Barceló Maya Palace

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

It all started in March of 2013 at San Jose State. Melissa and AJ had mutual friends, they both played club soccer, and even lived in the same dorm building their freshman year but they never crossed paths. It was sophomore year, at one of those classic fraternity parties that would spark the beginning of something special. After a night of mostly sober fun, AJ thought it would be a good move to offer to walk Melissa home. From this night forward they became friends, and it would never be the same after that. Several months later in October they made their relationship official and started on a journey neither one of them thought would end up being the best decision they could ever make. While dating and finishing college together, they developed an extraordinary relationship that is now becoming a marriage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Till this day Anthony Huni still takes full credit being the “match maker”.

How They Met

Melissa was living up north for two and a half months for her last clinical rotation. Andrew came to visit as they were taking a trip to Tahoe that weekend. Melissa left for her clinicals, and Andrew stayed behind. This is when he officially started planning. He knew this proposal would be hard as Melissa was very nosey. Andrew started planning with Melissa’s family and his family as this was going to be a tough one to pull off. He knew he wanted it by the beach as this was a mutual place, they loved to spend their time together. Her sister Samantha became the point of contact because Melissa would never dare to look at her sister’s phone. Andrew told Melissa that they were going to celebrate Valentine’s Day early this year, along with Melissa being done with clinical rotations, and moving back to So Cal. On February 13th they woke up, worked out and Melissa thought it was just another normal day. She started to sense something was off. Texting her best friend Emely who was in on the secret. Melissa was nervous something was wrong. Andrew seemed nervous, this was mainly because he hadn’t eaten all day and he never skips a meal. As they got ready and headed out to dinner Melissa had a lot of questions, as she looked at the menu picking out her meal and her drink, she was so excited. They parked in Laguna beach and started to walk over to the restaurant. But Andrew said “let’s take a picture in the gazebo first” Melissa’s response was “no can we later I’m hungry” so romantic. After some convincing they walked over, and his brothers Niko and Mac had set up the whole area guarding it with their life so it would be empty when Melissa and Andrew arrived. Andrew got down on one knee and asked his best friend to marry him. She said yes to the rest of her life with the man she loves. It was the perfect day finished with both families celebrating together, sharing stories, and having many tequila shots after.&nbsp;

The Proposal 

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Wedding Party

Samy and Melissa go way back all the way to 1996 when she decided to come into this world and take away all the attention from Melissa. Although Samantha and Melissa argued like no other when they were younger, they truly loved each other. Being 3 years apart they got to experience playing soccer together and really enjoying their time before the other two sisters were born ugh. Now they call each other for everything, they know they can count on each other and tell each other how it is even if one of them doesn't want to hear it. That’s sisterly love for you!

Samantha Arreola

Marcanthony better know as Mac, is the older brother of AJ. Only separated by less than two years, they grew up doing almost everything together including sports, school, and many parties. The experiences while growing up only made their relationship stronger going from bartending a wedding at the age of 15 to being on the same high school soccer team and science class... Mac wasn't always the brightest but has always been their since day 1.

Marcanthony Carrillo

Emely and Melissa are high school sweet hearts. They relationship started off rocky but grew to something special. Their idea of late nights in high school consisted of Mcdonalds drive through lines and occasionally going out. It flourished even more when they went off to college and only cities away Melissa managed to make her way to the beautiful Santa Clara campus mainly because Emely wasn’t too thrilled with the brick dorms at San Jose State. The deal was according to their mothers if their boy friends didn’t propose they were going to have Emely and Melissa get married with a beautiful zoom wedding. 

Emely Ibarra 

Andrew and Andrew couldn't work so it became AJ and Zo. Starting at young age their paths crossed through sports over numerous years. Sports turned into family parties, and family parties turned into Vegas parties. Their relationship somehow always stays together as AJ moved back home to end up as co-workers with Zo.  Leave it to Zo to always be down for a good time, and not always making the best decisions..

