that is fine. Your attitude shapes the whole day. And if you can, hire a planner. Theirs, Fidan of Designed Dream Events, shortlisted three or four suppliers for every role and set up video calls so they could meet each one before choosing.

Share the love: the wedding team