There are a few places on the grounds of the Barcelo Maya where couples can tie the knot - terraces overlooking the ocean and on-site chuches - but the southern-most beach of the property (Playa Azul) allows lovers the treat of having the ocean nip at their heels as they wed. 

I stood in as the groom for the purposes of a promotional video (similiar to what I did in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo... see photos). It's a rather strange feeling to watch the chairs being set up, the flowers spread out on the sand. I sat under a straw palapa, awaiting the arrival of my bride in a golf cart resembling an Escalade. 

I've never been married (or even close), so needless to say walking down the aisle is an interesting experience. There are a lot of stresses that come along with a beach wedding (weather, for one), but I've got to be honest: At the end of the day, the sand between my toes felt a lot better than the inside of any designer shoe.

 

 

 

Bare feet!

 

Playa Azul

I've spent the last eight days traveling through Mexico, visiting the Barcelo properties in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. 

I was hoping to get the blog up and running so I could have taken you along with me, but it turned out to be a blessing - I can't remember a more jam-packed trip. 

So let's play catch up: Not only was I there to wander and write, I was an actor in a promotional video the hotels are producing.

Talk about an experience: I got married twice. 

I wrote in a recent piece for Wake and Wander that I thought it was ironic - a wandering, restless travel writer standing in the ultimate position of commitment and stability - and I don't know any other way to put it. 

I've always been rather indifferent about the idea of marriage, a "we'll see what happens" type of mentality.

The experience of pretending didn't exactly put me in a rush to tie the knot for real, although it did bring a smile to my face and an appreciation for how special the day can be when it's all for you - what a celebration of your happiest moment can feel like. 

Check out the photos as they capture the moments rather well. 

Did you have a destination wedding? Email me your photos ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and let's see how they compare!

Barcelo Puerto Vallarta:

Barcelo Karmina Palace Deluxe in Manzanillo: