For couples with families across borders, destination weddings create an opportunity to meet in the middle and turn the celebration into a true getaway.
At All In Weddings, we relish in reconnecting with our couples. Listening to their wedding stories and seeing how their vision came to life helps us stay connected to the work. Raphael and Thiago’s real wedding story reflects love, inclusion, and unforgettable memories.
Here’s their story, in their own words.
RAPHAEL AND THIAGO’S WEDDING PLANS
Why did you choose a destination wedding?
“While we live in the United States, Raphael’s family lives in Brazil. We chose a destination wedding to accommodate guests coming from different countries. We also wanted it to feel like a vacation and extend the celebration beyond only one day.”
Together, your friends and family are experiencing something exciting, away from everyday duties. This feels intimate, fun, and relaxed. For Raphael and Thiago, it was a way to turn logistics into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Wedding Venue and Atmosphere
What venue did you choose?
WHY HARD ROCK HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA?
As a wedding destination, Hard Rock Riviera Maya was the ideal choice for Raphael and Thiago’s vision. With a reputation for inclusivity, elegance, and vibrant local charm, it checked every box, especially for couples looking to host an unforgettable, welcoming event.
A few things you might not know about Hard Rock Riviera Maya:
Luxurious all-inclusive resort located in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, along the Caribbean coastline
The resort is divided into two distinct sections:
Heaven: An adults-only area offering exclusive amenities and a tranquil atmosphere
Hacienda: A family-friendly section equipped with facilities catering to guests of all ages
Seventeen dining experiences, including in-room dining
A private white sand beach, and exclusive saltwater snorkeling areas
Amenities include several pools, a family-friendly water park, Music Lab, Fitness, and Rock Spa for wellness
For more information, visit the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya website.
WHICH WEDDING PACKAGE OR COLLECTION DID YOU CHOOSE, and why?
“We didn’t choose a specific collection. We personalized it with the floral arrangements and décor to make it unique and as we envisioned it.”
Our team always encourages couples to make their day their own. Raphael and Thiago focused on personalization, bringing in floral touches and décor that reflected their style and love story.
design, details & personal touches
What were some of the most essential elements to you?
“We both like to plan things, so we appreciated connecting all the different details and ideas to make sure that our wedding day was unique to us.”
“We researched a lot of resorts before choosing the Hard Rock. As a same-sex couple, we felt that they were very inclusive. From the forms and marketing materials to the staff interactions. This made the planning process more enjoyable.”
From décor to the inclusive atmosphere, Raphael and Thiago built a wedding experience that reflected their values and personalities. We were extremely proud to help contribute to this experience as a team.
Guest Experiences and Group Activities
How many wedding guests did you have?
“Around 100 guests.”
What were their favorite resort activities? What were yours?
“We enjoyed the Mayan Adventure excursion and ending our nights at Club Heaven.”
Which was your favorite amenity?
“We loved that the resort had something for everyone—from the waterpark to the adults-only pools and beaches. The variety of restaurants and the room service were also a highlight.”
Mexico is a magical place that offers many natural escapes and man-made fun. For this varied group, there was something for every guest to enjoy.
Planning with the All In Weddings Team
How was your experience with your All In Weddings Specialist?
“We booked our wedding day two years in advance, so we were anxious to get things moving. Having a list of vendors recommended by the resort took the pressure away from our planning. We enjoyed learning more about the process in each meeting with the specialist and bringing our ideas to reality.”
What was the best part about the planning process?
“Being able to personalize and stay involved in each step. We loved connecting the dots and making our celebration feel uniquely ours.”
At All In Weddings, we believe that strong planning leads to a stress-free wedding day, and couples like Raphael and Thiago remind us why that matters. Our expertise enables us to anticipate the workflow associated with planning and permits us to work with a select group of vendors that we have previously vetted.
The Big Day
Describe your wedding day in 3–5 sentences.
“Our wedding day was emotional, fun, and full of surprises!”
What is your favorite memory from your big day?
“Being surrounded by our favorite people in such a beautiful location will be a memory we will cherish forever. Seeing our families interacting and having fun together, especially the kids, even though they don’t speak the same language.”
Destination weddings are all about bringing two families, cultures, and languages together in celebration. We are excited to be considered “home for the weekend.”
Ready to plan your dream destination wedding?
Learn more about All In Weddings and use our easy estimate calculator to get started!
