JUNE 28, 2025
Before I begin writing about the wedding day, I neglected to tell you about the fantastic “Taco & Margarita“ dinner last night. Anything you could think of that could go into a taco was on that buffet table. In addition to the typical pulled pork, chicken and beef, there was also the unexpected, such as ceviche. Ceviche is a delicious mix of raw fish, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro and lime. To top off your taco there was also guacamole, and so many sauces and salsas that there was no way you could try them all. We also enjoyed our first margaritas of the trip — a perfect blend of guava juice and tequila.
Heartwarming speeches were delivered by my sister Amy, David’s mother Mayra, Mara’s brothers Eli and Gregory, and David. Mayra gave her speech in Spanish and it was translated into English by her niece Isabel. Isabel went on to give a speech of her own. Between the beautiful sentiments expressed, fantastic food, and stylish crowd the evening could not have been more pulchritudinous, which means beautiful.
NOW MOVING ON TO THE WEDDING DAY
A beautiful day greeted us as we headed to breakfast. By the time we reached the restaurant the place was bustling with wedding guests.
I thought I would give a typical Mexican breakfast a try and ordered chilaquiles. Chilaquiles consist of fried tortilla chips simmered in salsa (in my case both red and green) topped with cheese, and a fried egg. It was tasty, but very heavy, and there was way too much of it. Dan had a more sensible breakfast of eggs, toast and fruit.
Now it was time to jump into one of the resort’s many pools and relax. We headed to the infinity pool, but it was too crowded. The second and third pools were quiet, but there was little shade and the water felt like a hot bath. The lap pool, located by the spa, was just right. The water was cool and there were plenty of comfortable lounge chairs in the shade. Oddly enough the only people joining us at this pool were family members. I was able to get my swimming in and catch up with my cousins.
The ceremony was scheduled for 5:00 PM, so it was time to head back to the room and change. However, on the way, I snuck into the bridal suite where my sister Amy, Mara and her bridesmaids were getting their hair and makeup done. The room was amazing and had the potential for being very romantic with its indoor and outdoor showers, and its own pool. However, at the moment, it looked like a fancy beauty shop.
Greeting the guests as they took their seats for the wedding was a chuppah made up of beautiful orange flowers and a Mariachi band. For the processional the Mariachis played music befitting a wedding.
Mara and David’s friends Gaby Grossman and Alejandro Stein served as the officiants. Gaby’s portion of the service was in English, while Alejandro’s was in Spanish. Within the service there were elements representing both the bride and groom’s heritage. For example, a lovely verse from the New Testament selected by David’s mother was read. Making the ceremony even more meaningful, the bride and groom wrote their own wedding vows. Then David performed the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass, and with that, Mara and David were declared husband and wife.
Now the Mariachi band broke out playing traditional Mexican music and marched all of us to the botanical garden where the cocktail hour was to be held. The happiness of friends, and family was so powerful the feeling was almost palpable. All of those feelings became even more intense as the abundant and delicious hor d’oeuvres and drinks were served.
As dusk set-in all of us were directed to the outdoor dining area. A serpentine table was set with flowers, candles and lights and was so gorgeous it took your breath away. It’s funny, but I hardly remember the food that was served except for the largest prawns I’ve ever seen, risotto, and slices of beef cooked to perfection. The desserts looked like gems with each one more beautiful than the next.
This time the fathers were the ones giving the toasts. Steven’s speech was heartfelt and welcoming. I’m certain Hermes, David’s father, also gave a beautiful speech, but it was all in Spanish. It was clear, however, that he was very happy to welcome Mara into his family.
Wedding guests danced the evening away. Mara and David were lifted on chairs with the Hora playing as is customary at a Jewish wedding. There was plenty of Latino music played as well. It was a special celebration.
At 11:00 PM the official celebration ended and was immediately followed by an after party. While Dan and I could hear partying going on until about 2 AM, we were just too tired to attend. I’m sorry we missed it because we heard the bride and groom gave a performance that will live on forever in the partygoers memories.
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BY THE WAY WITH WENDY & DAN 