For Gabriella Mantilla, the dream of getting married at Cabo San Lucas’s Hacienda Del Mar began in 2007. She was just 13 years old, visiting on a family vacation, when she spotted a wedding taking place on the property. Nearly two decades later, that childhood dream came to life in the grandest way possible, transformed into an intimate, three-day luxury celebration alongside her groom, Michael Latona.
Intimate gathering: Gabriella and Michael gather with their 25 closest family members and friends in the central courtyard of Hacienda Del Mar before their three-day celebration unfolds. Photo: Carlos PlazolaCourtyard romanticism: Gabriella and Michael share a tender moment beneath the stone arches of Hacienda del Mar, holding a bouquet of white roses and lush tropical greenery.Photo: Carlos Plazola
After meeting in the summer of 2021 at Jenks Beach Bar in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, travel became the defining thread of their love story. Their journey reached a landmark moment on September 1, 2024, when Michael proposed in the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, a sentimental node to their shared love for Disney. When it came time to plan their big day, they didn’t just plan a single afternoon; they invited 25 of their closest family and friends to experience an unforgettable getaway.
Interactive fun: Gabriella and Michael pose with family members proudly holding up custom bingo game cards during one of their curated pre-wedding gatherings.Photo: Carlos PlazolaFiesta fun: Bride-to-be Gabriella brings energetic flair to the beach, dressed in a sparkling white mini dress for a traditional piñata moment. Photo: Carlos PlazolaFiesta vibes: Gabriella and Michael shake custom ‘Bride’ and ‘Groom’ maracas as a live mariachi band kicks off their pre-wedding beachside celebrations under colorful papel picado.Photo: Carlos PlazolaCultural serenade: A live mariachi ensemble serenades guests dining at tables dressed in vibrant textiles and papel picado during the pre-wedding welcome party.Photo: Carlos PlazolaGetting ready moments: Gabriella, tiara in place, holds her pup alongside her inner circle in matching sage pajama sets before dressing for the ceremony. Photo: Carlos PlazolaFinal touches: A radiant portrait of bride Gabriella adorned in her crystal tiara, sharing a quiet pre-ceremony moment with her Maid of Honor. Photo: Carlos Plazola
Old-Money Elegance Meets Modern Destination Glamour
The couple’s vision was rooted in timeless sophistication: old-money elegance mixed with modern destination glamour. To harmonize with the natural landscape and the architectural beauty of Hacienda Del Mar, the color palette featured rich sea glass greens, whites, golds, palm accents, and romantic candlelight.
First look moment for Gabriella and Michael at Hacienda del Mar. Photo: Carlos PlazolaA dream come true: Standing at the altar in her lace Allure gown and traditional mantilla veil, Gabriella holds hands with Michael as they exchange vows surrounded by their closest family and friends. Photo: Carlos PlazolaVIP guest: The couple’s sweet pup dressed to match the bridal party in a custom sage green pajama set during pre-ceremony preparations. Photo: Carlos PlazolaSealed with a dip kiss: Gabriella and Michael share a passionate moment down the aisle inside the chapel at Hacienda Del Mar, fulfilling a 13-year wedding dream. Photo: Carlos PlazolaOld-money elegance by the sea: Sea glass green accents, delicate glassware, and soft candlelight complement the natural beach landscape of Hacienda Del Mar. Photo: Carlos Plazola
Gabriella made a stunning bride in a regal Allure gown from Castle Couture Bridal, completed with a tiara and a traditional lace mantilla veil, a deeply personal homage to her family surname, Mantilla. Infusing her signature playful flair into the look, she paired her gown with crystal Gucci sneakers. Michael complemented her style in a custom three-piece bamboo-blend suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke and Gucci loafers. The bridal party harmonized perfectly with the Cabo landscape, with the Maid of Honor in an agave-colored gown from Lulus and the Best Man in a classic sand suit.
Sunset serenade: Gabriella and Michael embrace along the shores of Cabo San Lucas, enveloped in the romantic sweep of her lace mantilla veil.Photo: Carlos PlazolaThe art of invitation: Sea glass green ribbon, custom wax seals, and beachside photo prints set an old-money destination tone for Gabriella and Michael’s Cabo week. Photo: Carlos PlazolaAltar portrait for Gabriella and Mike at Hacienda del Mar.Photo: Carlos PlazolaLive painter crafting the chapel ceremony artwork for Gabriella and Michael at Hacienda Del Mar. Photo: Carlos PlazolaSentimental escort display: Delicate glass heart ornaments, inscribed with ‘We’ve held a place in our hearts for you…’, serve as personalized seating assignments and keepsakes for guests. Photo: Carlos PlazolaFamily first: Gabriella and Michael gather outside the chapel archways with their parents and bridal party for a classic portrait in coordinated resort-formal attire. Photo: Carlos Plazola
Surprises, Sentiments, and Sunset Fireworks
The weekend was curated as a sequence of unfolding surprises. Guests were treated to an array of curated experiences across the three days: welcome cocktails, a Fiesta Before Forever complete with mariachi performance, a piñata, and a fire show.
The ceremony held deep emotional significance. Both of Gabriella’s parents escorted her down the aisle, set to the strains of “Con Te Partirò,” while “Hedwig’s Theme” and “Tale as Old as Time” honored Michael and the bridal party. The couple wrote their own vows and honored loved ones who could not be present.
Shake for Love: A custom arched display wall featuring personalized, colorful maracas introduces guests to their seating assignments for the welcome fiesta. Photo: Carlos PlazolaA toast to forever: Dom Pérignon pours into gold-rimmed crystal flutes as the newlyweds take their seats for dinner. Photo: Carlos PlazolaTwilight dining: Crystal chandeliers suspend from a canopy of fairy lights over an intimate oceanfront banquet table as dusk settles over Cabo San Lucas. Photo: Carlos PlazolaLive rhythms: A live saxophonist sets a soulful, vibrant mood, serenading guests as evening festivities kick off.Photo: Carlos PlazolaLumos in Cabo: Sparkling fireworks and glowing monogrammed pyrotechnics light up the beach as Gabriella and Michael share a midnight kiss. Photo: Carlos PlazolaMidnight spectacle: Fire dancers illuminate the beach after dark, captivating guests during an unforgettable late-night performance. Photo: Carlos PlazolaThe ultimate celebration: A vibrant, private fireworks display surprises guests and provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic, late-night moment for the newlyweds.Photo: Carlos Plazola
Following an oceanfront four-course dinner featuring caviar and a Dom Pérignon toast, live background melodies by a saxophonist, flutist, and violinists set the atmosphere alongside a live painter capturing the scene. As the night unfolded, guests were surprised by glowing, illuminated “G ♡ M” letters. In a magical finale, the couple pointed a wand, spoke the spell “Lumos,” and triggered a fireworks display across the Cabo night sky.
Looking back on their “magical, unforgettable, and unrepeatable” weekend, Gabriella and Michael created more than just a wedding, they hosted a once-in-a-lifetime gathering that will be remembered for years to come.
