A Tropical Jewish Destination Wedding at Rancho Ixtul in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Anna and Adam have been friends since they were fourteen-years-old; and by the time their senior prom came along, they knew there was something special between them.

Fast forward to a gap year in Israel together, four years in Boston, and finally back to New York where it all started. It only felt natural to take the next step in life together. Adam knew he had to catch Anna off-guard and surprise her with a very special proposal, so he commissioned a painting from their favorite Israeli artist, Meir Michael Levy, who created a piece that incorporated their Hebrew names surrounded by the beautiful traditions of a Jewish wedding ceremony.

Adam arranged for the painting to be displayed in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, at the end of a row of artists and street vendors so Anna wouldn't notice anything out of the ordinary. As both of their families were hiding behind the trees, Adam walked Anna down the street where she immediately recognized the painting. They looked at each other, Adam got down on one knee, and the two celebrated their engagement followed by a surprise party with all of their family and friends.

Anna and Adam always knew they wanted a destination wedding. After three months of searching for the perfect location, their hearts were set on Mayakoba, Mexico – an exclusive resort where their 400 guests could relax at the spa, ride their bikes to the beach, and feel like they were in paradise. Upon arrival, guests received Sombreros filled with weekend snacks, a schedule of activities, a travel backgammon set, and a thank you note from the couple.

The wedding festivities began Thursday evening with a traditional Moroccan-Yemenite Henna celebration, customary of the groom’s heritage. The couple, dressed in traditional garments, was carried in by their closest friends on ceremonial chairs, as the two mothers followed and brought in the Henna to symbolize good health, luck and prosperity.

All day Friday, guests enjoyed their private beach with great music, delicious food, fun activities, and beautiful weather. Later that evening, the couple hosted a traditional Jewish Friday night Shabbat dinner which took place in a beautiful garden setting. The long tables were decorated with dramatic blue flowers and greenery, which created the perfect setting for a meaningful gathering.

After an unforgettable weekend, it was finally time for the bride and groom to get married. The wedding took place at Ixtul Ranch – a magnificent private ranch, home to the largest Palapa in the world (13,500+ sqft), where the main event took place. Guests arrived at the beautiful cocktail reception, which was set up around the Badekin, a Jewish custom where the groom veils the bride. The bride and groom then said, "I Do" under a tropical hot pink Chuppah.

At the reception, the newlyweds and their guests headed to the grand palapa where 12-foot metallic gold spheres were suspended from the 125-foot-high ceiling. While the over-the-top decor wowed guests, the most memorable part of the weekend was the couple's energy and the way everyone celebrated their love.

“This magical weekend wouldn't have been possible without Koby, who took our vision and not only brought it to life, but created something beyond our wildest dreams,” says the couple.