MEXICO WEDDING MAGAZINE spring 2014

for your weddingMerida

PASSIONATE DESIGNERS OF THE ORIGINAL BRIDE

with Arturo Ayala - Get lost in the Mexican

forest

trashthe

dress

SPRING2014

aboutblown glass

www.catygomez.com

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE...leave the rest to the best

Acapulco Riviera Maya

contentsEDITOR’S LETTER

STAFF

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

DESTINATION Get married in the White City of Merida

TRASH THE DRESS In the Mexican forest withArturo Ayala

MAGICAL VENUESBeautiful Rosario Estatein Queretaro

HONEYMOONThe hidden beaches ofCosta Alegre

DECO Whispers of the White Color

WEDDING LOOK Inspiring Fall/Winter 2014 collections

BRIDAL BEAUTYThe Secrets of Olive Oil and Coffee

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47

39

57

68

75

p.100Fall & Winter

Collection2014

merida04

7

TRENDSIn search of a perfect detail

FASHIONBreathtaking designs of Lorena Nuñez

REAL WEDDINGArabian Night under the sky of Acapulco

OUR STORYMexican & Paraguayan in Riviera Maya

SPECIAL REPORTArcano, fascinating brother-sister duet

INTERVIEWMeet Spanish bridal designers, YolanCris

WEDDING PLANNER POLICE

S.O.S NEW BRIDEHow to work out, together

DIRECTORYLook around! Choose what works for you

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144

p.100The bestsecrets foryour skin

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p. 97Whitecolors

p. 97Vibrantscolors

p. 97 In the mexican forest

editor’sletter

designer: Alberto Rodríguez

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY : CATY GÓMEZ WEDDINGS (catygomez.com)CONTACT: [email protected]

mexicoweddingmagazine.com

Year 1, No. 4, February - April 2014, it’s a quarterly magazine, edited by Caty Gomez Weddings, street Hilario Malpica No. 32 Int. 1, Col. Costa Azul, Acapulco, Gro, C.P.39850, Tel (744) 484-3662, www.catygomez.com, [email protected]. Responsible editor: Catalina Gomez Cabrera. Exclusive use rights reserved with the process of ISSN. The rights were granted by the National Institute of Author’s Rights. The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publication’s editor. Total or partial reproduction of photographs, illustrations and texts published in the magazine is prohibited without prior authorization of National Institute of Author’s Rights.

ALINA HEREDIA sales director

BRENDA OSORIO graphic director

BEATRIZ IRACHETA art director

DANY MARROQUINsales

RAMINTA LILAITEcommunications

NANCY TÉLIZgraphic designer

CATY GÓMEZdirector

JORDANA GALICIAsenior editor

special thanks

acknowledgementsARTURO AYALA, Potographer and Owner of Arturo Ayala Photography

ELIZABETH MEDINA, Director of Elizabeth Medina Photography

LORENA NUÑEZ, Designer and Owner of Lorena Nuñez

LUIS NOGUER, Director Keiser Mexico

MIGUEL MARIN, Photography Director of Fotógrafo Boda

PEDRO RUIZ, Representative of Arcano

SILVIA GÓMEZ, SMM & Marketing Department of YolanCris

ANIELA MENDIBURU, Photographer and Owner of Aniela Photography

PATRICIA LOYO, Communications of Suma Cruz

FERNANDA BURR, Communications of Finca del Rosario

contact: [email protected]

14 MEXICO WEDDING MAG

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANIELA FOTOGRAFÍA DE BODAS destinationmerida

Travel to the fascinating city of the Maya, Spanish tradition & Caribbean ambianceHello seekers of glamour of the times past, romance and tradition! We will take you on a special journey through Merida, a Mexican city unlike any other.The capital of Yucatan, Merida is a breathtaking colonial town that differs from the rest of the country. Due to its geographical isolation and strong Mayan presence, the citizens of this city consider themselves to be Yucatecans above all.

Merida is also called the “White City.” Wherever you go, you will find impressive colonial white stone buildings and majestic mansions.Founded in 1542 by the Spaniard Francisco de Montejo, Merida was built on top of the Maya City of T’ho. In 1800s Yucatan had separated from Mexico and at one point Merida was a hub of Maya rebellion.

white wedding

of meridaIN THE WHITE CITY

In the same century Merida experienced a period of prosperity as the world’s leader in henequén (sisal) production. Today it’s a cosmopolitan city where different periods of history and cultures blend into a harmonious, vibrant mix of colors, flavors and traditions.

Monumento a la Patria

destinationmerida

What a joy it is going to be to plan your wedding in this city of stunning colonial architecture and

well-preserved tradition, mixed with the Caribbean atmosphere and Mayan influence. Imagine a

trip to the past and a taste of the Mayan heritage that will make you want to leave the monotonous

daily life and have a completely different and original wedding.

You and your guests will be able to experience some days full of romance and will enjoy the warm

spirit and hospitality of the meridenses. At the same time, you might be surprised to find a city that

is able to satisfy the most sophisticated and extravagant palates.

LET US TAKE YOU THROUGH MERIDA’S BEST VENUES, HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS. WE WILL ALSO SHARE THE BEST-KEPT WEDDING TRADITIONS OF THIS ENCHANTING PLACE TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THE MOST ORIGINAL,

Fun Wedding. Monumento a la Patria

destinationmerida

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DAS

HACIENDA MISNÉ Open its impressive

oak gates, and get transported into an oasis

of peace and relaxation.

HACIENDA SANTA ROSA DE LIMA This

hacienda impresses with a combination

of colonial and modern architecture and a

botanical garden.

HACIENDA SOTUTA DE PEÓN Located

in the heart of the former henequén (sisal)

plantation area, this hacienda is in love with

tradition and is perfect if you want to be in

touch with nature. Your guests will arrive to

their rooms in a carriage pulled by a donkey

and will be surrounded by cenotes, tropical

gardens and tranquility. The hacienda also

features a wedding chapel.

HACIENDA TEMOZÓN It features unusual,

beautiful surroundings and a unique natural

environment of a tropical rainforest. On

the exterior, there is carefully manicured

vegetation & spectacular pools, surrounded

by stone paths.

HACIENDA CHICHI SUÁREZ This place is

characterized by class, style and elegance. It’s

an oasis of history and colonial architecture.

HACIENDA DZIBIKAK Combine the beau-

ty and atmosphere of a historic hacienda

with the comfort of modern facilities – it’s all

that you need for a perfect wedding day.

HACIENDA SAN DIEGO TIXCACAL It

blends some essential ingredients – perfect

location, breathtaking views and all the

comforts you will need.

HACIENDA STO. DOMINGO HUNXE-

CTAMAN Imagine you wedding on a vast

terrace with spectacular views to bridges

and gardens.

HACIENDA TEKIK DE REGIL Thanks

to the masterfully restored buildings that

look almost like they did centuries ago, in

their original state, this hacienda is perfect

for romantic weddings. It also features a

church and vast main garden.

HACIENDA TEYA A romantic hacienda, it

features various halls and gardens so you

can choose what works for you.

LA QUINTA MONTES MOLINA Travel to

the past at this impressive hacienda, where

you will be able to choose one of its majestic

patios for a dream wedding.

HACIENDA XCANATÚN Constructed

in the 18th century, this hacienda blends

historic, traditional and modern elements.

Get immersed in its magic environment and

live your dream to the fullest.

VENUES

Cochinita Pibil

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANIELA FOTOGRAFÍA DE BODAS

Try to plan a menu, where your guests can try the specialties of Yucatan

cuisine: PANUCHOS (a refried tortilla stuffed with black beans, topped

with cabbage, turkey, tomato, pickled red onion, avocado and pickled

jalapeno pepper), SALBUTES (crisp little handheld turkey tostadas

topped with avocado, pickled onions, and cabbage), LIME SOUP

(chicken, onion, vegetables, lime juice), COCHINITA PIBIL (slow

roasted pork dish) and many other options.

