This Modern Garden Wedding in Cabo Was a Sage Green Dream

Sometimes the proposal’s so good you have to circle back to the same spot to say “I do!” That’s what Nina + Adam did when they planned their modern destination wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico.

“After so many trips to Cabo (including the one where Adam proposed!), we knew that’s where we wanted to get married,” Nina + Adam say. 

The sleek architectural vibe of Baja Luna and the surrounding beauty of the desert landscape provided a perfect backdrop for Nina + Adam’s wedding getaway to Mexico. Planner + event designer Martha of Martha Ayala Weddings describes the couple’s celebrations as “a modern garden wedding that felt refined, natural, and well suited to the Baja Luna environment.”

“I wanted to lean into colorful, funky, and fun! Nothing too stuffy or cookie cutter,” bride Nina shares of her bold + joyful approach to the day’s design. “I was pretty much over the super traditional look I kept seeing all over Instagram, so we just leaned into making it playful and a little unexpected.”

And it’s that kind of intentional, out-of-the-box wedding design thinking that leads you to something as truly special as Nina + Adam’s ceremony altar made of stunning sage green drapery (we are IN LOVE) as well as a reception with a green checkered dance floor and some very chic + timeless takes on wedding day style.

“The event emphasized balance, texture, and thoughtful styling rather than heavy décor,” event designer + planner Martha says. “The result was a modern garden wedding that felt refined, natural, and well suited to the Baja Luna environment.”

Now, without further ado, Sammie Chan’s gorgeous photos of Nina + Adam’s big day!

A Sage Green Ceremony

“The ceremony featured a structured, draped backdrop in sage green, paired with low, organic floral arrangements in soft whites and greenery,” Martha remembers.

“The look was intentional and minimal, allowing the materials, proportions, and setting to stand out.”

OMG, that blush floral mother of the bride dress!! The MOB truly stunned in the Lilianna Gown by Kay Unger.

We are so into those classic + elegant pearl drop earrings and how great they look with Nina’s flawless wedding updo by Piel Canela (who also did Nina’s timeless glam bridal makeup look).

We simply can’t stop staring at this masterpiece of green draping. This breathtaking Baltimore wedding and this maximalist SoCal wedding are a couple of our other fave example of when draping fabric decor goes green.

A Moment With The Newlyweds

“I got my dress in Charleston at White on Daniel Island,” Nina says of the shopping process that led her to this gorgeously chic + simple wedding gown. “Charleston is one of my favorite places in the world, so having a piece of it with me on my wedding day was really special.”

“The owner was so amazing and helped customize my wedding veil to perfectly match my off-white dress.”

“I tried on SO many dresses but knew I wanted something really simple, chic, and timeless. Carolyn Bessette was my inspo!”

A round of applause, please, for all of the glorious green + ivory arrangements by Cristina G Florals.

“We met through our two best friends on my very first night in Charlotte after college!” Nina shares of how her romance with Adam began. “We spent the whole night joking that we were engaged, so I guess we manifested it!”

“From the beginning, it felt easy and right, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Over the past six years, we’ve built a life together— traveling, raising our two golden retrievers, and eventually buying our first home. We got engaged during a birthday trip to San José del Cabo, our favorite place in the world, and knew right away we had to bring our closest friends and family back there to celebrate our wedding in the place that means the most to us.”

Check out our collections of the best simple wedding dresses and the loveliest a line wedding dresses to follow in Nina’s timelessly chic style footsteps.

Let The Celebration Begin

Nina + Adam’s guests started things off right with a poolside cocktail hour as the sun set behind the palm trees.

“For the reception, long tables were dressed in sage linens and styled with modern glassware, simple place settings, and seasonal floral centerpieces,” remembers planner Martha.

“Candles were used sparingly to add warmth without excess.”

“This wedding took place at Baja Luna in San José del Cabo, a venue known for its clean architectural lines and natural desert setting,” Martha adds. “The design focused on a restrained, cohesive palette of sage green, soft neutrals, and light blush accents to complement the venue without overpowering it.”

We have Cristina G Rentals (sister company to florist Cristina G Florals) to thank for the days delicately modern decor + furniture.

Add some blush wine glasses and light pink napkins to your cart to recreate this muted + romantic place setting.

Planner + event designer Martha has some valuable insight to share with currently planning couples: “Choose a venue with strong character and lean into it rather than trying to transform it completely. A well-designed space allows you to simplify florals and décor while still achieving a polished result.”

“Pay close attention to guest experience and event flow. Comfortable seating, clear layouts, and proper lighting are just as important as visual details.”

“Lastly, trust your vendor team. Clear communication and flexibility allow for smoother execution and a more refined outcome.”

Our Favorite Memory
Definitely when Adam and I did our vows the morning of the wedding over coffee on the balcony in our room. It was the perfect way to start the day and connect with each other before we split off and everything got crazy. That quiet moment together was so special.

Thanks to DJ Alexander Ayala, tons of danceable tunes filled the air all night long.

And lighting from Ambientic gave the modern garden party reception its glow.

Our Advice
Really think about what you two want your day to be, not what other people are doing or what you’re seeing online. There’s SO much wedding content out there, and it’s honestly so easy to get caught up in everyone else’s ideas. Your day should be completely personalized to what makes you happy as a couple, traditions or not!

Our Musical Choices
Processional
"Here Comes The Sun" (Instrumental) by The Beatles
Recessional
"I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5
First Dance
"Beautiful Crazy" by Luke Combs

Congratulations, Nina + Adam, on your stunning sage green destination celebration in Mexico! All the very best from the GWS team!