Couple and Planner Hosting a Small Mexico Destination Wedding Featured in The New York Times
I was recently quoted in the The New York Times in an article about couples choosing a small destination wedding in Mexico without traditional receptions. And I have to tell you… one of the couples they referenced? They were mine!
Ashley & Ryan were married in November 2025 at The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences in the Riviera Maya. And their intimate wedding was a beautiful reminder that your day doesn’t have to follow anyone else’s script. As a destination wedding planner, moments like this are why I do what I do. Read all about Ashley & Ryan’s intimate Mexico destination wedding.
Why This Riviera Maya Destination Wedding Was Intentionally Small
Ashley & Ryan knew exactly what they wanted. They didn’t want to be swept up in the pressure of a massive reception, elaborate expectations, or the “this is what you’re supposed to do” noise that so often surrounds weddings. They wanted something intentional. Personal. Meaningful.
And they stuck to it!
Their wedding at The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences was elegant, intimate, and deeply aligned with who they are as a couple. No unnecessary add-ons. No production for the sake of production. Just a celebration that felt right.
As a destination wedding planner who specializes in Mexico destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts, I’ve seen how easy it is for couples to lose sight of their original vision once Pinterest boards, vendor opinions, and family expectations enter the chat.
Ashley & Ryan didn’t.
Small Destination Wedding Reception Mock Up
Work with a Destination Wedding Planner Who Honors Your Vision
After their wedding, I sent them a message that I meant with my whole heart:
I am SO, SO happy to hear how everything went off without a hitch! Of course, we all will stress no matter what, but so glad there was no reason to. It was truly an honor to work with the two of you, and I am so happy it was just as you envisioned! I loved your “against the grain” plans, and was so, so proud that you stuck to them! No matter what the outside world might try to convince you of. Way back when, I wish I would have had that backbone! It is truly inspiring.
Because it was. They didn’t let trends dictate their experience or outside opinions reshape their priorities. They chose what mattered to them and built their wedding around that. And that is powerful.
One of the biggest misconceptions about destination weddings in Mexico is that they have to be one of two extremes:
• A massive 100+ guest luxury production
• Or an elopement with zero structure
The truth? There is so much room in between. At DWD Travel & Destination Weddings, I help couples plan destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean that reflect their real priorities. Whether that means a luxury Riviera Maya destination wedding weekend with multiple events or a beautifully simple ceremony followed by dinner with their closest people, with my tried and true destination wedding planning process, I’m here to protect and execute the vision.
The key is clarity. When couples are confident in their vision, my role as their destination wedding planner becomes about refinement, logistics, cost transparency, and seamless execution, not convincing them to do more.
Ashley & Ryan are proof that “less” can still feel extraordinary.
Being Quoted in The New York Times
The New York Times article explored the growing number of couples opting for small ceremonies without traditional receptions. It highlighted what I see every season: couples are redefining what celebration looks like.
They are prioritizing experience over expectation. Intention over obligation.
And as someone who plans luxury Mexico destination weddings, I love this shift. Because at the end of the day, the most successful weddings aren’t the most elaborate.
They’re the most aligned.
Featured in The New York Times for expert insight on intimate destination weddings.
Planning That Feels Like You
If you’re dreaming of a Riviera Maya destination wedding, or anywhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, and you want a celebration that feels intentional, elevated, and true to you, I’d love to help.
Whether you’re planning a full wedding weekend or something beautifully simple, you deserve support from a destination wedding planner who will protect your vision, guide your budget, and make the process feel clear instead of chaotic.
Ashley & Ryan showed what’s possible when you tune out the noise. Ready to do the same? Let’s chat.
Photography Credit: Jahlcob Visual Artist
