Rachael & Thyve’s – Guatemalan Destination Wedding

Where to even start!!! Rachael is this beautiful little blond bombshell who is also an incredible wedding planner based in Florida. Her wedding planning brand has an amazing romantic fine art aesthetic if you want to check it out: Taylor Rae Events. We met while working a wedding together… which she had to direct me how to get there through a parade that was happening on the venue’s road, it was a journey lol. But as the day went on we just immediately knew we’d be friends and in the time before I left for Colorado we had a lot more weddings … and happy hours together.

Fast forward to she gets ENGAGED to the handsome sarcastic Thyve!!! And she called me to ask if I’d photograph her Guatemalan destination wedding in Antigua. So in my head I’m like ok, don’t hyperventilate, play it cool Cat. I don’t remember if I played it cool, likely not, but I was above all honored and excited.

So me and Nicole packed our bags and got on a plane (1 month before Covid came btw). We met up with their crew at the airport in Antigua and got on private passenger vans together to head to the resort. I think everyone dropped their jaws as we drove through the gates into the most gorgeous coffee plantation that is the Finca Filadelfia Resort in Antigua, Guatemala.

Vendors Involved

Photo: Studio Lemus                                                   Venue: Finca Filadelfia Resort

Planner:  Jen Sabris                                   Event Designer: Taylor Rae Events

Hair & Makeup:   Laura Reynolds Artist                               Invitations: Paper Goat Post

Dress Designer:   Miss Stella York                           Bridal Gown Shop: One and Only Bridal

Videography: KEJProductions                                   DJ: Yes! Events

Rentals:   uniquogt                                 Calligraphy: Andi Mejia 

Bridesmaid Dress Boutique:   Bella Bridesmaids           Florist: Anabela De Novela

All of our destination weddings include rehearsal day coverage and there’s was super fun as the crew wander the grounds and the city, plus had an intimate brunch in the canopy of flowers and greenery.

But then wedding day!!!!

We had two first looks. One with dad in which he didn’t realize why he was there so we extra surprised him and his emotions flowed …

And then one with Thyve in absolutely the most grandiose setting I’ve ever seen for a first look.

And they read vows to each other in this private setting. I don’t see this often but holy moly is it the best. 5 out of 5 Cat’s recommend!!!

Let’s talk about the ceremony… LOOK AT THIS SETUP!!!!!

The backdrop of this dreamy destination wedding was a lush green 150 year-old old coffee estate with panoramic views of the Volcan de Agua. If the beauty of the plantation wasn’t enough, the ceremony was decorated with a stunning green leaf and white floral arch and florals lining the aisle alongside ghost chairs for the guests.

The bridesmaids each picked their own bridesmaid dresses in shades of lavender, purples, blush pink and floral.

The groom and groomsman looked especially dapper in blue suits each with their own unique sets of cufflinks to set them apart.

Each cufflink was a different superhero, super cool personal touch.

   

Rachael wore a lace off-the-shoulder gown which she later added a blush pink leather jacket with her new last name in script along the back which was the most perfect touch! The Designer is Miss Stella York.

 

We went into the city for some photos and there was so much music and congratulations that came from the crowds!

The reception was decorated with hanging chandeliers over wood tables with centerpieces that had the perfect mix of greenery, eucalyptus, white and blush pink roses.

Their friends and family flew in from all over the world to celebrate the uniting of this amazing couple. You could see how happy all of the guests were to be in this magical space with their most loved friends and family.

A record breaking number of shots hit the dance floor…

Rachael & Thyve’s Guatemalan destination wedding filled with coffee and laughter and dance moves galore will always have a special place in my heart!

PS if you want to watch their destination wedding film from KEJ Productions … one of the video greats (who are out of both Florida and Denver btw) check it out HERE