Your guests will surely appreciate this original desert, very representative

of Merida. Very thin crepes are rolled into a tube, and filled with cheese.

You can also add any other fillings: marmalade, Nutella, caramel or

condensed milk.

YUCATAN CUISINE AT YOUR WEDDING

SPECIAL WEDDING TRADITIONS

SPECIAL DESERT: CARRITO DE MARQUESITAS

Dress codeIt’s a tradition that

men wear linen guayaberas (light lose fitting shirts)

and hats, a typical Yucatan attire.

THE VILLA MÉRIDA A cozy luxury hotel, located in

a former majestic mansion.

MANSIÓN MÉRIDA If you are looking for tranquility,

you will find it here. Centrally located in the historic

center of the town, the hotel allows you to enjoy the city

and gives you your own private oasis.

CASA AZUL French-style estate, converted into a

boutique hotel, decorated with antique details. Ideal for

privacy and tranquility.

HOTEL PRESIDENTE INTERCONTINENTAL a

blend of colonial elegance and modern comfort.

ROSAS & XOCOLATE Cozy boutique-style ambiance,

luxurious surroundings, excellent service and perfect

location.

CASA LECANDA Antique house that was transformed

into a quiet, exclusive small boutique hotel, with excellent

services and beautiful patios and gardens.

HOTELS FOR GUESTS

PLAZA GRANDE. Downtown Mérida is different from most Mexican cities – it’s more

relaxed and more light. Most buildings are finished in stucco and painted in light colors; wild

tropical gardens are everywhere. Squares are built around large trees that are left to grow

tall. The plaza park is always full of movement, people and action.

CATEDRAL DE SAN ILDEFONSO, built on the site of a former Maya temple, is Merida’s

main cathedral, which was completed in 1598. The massive crucifix behind the altar is Cristo

de la Unidad (Christ of Unity), a symbol of reconciliation between those of Spanish and

Maya heritage. Next door to the Cathedral is the Bishop's Palace, now converted into the

city's contemporary art museum, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán. The

17 exhibition rooms display work by contemporary artists, mostly from the Yucatán. The best

known are Fernando García Ponce and Fernando Castro Pacheco.

PASEO MONTEJO. Walk along this mansion-lined avenue reminiscent of Paris’s Champs

Elysées or take a bike. In the late 19th century, Mérida's henequén-rich upper class built

this grand boulevard and lined it with mansions. Today this is the fashionable part of town,

with many restaurants, trendy nightclubs, and expensive hotels. If you want to feel like a real

meridense, stop along the way for a sombrero and a guayabera shirt.

PALACIO CANTÓN is a spectacular neo-classic style building that hosts Anthropology Museum.

The museum covers the great Maya cities of Mayapán, Uxmal, Chichén Itzá and Ek’ Balam.

GRAN MUSEO DEL MUNDO MAYA. The museum showcases hundreds of artifacts

ranging from stone sculptures and jewelry to ceramics and is divided into six sections:

ancient Maya, modern Maya, culture and nature, art and science, society, and world view.

MERCADO MUNICIPAL LUCAS DE GÁLVEZ is Mérida’s main colorful, loud market,

selling everything Maya and Mexican. The surrounding streets are all part of the large market

district.

WHAT TO DO?

Paseo de Montejo

Merida’s cuisine is different from the rest of Mexico. It is a delicious blend of Mayan and Spanish influences from the colonial period with European and Arab touches, brought here by immigrants. It’s characterized by the use of some special ingredients, such as habanero chili, purple onions and green orange juice mixed with annatto seed paste and spices. These ingredients add a spicy and tangy flavor and vibrant colors to your dishes. It’s a must to try panuchos, salbutes, sopa de lima, cochinita pibil, queso relleno or mucbil pollo. Typical drinks include Agua de Chaya (a drink from local Chaya leaves) and Xtabentún (anise liqueur from this region made from anise seed and fermented honey).

GASTRONOMY

Xtabetun

Marquesita

EK CHUAH / FUSION CUISINE

Located at the state-of-the-art hotel Rosas & Xocolate,

the restaurant is named after the Mayan god of

travelers and cacao. Relax in the romantic and elegant

atmosphere and enjoy a creative fusion cuisine.

LA TRADICIÓN / YUCATECAN CUISINE

Try a real Yucatecan restaurant popular among locals.

It’s also one of the most formal places that serves the

region’s cuisine, but casual attire will still work.

EL PRÍNCIPE TUTUL-XIU / TRADITIONAL

YUCATECAN CUISINE Traditional regional food

served in a rustic atmosphere. The food is prepared

as it would be in a typical village kitchen.

LOS ALMENDROS / TRADITIONAL YUCATE-

CAN CUISINE The food is produced by local people

from Mayan villages and served in a colonial high-

ceiling dining room. It’s one of the Merida’s classics.

HACIENDA TEYA / TRADITIONAL YUCATECAN

CUISINE A traditional restaurant, located in a lavish

ex-henequén hacienda. Enjoy delicious dishes from

the region, prepared artistically by Yucatecan chefs.

NÉCTAR / MODERN CUISINE

Gourmet cuisine served in a modern restaurant. The

menu features an extensive list of h’ors d’oeuvres,

followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes.

LA CHAYA MAYA / REGIONAL CUISINE

La Chaya Maya will be your introduction to classic local

fare like relleno negro (black turkey stew) or cochinita

pibil (slow-cooked pork).

BOLOGNA / HOMEMADE ITALIAN COOKING

You can dine alfresco or inside at this restored old

mansion close to Paseo Montejo. Order a wood-oven

pizza or other Italian specialties

LA TRATTO / ITALIAN CUISINE

Subdued and tasteful South Beach-styled trattoria bar

and restaurant

LA RECOVA / ARGENTINE STEAKHOUSE

Choose terrace, dining room or bar area. Enjoy a

formal and elegant ambiance and great food

TROTTERS / MEAT AND FISH

“Steak tapas vino” says the logo of this elegant

restaurant, set in a mansion that features dramatic

space, an outdoor terrace and modern menu, complete

with an extensive wine list

LA PIGUA / CAMPECHE-STYLE SEAFOOD AND

FISH

Enjoy fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood – oysters, caviar,

lobster, shrimp, fresh fish…

WHERE TO EAT?

EL CIELO If you’re looking for a place to see and be seen, check out El Cielo, the popular

terrace lounge bar/disco. The bar is in a completely open air. In the summer, the club transports

itself to the port of Chicxulub, only half an hour away from Merida.

ENVY Located in the center, this place is especially popular with students for its relaxed

atmosphere and pop music.

NIGHTLIFE

destinationmerida

Xtabetun

Marquesita

CHAYA MAYA RESTAURANT

CHICHÉN ITZÁ The most famous of Yucatán’s Maya

sites, Chichén Itzá reveals the mysteries of the Maya

astronomical calendar with its “time temples.” At the vernal

and autumnal equinoxes (March 20 to 21 and September

21 to 22), the morning and afternoon sun produces an

illusion of the serpent ascending or descending El Castillo,

the main pyramid. 122.5 km from Mérida

IZAMAL Escape to Izamal, a magic Mayan town, which

in ancient times was a center for the worship of the

supreme Maya god, Itzamná, and the sun god, Kinich-

Kakmó. The current houses are built around ancient

temples. The Spanish chose Izamal as the site for an

impressive Franciscan monastery, which stands in the

center of the town. Izamal is also known as La Ciudad

Amarilla (The Yellow City) for the traditional yellow

buildings. 67 km from Mérida

CELESTÚN Visit Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestún,

a wildlife sanctuary abounding in waterfowl, with

flamingos as the main attraction. Take a boat tour

among the mangroves; enjoy its quiet, wild beaches.

92 km from Mérida.

CUZAMÁ Three kilometers of the town of Cuzamá,

accessed from the small village of Chunkanan, are

the Cenotes de Cuzamá, three amazing limestone

sinkholes accessed by horse-drawn railcart through an

old henequén hacienda. 50 km de Mérida

PROGRESO BEACH Merida citizens like to escape

to this nearby beach town with emerald green waters.

