A Beach Destination Wedding at Akiin Beach Club in Tulum, Mexico

Friends of Danyra Chavez (30 and a global retail merchandiser) and Brad Grattan (30 and an HR sales consultant) tried to set them up throughout their time at the University of Rochester, but they clicked on their own; they attended a dance on campus one Easter weekend and have been together ever since. Nine years later, Brad had some friends make a cherry wood dresser for Danya: He placed a handwritten note, photos and milestones from their relationship in each of the eight drawers. For the ninth year, Brad had one more box, which he presented on one knee. Danyra and Brad got married on the beach at Akiin Beach Club in Tulum, Mexico. “We always knew we wanted a beach wedding,” says Danyra. “It was a perfect location; calm, but still a lot going on.” They kept their style simple and nautical, with a light and romantic color palette to complement the scenery. The couple incorporated Danyra’s Mexican heritage into their wedding with a bilingual ceremony and mariachi band, and included the Mexican money dance tradition at the reception. “The light up dance floor and the music definitely made the night,” says the bride. “We wanted our wedding to feel more like a great beach party!”