A Memorable Destination Wedding at Grand Velas Los Cabos in Cabos San Lucas, Mexico

Priya Patel and Pavan Patidar’s love story began in college, when they were attending two different schools across town from each other. After a brief introduction at an intercollegiate South Asian club meeting, they wound up on the same Garba team. At the time, Priya was quiet and serious, always focusing on her grades and getting into medical school. Pavan, however, was the team clown – loud and constantly cracking jokes. The mere thought of marriage wouldn’t arise for years.

Their relationship first involved navigating years of long-distance, whether it was New York to Boston, New York to California, or Boston to California. The two finally ended up back in Boston and knew they were “in it for the long haul.”

The engagement took place via a sweet, thoughtful, and intimate proposal in a downtown Boston park on the water. Pavan had planned out an entire day, starting with drinks on a popular nearby rooftop. Next was a pampering session for Priya that included a blowout, professional makeup appointment, and a full-on photoshoot with a dress he had bought for her.

Finally, they made their way to a local restaurant for what Priya thought would be a quiet dinner. Instead, she walked in to find a surprise party with their family and friends. “It was an incredible end to a memorable and fun-filled day,” she says. “It was one of our last carefree weekends before we started our second job, wedding planning.”

Without any discussion necessary, Priya and Pavan knew they wanted to host a beach destination wedding in Mexico. As soon as they came across Grand Velas Los Cabos, they new they had found the perfect location for an epic celebration.

“The hotel and its staff were exceptional and made the wedding weekend run like clockwork with the help of our incredible cast of vendors,” Priya shares. “The whole wedding weekend, Pavan and I felt blessed to have a great team behind us, from the hotel staff to my makeup artist, who all pitched in to execute all the little details. As much as I tried to live in the moment, the whole weekend inevitably felt like a whirlwind of dancing, laughing, partying and sunshine.

Every night we were transported to far-off scenes, courtesy of our decor team. At first, it was as if we were amidst the colors and electricity of a carnival for our welcome night. The next day, were in the serenity of a peaceful garden at our the pithi/satak. The next morning, it was a rustic, cozy wedding with waves crashing against the rocks behind us. It all culminated in our regal navy and gold wedding reception.”

Given their busy work schedules, the newlyweds couldn’t leave for their honeymoon until a few months later. The wait, however, was worth it as they traveled to Kenya for an incredible safari honeymoon.

“The most memorable part of that whole week was our private full-day tour into the Masai Mara, eating full picnicked meals out amongst the great wildlife migration.”