Most restaurants serve local seafood on malecon, a

seaside promenade. 36 km from Mérida

UXMAL is a large Mayan city with some fascinating

structures in good condition with impressive

ornamentation. The site is set in the hilly Puuc region,

unusual in the flat Yucatan. Its buildings are typical of the

Puuc style, with smooth low walls. It was an important

metropolitan and religious center in the 7th and 10th

centuries AD. 78 km from Mérida

OUTSIDE OF THE CITY

Progreso Beach

merida

destinationmerida

Celestun

Chichen Itza

BY AIR: Travel to Mexico City from any part of the world and take a direct flight to Mérida (2 hours).Take a direct flight from Houston, USA.

BY CAR: There is a direct highway con-necting Merida from Cancun. Travel time is about 5 hours.

LOCATION

Breathtaking photo shoots and how to have one…

arturo ayalaPHOTOGRAPHY: ARTURO AYALA

trashthe

dress

In this edition of our Trash the Dress section, we will take you to a beautiful forest just outside of Mexico City.

It’s called Parque Ejidal San Nicolás Totolapan and it functions as the lungs of the big city with its 2,302 hectares of forest, situated between mountains and cliffs, and covered with streams that make it look like an authentic piece of art.

location

trashthe

dress

Our couple chose to do their Trash

the Dress session in this location

precisely because they were

fascinated by the majestic landscape.

They got married in October of

2013, at a hotel in Mexico City, and

since their wedding took place in a

closed, dark place, they decided to

make a complete change and have a

photo shoot in a place that’s full of

natural light. They were looking for a

contrast… and that’s what the Park

gave them.

The photo session was astonishing.

There were a few bites of cold,

because the shoot took place in

October, but the couple claims it was

all worth it. They loved the work of

their photographer, Arturo Ayala, and

the way he managed to freeze each

moment. They tell us the session took

place from 3 to 7 PM and they had to

walk for about one hour to reach that

perfect place for amazing photos.

photo shoot

The couple confides that Arturo, their photographer, is passionate about his work, with a weak spot for the brides – he is constantly trying to give them the best advice so that they shine in his photos and become a natural part of his unique images.


The couple confides that Arturo, their photographer, is passionate about his work, with a weak spot for the brides – he is constantly trying to give them the best advice so that they shine in his photos and become a natural part of his unique images.

Generally, the photographer also chooses the places for each photo shoot. But this time, the bride was very creative and fun ideas were bounced back and forth between her and the photographer.

Arturo remembers this session also with good feelings. “We clicked with the couple from the beginning and I enjoyed every moment. They were like a dream couple for any photographer – very relaxed, in love and cooperative.”

trashthe

dress

advice

advice

For an elegant wedding surrounded by gardens and vineyards.

magical

Queretaro, Mexico

For an elegant wedding surrounded by gardens and vineyards.

BY JORDANA GALICIA AGUILAR

This time, take a journey with us outside of Queretaro, to the municipality of El Marques, where you will find the unique, astonishing estate, Finca El Rosario. This beautiful house from 19th century is surrounded by gardens, hundred-year old trees, vineyards and inspiring nature, and the best news for you is that it specializes in weddings.

Enter inside, and you will see that each corner is lovingly adorned, emitting exclusivity and elegance. You will be surrounded by fragrant gardens, perfectly manicured and harmoniously decorated.

The gardens and the patio of the estate could be ideal for an enchanting wedding, and the veranda with vineyard views could be perfect for a civil ceremony. To make it even better for Catholic ceremonies, Finca el Rosario also has a charming chapel that would make all your planning much easier, since you would be able to celebrate your wedding and have a ceremony at the same place, without having to move yourselves and your guests from one place to another.

Gardens


Finca del Rosario, we have noticed, likes to think ahead about your needs when planning your wedding. So they offer two rooms for the couple during the event, bathrooms for the guests, a roof for the banquet, separate bathrooms for servers and parking.

You will also be able to choose if you want them to organize the whole event for you from A to Z or just need a partial assistance. You can rent only the space or you can get one of the special packages that include all that you might need for the big day, including music, accessories for dancing, as well as documentation and fees for a religious and civil ceremony (restrictions apply).

So what else would make you want to say YES to Finca el Rosario? Imagine vast spaces, beautiful views… walk through its paradisiac gardens and choose the color of the flowers that would be ideal for your photo shoot.

You can rent the whole estate as well, so that you and your guests pass a few beautiful days after the wedding is over, surrounded by comfort, beauty and quality every step of the way.

What else would make you want to say YES to Finca el Rosario?

Buildings ofthe hacienda


magical

Veranda with viewsto thegardens

Queretaro, Mexico

Entrance

ELIZABETH MEDINA PHOTOGRAPHY

ELIZABETH MEDINA PHOTOGRAPHY

COMING ON MAY 21

GET MARRIED ON THE SANDY BEACHES OF TULUM

HONEYMOON IN CHIAPAS



with Arturo Ayala - Get lost in the Mexican

forest

trashthe

dress

SPRING2014

you will find:2014summer

GET LOST AMONG BAYS, CLIFFS AND PINK SUNSETS

GET LOST AMONG BAYS, CLIFFS AND PINK SUNSETS

THE HIDDENBEACHES

OFCOSTA ALEGRE

Costalegre is sometimes called the “Beautiful Coast” or “Mexican Riviera,” and it’s one of the best-kept romantic secrets of Mexico, where you will find yourself in a paradise of remote beaches and nature.

It’s a destination that managed to conserve itself in its most pure form throughout years, and is still a haven of privacy, luxury and peace.

Fall in love with its landscapes, enjoy its magic, run on the relaxed and romantic beaches, and surrender in the embrace of nature.

Costalegre is on the road from Careyes to Punta Dorada that passes by the coastlines of Bahía de Navidad, Bahía de Tenacatita, Costa Careyes, Majahuas and Cabo Corrientes.

You will find yourself exploring many different beaches, capes and bays of all sizes, and will be carried away by the views of cliffs in front of the sea, exclusive eco-hotels and golf fields surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Each bay or beach is almost next to the other one, separated only by large rock formations, cliffs and few uninhabited terrains, so you can move from one to another one in minutes, mostly by using boats or taxi (pangas).

The area has been known as “The Virgin Coast” of Mexico for long time, and it’s no surprise that it has become a favorite of honeymooners seeking romance without sacrificing comfort.

COSTA ALEGRE

The area has been known as

THE VIRGIN COAST


Costalegre’s gastronomy will be love at first sight when you see the variety of fresh, mouthwatering dishes that are unique and seasoned to delight your palate.

Seafood lovers will certainly be the first ones to feel in heaven. Traditional Mexican dishes, especially fish and seafood, are prepared daily with the freshest ingredients. Many hotels cultivate onsite the fruits and vegetables they use for their guests’ consumption, so you can enjoy the local gastronomy in a totally natural environment, surrounded by palm trees and a luscious view of the ocean.

SEDUCE YOUR STOMACH

WHERE TO EAT?YELAPA OASIS

Yelapa / Food: Mexican, Seafood, Bar,

Wine Bar

PASSION FLOWER GARDENS

Yelapa / Food: Eclectic, International, Bar

LOCO LOCO

Barra de Navidad / Food: Italian

ANGELINA’S GARDENS

Yelapa / Food: Grill, Seafood,

Healthy, Bar

BESAME MUCHO

Barra de Navidad / Food: Modern

Sea Master / Seafood

At night and during high season it

transforms into one of the best discos

AMBAR DEL MAR

Barra de Navidad / One of the best

European cuisines

RESTAURANTE ISADORA’S:

Barra de Navidad / Seafood / Ideal for a

romantic dinner with views to the lagoon

MAR Y TIERRA

Barra de Navidad / Romantic

atmosphere

TACOS Y MAS!

