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 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit an exotic land, fall in love, and get married? That fantasy came true for Stephanie. After graduating with Public Relations Advertising at Boston University and in Paris, France, Stephanie went into Event Planning and Advertising in agencies in Chicago. After starting her own company, a vacation took her to Mexico--and into romance. Stephanie met and married Felipe and, after working in hotels in Cozumel and Huatulco in events and weddings, she began her own wedding planning business. We recently spoke with Stephanie about Cozumel Wedding Planner and how the company can help you plan a destination wedding on the island of Cozumel.
What makes Cozumel a spectacular wedding destination?
Cozumel is popular for being the second largest diving reef in the world, however it is also known as the sacred destination where Mayan women came to worship the Goddess of Ixchel, who is the Goddess of Love and Fertility. (watch out!) This quaint little island brings together natural beauty, local Mexican Charm, and modern hotels that include facilities and staff that make you feel right at home. If your dream is to have a wedding on the beach at Sunset, then this is the place! The sunsets fill up the skies with fiery oranges and yellow and reds, then when the sun fades beyond the horizon, the colors are replaced by millions of stars.
Can you describe a recent wedding you've planned?
I have planned weddings that ranged from a simple ceremony for just the adoring couple, to larger, elaborate weddings with ceremony, dinner and dancing for many guests. All were just as romantic as the next. With the latter Wedding, the romantic ceremony was held at sunset on the beach. Afterwards the reception took place under a thatched roof "Palapa." Torches were placed in the sand, tables were eloquently decorated with candles and flowers, and Mariachi serenaded with trumpets and violins.
Is it difficult for non-residents to get married in Cozumel? What are the requirements?
It is not difficult at all! If you have passports, it is even easier! The requirements are for you to have passports, if not, your birth certificates need to come with an "Apostille" which is easy to get from the Secretary of State. You will also need to have blood tests, these can be taken here with my personal and professional doctor if you would like. And finally you will need the tourist visas that they give you once you arrive in the Country. You will also need 4 witnesses that either have passports or the birth certificates with Apostille. If you do not have witnesses, I can get some for you.
How can brides incorporate some unique local elements or traditions into the ceremony?
I always love to incorporate Mariachi or a trio into the ceremony. Their Mexican Love Ballads just fill the air and brings a fun taste of Mexico into the special day. Also, since by law, the ceremony has to be in Spanish (don't worry, I am there to translate the whole thing) this definitely makes the wedding feel unique from anything done in the US.
Can you describe one of your top packages?
There are three packages. The basic "Bronze" is as simple as the Judge, Myself, the Table and Linens and YOU! The second is "Plata." This takes the first package and adds the bouquet and boutonniere, cake and champagne. Then there is "Oro" which includes a larger cake for about 20 guests, champagne for 20 guests and an hors d'oeuvre reception. The rest are customized weddings.
After the wedding, what nearby romantic places might couples want to visit?
Definitely the "other side" of the island. It makes you feel like you have entered another world! It is only a 20-minute ride to the East side of the island where most of the land in untouched by the human hand. There are only a few restaurants along the coast, and the rest is vast vast beach, rocks, and beautiful crashing waves. Also, it is fun to explore the Mayan Ruins... and for those brides with a little sparkle in their eyes, go to San Gervacio and worship Ixchel, the goddess of Fertility just like the millions of Mayan Women who are hoping for that bundle of joy!
The above article is a
Husband and wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE Lovetripper.com, a romantic travel magazine featuring worldwide destinations. Above article copyright 2002 to Lovetripper.com. Photo courtesy of Cozumel Wedding Planner.
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