My Big Belizean Beach Wedding
I guess 80 isn’t exactly big, but it was certainly more people than I’d anticipated when I decided on a destination beach wedding in Belize.
The (now) hubs and I figured we had a lot of friends and family nationwide, and the best way to keep things fair would be to make everyone travel, instead of just one side of the family.
We set our sights on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye in Belize, where we’d taken our first international vacation together six years before we got engaged, and decided to make a nice long week of it.
We arrived on a Tuesday to get settled in and our guests touched down on Wednesday.
Hat: J. Crew // Scarf: Target // Dress: Athleta (on sale)
We kicked off the celebration with a cocktail party poolside at our resort, Las Terrazas.
With multiple bars and a large central pool, the venue was perfect for our group, who spent most of their stay lounging and sipping watermelon cocktails.
Since our wedding week landed at the very beginning of hurricane season, we practically had the place to ourselves, which gave the whole thing a very summer camp-like feel.
On Thursday morning, the majority of the group took a snorkeling trip to two popular Belize marine sights.
My man and I had been when we came years ago and thought it was such a fun activity. We actually got scuba certified on that first trip but decided to forgo our tanks for masks so we could hang with our guests.
Swimsuit: Becca
Everyone had such a good time, and it was pretty hilarious to watch my mom shrieking in terror when she thought a shark had nipped at her foot — it was my uncle!
Friday the gang got a little healthy competition going with a beach volleyball game.
As I’ve mentioned before, my husband loves beach volleyball almost as much as he loves Mr. Chow and I, so he was in heaven to get to play with his closest pals and his soon to be father-in-law (a former pro-vball player) looking on.
That evening we had our rehearsal, then headed down the beach to this funky little yoga retreat, Akbol, for a Belizean Beach BBQ. The food was amazing and authentic and the fried plantains blew my mind.
Necklace: BaubleBar // Dress: Custom (similar here for only $50!) // Men’s Shirt: J Crew (similar here on sale) // Boat Shoes: Sperry
Which brings us to Saturday, the BIG day.
Bracelet: Gorjana (on sale)
We started the morning with a yoga session back at Akbol to get everyone’s minds cleared and bodies calmed for the day’s festivities.
Despite a chance of showers thanks to the season, we lucked out and had a perfectly sunny day.
Along with the sun came heat and humidity however, but I tried to ignore it and focus on the special moment at hand.
Knowing my hair and makeup would be an issue with the weather, I prepared in advance to do them both myself.
I spent weeks visiting the Bloomingdale’s makeup counter learning tips from the artists and had a special consultation with my longtime stylist Mika Fowler to figure out the perfect do’ to incorporate my hair piece, and keep the ocean breeze from blowing my curls in my face.
Side note: if you’re looking for an LA hair stylist, Mika’s dry cut is unbeatable.
Headpiece: Radiant by Untamed Petals (similar here)
She came up with a very pretty, no-fuss, half-up half-down look that I was able to carry out easily with the help of my best pal Katie.
Katie actually owns an adorable bridal shop in my hometown of Tucson, AZ called J Bridal Boutique, which is where I got my wedding dress.
Fun fact: she also did my hair for senior prom!
When everyone was ready, I gave the girls their bridesmaids gifts.
I also gave my mom and sister/Maid of Honor necklaces specifically designed for a mother and two daughters.
The lovely designer actually engraved them as well with a “T” for Tara, a “W,” and the wedding date on my mom’s charm.
My mom also gave me a special gift for the occasion, a charm with her mother’s picture to attach to my bouquet. My grandmother Beverly promised my mom she would be there for my wedding day, and I know that in a way she was.
Once everyone was glammed up, we popped some bubbly and headed (barefoot) for the beach.
Bridesmaids Dresses: Custom (similar here)
Meanwhile, the men were using their extra time (must be nice to not need makeup) to take all sorts of ridiculous photos.
And to think, he almost escaped.
Fortunately though, he was at the alter when I arrived.
Suit: The Kooples
The entire wedding party walked down the isle to We Belong by R.A.C., which I think describes how you feel when you finally find your soulmate (insert sigh).
We made this sign but you can buy them on Etsy.
Our close friend Arash (who reportedly “baptized” my man in the hotel pool the night before) conducted the ceremony. We’d already been legally wed stateside so the wedding was really just ceremonial and didn’t need an ordained minister.
After a lot of laughs, a few tears, and a couple of uncomfortable snickers, we sealed the deal.
The ceremony was followed by (what I hear was) a lovely cocktail hour.
Note to future brides — you’ll probably be too busy taking photos after the vows, so don’t get too excited about trying any of the passed apps!
Leather luggage tag thank you gifts that doubled as seating assignments
The morning of the wedding my friend Laura gave us the cutest gift — mini message in a bottle notes to write to each other, and throw in the ocean for good luck.
It was the perfect way to memorialize the day.