Yelapa / Food: American, Mexican,

Seafood, International

CAFÉ DE FLORES

La Manzanilla / Food: Continental

The main attractions of Costalegre are its natural beauty, local food, fresh drinks, entertainment and certainly the

relaxation. Put yourself in touch with nature by taking one of local tours that will take you around the stunning

Pacific coastline. The best place for snorkeling is “El Acuario” in Playa Mora, on top of a hill.

If you prefer direct contact with terrestrial life, rent a local taxi, “panga,” and take a guided tour around the

mangroves, take in the nature and animal watching.

Melaque is a coastal town, located on another famous point of Bahia de Navidad, in front of Barra de Navidad.

It’s surrounded by impressive rocks and golden beaches. Here you will be able to enjoy typical regional cuisine

in one of the restaurants, located along the coast. Enjoy the typical tuba (palm tree drink) during one the

magnificent sunsets.

WHAT TO DO?

COSTA ALEGRE

BARRA DE NAVIDAD

It’s a famous bay with a wide beach that is still almost virgin. Here you can practice diving, surfing, snorkeling

and sports fishing. Don’t forget to take a walk on the boardwalk. You will appreciate Isla Navidad and beautiful

sunsets that paint the sky with pink colors. You can also enjoy the sunset from the neighboring town of Melaque,

only 5km away.

TENACATITA

It’s one of the favorites for the lovers of diving, with many hidden treasures. El Novillo, Las Ánimas y Las Iglesias

are all characterized by the colorful and varied aquatic life. It’s perfect to escape the noise and the crowds. It’s

a unique place where in the winter you will be able to observe sunrise and sunset on the sea. Here you will also

find luxury hotels.

CAREYES

Perfect for relaxation. Here the restaurants open their doors right on the beach. You can practice fishing, hiking,

horseback riding, tennis, golf and water sports.

CHAMELAS

It’s a unique bay in Mexico that has eleven islands in the interior, full of animal life and vegetation. The best

island to visit is called La Pajarera, where you can find many species of birds.

MAJAHUAS

It’s a bay with very little tourist infrastructure, but with extensive virgin beaches, ideal for camping. It’s also the

home to the biggest population of turtles in Jalisco state. There are no big restaurants, but you will be able to

enjoy local places on the beach with palm roofs that serve delicious seafood.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO GO OUT?JARRO

One of the best nightclubs in Barra de

Navidad

PIPER AND LOVER’S

If you like blues, this is your place. You can

enjoy the smooth sounds of the music

while enjoying one of the best discos in

the area.

TERRA BAR CAPRI

Dance till you drop and enjoy a nice

cocktail, right on the sea. It’s also one of

the best places to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

HOTELITO DESCONOCIDO

A jewel that has been lost in paradise. This hotel

manages to combine the feeling of isolation with luxury.

There is no electricity. To preserve the romance, the

place is lit with torches and candles.

COSTA CAREYES

Elegant, with beautiful villas and breathtaking views.

ALAMANDAS

A hidden refuge and one of the most exclusive beach

hotels in the world

PUNTA SERENA

Hidden paradise for adults

Tranquility and exclusivity surround you from the first

steps. It’s located in the bay of Tenacatita, with a

beautiful view of the ocean

WHERE TO STAY?EL TAMARINDO BEACH & GOLF RESORT

In the middle of a dazzling landscape that combines the

turquoise of the ocean, the mountains and exuberant

tropical vegetation. It was designed especially for those

who want to stay in the embrace of the nature, but with

all luxuries and comfort.

BOCA DE IGUANAS

It’s a new paradisiac place, right in front of the ocean with

its colorful sunsets, majestic landscapes and blue sky.

BY AIR AND LAND

Costalegre is between Manza-

nillo and Puerto Vallarta, so you

have two options:

FROM MANZANILLO

Travel to Mexico City from any

part of the world and take a di-

rect flight to Manzanillo (ZLO)

OR TAKE A DIRECT FLIGHT

FROM: Calgary / Houston / Los

Angeles / Phoenix

From Manzanillo you can

drive or hire a private trans-

portation – it’s 120 Km

FROM PUERTO VALLARTA

If you prefer, you can travel to

Mexico City from any part of the

world and take a direct flight to

Puerto Vallarta (PVR)

OR YOU CAN TAKE A DI-

RECT FLIGHT FROM:

Houston / Dallas / Phoenix

Los Angeles / San Francisco

Toronto

You can arrive to Costalegre

by your private plane from

Puerto Vallarta and land in

Chamela.

Another option is to rent

a car or hire private trans-

port – it’s 165.2 km (2 h 30

min)

BY SEA:

Cruise ships from different parts

of the world go to Vallarta. You

can also arrive in your yacht.

HOW TO GET THERE?

COSTA ALEGRE

Dreamtime Images, Nathan Welton

Elizabeth Lloyd

Douglas Peebles Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY

shopdanielespinosa.com


THE WHITE AT A WEDDING

decoBY

BEA

TRIZ

IRAC

HET

A

dec

o a perfectionist color.

Everything touched by it gets colored with modernism and

purely chic vibe.

white is

Wedding decor in white tones means combining very rich textures with glamorous elements. It’s common to find many glass beads, high table centerpieces with exuberant flowers and dim table illumination.

It sounds very romantic when then a bride

and a groom say their vows and everything

around is white – her dress, his suit,

invitations, table centerpieces and deserts.

Considering that white is the color of

peace, it also has a relaxing effect.

It is the color that unites all the colors,

is a synonym of purity, cleanliness and

radiance. Because of this, it’s a tone that

never goes out of fashion and is always

perfect for the special day.

Be Original Art needs one very special ingredient -

originality. We can copy decor designs

that we saw and liked, and we will

probably achieve a good result, but we will

not have created anything new. Logically,

our search has to be based on an

adequate balance of all the elements. At

the same time, it’s very important to create

something new and distinctive, something

that nobody has ever seen before.

deco

Be a risk taker If you like taking risks, don’t stop yourself.

You can choose a daring blend; just always

use delicacy and finesse.

Mix art & decorUse mirrors, a combination of colors and

geometrical elements. This will allow you

to reach a different dimension. Whatever

you do, always do it with perfection in mind.

Choose right illuminationIt’s an element that allows being creative, that adds vitality and

ambiance. The choice here depends if your vision is classic or

modern. Very important: avoid under-illumination. Better use

pointed and indirect lights that will help emphasize relevant zones

and will hide the ones that are not so interesting. This way, an eye

will only find suggested elements.dec

o

Blend sensibly Sometimes people say: “You can blend

anything, you will call it eclectic, and here

it is, done!” But it’s not so easy. You have

to have a dialogue with your ambience and

achieve a contrast in your decor.

deco

Find the balance Find good illumination and look for

balance to create a symphony of art

everywhere. Express your personality

and challenge all trends.


In her second season creating both her Luxe and Couture Collections, Ines Di Santo is able to design

for two very different brides. With her Luxe Collection she calls to a younger, edgier woman, while the

Couture Collection remains loyal to the designer’s signature dramatic silhouettes and elegant glamour.

Both collections evoke a joie de vivre that is intrinsic to much of the designer’s work. This season’s

youthful Luxe Collection has a streamlined, pared down feel for the minimalist bride. In stark contrast,

the Ines Di Santo’s Couture Collection takes flight into a dreamy, sensual, otherworldly realm with a

feminine palette. Known for her signature mermaid styles, it seems only fitting that the collection might

be partly influenced by the legendary city of Atlantis. It was the underwater world that inspired the airy

silhouettes that seem to float along with sublime lightness. Di Santo’s embellishment treatments explore

Art Deco beading and architectural mohair adding texture and dimension. Mohair is woven in to create

an all-over lattice effect, juxtaposed with ultra-feminine Guipure lace, for a fabulously fresh approach to

innovative detailing. Color is important introducing a lavender hue in addition to cameo pink, blush and

champagne. With gowns that allow a bride to feel as if she’s in a dream, as every bride should, Ines Di

Santo’s latest couture statement is a dazzling tribute to the feminine form.

