Grand Palladium Mexico Destination Wedding: Michelle + Arnaldo

This wedding is very near and dear to us, because it is my older brother Arnaldo’s wedding to my new awesome sister in a law Michelle…and if that isn’t good enough, it took place in Mexico! The wedding was truly MAGICAL, and it was an honor for us to have been part of the entire process from start to finish. For months, Michelle and I planned and planned until we created the perfect Mexico wedding. The theme: Ole for Love was infused into every aspect of this gorgeous DIY wedding that was filled with little tidbits that were personal to them, their personalities, their story, their love.

And, since I chickened out and did not give my speech during the reception, I thought it was fitting to share it with you here… so just sit back, and imagine you’re in Mexico, under a gorgeous palapa, with a glass of champagne in hand:

As you all know, I am Arnaldo’s little sister, his annoying little sister as he may refer to me. Years ago, I remember going to my big brother’s high School, EBC, during the summer program to watch a performance, and I met Wendy. Later on, I learned about a girl named Michelle, who was Wendy’s sister…. and for some reason, whenever this girls name was brought up, Arnaldo would blush; a sight I had never seen before.

For a long while, I only heard of Michelle, and could never match her name with her face, until we finally met, and I remember saying, “wow she has the most gorgeous face….damn Naldo did good.” Time passed, and we didn’t hear much about Michelle for some time. My mom will agree that a couple of trolls came in and out of the picture, most of which my mom chased away. I knew they weren’t the real deal, especially after receiving this email from Michelle on Sep 19, 2006 via MYSPACE: ”Hey hunn how have u been? do u even remember what i look like or how i am?!?! its me! ur bestest sister in-law in the whole world lol, I’m just stoppin by to say hola take care XOXOX, hope to hang out with u soon!!!!!”

I won’t be lying when I say that I smiled when I read this email, finally, Naldo was doing good again. The years passed and with the arrival of what I believe to be the best thing that ever happened to our family, Aiden, my relationship with the both of them grew stronger. Michelle, I will say that today I don’t consider you to be my sister in law, but my good friend, who today has become my sister.

To Arnaldo, you have transformed from being that annoyingly perfect quiet and passive child, to a funny, responsible and caring father who I’ve grown to admire. I am ecstatic for both of you. You truly complement one another. You met as friends and it evolved into a love that so many people rarely find today. So I’d like to make a toast, to friends, lovers and soul mates.

Michelle and Arnaldo… I loooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeee you guys, even when I don’t show it. We hope you enjoy this video, and treasure it for years to come!!!

With Love,

GT + Caritza

We’d like to give a very special thanks to Julia Azcona for capturing this day so beautifully for our family, we will truly value these images for years to come. Thank you for being there to document all the important parts of their lives beginning with their pregnancy, to Aiden’s baby session and first birthday, and now Michelle and Arnaldo’s wedding day.

To the amazing wedding staff at Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this wedding (and the week of) an event that will forever be cherished by our family. You helped all of our visions and expectations come to life…it was beautiful and we could have never done it without you!!!

To DJ Alex Medina you were amazing and exceeded every expectation we had. Thank you for keeping the celebration alive all night!!!