Dinner was fabulous, with a light gazpacho and healthy (duh) grilled fish, meat and vegetables.
Everything went off without a hitch (unless you count that the menu offered “shirt steak” — thanks Minted.)
Table numbers: Minted
And then it was time for the dancing.
It started out as a classy affair with our first dance to Ben Fold’s The Luckiest, my father/daughter dance to Daughter by Loudon Wainwright, and the mother/son dance to John Denver’s Sunshine on My Shoulders.
We did the bouquet/garter toss and our dear friends Jon and Taryn — an adorable couple — caught them both.
However, as the guys started sweating right through their white shirts, the girl’s curls began to fall, and my dress became unbearably sticky, things got a little wild.
The cake in the face was the last straw.
I ditched the dress for my Bachelorette party outfit and threw caution to the wind.
Top + Mini Skirt: ASTR (sold out – similar here)
Many of the guests followed suit, with half the groomsmen trading their suspenders for “Un-Belize-Able” tank tops.
Though I ended the evening feeling hot, sweaty, and totally exhausted, it was one of the best nights of my life and I wouldn’t have changed anything (except maybe the decision to wear a sticky bra).
I am a fitness blogger after all — hot, sweaty, and exhausted is pretty much my status quo.
I’d like to give a HUGE thanks to my friends and family who came from all corners of the country to attend the festivities, and a special thank you to my grandmother Paula, my mom, and my sister for their help with the decorations, my bridesmaids for their moral support, and my Dad for his shoulder to lean/cry on (although we both know I can’t actually reach it).
Most of all though, I want to thank my new husband.
You belonged to my heart before you came. Love you always.
Thanks friends for sticking around till the end of this lengthy post. If any of you have plans to travel to Belize/Ambergris Caye — don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to give travel advice!
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Photo credits: Leonardo Melendez (wedding photos); Leigh Green (rehearsal)
Kylie Burnside Anfin says:
Ahhhh loved the recap. So beautiful – looks like it was an amazing wedding.
Whitney English says:
Thanks Kylie!!
Liz says:
Stunning, stunning! All of it – the dress, location, your hair and makeup! Beautiful pics and happy memories to look back on!
Whitney English says:
Thank you Liz! I really will cherish them.
Sarah Boyd says:
GORGEOUS!!! This should be in a magazine! Such a stunning bride :-).
Whitney English says:
Aw, you’re so sweet! Thank you :)
Anh says:
Whitney, I loved this post! Seems like it was a wonderful, fairy-tale, wedding. Everyone, and especially you with your man, looked so beautifully radiant and in love that day. Just spectacular! I wish you both an amazing married life together.
Whitney English says:
Thank you so much for the kind words and wishes!!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says:
Hi Whitney! These photos are unbelievable. It couldn’t have looked more picture perfect! You are so beautiful, and so are your friends, family and hubby!!! :)
Whitney English says:
You’re too kind! Thanks girl :) xo
Dale Janee says:
OMG, what a beautiful day Whitney and I LOVE all the pics and you had such a perfect beach wedding and the weather stayed perfect for you.
It looked like so much fun from start to finish – your dress was gorgeous and you and your family and friends all look so happy (and happy to be in Belize) – 80 is A LOT for a destination wedding! Congrats again to both you and Abe.
xoDale
Whitney English says:
Thank you so much Dale! It was exactly what we wanted. Fun, laid back, and full of love :) xoxo
ganeeban says:
Loved this post! What a perfect way to host a destination wedding. Loved the small details that let you personalize the event and make it memorable. I’m still laughing about “shirt” steak ;) xoxo, ganeeban
Whitney English says:
Thank you so much! Destination weddings and resort packages are usually pretty one-size-fits-all so I really tried hard to customize it.
And you are not alone in laughing at the “shirt” steak – it was referenced in 2 of the 4 speeches!! Oh well :)
Arman @ thebigmansworld says:
Whit this looked Amazing- I still can’t believe it’s almost been a year since we were talking face to face about this and I asked you if Belize was in Africa lol.
Whitney English says:
Haha yes I remember that!! Honest mistake :)
Becky Anderson says:
So beautiful! Thanks for the long post!
Rebecca says:
Absolute perfection! And your mom is so beautiful…everything was. Great blog about Belize!
Danielle says:
Would you be able to post a daily meal plan/diary for you on any given day? I want to know how to get a bikini body like yours!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Danielle! I actually have a plan in the works! Stay tuned :)
Nita says:
I like to know as well!:)
GiGi Eats says:
I had zero doubt in my mind that your wedding would go off without a stitch…. Or at least the photos made it seem that way ;)
You of course looked stunning and I love the color scheme you chose. I know you and Abe will be most certainly together forever. Now I’m just waiting for little “Wabe”… If you don’t get that reference, I am referring to a baby – ha ah, now a pooch pal for Mr. Chow!
Whitney English says:
Thank you so much Gigi! And thanks for the baby name idea :) Wabe – I like it haha!!!