INES DI SANTO

WE SELECTED SOME INSPIRING

DESIGNERS AND THEIR

COLLECTIONS OF FALL/WINTER 2014

INSPIRATION FROM AROUND

THE WORLD

INES DI SANTOLuxe & Couture Bridal

Collections

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Val Stefani and Moonlight Bridal recently debuted their stunning Spring 2014 collections. The sister

duo work collaboratively from start to finish on each gown, sharing and implementing creative ideas.

A fierce feminine aesthetic is the inspiration behind every gown, with each one accented by delicate

beading, hand rolled rosettes, cascading ruffles, and lace. The Spring 2014 collection was inspired by

Walter De Maria’s “The 2000 Sculpture.” The way in which the sculpture hugged the ground captivated

the designer duo and led to the creation of a collection with form fitting silhouettes, highlighting the

female figure.

VAL STEFANI & MOONLIGHT BRIDAL

The Spring 2014 collection was inspired

by Walter De Maria’s “The 2000 Sculpture.”

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STEF

ANI &

MOO

NLI

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T BR

IDAL

South African designer Sarah Janks recently

launched her Fall 2014 collection at New York

International Bridal Market. The Forget Me Not

collection, inspired by the flower for which it is

named, utilizes delicate laces, beading, and floral

appliqués to effortlessly portray femininity and

poise. The delicate juxtaposition of materials

creates a collection with a sophisticated yet

whimsical aesthetic. Sarah Janks, known for her

beautiful body-hugging silhouettes, continues to

impress this season with the romantic Forget Me

Not collection.

SARAH JANKS

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ANKS

SARAH JANKS”She radiates femininity. She balances her sensuality with a sense of propriety.”

Gemy Maalouf, born in Beirut, reached the

fashion world’s center stage when she became

one of the first Lebanese designers to show at

the Salon du “Prêt a Porter” in Paris. Inspired

by modern day brides, Gemy Maalouf fuses

classical feminine silhouettes with trendy and

cutting edge designs. The gowns range in

materials and styles, each one accented with

gorgeous appliqués and trimmings.

GEMY MAALOUF

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Y M

AALO

UF

www.anniemakeup.com

Here and also in our next edition

we talk with Lorena Ramirez, the

editor of ActidudFEM, who refers

to herself as a woman who likes

to laugh, loves beauty and has

order in her own mess. Little life

pleasures for Lorena consist of a

good cup of coffee, a book that

makes her cry or a movie that

makes her laugh. Here is her first

article that reveals some simple,

well-kept beauty secrets.

BY LORENA RAMIREZ

THE SECRETS OF OLIVE OIL & COFFEEOne day we wake up, look at the mirror – and all of a sudden, surprise! We cannot recognize the person staring at us in the reflection. It’s the result of accumulating stress day after day, lack of our well-deserved beauty sleep and bad nutrition…Before starting to panic, we need to remember that the solution is hidden in our own house. Yes, girls! It’s exactly as you’ve read it.

NATURAL PRODUCTS CAN

DO WONDERS FOR YOUR SKIN OF YOUR

ENTIRE BODY.


This time, let’s talk about your body – arms, legs, stomach… Wouldn’t it be nice to have your skin as smooth as a baby’s, especially while preparing to show it off at your wedding?

There is nothing as good and rewarding as pampering ourselves with some natural treatments before the big day, while relaxing in the comfort of our home. So say good-bye to tired skin, and say hello to smooth, moist and tonified body. Follow this simple recipe, and you will have three treatments in one: exfoliation, moisturizing and anti-celulitis treatment.

Olive Oilwill moisturize your skin

naturally and gently. The

vitamins found in it (A, D,

K, E) help fix the damage

made by sun. Caffeinehas properties that tonify

skin and lessens the

appearance of “orange

peel” look. And the

consistency of ground

coffee helps to gently

exfoliate the skin, leaving

it much more luminous

and smooth.

I SUGGEST THAT YOU DO THIS TREATMENT NO MORE

THAN TWICE PER WEEK TO AVOID SKIN IRRITIATION. LET YOUR BEAUTY SHINE!

Mix these ingredients in a small bowl:6 TABLESPOONS OF GROUND COFFEE3 TABLESPOONS OF OLIVE OIL

After the ingredients are mixed together, take the mixture with you to the shower and put it all over your skin in circular motions.

Apply it on your legs, buttocks, lower

back, arms and stomach.

Massage it in for two minutes, and then

rinse it off. Take the usual shower or bath.

1.

2.

3.

Dream… Imagine… Find perfect detail &color tone

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AH J

ANKS

FROM THE NEWEST COLLECTIONS OF INES DI SANTO, VAL STEFANI &

MOONLIGHT AND SARAH JANKS.

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OF

VAL

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ANI

FROM THE NEWEST COLLECTIONS OF INES DI SANTO, VAL STEFANI &

MOONLIGHT AND SARAH JANKS.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF INES DI SANTO

BY JORDANA / PHOTOGRAPHY: LORENA NÚÑEZ

LORENA NÚÑEZ, A MEXICAN DESIGNER,

HAS BEEN FOLLOWING THE ROAD OF

CREATIVITY AND BEAUTY FOR THIRTY YEARS,

AND HER DESIGNS GRAB ATTENTION

OF WOMEN SEEKING ELEGANCE AND

PERSONALIZED ATTENTION.

MEXICO IS IN FASHION

Each one of her collections tells a romantic and sensual story through soft fabrics, jewelry and lace.

She is now celebrating twelve years since

her brand was launched, and fifteen

years of designing for private clients.

A year ago, Lorena launched a new line,

High Fashion Evening Wear. Mexican by

birth, the designer has always looked for

ways to promote her country. Currently

Lorena is on the way to conquer the

world. She’s been invited to present

her designs in Atlantic City, Rome,

Hong Kong and Paris.


get

ON YOUR TABLETNow available on iPad, iPhone

and Kindle Fire

for your wedding



with Arturo Ayala - Get lost in the Mexican forest

trashthedress

SPRING2014

TOUCHESLOVELY

This season, flowers are going on our heads in a shape of crowns.

Suma Cruz from Spain, whose flower arrangements are currently sought by all IT girls, creates designs that breathe the air of drama, that move away from conventionalism and get lost in search of equilibrated, passionate universe.

In hot weather, combine your styles with bright colors. In the winter use earth tones and metallic-colored flowers.

BY J

ORD

ANA

GAL

ICIA

AG

UIL

AR

TOUCHES

Check out some of their best flower arrangements for

your head!

are chic and stylish, as they are natural and fresh. Brides, bridesmaids and

guests - everybody can use this romantic accessory.

crowns

DARE TO WEAR A CROWN AND FEEL LIKE A QUEEN!

In hot weather, combine your styles with bright colors. In the winter use earth tones and metallic-colored flowers.

THE MAGIC OF

OF ACAPULCO

& ONE NIGHTSA THOUSAND

UNDER THE SKIES

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARCO ALAR

UNDER THE SKIES

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARCO ALAR

Natasha & AlbertREAL WEDDING

The vows were exchanged at

sunset in a Catholic ceremony below a millennial tree

in front of the sea, surrounded by the sounds of classical music.

Natasha and Albert live and work in New York

City, and that’s where they had their magical

encounter. She was an Assistant District

Attorney (ADA) and he was a police officer

working on a separate investigation with one

of Natasha’s best friends, who was also at

ADA. She had just gotten back to her office

after a very rough day of arguing in court,

when her friend stopped by her office with

Albert. Natasha says she literally tripped all

over her files as he approached to introduce

himself. “That was it,” she says. “There was

an instant connection. The rest is history.”

The Meeting

The couple invited everyone to their magical

home, Villa Arabesque, for 5 days of fun in

the glorious weather of Acapulco. They say

there were just too many funny experiences

– that’s what happens when you put great

friends together for a few days. Everybody

just lost sense of time and the laughter

never stopped. Natasha says she will never

forget how all the groomsmen rubbed her

feet and calves after hours of dancing.