Andrew Solorza

Katia the third sister.....  Katia keeps Melissa young with all her Tik Tok dances. Katia decided she didn't want to play soccer or other contact sports and she decided Dance was her sport.  So she allowed Melissa to live out her excitement of Dance Moms by going to her performances. Their recent bonding has been over Melissa teaching Katia to drive when she is home visiting, we aren't to sure what is scarier Melissa teaching Katia or the fact that Katia is now driving!  

Katia Arreola 

The year 1997 was probably one of the best and worst years to come. Andrew was blessed with a pain in ass younger brother named Niko. Being four years apart, competing against each other was always the basis of our relationship since neither one of us liked to lose. The competing has never really ended, but they continued to be there to support each other over the years. Support is mainly Aj cooking dinner for Niko so he doesn't consume all the Dino nuggets in the house. 

Niko Carrillo 

Krista is the youngest of the 4 sisters, the wild child. Melissa and Krista are 15 years apart which therefor allowed for many people to think she was Melissa's daughter. You might have seen her on all of Melissa insta stories, yes this is her the girl that never stops dancing.   Melissa use to tell Krista she was going to put her on toddler and tiaras and thats where her confidence flourished. Catch her on the dance floor in Mexico where she will be busting a move to every song.  

Krista Arreola

Dazo, The Daz, Baby Dazo or AJs favorite one of all Dazito. They have bonded over golf and dealing with the Arreola Sisters. Through the chaos, yelling, crying they have managed to survive it all. Having the opportunity to travel and share many experiences, their bond has grown over several years and wouldn't have been able to survive without each other. 

Patrick Dazo 

Tayler and Melissa met through club soccer. It all started one night when Melissa and Tayler went out to some parties on campus. Believe it or not they have some pretty crazy memories together.. they were pretty wild! After both joining the same sorority they grew even closer.  After college they lived together for a few years. Their time consisted of Tayler taking care of Melissa when she was sick and Melissa cooking Mexican food for Tayler.  Its Melissas other bae. 

Tayler Boyd 

Will and AJ started their journey in college being their to support each since their girlfriends at the time where in the same sorority. Supporting each other really looked like drinking beer, playing darts, and getting yelled at together. AJ was lucky enough to see Will and his girlfriend now become his wife and now Will he will now have the same opportunity to stand by AJ on their special day. 

William Boyd

Melissa and Kelsey met Freshman year.  Although Melissa was scared of Kelsey at the start they grew closer through the years, it had to do with their competitive side for sports for different events for their sorority. They attended 49er games, snow trips, football Sundays, and  while living in the same apartment complex they would find them selves checking in. Now 200 miles away yet they continue to be there for each other. Mainly Kelsey listening to Melissa stress out about things and always reminding her to chill giving her the tough love she needs. 

Kelsey Hew

Even though Brandon and AJ were involved in different fraternities, they always seemed to have the same interest. A good time, alcohol, and the Raiders. From being roommates after college to spending parties together in Vegas, and attending Raider games their relationship stays connected every year trying to win fantasy football leagues. Although they might not see each other often it always seems to pick back up where they left off

Brandon Aufdermauer

Chelsie and Melissa met though club soccer at San Jose state they really hit it off. She then joined the same sorority as Melissa and became her little sis. She always kept Melissa on her toes with making sure Melissa was a fun grandma in her last few years of college. Chelsie is Melissas go to when it comes to make up and making sure she doesn't look like a clown. They are really the perfect balance for crazy and calm in their own way. 

Chelsie Guzman

I'm not sure if words can really describe what is going on in the photo, but Huni and AJ have college stories you probably wouldn't believe. They connected in their fraternity in college and their relationship has grown ever since. After numerous parties and mostly sober experiences Huni, is still their to be supportive and claims he is the reason Melissa and AJ ever met....

Anthony Huni

Addison is so loved by Melissa and AJ.  Although Melissa and AJ are 400 miles away Addison recognizes them as if she sees them all the time. She enjoys FaceTiming with them every week and showing them all her silly faces. 

Addison Boyd

We are so excited for all of you to celebrate with us! We have added some details here regarding our wedding day.&nbsp; Semi formal attire&nbsp;Women: Dresses (any length) , heels or nice sandals. Men: Dress pants, shirts, dress shoes. Coats and ties are not required. &nbsp;Our ceremony and reception will be held at the Caribe/Colonial Barcelo hotels&nbsp; There will be a Shuttle Bus that will pick up guests in the Maya Palace lobby. We are currently working on organizing pick up time and finalizing our Ceremony start time with the wedding coordinator.&nbsp; We are hoping to move our Ceremony to 5:30 pm rather than having it at 6pm. Once this is updated we will announce a shuttle pick up time from the lobby.&nbsp;Shuttle will drop you off a short walking distance from the beach.&nbsp; The 25-30 minute ceremony will be held on the beach, the sand is slightly compacted so thicker heels (block heels and wedges) are best. Feel free to take off your heels for the ceremony.&nbsp; Following the ceremony you are welcome to stay on the beach and take pictures.&nbsp;Then we will make our way to the Colonial hotel where there is a lobby sports bar everyone is welcome to get a drink at. By 6:45 the doors will open to the ballroom.&nbsp;Then the party begins!&nbsp; We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!&nbsp; ❤️ Melissa &amp; AJ&nbsp;

Wedding Details

These are the Specialty restaurants that are available at the hotels with no additional cost. Reservations are required and we are encouraging everyone to make reservations on the day of the arrival. Dress Code is enforced: Per the Barcelo Website"Formal dress code". Women can wear dresses, nice clothing no flip flops. Men may not wear shorts, sandals, or shirts without sleeves.&nbsp; We suggest linen pants for men with the weather being very humid and hot. Light colored shirt (button up or polo).

Buffet restaurants are a bit more casual with dress code. No restrictions for breakfast and lunch although for dinner a shirt with sleeves for men are required.

We have attached the menus for the different restaurants so you have access to prior to making your reservations. Capri - Itallian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Tropical-Capri.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Tropical-Capri.pdf</a> Kyoto - Japanese hibachi grill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Colonial-Kyoto.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Colonial-Kyoto.pdf</a> Mexico Lindo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Beach-MexicoLindo.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Beach-MexicoLindo.pdf</a> La Fuente -Spanish&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Caribe-LaFuente.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Caribe-LaFuente.pdf</a> Santa Fe -Spanish steak house&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Tropical-SantaFe.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Tropical-SantaFe.pdf</a> Marenostrum - Seafood&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Colonial-Marenostrum.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Colonial-Marenostrum.pdf</a> Rodizio - Steak and pasta&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Palace-Rodizio.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Palace-Rodizio.pdf</a> Brasserie - French&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Palace-Brasserie.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.barcelo.com/static/Estructura_PDF/Mexico/Complejo_Maya/Maya-Palace-Brasserie.pdf</a> Caribbean&nbsp;We do not have this menu&nbsp;

Restaurant Details & Dress codes

These are some excursions we recommend. If you visit the websites of these you can purchase your tickets prior to leaving to Mexico. It is best to plan and buy your tickets 30 days in advance to get the best price. The hotel also offers tickets but they tend to be more expensive. Make sure you add on transportation when purchasing your tickets. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Xcaret Park

Xplor

Xel-Há Park

Xavage by Xcaret

Things to Do

Registry

-5:00PM - Private shuttle pick up in Palace lobby. Other option make the walk along the beach walking path to the Colonial hotel/ Mariachi Grill. Ceremony will be on the beach. -5:30 PM- Ceremony Colonial Beach -6:00 PM to 6:45 PM- Feel free to take pictures and make your way to the colonial lobby bar for drinks.  -7:00 PM- Reception Colonial Ball Room -7:05 PM- First Dance -7:10 PM- Dance with Parents -7:15 PM- Speeches -7:25 PM- Dinner -7:55 PM -Cake Cutting -8:05 PM -Money Dance  -8:15 to 12:00 AM- Open Dance Floor

Melissa & Andrew

Melissa & Andrew

M&A

Wedding Day