Erin says:
This was absolutely beautiful :) Congrats to you both!
Whitney English says:
Thank you so much Erin!
Devon says:
Whitney, your wedding looked beautiful! I am in the midst of planning our Belize wedding and wondering if I can chat with you to ask a few questions about your experience with local planners, las terrazas and local vendors. Please let me know if we can arrange a quick chat, would love to learn from your experience there!
Whitney English says:
Hi Devon! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!! You’re going to love Belize :) I’m happy to lend some advice. Go ahead and email me: whitney@liveanddiet.com xo
Yas Mohabbati says:
Hi Whiteney!
My name is Yas and I live in LA. I randomly came across your blog and enjoyed your wedding post very much! Congratulations on your wedding!! I’m planning on getting married in Belize this Fall. I just started planning and looking at different venues. I was wondering if you had a wedding planner and how you went about planning your wedding. Your wedding looked so beautiful and it’s exactly the style I’m looking for. I would appreciate any information you can give me. Thank you so much n advance! xo
Yas says:
P.S. My email is yasmohabbati@gmail.com
brittany says:
You are my wedding inspo! Do you recall where the rooms men outfits are from?
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says:
Hi Brittany, the guy’s pants were from Zara and they each wore their own white shirts. I can’t remember where the suspenders were from – somewhere online. Sorry I can’t be of more help!
Nita says:
Love this post for starters and thank you for sharing all the details of your wedding to your best friend! We are actually planning a honeymoon there in 2018 (We get married August 2017) so this was very helpful! You made a beautiful bride! Congrats to you both
Whitney English says:
Thank you Nika! I hope you have a wonderful wedding and enjoy your honeymoon in Belize!! xoxo
Margaret says:
Hi Whitney everything looks so adorable and happy!!! I am also getting marry in a year and would love to know who u used as your wedding planner. Any info will help. My email marguis0191@gmail.com
Whitney English says:
Congrats Margaret! I actually didn’t have a wedding planner though – sorry I can’t be of help!
Priscilla says:
Hi I’m curious what type of makeup did you have on for that type of weather ? And I don’t know if this is too much to ask but your wedding look simple but gorgeous that’s what I want . What was your budget ? I’m getting married in an island.
Anuschka Ganji says:
Loved your story! What brought me to your article was the groomsmen outfits! We’re looking for something similar to that for our destination wedding next February! Do you know where they purchased their suspenders and pants?
Whitney English says:
Hi there! Congrats on your upcoming wedding! The pants were from Zara and the suspenders we just found on Amazon. The guys actually thought the pants were too tight though fyi :/
Brycie Courter says:
Hi! I love your blog. My fiancé and I are actually getting married in Riviera Maya in about 4 months. I have used a lot of your pictures for ideas of my own! My fiancé is wondering where the groomsmen pants and suspenders are from? We love them. Very cute beachy look! I also have a couple of questions. How did you get all of your extra stuff down there (decorations, dress, etc.)? Any advice is absolutely appreciated. We’re definitely new to this!
Thanks!
Brycie Courter
bcourter@hotmail.com
Whitney E. RD says:
Hi Brycie!
Congrats on your upcoming wedding! The guys are wearing pants from Zara and the suspenders we found on Amazon I believe. As for the decorations, we brought everything in our suitcases! Between me, my mom and sister we managed to fit it all! Hope your day is absolutely perfect! xo Whitney
Chelsea says:
Oh man… I’d love to pick your brain on this! We are just beginning to explore venues in Belize, after getting engaged there! Would love to get more details
Whitney E. RD says:
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials! You’re going to love Belize!
Erica Manse says:
Hi! I found your post on Pinterest, and fell in love. Do you know where your groomsmen got their pants from? My fiancé loves the color for his guys. We are getting married in Punta Cana in June. Did your resort pretty much take care of everything as far as the setup, with some direction from you?
Whitney E. RD says:
Hi Erica,
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials! The groomsmen’s pants were from Zara Men. And yes, the resort took care of most of the details. We brought in our own decorations and printed materials though :)
Abby says:
Beautiful story. I am doing a very similar destination wedding style. I was wondering where the men’s pants were purchased? Also what is the fabric tied around the chairs? I hope my wedding will be as spectacular as yours was. Thank you for sharing!
Whitney E. RD says:
Congrats Abby! The pants were from Zara and the fabric is burlap. Wishing you a beautiful wedding!
Henry Grant says:
Very cool photos and wedding. I like all pictures, you are great! I also dream about my own wedding but now I’m alone. By the way I want to try online dating to find my couple, how do you think is it worth trying? I read several articles from https://bdmusichub.org/ blog and I think it must work! What can you say?
Olivia says:
A wedding is one of the most important events in life, so it is not surprising that everyone dreams of this day being special and unusual. Such wedding venues will be remembered for their unpredictability and originality. This is why I am considering Vegas wedding chapels https://blisschapel.com/ for this purpose