Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa

Reception

Our Wedding

A Love That Grew Up With Us

Emmanuel and Carla’s story isn’t loud or overly sentimental. It’s steady, intentional, and rooted in something real. It began in the summer of 2006, when Emmanuel first noticed Carla. Like most teenagers, they were both trying to figure out who they were while navigating high school, and for a time, life pulled them in different directions. But freshman year brought a moment neither of them would forget. During International Night, Emmanuel found himself drawn by the deep, rhythmic sound of the drums. As Arabic music filled the room, Carla took the stage, belly dancing with confidence and grace. In that moment, surrounded by movement, music, and energy; Emmanuel felt a certainty he couldn’t explain. Quietly, he thought, “I’m going to marry that girl.” And somehow, he was right. From there, they became high school sweethearts who grew up side by side. They learned how to love while also learning to become themselves — navigating change, challenges, distance, and growth. Their journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been honest. Together, they’ve built a relationship grounded in resilience, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of one another. Over the years, they have reached goals, supported each other’s dreams, and built a life full of adventure. Their life is shaped not just by love, but by the choices they make—to keep showing up, to grow together, and to grow as individuals. On July 24, 2023, Emmanuel and Carla eloped in Joshua Tree, California, a place that means a lot to Carla, who loves nature. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the desert, they chose each other again, in a way that felt truly their own. Now, after more than 16 years together, they’re excited to celebrate this next chapter with the people they love most. In November 2026, they look forward to sharing their story — not just of how they met, but of how they’ve built a life together &lt;3

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Weekend Itinerary (November 12-15)

We can’t wait to celebrate this special weekend with you. Each day is planned to bring everyone together in a beautiful setting filled with amazing food, breathtaking views, and unforgettable moments. November 12: Welcome Dinner with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_angustina_/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chef Felipe Meneses</a>Time: EveningLocation: To be shared closer to the date To kick off our wedding weekend, please join us for a special welcome dinner with acclaimed Mexican chef Felipe Meneses. Chef Meneses is from Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and brings traditional Mexican cuisine to life with modern techniques and storytelling. He is the executive chef and owner of Angustina Mezcal y Cocina, which was named one of Mexico’s top restaurants in the Guía México Gastronómico 2024 and 2025. His cooking combines traditional techniques with modern creativity, highlighting local ingredients and culture. This intimate evening will feature a special menu with bold flavors and mezcal pairings, offering a true taste of Mexico. Dress code: Elegant resort casual.

November 13: Sunset Boat EveningTime: Late afternoon into sunsetDeparture location: To be announced As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather for a romantic evening on the water. Guests will board a private boat for a coastal cruise with cocktails, music, and light bites. It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy the ocean breeze, and celebrate together the night before the wedding. Dress code: Sunset chic. Think flowy dresses, linen, light fabrics, and an easy, elegant style.

November 14: Wedding Day Ceremony: Capilla del Vigía, ZihuatanejoReception: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/calademarixtapa/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cala de Mar Resort</a> Our wedding day begins at Capilla del Vigía, a hilltop chapel in the private Cerro del Vigía community with sweeping views of the bay and the Pacific. The chapel’s peaceful setting and panoramic coastline vistas, including Playa Las Gatas, create an intimate, breathtaking backdrop that needs little decoration. After the ceremony, we’ll celebrate at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/calademarixtapa/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cala de Mar Resort</a>, a cliffside oceanfront venue known for its dramatic terraces and indoor‑outdoor event spaces. Perched above the shoreline with expansive Pacific views, Cala de Mar provides the perfect setting for cocktails, dinner, and dancing under the stars and has been recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of Mexico’s top wedding resort hotels. Dress Code: Elevated tropical / beach formalOptional Suggested Color Palette: We'll let you know soon.

November 15: Relax, Explore, and Recover After a weekend of celebration, today is for slowing down and enjoying Zihuatanejo however you like. Take your time in the morning with a relaxed breakfast, then soak up the town’s easygoing vibe, golden beaches, and delicious local food. Beach &amp; Relaxation- Playa La Ropa is a favorite: long warm sand, calm water—perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or relaxing under a palm with a margarita. Beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood and cocktails all day.- Other options: beach massages or spa treatments; snorkeling or paddleboarding in the bay; a casual seaside lunch with ceviche and grilled fish; shopping at the artisan markets in downtown Zihuatanejo.- The downtown area is ideal for wandering—cafés, shops, and waterfront walkways make for a lovely sunset stroll. Evening &amp; NightlifeZihuatanejo keeps a relaxed evening scene with plenty of spots for drinks and live music. The central pedestrian area is great for casual bar-hopping; many restaurants turn into lively cocktail spots after sunset. Whether you choose a quiet sunset cocktail by the water or a lively evening out with friends, we hope you take the time to enjoy the magic of Zihuatanejo one last time before heading home &lt;3 Helpful Resources for Exploring Zihuatanejo<a href="https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/zihuatanejo-mexico" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/zihuatanejo-mexico</a><a href="https://www.ixtapazihuatanejomexico.com/en/what-to-do/night-life-ixtapa-zihuatanejo.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ixtapazihuatanejomexico.com/en/what-to-do/night-life-ixtapa-zihuatanejo.html</a><a href="https://thebetterbeyond.com/what-to-do-in-zihuatanejo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thebetterbeyond.com/what-to-do-in-zihuatanejo/</a>

We Can't Wait to Celebrate With You!

Itinerary

Q + A

Our wedding ceremony will take place at Cala de Mar, and to make the weekend as seamless and enjoyable as possible, we kindly encourage all guests to stay at the resort. One of the things we’re most excited about is spending the entire weekend together—relaxing, celebrating, and creating memories with the people we love. Special wedding rates are available for our guests from November 11–17, so you’re welcome to arrive earlier or extend your stay and enjoy the full experience. Reservations should be made directly with the hotel’s reservations team using our wedding code.Cala de Mar ReservationsEmail: <a href="mailto:reservations.ixtapa@calademar.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reservations.ixtapa@calademar.com</a>Telephone: +52 755 55 51 100WhatsApp: +52 755 104 60 30Wedding Code: WECAREM

Our wedding ceremony will take place at a nearby chapel, and transportation will be provided for guests. Shuttles will pick guests up from the resort, take everyone to the chapel for the ceremony, and return to Cala de Mar, where the celebration will continue. For this reason, we highly recommend that guests stay at Cala de Mar so transportation and the overall weekend experience can be as seamless as possible. If you prefer to stay elsewhere, we recommend booking accommodations in Ixtapa, which is about a 10-minute drive from the venue. Areas farther away, such as Playa La Ropa, are approximately a 30-minute drive. If cost is a concern, please feel free to reach out to <a href="mailto:celebratinglalaande@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">celebratinglalaande@gmail.com</a>, and we would be happy to help explore possible solutions.

Guests should fly into Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH), which is the closest airport to our venue. Distance to Cala de Mar: ~25 minutes by car Typical travel time to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo is 5–8 hours including connections, depending on the route. Airlines that frequently service this route include: American Airlines United Airlines Delta Air Lines Most flights will require one connection, commonly through Dallas, Houston, Mexico City, or Atlanta. Transportation from the Airport to Cala de Mar is approximately 25 minutes. Transportation options include: Hotel Transportation Cala de Mar can arrange shuttle pickup from the airport for guests at a cost. Contact the hotel concierge or reservations team when booking. Taxi Service Authorized airport taxis are available directly outside the terminal.

Carla & Emmanuel

Carla & Emmanuel

C&E

Wedding Day

Reception