Intimate, Eco-Friendly Guatemala Wedding: Rachael + Jason

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

We are so in love with today’s intimate wedding, held on Lake Atitlan in an adorable eco hotel in Guatemala. Rachael + Jason planned their destination celebration from afar, but the details of the day feel so cozy + personal, you might forget for a second that it wasn’t held in the comfort of their own backyard!

Their on-point style translates through every facet of the event. Case-in-point: Rachael wore an absolutely stunning Hermione de Paula wedding dress, paired with stylish shoes by Jeffrey Campbell and Jason rocked a sleek, gray suit by Hugo Boss. But their choice of location is still the most impressive to us, and on that subject Rachael shares, We fell in love with each other pretty hard during our first trip to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala and fell in love with the magic of the people and place even more. So when we started thinking of bringing our family and friends together for our celebration we just had this moment of looking at each other and saying, ” What about Atitlan?!?” our hearts skipped a beat at that suggestion and we knew it was the place for us. We really wanted to share something authentically US with our friends and family, along with creating an intimate, laid back experience. Our entire trip was planned to take our guests on that ride – every group outing, dinner, boat ride, day trips, all the way down to our shamanic ceremony – all of it was a reflection of our favorite experiences and setting the mood for true connection and reflection, which is what we have always experienced on our trips to Guatemala.

Thanks so much to Phil Chester for sending this one our way!

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Hermione de Paula Dress

This dress! It might be a new favorite of ours…

Hermione de Paula Dress

blindfolded first look

blindfolded first look

blindfolded first look

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Rachael carried a beautiful bouquet crafted by her talented aunt, Julie.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Hermione de Paula Dress

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

wildflower bouquet

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

maroon bridesmaids

We adore this bridesmaid look so much. Berry + Burgundy ftw! Shop more dresses like these in our guide below!

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Well there were definitely some worth mentioning- our best man forgot the rings, so when it came time to present them he had to run back to his house- only to get stuck behind a man trying to sell fish to the entire wedding party ( which he thought was a huge sale) it made for a great laughter break! I think though, we would have to say having our closest friends and family there to share in the ceremony. They were each able to bless us individually by placing a candle in the ceremonial fire and saying a few words to us, that is a moment we will never forget- there was so much love radiating from that space I'm surprised we didn't all just float off into the volcanoes.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Groom + Wedding Party: Pillars – Foreign Fields; Bride: Love is Won – Lia Ices

Recessional: Ascension ( Don't ever Wonder) – Maxwell

First Dance: A Change is Gonna Come – Leela James

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

As in life, be authentic to your true selves and your love. You will most likely get push back and suggestions from others but in the end it is your love that will be bringing them all together and your love that will be celebrated that day. Trust that the people there will be so enthralled by your connection and all of the high vibrations around that they won't notice the things that don't get done or don't go completely as planned. It is the moment of really recognizing that you have chosen to commit to love in this lifetime and here is your celebration that counts- breath it all in.

Although there will be moments of stress before and during your planning and day, try not to let it get in the way of the inevitable fun you will have! Help each other in the details- even if you know it's not your expertise- the gesture will be recognized, if not at the time - sometime after. Remember these are the first steps in your partnership. Also this is the day about YOU- so don't let someone else's ideas take away from your truth. And have so much fun!

photography: Phil Chester // venue name: Isla Verde, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala // event design: bride + groom // planning: bride + groom w/ the help of Isla Verde // florals: bride's aunt Julie // wedding dress: Hermione de Paula // hairpiece: gift of a friend // bride's shoes: Jeffrey Campbell // bridesmaid dresses: Free People // hair stylist: Kerri Spiteri // makeup artist: Sheyssa Rosado // groom attire: Hugo Boss // paper goods: Jennifer Fisher // catering: Isla Verde // music: groom // officiant: AumRak // cupcakes: Isla Verde

Explore: