Tulum Ruins

Rehearsal Dinner

Vesica Tulum | Cenote Club

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Fredy’s Bday Dinner

Chichén Itzá and Cenote Ik Kil

Our Wedding

We met in Knoxville in 2016 and have been inseparable ever since. Over the years, our relationship has grown through shared curiosity, deep conversations, and a whole lot of laughter. Since then, we’ve traveled to over 20 countries together, always chasing new foods, wandering through new cities, and getting way too excited over a perfect bowl of noodles or the flakiest croissant. Whether we're road-tripping through Iceland, sipping mezcal in Oaxaca, or simply cooking dinner together, our happiest moments are always rooted in curiosity and connection. We live with our dog, Bear, and our cat, Dali, who are both full of personality and keep things interesting. Recently, we bought a van to travel across the US—a dream that was inspired by Kim’s grandparents, Grumpy and Grandma, who spent their later years on the road. Their spirit of freedom and love for the journey stayed with us. Our life together has been shaped by movement, shared values, and finding joy in the simple things. Tulum felt like the right place to celebrate with the people we love most, and we can’t wait to share this part of our story with you.

Our Story

Photos

Q + A

Wedding Party

Getting There: Closest airport: Cancún International Airport (CUN) From Cancún it is approximately a 2 hour drive into Tulum. You can book a private shuttle, take an <a href="https:" target="_blank">ADO bus</a> to Tulum, or rent a car. More info about the bus in the Q&A!

We’ve reserved a room block at Kimpton Aluna Resort Tulum, a beautiful boutique hotel with pools, breakfast, and a rooftop bar. It’s where we’ll be staying, and we’d love for you to join us! Please use the link below to book your room using our discount.

Kimpton Aluna Resort Tulum

🌿 Hotel Amenities:Your stay includes:🛏 Daily breakfast🥂 Welcome drink at check-in☕ Morning coffee service (7:30–9:00 AM)🍹 Social Hour with complimentary wine, beer, or cocktails (5:00–6:00 PM)🌐 Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel🚲 Complimentary use of bikes🅿️ Free parking🏊 Two swimming pools (including a rooftop pool)🧘 On-site yoga deck🧺 Daily housekeeping service👞 Bell serviceBonus:&nbsp;If you're staying two nights or more, you'll be part of the group block, and can request special room rates (plus a 30% discount on suites, manually applied after booking). Things to Know About Booking📅 Booking Deadline:Please book your room by&nbsp;September 26, 2025&nbsp;to lock in the group rate.After this date, prices will increase by 5% and rooms are subject to availability.💸 Payment Details:A&nbsp;one-night deposit&nbsp;(including taxes) is required to confirm your reservation.The rest is paid upon check-in or check-out.📆 Minimum Stay:Guests must stay at least&nbsp;2 nights&nbsp;to qualify for the group rate.🚫 Cancellation &amp; No-Show PoliciesCancellations made after November 21, 2025&nbsp;will be charged a one-night fee.No-shows&nbsp;will be charged a one-night fee.Early departures&nbsp;(leaving before your scheduled check-out date) will be charged for the full stay.🧳 Other Helpful DetailsTriple occupancy&nbsp;(3 adults in one room) costs an additional&nbsp;$55 USD per night.Children under 12&nbsp;stay free when sharing a room with two adults.Check-in is at&nbsp;3:00 PM. Check-out is at&nbsp;12:00 PM.Room upgrades and a 30% discount on suites are available (ask us for details before booking). Transportation Tips:Tulum is very walkable and bike-friendly. Taxis are also available. We’ve also rented a moped and got around easily! We’ll coordinate group transport for the wedding day and optional excursions.

Travel

Here’s a loose itinerary for the week! All events are optional, so feel free to join what you’d like or spend the time however you choose. We’ll update everyone with final details closer to the big day. Wednesday, November 26 – Arrival Day Welcome to Tulum! Check in, relax, explore the hotel or grab a bite at one of the nearby cafés.Join us for a casual rooftop hangout at the hotel bar around 5:30 PM. Nothing formal—just a chance to say hi, unwind, and settle in. Thursday, November 27 – Ruins &amp; Rehearsal Dinner Morning: Optional group trip to the Tulum Ruins. Bring water, sunscreen, and your camera—it’s a beautiful spot with ocean views.Afternoon: Beach club time. We’ll head to one of our favorite spots like Papaya Playa or Mía for some sun, snacks, and drinks.Evening: Rehearsal dinner with close friends and family (details coming soon). If you’re part of the ceremony or just want to toast with us, we’d love to have you. Friday, November 28 – The Wedding 💐 Our ceremony and celebration will take place at Vesica Cenote Club, surrounded by jungle and water.Transportation will be provided to and from the venue.At the end of the night, we’re jumping into the cenote—so don’t forget your bathing suit if you want to join! Saturday, November 29 – Chill &amp; Celebrate Dad Late Morning: Join us for a casual group brunch at the resort to recover, recharge, and reconnect.Afternoon: Optional cenote adventure to places like Gran Cenote or Calavera for swimming and exploring.Evening: We’ll be celebrating Mel’s dad’s birthday with Kim’s family and lots of tequila. Come raise a glass with us! Sunday, November 30 – Optional Day Trip We’re planning an optional full-day excursion to Chichén Itzá, with a stop at Cenote Ik Kil and the charming town of Valladolid.Transportation will be arranged if enough people are interested.It’s a fun way to end the week if you’re up for one more adventure before heading home!

Itinerary

🌴 Things to Do in Tulum There’s so much to explore in and around Tulum, whether you're in the mood for swimming in crystal-clear cenotes, wandering through ancient ruins, or just relaxing with good food and drinks. Here are some of our favorite spots: 🏛 Cultural SitesTulum Ruins – Mayan ruins overlooking the seaChichén Itzá – A Wonder of the World (day trip)Coba Ruins – Bike through the jungle to ancient pyramids 💦 Cenotes (natural freshwater pools)Gran Cenote – Family-friendly and popularCenote Calavera – Small, fun, and great for photosCenote Corazón – Quieter and super peacefulCenote Dos Ojos – Ideal for snorkeling and cave exploring 🏖 Beach ClubsPapaya Playa Project – Chic, popular, and vibeyMía Beach Club – Solid food and service right on the sandVagalume – Aesthetically stunning and Instagram-famousNomade Tulum – Boho and beautiful with a great beachfront 🐢 Nature &amp; AdventureSian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – Boat tours, wildlife, and raw natural beautyLaguna Kaan Luum – Shallow, turquoise lagoon ideal for floating and relaxing 🍽 Where to Eat Local FavoritesAntojitos La Chiapaneca – Cheap and delicious tacos al pastor (cash only!)Burrito Amor – Great for breakfast or lunch, with fresh, healthy optionsDelCielo – Beloved brunch spot with smoothies, eggs, and great coffee Mid-range GemsSafari Comedor Zama – Jungle-y open-air spot with fresh seafood and grilled meatsCampanella Cremerie – Italian gelato, coffee, and waffles in Aldea ZamaSale e Pepe – Cozy Italian eatery with handmade pasta and wine Trendy / Special OccasionArca – Wood-fired, creative dishes in a lush jungle settingHartwood – One of Tulum’s most famous restaurants; everything cooked over open flame (reservations recommended)Gitano – Jungle-glam vibes with mezcal cocktails and live musicCasa Banana – Rustic-chic Argentine grill with incredible steaks and salads

Melissa & Kimberly

Melissa & Kimberly

Photos

September 06, 2016

April 21, 2017

March 14, 2019

July 11, 2020

February 28, 2021

May 09, 2023

November 04, 2023

November 23, 2023

February 14, 2024

August 24, 2024

December 15, 2024

June 30, 2025