WEDDING IDEAS

Xylina & Eric in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Craving a vacation celebration, Xylina and Eric decided to tie the knot in Mexico, and first set the lively mood at an engagement party in Beverly Hills: Guests celebrated with margaritas, Mexican cuisine, and even a steel-drum player, band, and caricature artist. But there was still more to come. Upon arrival in Mexico, guests joined the bridal party at Eric and Xylina‘s villa for a welcome party on Mismaloya Bay. Xylina used simple flower bouquets and candles to complement the amazing views. Just like their engagement party, the couple wanted to entertain -- only this time they hired two flame dancers.

Xylina walked down the aisle in a beach-savvy, ivory Monique Lhuillier gown with Alencon lace, spaghetti straps and a low back. One strap crossed in the back and dangled with Swarovski crystals. Ever so chic, Xylina ditched the barefoot bride look for champagne-colored, satin heels.

Deep orange and green bouquets with Casablanca Lilies, refreshing cocktails, and a beach sunset greeted guests at Xylina and Eric‘s wedding ceremony at The Sets of The Night of the Iguana Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta.

Following the ceremony, guests were whisked to an upstairs deck to enjoy more cocktails, snacks, and music as the pair took pictures. After the tropical photo shoot, Xylina and Eric regrouped with guests and traveled to the outdoor reception area at Playa Fiesta Beachclub & Hotel ten minutes away. There, white Casablanca lilies with red- and yellow-tipped roses sat in large arrangements on the bar, while smaller matching centerpieces in low rectangular vases adorned the tables and pool area. Guests partied into the night on the dance floor, which was built over the swimming pool and featured a fog machine, dance lights, and a DJ.

Xylina & Eric in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Photos By: Gillespie Photography, San Diego, CA

Event Planning: Mary Noble, Classic Weddings, San Diego, CA
Location: Playa Fiesta Beachclub & Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Xylina and Eric planned a destination wedding with a funky orange and green color palette, a custom-built dance floor, and an exotic-flavored cake -- all to take place in Mexico with 58 of their closest friends and family.

The Bride Xylina Burns, 32, teacher
The Groom Eric Osland, 38, mortgage consultant
The Date October 29

It's a good thing that Xylina Burns' friend had left her sarong down on Manhattan Beach in California one Sunday. Because when she and another friend walked down to grab it, Xylina, a teacher from Lafayette, CA, met Eric Osland, a mortgage consultant from Santa Barbara, CA, and invited him and his friends up to the bar for mimosas and Bloody Mary's. Eric hung out at the other end of the bar until Xylina finally approached him. "When a girl invites you to a bar, you should probably come by her table," she told him. Then he and his friends joined her and her friends. "I fell in love with his eyes, he liked how outgoing I was, and the rest is history," she said.

-- Anja Winikka