Next in our Best of 2024 Weddings series is a beautiful multicultural celebration in Mayakoba. Winnie and Andres' love story began with a chance meeting at a capsule hostel in Tokyo, Japan, which quickly blossomed into a deep connection. After years apart during college, they reconnected, and their love grew stronger. In July 2022, Andres proposed during a romantic dinner at Tulum's Azulik restaurant, surprising Winnie with a family heirloom ring hidden in her dessert.
Winnie envisioned a wedding that honored her Ugandan and Punjabi roots while embracing Andres' Mexican heritage. The celebration spanned several days at two stunning Mayakoba venues: Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Andaz Mayakoba Riviera Maya, with expert planning by Eunice Bravo Weddings and Cristina Ogando Weddings. Winnie’s mother, who passed away in 2023, played a pivotal role in the planning. Winnie paid tribute to her mother’s legacy by incorporating her favorite flower, tulips, throughout the wedding, beautifully executed by her floral and decor vendor, Pri Ola.
The wedding beautifully blended cultures, with each event reflecting their unique heritage. The "First Class Flight Around the World" dinner at Banyan Tree took guests on a culinary journey through India, Japan, Mexico, Uganda, and the USA, with Winnie’s African-inspired outfit setting a vibrant tone. At her father’s villa, the Mehndi ceremony featured tabla music, Punjabi folk songs, and a tribute to her late mother, with her name and tulips etched into Winnie’s henna, beautifully done by Loto Mehndi. Meanwhile, makeup artist Alex Corbanezi ensured Winnie looked stunning at every moment throughout the events.
The Mexican Welcome Party at Andaz Mayakoba was a lively celebration with tequila bars, Mayan fire dancers, and a mariachi band, while the Haldi ceremony, set against turquoise waters, featured yellow origami cranes honoring Winnie’s mother, followed by an Asian-inspired feast and a joyful ocean plunge.
Winnie made a grand entrance at the Sikh wedding ceremony, arriving by boat with her brother before exchanging vows in a spiritual setting. Her maroon lehenga featured Andres' name in Punjabi. The day culminated in a Mexican wedding ceremony with a mariachi band and live painter, Juliana Casali, followed by an African jungle-themed reception, complete with a tribute to Winnie’s mother.
DJ Sunny P and Beats by Jay elevated the entire celebration with their exceptional performance, adding an extra layer of energy and excitement to the event
The wedding, captured by Pixan Photography and Ismael Gonzalez Filmmaker, was a beautiful blend of cultures and love. From Tokyo to Tulum, their journey is proof that the best stories are woven with intention, love, and a touch of fate.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met in 2016 at a capsule hostel in Tokyo, Japan. After traveling together for a few days, we realized we were sleeping in pods right next to each other without even knowing it! I knew he was "the one" when I didn’t want to lose the connection we had.
How did you go about planning your wedding?
After considering multiple locations, we chose Mexico, where most of Andres' family could attend. I wanted a private, luxury venue with attention to detail, so I chose Mayakoba’s Banyan Tree and Andaz resorts. Although I had a wedding planner, I took charge of every detail, creating a cultural, immersive experience for our 150 guests from around the world. Tragically, my mother passed away in 2023, and I had to finish planning the wedding alone, but I honored her at every event.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress?
I chose a maroon lengha with a traditional feel, but in a shade that suited my skin tone better than red. The best part? It was the first lengha I tried on, and it felt like it was meant to be. I also had Andres’ name embroidered in Punjabi.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process?
Visiting Mayakoba with my mom and dad was incredibly special. Even though I planned the wedding without my mom, she was with me in spirit, and her support made the entire experience feel blessed.
What did your guests love most about your wedding?
The cultural immersion, the spiritual elements throughout the wedding, the storytelling in every event, and the attention to detail were all highlights for our guests. They also appreciated how well-organized everything was.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
If something is on your heart, don’t hesitate—grab the mic and say it. These moments are yours to cherish.