The vows were exchanged at sunset in

a Catholic ceremony below a millennial

tree in front of the sea, surrounded by the

sounds of classical music. The décor left

The Weddingeverybody speechless. A path of torches

took you under thousands of lamps that

lit the whole ceremony, and the altar was

filled with marine touches (fish net, starfish,

shells, corals...).

The bride’s dress was designed by Reem

Acra and her elegant bouquet was made

of white orchids. The groom was wearing a

white linen suit, while the bridesmaids were

adorned in different tones of coral. The

dress code for everyone was Beach Formal.

The emotions before walking down the

aisle and when saying the vows were the

strongest, admits the bride.


Then the 200 guests enjoyed the reception at Villa Arabesque, which is the true Arabian

Nights experience by the sea - glamorous, opulent and exotic. It has some of the most

beautiful views - hills, inlets and bays - of Acapulco. Nine elegant Guest Suites were

each painstakingly designed and decorated in different themes. The Villa’s roof garden

was featured in James Bond’s movie “License to Kill,” where he landed his helicopter.

The wedding menu featured cold soup of chile poblano served in a coconut, an

appetizer of coconut shrimp wrapped in banana leaves with slightly spicy mango

salsa, Nashi Chay fish chipotle-style with caramelized onions, vegetable julienne and

saffron risotto, and desert bar. The groom said he never liked fish before he tried the

one at his wedding – it was another love at first sight!

Nine elegant Guest Suites were each painstakingly designed and decorated in different themes.

The drinks were typically Mexican as well –

aguas frescas (beverages made from fresh

juices or extracts), such as Horchata (milky

sweet rice drink) and Jamaica (cold hibiscus

tea); margarita with flavors of lemon,

tamarind, mango and chamoy (savory

Mexican sauce made from pickled fruit);

tequilas served in special tequila glasses

made of vegetables; and an open bar of

all other drinks. For the traditional late night

menu, chilaquiles verdes (strips of fried corn

tortillas simmered in green salsa, garnished

with cilantro, red onion and cheese) with

refried beans were served.


For the main decoration theme, natural

style was used with sea elements. The color

theme was different tones of light coffee,

combined with white, coral and green, the

colors of orchids that were the principal

detail of the wedding.The guests were

completely seduced – from the overflow of

orchids throughout the villa to the dance

floor, which was a giant hand-painted replica

of the wedding invitation – to the fireworks

during the first dance to the song of “At Last”

by Etta James. Everybody found the whole

experience truly magical. Old friends of the

couple made new friends and it felt like

everyone became one big family, so it’s no

surprise that the party went on all night and

was only over at 10 AM the next morning.

Decoration



If you are planning a destination wedding, plan some fun activities with your closest guests in the days leading up to the wedding. By the time your wedding day arrives, everyone will know each other and share the experience on a whole other level. Oh, and relax! This is meant to be fun! Having an amazing wedding planner like we did can only help!

ADVICE OF THE NEWLYWEDS FOR YOUNatasha & AlbertREAL WEDDING

the riviera maya

BY ELIZABETH MEDINA/ PHOTOGRAPHY: PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTISANS

PHOTOGRAPHY Elizabeth Medina

Photography

PHOTOGRAPHERS Elizabeth and

Lindsey Medina

LIGHTING & AUDIOPsav

FLOWERSVanessa Jaimes

FURNITURE & LINENS

Gama Manteles

MUSICBanda Balance

VENUE & CATERING Banyan Tree Mayakoba,

The Riviera Maya, Mexico

WEDDING PLANNER Claudia González of

“Solen Bodas”

HAPPY NEWLYWEDS Melanie and David

details

The wedding took place at one of the most elegant hotels in the Riviera Maya, Banyan Tree Mayakoba. The ceremony was held outside, under the starry night sky. Mariachi and tequila were the special Mexican touches. The soft light of the sunset was chosen for the photo shoot to get the best result.

Wedding planning/style inspiration: A traditional Jewish wedding filled with cultural details representing the bride and groom’s Paraguayan and Mexican decent.

We began with a photo shoot at Melanie’s beachfront villa and continued on to photograph the “first look,” where we where able to capture David’s expression as he saw Melanie in her beautiful white dress for the first time!

The amount of time we had for bride and groom pictures was very tight, the sun was starting to set and we where in a rush to get to the Ketubah signing (Jewish prenuptial agreement). The time crunch was a challenge, but with two photographers, three cameras and plenty of destination wedding experience we were able to squeeze in an hour-long session into 20 minutes, resulting in a beautiful and varied group of photographs.

A traditional Jewish wedding filled with cultural details representing the bride and groom’s Paraguayan and Mexican decent.

MELANIE& DAVID

The signing of the Ketubah was held in the wine cellar - “La Cava” - at the Banyantree. After the signing, guests proceeded to the rooftop terrace, where the ceremony would take place under a Huppah (a canopy under which the couple stands).

The ceremony was a delight to photograph - its traditional elements, emotional moments and burnt orange color decor.

After the ceremony, the guests were escorted to an elegant cocktail area, where live music was playing and appetizers were being served as guests mingled. The bride and groom arrived with a cheerful mariachi band.

The guests were then guided from the cocktail area through a candle lit, tree-lined wooden path, all the way to the surprise reception area at MK Blue, where the energetic Hora, the Jewish wedding dance, immediately started.

The beach side reception was decorated with a “clean-beach-elegant” style that accentuated the “rustic-chic” feel of the venue. The couple chose white tulips, roses, candles and white linens to decorate the tables. For lighting they chose a cool blue that gave a sophisticated feel to the evening. With all the exciting activities taking place and the beautiful decorations, I don’t believe we put our cameras down for even a second!

the riviera maya

Since Melanie is from Paraguay and David is from Mexico, they

decided to include many cultural aspects in the wedding to represent

their hometowns. Elements such as the

mariachi band, a candy bar with Mexican treats, tequila bottles at each of the tables with engraved shot glasses for each of the guests, Paraguayan

soccer shirts and a piñata at the end of the night

were all the aspects that gave the night a very cultural feel and also

made for extraordinary photo opportunities.

MELANIE& DAVID


the riviera maya

I love portraying

LOVE

fotografoboda.mx

FLY WITH THE MAGIC SOUNDS

OF ARCANO, THE TALENTED

SISTER-BROTHER DUET

MEET ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED AND ORIGINAL YOUNG

MEXICAN PERFORMERS

Erika del Real and her brother Vick form the duet ARCANO that can turn any wedding into a spectacle of invigorating magic. They used to be a part of the orchestra of Nayarit, also performing in major concerts, including one at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City.

They were first noticed by the international audience on YouTube, where their videos amas-sed a small fan following. Their most recognized composition is an instrumental rendition of I’ll Fly With You.

Their talent, originality, dedication and love for their music have made ARCANO a musi-cal spectacle of the highest level in Mexico.

We invite you to meet the brother and sister duet!

report

BY JORDANA GALICIA AGUILAR

You started your musical studies at 5 years old. Why so early?We lived in a house where we were surrounded by art, and

our love for music was natural. Our passion took a clear

direction when we started studying piano and then started

playing in a symphonic orchestra - Erika on violin, and Vick

on viola.

How did you decide to form a band?We actually never planned it. First, we started to play songs

together at family gatherings and school concerts, and

eventually we recorded some discs. Little by little, people

started inviting us to play at their events, and before we

realized it, we were a true duet.

Why did you decide to focus on instrumen-tal music?We studied classic music, and we wanted to combine

the classic and the modern. We love electronic music

and we enjoy creating our own songs, without forgetting

about the great classical maestros. Our whole concept is

about instrumental music, because it creates intensity and

relaxation at the same time.

What does ARCANO mean?ARCANO has many meanings, but they all are connected to

mystery. It’s something secret.

What was the most important moment in your careers?It was the moment when we decided to leave our home and

to go around, visiting different cities, already as ARCANO.

