When Madeline booked a trip to Cabo for spring break 2014, she had no plans beyond a week away with friends. But she met Eliot, who had grown up in Los Cabos, who spent the week showing the group around. By the time Madeline flew home, they were already figuring out how to make long distance work.

“Seven days of snorkelling, beach camping, hiking, and late-night hammock talks later, what started as a vacation turned into something undeniable”, she said, “Long-distance quickly became daily Skype calls, road trips, and eventually a leap of faith that brought me to Los Cabos for good.”

They were married at Flora Farms in Baja California Sur, in November. Their overall vision leaned into the atmosphere and aesthetic they already live in. They used vintage references, wore relaxed tailoring, and included handmade details with and a mix of desert textures and garden-style florals.

Eliot plays drums in The Shamans, a band known throughout Cabo and Mexico’s music scene, so music and entertainment was a big consideration too. They had multiple bands and DJs – all of them friends – performing throughout the day and night.

Madeline’s dress was also designed by her friend Alexia Guzmán of Hoseu while her earrings came another. The custom stationery and signage were created collaboratively with friends, alongside hand-painted lanterns that later lit up the reception space.

The ceremony took place surrounded by mountains, palms and desert plants. Instead of building a traditional floral installation, they sourced potted desert plants from a local nursery and arranged them around the ceremony space before later replanting them at home. Bougainvillea blooms were scattered loosely along the aisle. “We wanted our ceremony to feel simple but elevated”, Madeline explained, “allowing the surrounding mountains, palms, and desert landscape to take centre stage.” Eliot’s best friend officiated while Madeline’s friend stepped in as flower boy.

Dinner was served beneath mango trees with long candlelit tables layered in beige chiffon linens, striped details and single stem florals in peach and green tones. Later, the party moved to an industrial open-air space tied. Guests crowded around the DJ booth while the night carried on into the early hours. Madeline and Eliot even did a surprise DJ set together

“Trust each other, make decisions together, and don’t be afraid to do things your own way”, they advise. “Start the planning process earlier than you think and give yourself time to be truly involved. People often say a wedding is for everyone else, but we believe it should first and foremost feel true to you.”