Why we do what we do

Profit is only half of the story. Discover the rest.

Read on to understand why we love what we do (so much) and why we are so grateful to the people of Mexico who have taught us to be real.

Gandhi once said: Be the change you wish to see in the world. I love that because it puts in our hands the authority to do something to change what we do not like. Why do we love Mexico so much? Because it’s helping us to learn this: you can really do more for others and doing that you become something different, something less selfish and more joyful. Like in the Velveteen Rabbit: you become Real.

We have been in business in Mexico for over 20 years. Things have been great and we are still alive. Clients have been wonderful, happenings happened in the right way, we have been lucky and, maybe, diligent. But the real amazing fortune has been to live and learn from Mexicans. When I arrived in Mexico, this is Maria speaking, I was extremely (inadvertently) Eurocentric. I thought that I was coming to live in a Third World country. Little did i know that the limitations were all inside of me and that opening up to this country has been a real blessing. Real good has been done to me. It’s almost impossible to define the Mexican spirit to the ones who do not live or deal with Mexicans. From the outside Mexico looks like a dangerous, messy, chaotic place. I won’t deny that. 

But the spirit of Mexico is a pure, genuine open heart that gives. Only in Mexico can you read a letter to “Dear friend robber” on the door of a business, explaining that there is nothing to steal since “i am a poor devil like you” (real story). Only in Mexico they can steal from you (just a little :-))) and you love them nonetheless because they make you feel happy they are in your life.

There is a true difference between us and them: They take life in a joyful, disenchanted, free way that we only dream of. The real teachers have been my maids, the workers of the garden, the people that have helped me to organize weddings. The real teachers have been the most humble people in all moments of the day showing me generosity without money, joy in loss, security amongst dangers, hope in despair.

I have only received beauty, laughter and real help from all the Mexicans that I have encountered. The price? To open myself to a different way of life, to let go of my (false) securities and my beliefs to grow more and experience a different possibility of being alive… like a MexiCan.

Love that!

Forgive me if I will be a little emotional in this post, i just watched A star is born twice…. Shallow is now my fav song! yes I know I am a bit late, but FOMO has never been a thing for me…

These 2 beautiful people below are not only clients. They are friends. I have been a part of their life for 11 years.

I met Denee’ and Jamie over 11 years ago, when they started planning their wedding at the superb Grand Coral Beach club in Playa del Carmen.

She is a vibrant, vivacious, open minded and supremely beautiful woman that wanted to have her Mayan wedding in the Riviera Maya. Her husband to be, Jaimie, is a clever, dynamic, committed man that had the same life purpose as her: to build a great life together.

2019

Jaimie and Denee’ 2009

When they married in May 2009 I was the lucky planner of a superb wedding for 115 people.

Mayan wedding with Don Luis, May 2009


Every 2 years i saw them come back to Playa del Carmen and always had to visit with them.

Offering to the Gods *it’s only flowers, easy eco lovers!

Life has had its great moments and tragic turns but they went on with love and strength and I was not surprised when Denee’ contacted me in March to celebrate their 10th Anniversary renewal ceremony, the Mayan way, on the beautiful bay of Paamul that is super secluded for a legendary 2 people only Mayan Ceremony.

The happy couple 2009

Now the ones who know me, know that i am a bit of a mystical, spiritual cynic. But in this case, tears of joy were shed by all.

Them 2019


Marriage is the promise of love, but coming back after 10 years to reinforce your vows is the promise kept.

Paamul 2019

Mayan ceremony with Don Eduardo

2019, 10 years walking together

Now and always counting on each other….

That takes my job way beyond the ordinary.

See you for the 20th anniversary> Italy this time?

I am the witness of the Eternity and Infinity of Love.
Love transforms and they are not the same people i met over 11 years ago but they have taken every step in their life and moved forward. They have undergone change and not only physical, but spiritual and mental . And yet they are always the same bright spirits ….

They shine a light and that light is the love and care they feel for one another. I am misty eyed talking about it, because love is what this world needs. And love is only a space of no judgement, HOME, a moment in time where you can be you in all of your full and whole imperfection.

Because Jaimie told it so beautifully: That is the place I’m from: You.

Denee’ and Jamie! I wish you both a happy and long amazing life, filled with new adventures and so much beauty. Words cannot describe the feelings. We are all so lucky to be alive, enjoy this moment as it is yours.

Now, listen, for the 20th anniversary….how about Venice?

Sophie and Sean at Blue Venado

 

This featured wedding is a gem.

 

Not only because of the incredible beauty of details, people and places….  but specially because  of the 2 who got married at Blue Venado, Playa del Carmen, last February 18th.

Sophie & Sean are 2 such amazing people: they are vital, funny, intelligent, kind, generous, witty, lovely and they love traveling !! all qualities that speak to me incessantly (this is  me, Maria, reporting).

They met in the summer of 2009 working at the Orange Peel, a music venue in downtown Asheville, a city in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, known for a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. 

Sophie was immediately attracted to Sean’s ability to make everyone laugh; he is able to notch up any joke anyone could tell… so during  a real conversation, Sophie told Sean about her dream to quit her job and take a long-term backpacking trip around Latin America…without hesitation he said “I’m coming with you”!  

 By November, they were inseparable….Sophie brought Sean to meet the Miller family for the first time after only a few months of dating…at Thanksgiving dinner. After that first trip they started off again to Asia and i am sure they are plotting something as I write….

Christmas of 2014 Sean surprised Sophie with the cutest gift  – an 8 week old miniature Golden doodle who has since become their child… Check the wedding photo below to see how they kept Frankie present at the ceremony!

Sean proposed in June of 2016 at Falls Park in Greenville, on their way home from seeing Sophie’s favorite singer, John Prine.  Sean prepared a killer music list at the wedding: and Dj Kipper had everybody dance, as you see!!!

Sophie & Sean wedding in Playa del Carmen

Sophie and Sean decided to plan a destination wedding because they wanted to give their guests the opportunity to  see  Mexico! they came to see me twice and loved the location i proposed:   jungly evergreen BV or Blue Venado.  Many were in Mexico for the 1st time! tequilaaa

  They wanted the wedding to reflect all of the journeys they’ve been on together. Sophie made napkins with brightly coloured Guatemalan and Thai fabric.  She made runners from macrame. And of course, beautiful fuchsia and orange  flowers to accent the white Papel Picado flags and globe lights. It was a colourful and spectacular event!

And we come to now:

Artsy Blue Venado World tour Wedding : Sophie wanted the details and Sean wanted the party so they got these amazing details filled with killer music: the  Party of their life! It was an endless party and the Millermacks got to really bond!!

 

 Sean and Sophie feel eternally grateful for their tribe in Asheville, CT & NY & all over the world who love & support them through whatever life throws their way, and to spend the rest of their lives together! 

QUE VIVAN LOS MILLERMACKS! 

THANKS TO :

Photography: Quetzal Photography

Hair & Makeup: Alesia Solomko

Flowers: Vanessa Jaimes Floral Design

Dress: BHLDN

Video: Button Up Video

Cake: Shoe Box Bakery  

DJ: DJ Kipper