A Tropical Wedding in Mexico with Monte Carlo Vibes
When Naomi Baxter first met Brett Carpenter in college, it was an unforgettable night that resulted in an instant connection.
“It felt like the rest of the world had disappeared,” she recalls. “It was just me and Brett, completely engrossed in conversation. Brett had an intriguing, unique energy about him. He never got caught up in the superficiality that so often surrounds young adult life. He was thoughtful, quietly confident, and completely unbothered by the little things. He even chose to sleep in a tent pitched in the backyard of his college house instead of staying inside. From the very beginning, I was captivated by his authenticity and the way he danced to the beat of his own drum. Brett had a magnetic energy, and I felt it that night and every day since.”
“Naomi has always been my sunshine, my best friend, and the piece that makes me whole.”
“Since I was a kid, I dreamed about meeting someone like Naomi,” Brett shares. “That first night on the roof of 07, we had an instant connection. I knew that what we shared wasn’t just ordinary – it was the beginning of something truly special. Naomi has always been my sunshine, my best friend, and the piece that makes me whole. Even after years of friendship, we naturally fell in love all over again. Naomi, with her intelligence and warmth, showed me what true love could be.”
The Proposal and Wedding Planning Process
When it came time to propose, Brett popped the question in a grassy field where the couple had spent many evenings watching the sun set over the ocean. Their friend, Gracie from Boho Chic Dreams, assisted in setting the scene with flowers, champagne, and an arch. The engagement was topped off with the couple’s friends surprising them with drinks and a live band.
“Planning our wedding felt like preparing for the biggest adventure of our lives,” Naomi remarks. “We wanted to infuse personal touches into every detail to make the day truly reflective of who we are as a couple. From choosing the décor to curating a playlist of songs we’ve danced to over the years, everything was thoughtfully considered. We made sure to focus on experiences, much like the adventures we’ve shared together – whether traveling around the world or cooking dinner on our roof in Santa Barbara.
A Tropical Wedding with Monte Carlo Vibes
Naomi and Brett’s wedding day was filled with an overwhelming amount of love and joy. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the bride and groom celebrated their nuptials with people who had been part of their journey together from the beginning.
“Every moment was a testament to the connection we share,” says the bride. “There was laughter, a few happy tears, and a sense of peace that washed over us both as we said our vows. It felt like everything had come full circle, from our first kiss in a dusty Irish bar to standing there, hand in hand, ready to face the future together.”
For their décor, the couple wanted a classic, tropical wedding with Monte Carlo Vibes. A black and white checkered dance floor provided a focal point, while setting the stage for the newlyweds’ first dance. This was Brett’s favorite part of the evening, as they completely “winged it,” dancing to a song they both fell in love with when they first met.
Remembering a past encounter from their travels, Naomi shares, “One humorous moment happened when strangers in Greece asked us why we weren’t married yet. The chef even pulled Brett aside and said, ‘What the hell are you waiting for?’ The universe seemed to be sending us hints long before this day arrived, and it feels amazing to finally make it official.”
The newlyweds wrapped up their wedding experience at the One&Only Mandarina, where they enjoyed “top notch dining and luxury treehouse villas.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Villa del Oso, Sayulita, Mexico; Planning & Event Design: Yazmin Gizeh By Sea of Dreams Sayulita; Floral Design: Francisco Salazar; Caterer: Elias Sapien; Cake: Charme Reposteria; Lighting: Curiel Producciones; Makeup: Funky Diva; Photography: Oscar Castro