We were used to always be at home, but we got a contract

and decided to take the first step. We had already recorded

two disks, but we were still very young to travel alone.


What does it mean to you to be so young and already have 15 disks released? We feel deep satisfaction, because for us it was something

natural. When you do what you like and you do it from your

heart, people receive it the same way. We don’t see it as

work, even though it’s great responsibility.

The media describes you as a band with an innovative concept. What is that concept?We are constantly updating our music, creating fresh

sounds and slowly breaking the traditional concept of a

violin. What we do is a combination of electronic music,

pop, rock and so on. We make violin the main voice of

each song and accompany it with different music sounds

that normally no one is used to hearing next to violin.

What are your biggest musical achieve-ments?Public acceptance is the most important for us – you can

be very good in music and you could have studied for many

years, but if people do not love you, you will not achieve

anything. Another huge thing for us is being a duet that is

free to play the music that we create ourselves.

What are your plans for 2014?We will have a series of concerts in different cities, playing

music created by us. We started this project last year and we

are in the middle of it now. These concerts have a cast of about

60 people. We have mariachi, chamber orchestra, classic

ballet, modern music performers, folkloric performers and

so on…

report

WE ARE CONSTANTLY UPDATING OUR MUSIC, CREATING FRESH SOUNDS AND SLOWLY BREAKING

THE TRADITIONAL CONCEPT OF A VIOLIN.

Acapulco Riviera Maya

ALL YOU NEED IS loveLEAVE THE REST

TO THE BESTwww.catygomez.com

What if... you don’t f it into your dress? GET SLIM TOGETHER!

it takestwo

HOW TO CREATE A FUN

WORKOUT TOGETHER

On a day of your wedding you want to

shine, like never before. In a previous

part of this article we talked about the

importance of a diet to reach this goal, but

another determining factor is certainly

the exercise. But which workout

routine should you follow?

PARTTWO

What if... GET SLIM TOGETHER!

To reach the goal of a perfect physical condition on your big day, it’s essential to be in a perfect cardiovascular and muscular shape. So let’s get to planning exercise that offers us both the cardiovascular as muscular strength.

CARDIO: SPIN BABY, SPIN

WORK YOUR MUSCLES

PERSONAL TRAINER

MEASURE THE HEART RATEFor cardio, one of the best activities is KEISER

spinning classes. It’s a fast and fun way to

burn calories. By taking a group class with an

instructor and music, you will be in a motivating,

energetic environment. You can do it for as

many days per week as you want, the more

the better. And you can do spinning together

for added fun.

On the other hand, there’s muscular training.

Find a gym that has classes of Body Pump

or something similar. These kinds of classes

support good muscular health and offer a

balanced exercise, but most importantly, the

same way as spinning, these are group classes

that are guided with music, which makes them

fun and motivational.

Another option is to look for your personal

trainer that would plan the exercise routine for

the two of you. However, this will cost you more

and maybe even will not be as fun as group

classes..

When you start spinning classes, use the

pulsimeter and control your heart rate to know

if intensity is not getting too much for you.

Ask your trainer what are the levels of training

suitable for you two or use the limits marked by

your pulsimeters. Be very strict here and don’t

go over the marked limits. If you want to reach

your goals, you have to train constantly and

with an intensity that is suitable for you.

FREQUENCYWhichever option you choose, exercise will

give you a better physical condition and will

bring you closer to your goal: to shine on your

wedding day. Now you also have to choose

the right frequency, so check your weekly

calendar and leave spaces for your training

schedule. It’s recommended that you train 5

days per week, interchanging cardiovascular

and muscular exercise. It looks like a lot,

but if you organize your schedule well and

train at your level, you will enjoy it. A good

example would be to do cardio on Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays and muscle classes

– on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If you and your partner follow this plan, you

will not only lose the extra pounds, but your

general physical condition will increase. Rest

assured that you will start enjoying your new

habits and you will look better than you have

ever dreamed. Apart from reaching the desired

look, you will improve your health. You and your

partner will turn into healthy sportsmen with

enviable figures.

LET RESULTS SURPRISE YOU

REALIZE THAT THIS IS THE BEST

INVESTMENT THAT YOU CAN MAKE

IN YOUR LIVES – TO INVEST IN YOUR

HEALTH AND IN THE QUALITY OF

YOUR LIFE.

AS YOU WILL BE GETTING MORE AND MORE IN SHAPE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO

INCREASE THE FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY OF YOUR WORKOUTS, DEPENDING ON

YOUR MOTIVATION AND FREE TIME AVAILABLE.

it ta

kes

two

it ta

kes

two

interviewBY SILVIA GÓMEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOLAN CRIS

YolanCris YolanCris Art Between Seams

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO WORK TOGETHER, AS SISTERS?We are very different, even if are only one year apart. But when you grow up with someone, you end up sharing many character traits. Together, we have lived through a lot, and our communication is now almost telepathic. At the same time, we are two different personalities in charge of different areas – Yolanda is the Creative and Artistic Director, and Cristina takes care of Management. We work in tandem.

HOW WOULD YOU EACH DESCRIBE EACH OTHER?Yolanda: I guess that by being an older sister, I always have this protective feeling. But above all, Cristina is someone I fully trust. It’s a person who is just always there for me… Cristina: How funny, I also have a protective feeling towards Yolanda (both laugh). What matters most to me, is the special connection that we feel while working. For example, our last year’s romantic collection, Heavenly Sisters, was dedicated to the foundation of our brand, which is the harmony and connection between us.

DID YOUR CHILDHOOD INFLUENCE YOUR DESIGNS?We grew up surrounded by wedding dresses! Since we were little we already knew about quality of fabrics, about which cut complements which kind of figure, needs of a bride according to the current fashion tendencies and so on. We started designing wedding dresses in our mother’s bridal boutique. Now we are the youngest designers in Barcelona’s Bridal Week, but already with 20 years of experience! Our designs are fresh and youthful, and many brides identify with them.

SO HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE DESIGNS OF YOLANCRIS? Original, high quality in fabrics and design. The fabrics are also organic and feel very comfortable. Exclusive and unique, modern and different. Our brides exude confidence and style - they are independent women, feminine, in love with fashion.

YOU HAVE A SPECIAL PARTY LINE THAT HAS TURNED MANY HEADS IN SHOW BUSINESS…We enjoy playing with the world of all possible colors, since we are so used to just white! Here we could risk, innovate and create even more, and we think that in show business, the quality of a fabric is valued as much as the comfort of a good cut.In Mexico, you can find our Party line Coco Dress in Mexico City and in Monterrey.

BUT YOU ALSO DESIGN ACCESSORIES?An accessory is this final touch that gives your dress its whole sense and style. We realized that our imagined perfect accessories for each dress did not exist in the market, so we started creating shoes, veils, hats, belts and bags. When you start, you can’t finish!

SO WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO A BRIDE CHOOSING HER ACCESSORIES?A bride should have a clear idea about how she wants to shine on her big day. If they have always dreamed about a veil, they should focus on incorporating it into the look. Our recommendation is to be daring and to have fun trying different accessory styles. Many times a bride realizes she shines with a simple headdress, even though she had never imagined it.

interviewBY SILVIA GÓMEZ


HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER WEDDING GOWN DESIGNERS?We are considered to be modern or “transgressive” designers, who have never followed any traditional guidelines. We have always been escaping from an image of a typical or obsolete bride.


WHAT KIND OF A WEDDING WOULD BE IDEAL FOR ONE OF YOUR DRESSES?We love weddings in gardens. They have a romantic touch, perfect for French chantillís, tulle and silk. But also beach weddings fascinate us because of their freshness and natural ambience. For beach weddings our brides choose such fabrics as cotton crochets in ivory tones to match the texture of sand and beach landscape.

WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE TO A BRIDE CHOOSING HER DRESS?When you feel 100% comfortable in the dress you are trying, you know it’s the one. When you find it, you will shine in your fitting room. And you will know. So don’t settle for less.

