A High-Energy Quintana Roo Wedding at Banyan Tree Mayakoba
It was against the snow-covered backdrop of the Colorado Rockies during a ski weekend in Aspen that Amanda and Ryan’s story began. Amanda had arrived as the date of a mutual friend, but the moment Ryan saw her, there was an immediate pull between them. Although they both came with other dates, they left the weekend with a strong curiosity about each other. Through chairlift conversations, hikes up the bowl, and stargazing late into the night, they formed a friendship without knowing where it might lead.
After a brief stint living in Frisco, Amanda eventually moved back to the fast-paced energy of New York, while Ryan stayed rooted in Colorado. Two years passed, but neither forgot the connection they shared. When the timing finally aligned and they both found themselves single, Ryan reached out.
The Reconnection
The spark reignited in December 2022 during a snowy morning in Colorado. Amanda happened to be in Breckenridge when Ryan got in touch, and they made plans to go skiing together the next day. Meeting up in Arrowhead, Ryan arrived with a breakfast sandwich, a big smile, and an open heart. Amanda still remembers taking a photo together on the chairlift that morning, unsure whether Ryan was single but already feeling that he would be part of her life for a long time.
What started as a casual catch-up quickly turned into an all-day date. The years of distance disappeared instantly. The chemistry between them was undeniable, culminating in a cinematic moment that literally steamed up the windows of Amanda’s car. Ryan’s heart told him exactly what to do, and Amanda felt that same sense of synchronicity. They were entirely themselves from the start, fully locked into each other’s energy.
The only complication was geography. With Amanda living in Brooklyn and Ryan in Colorado, they entered a long-distance relationship that required intention from the beginning. For the next year and a half, flights became the rhythm of their lives: Ryan on early morning United departures and Amanda catching Delta red-eyes back to New York on Sunday nights. Carefully planned weekends maximized every hour together. Amanda valued Ryan’s steadiness and thoughtfulness, while Ryan admired Amanda’s warmth, clarity, and vibrant energy.
The Proposal in Quogue
Planning the proposal took months of coordination. Amanda’s parents live in Quogue, near Westhampton Beach, a place filled with meaning for her. Under the guise of a quiet weekend getaway, Ryan secretly arranged for their entire family to be waiting nearby: parents, siblings, and an important group of four-legged VIPs—their dog Moose, Ryan’s parents’ dog Rosie, and Amanda’s sister’s dog Louie.
That evening, Ryan suggested a sunset walk to a peaceful boardwalk on the bay that Amanda had once shown him. As the sun started to set, they walked out onto the pier, where Ryan poured his heart out, got down on one knee, and asked Amanda to marry him. She called him “crazy,” looked him in the eyes, and immediately said yes.
Ryan then pretended they were heading back to get ready for dinner with her parents, but instead drove her to a nearby gazebo overlooking the water. Their siblings had transformed the space with disco balls, flower petals, and candles. A photographer emerged from the bushes just as a strong coastal wind rolled in, creating dramatic sunset photos along the pier.
They were entirely themselves from the start, fully locked into each other’s energy.
The final surprise came when they returned to her parents’ house and Amanda noticed the driveway packed with cars. Suddenly the front door swung open and Moose, Rosie, and Louie came charging out, followed by both families. They celebrated late into the night with an incredible meal catered by friends from Stone Creek Inn. It was a weekend neither of them will ever forget.
A Quintana Roo Wedding at Banyan Tree Mayakoba
For their wedding, Ryan and Amanda wanted a destination that felt like a true escape while still being accessible for guests traveling from Denver, New York, Houston, and beyond. They chose the shores of Quintana Roo, Mexico, hosting events between the Fairmont and Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Knowing they were not natural wedding planners, they hired Patty Gonzalez of Love on Top, who handled every detail and logistical challenge with ease. The aesthetic, inspired by Ryan’s mother’s phrase “Sexy Chic,” became the theme for the weekend. Guests embraced it fully in vibrant, flowy dresses and tailored tropical attire. The atmosphere was elegant but relaxed—barefoot, tequila-filled, and centered around music and dancing. Shoes quickly became optional.
The Celebration & Unforgettable Moments
Their wedding day was a high-energy celebration from start to finish. The ceremony took place on the Sunset Terrace at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, surrounded by lush greenery and bright blue skies. After cocktail hour, a horn band paraded guests to MK Blue, an open-air pavilion overlooking the lagoon. Halfway through the parade, Ryan and Amanda slipped away unnoticed and ran back to the main entrance, where a boat was waiting. In a complete surprise to their guests, they arrived by water before dancing their way through the crowd and onto the dance floor.
Guests entered the space, greeted by a seating chart with personalized notes. Thanks to the audiovisual and lighting team, MK Blue transformed into a glowing masterpiece. A close friend to Ryan donated his tequila brand, Carreta de Oro, which anchored a massive tequila station that kept the energy high all night long.
Personal touches were everywhere. Ryan’s sister created a custom sign for the “Moose Margarita,” named after their dog. Amanda’s siblings built a custom shotski featuring instant film photos taken throughout the weekend. Their families also created an “A&R Tequila Bar” featuring specialty tequilas from Mexico. Music anchored the night. Their first dance began with the acoustic song “Bless the Telephone,” a nod to the phone calls that sustained their long-distance relationship. The Highline Band then transitioned seamlessly into “Dancing Through Life” from Wicked, referencing a shared movie experience that became part of their story.
The dance floor exploded during an especially energetic Hora, where friends hoisted Ryan and Amanda so high that their heads nearly hit the hanging floral arrangements. Amanda was especially emotional watching her group of girlfriends lift her into the air. The surprises continued throughout the night. Both sets of parents coordinated a flash mob to “Boogie Shoes,” pulling guests from both families into a synchronized and hilarious performance. Amanda also surprised Ryan by singing “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean before being joined by her bridesmaids and closest friends for a final group dance. The band was so good that Ryan and Amanda never left the dance floor once—completely missing the photo booth from Cocoknot Weddings.
More than the décor or production, what defined the weekend was how seamlessly everyone came together. Friend groups blended, families became one, and by the farewell brunch the next morning, there was no longer a “bride’s side” or “groom’s side.” After ending the night with a 3:00 a.m. skinny dip, everyone somehow made it to brunch the next morning. It was a weekend full of joy, connection, and unforgettable memories—without question, the best weekend of their lives.
WEDDING TALENT
Location & Catering: Banyan Tree Mayakoba; Planning & Design: Love On Top Weddings; Floral Design: Vanessa Jaimes Floral Design; Rentals: Canteiro Weddings; Lighting: Inspire; Hair & Makeup: Zoe Elizabeth; Entertainment: Highline Band; Photo Booth: Coquito Photobooth; Cinematography: Frame Wedding Film; Photography: Cocoknot Weddings