- When you feel 100% comfortable in the dress you are trying, you know it’s the one -

Cozumel, Quintana Roo 77600 México Tel: +52 987 872 95 00 X 6125 Fax: +52 987 872 95 01

Cozumel, Quintana Roo 77600 México Tel: +52 987 872 95 00 X 6125 Fax: +52 987 872 95 01

When we talk about the day of our wedding, usually it means thinking about a thousand and one things that we will never be able to finish. It’s normal that you, as a bride, think that you don’t know what to do and even where to start.

Believe me, planning a wedding can be very easy if you consider the most important details so that everything happens as you have always dreamt.

DANIELA MARROQUIN.

,

,

weddingplanner

This time, I would like to talk to you about the nutrition. We all know that each of us is preoccupied with it and it can cause internal conflict. No matter if we are already skinny or not, food is always an important topic.

Abuse foods that are high in sodium, such as popcorn, peanuts, pistachios, etc. - this will make you retain fluid and cause bloating.

DON’TChoose foods low in salt, such as fresh or dry fruit that will make you feel light and look fabulous. Even if you don’t believe me, try it! You will see that if you avoid foods that make you retain liquids one week before your wedding, you will weigh a few pounds less on the big day!

DO

before your

wedding


contact: [email protected]

GET NATURALLY TANNED SKIN FOR YOUR WEDDING

BIKINI LINES:

The big day is approaching. You are making a mental list and you have almost everything ready. You decide to take a relaxing bath and look yourself over in a big mirror. And here they are..snow white, ugly bikini lines from your bathing suit, the marks of a good time you had on your last vacation, but now staring at you in the mirror like the worst enemies of your beautiful wedding dress. It might seem that it’s an insignificant detail, but these lines jeopardize the harmony of your image as an elegant bride.You know you have to get rid of them.

FIGHT THE S.O

.S

GET NATURALLY TANNED SKIN FOR YOUR WEDDING

FIGHT THE Before taking any decision, discover all the tanning options available that will help you eliminate the

inconvenient cleavage marks. Determine how much time you have before your wedding day. Some

tanning options might take a few weeks.

NATURAL PROFESSIONAL SPRAY TAN

The result is smooth and controlled, but you should try

to find very specialized services, because there is a risk

of getting stains. Most importantly, look for a correct

skin tone, because if it’s not natural for you, you might

end up with an orange skin tone. Depending on how

absorbent your body is, each process last between 5 to

10 sessions. Have in mind that the duration of this tan

is not very long, and when it starts to fade, there might

be spots in the places that absorbed the most color.

Is one of the easiest options, but you will need time

on your hands, as you will have to wait at least a

week in between sessions. The tanning process is

controlled and gradual, and you will get an optimal

result according to your own tanning tastes (darker

or lighter). In the end you will have a completely

natural skin tone, but BE CAREFUL! Don’t overdue

it, as abuse of suntan beds can lead to premature

aging and skin damage.

This is the easiest option. But even though they

are easy to apply, there is a risk of stains if they

are not applied correctly. The result is not always

smooth and the tonality is not so easy to control.

The worst is the duration. The color fades away

very quickly, and it can stain your clothes.

SUNTAN BED

DON’T WORRY

CREAMS OR SPRAY BRONZERS

catygomez.com

maiakaab.com

signature weddings

WHAT? Custom-made Weddings

WHERE? In all Mexico, mostly in the Riviera Maya, Tulum and Acapulco

HOW? Event design and planning, with a Mexican flavor

WHY? To create joy by manufacturing magic moments

CONTACT: [email protected]

WHAT? Unique, private events space

WHERE? Tulum - Riviera Maya, Mexico

HOW? Combining natural environment with luxury to create

magic events

WHY? To create magic events in complete privacy


fincaelrosar io.com.mx

WHAT? A space for celebrations, weddings especially

WHERE? Queretaro, Mexico

HOW? With all our means: beautiful garden, patio and chapel

WHY? To make clients happy by adjusting to their needs


venue

venue

br ides-advisor.com

wedding guide

WHAT? Qualified advice and inspiration about everything related

to a wedding in Mexico

WHERE? Mexico weddings for couples from all the world

HOW? By providing information about destinations, venues,

providers and more

WHY? For a headache-free, fun Mexico wedding


rol ls-royce.com

WHAT? The world’s best motorcar

WHERE? Showrooms worldwide

HOW? Exclusive confidential purchase programs for newlyweds

& resorts

WHY? Because motorcar perfection has never been so easy

to obtain before

CONTACT: 855-969-2878 - [email protected]

lifestyle

bl iss.mx

WHAT? Audio & DJ professionals

WHERE? Acapulco, Riviera Maya - Mexico

HOW? Creating entertaining events with non-stop fun and music

WHY? We believe in our innovative audio concepts that help create

unforgettable beach weddings


djs & lighting

arcano.mx

WHAT? Innovative instrumental music duet of brother and sister

WHERE? From Puerto Vallarta, available in Mexico

HOW? Erika on violin, Vick on keyboard, creating innovative con-

cept called Arcano

WHY? We want to create something different, innovative, elegant and

inspiring


music

WHAT? Online gift registry

WHERE? Mexico and 17 other countries

HOW? You register, publish your gifts and inform your guests

WHY? So you that can have disposable cash in your account that you

can use as you choose

CONTACT: (0155)9157 1162

zankyou.com

WHAT? Contemporary crystal lighting

WHERE? Munich, Germany

HOW? Taking traditional crystal shapes and turning them into

unexpected works of art that are jewelry for the ceiling

WHY? To take away the traditional connotation of a “crystal chandelier”

and create something light, floating and completely captivating


www.windfal l -usa.comwindfal l -usa.com

alpinecreat ivegroup.com

WHAT? Contemporary crystal lighting

WHERE? Munich, Germany

HOW? Taking traditional crystal shapes and turning them into

unexpected works of art that are jewelry for the celling

WHY? To take away the traditional connotation of a “crystal chandelier”

and create something light, floating and completely captivating


WHAT? Premium custom invitation company

WHERE? With offices in New York, New Jersey, Miami and

coming soon to Los Angeles

HOW? By delivering the finest quality for custom invitations

CONTACT: 800 289 6507

gift registry

home decor

custom invitations

WHAT? We strive to add the cherry on the cake to every occasion

WHERE? From Vallée de la Marne, France with administrative head-

quarters in Munich, Germany, delivers internationally

HOW? Providing the best and most sought-after boutique cham-

pagne in the world

WHY? We want to make people happy


luxury goods!

!

!

!

!

!

Champagne

de-watere.com

WHAT? Photographic Artisan

WHERE? Mexico

HOW? Relaxed, natural and expressive

WHY? Because each wedding is unique and it is our great honor to tell

the story completely and in its absolute best light.


photography

arturoayala.com

WHAT? Professional wedding and events photographer

WHERE? Mexico, Puerto Rico, USA and globally

HOW? By following his responisibility with vision and honesty

WHY? To use his talent to meet the needs of others


el izabethmedina.com

anie lafotograf ia.com

WHAT? Professional photography for weddings and events

WHERE? Merida, Yucatan - Mexico

HOW? The love for what we do is reflected in each image


photography

photography

art in image.com

WHAT? Video and photo production for weddings

WHERE? Acapulco, Rivera Maya

HOW? We put special attention to detail so you can enjoy the day of

your wedding many years after

WHY? We understand it’s hard to feel comfortable in front of the

camera -that’s why we focus on creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere


photography

WHAT? Headdresses

WHERE? Spain

HOW? We try to give each woman the embodiment of their dreams

WHY? We love making dreams come true

CONTACT: Suma Cruz @ Facebook

sumacruz.com

fashion

WHAT? Modern craft in haute-couture for bridal gowns and evening

wear made in Barcelona

WHERE? Barcelona

HOW? Handmade and tailor-made wedding dresses and

evening gowns

WHY? We feel pasion for fashion and bride’s world


yolancr is .com

fashion


Documents

MEXICO WEDDING MAGAZINE spring 2014