Colin Cowie, Palace Resorts and all inclusive Hard Rock Hotels team up to bring custom wedding packages to an entirely new level at three premium Mexican resorts.
A renowned event planning expert, Colin Cowie plans weddings and parties for both the stars (Kim Zolciak, Kim Kardashian West, Oprah and many more) and fortunate people who can afford his top-shelf prices. Now even more brides and grooms can indulge in Cowie’s prowess, thanks to his recent partnership with Palace Resorts and Hard Rock Resorts in Mexico.
Cowie is now working with three luxe properties, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, a family-friendly destination in Cancun, Aventura Spa Palace (soon to be rebranded Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in early 2013), in Riviera Maya, Mexico and LeBlanc, an awe-inducing all-white Palace-owned 5-star resort in Cancun, to bring couples wow-worthy all-inclusive wedding packages. Starting at $1,500, these everything-but-the-kitchen-sink packages include wedding planning services, ceremony venue and set-up, flowers, wedding cake, Champagne, a post-wedding dinner at the hotel’s restaurant (for up to 30 guests), and even a honeymoon package credit. Reception packages are added à la carte per table and include all food, drinks and rentals.
“We have designed 18 over-the-top, fabulous customized packages to give the bride and groom a high dose of Colin Cowie style,” says the South African-born wedding planner. “Every aspect of the design is thought out to make the planning process effortless for the couple. The programs speak to a broad range of design sensibilities so that there is something for everyone, allowing couples to express themselves and their style without having to get bogged down in the planning details.”
Colin, who earlier this year planned the first same-sex weddings atop the Empire State Building, has devoted a great amount of care to the wedding packages offered at the all-inclusive Mexican resorts. I was invited to see them for myself earlier this year, and I was blown away.
The nine Colin Cowie Wedding Collection packages at Palace Resorts feature chic designs inspired by the beauty of Mexico, including options such as Exotic Peacock (my personal fave), Romantic Red (think Ralph Lauren in love), Sultry Sunset and Pure White. Inspired by the most beautiful sunset imaginable, Sultry Sunset is where the beauty of the sunset comes to life. Inspired by the passionate colors of a sunset, chair backs are decorated in deep oranges and pinks while a coppery aisle leads to a gorgeous gazebo where orange, yellow, green and pink flowers complete the stunning look. For more understated elegance, the Pure White package is a subtle and completely captivating design featuring gentle tones of pale white for a classic affair. Sheer, pearl and ruffled fabrics grace the chairs, while the pure white aisle leads to a framed gazebo accented by lush flowers. Additionally, couples can choose the Compliments of Palace Resorts package. Simple, yet fabulously elegant, this complimentary wedding package juxtaposes deep brown and white against the beach sands for a beautifully refined presentation all at no cost.
At the all-inclusive Hard Rock properties in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Cancun, Vallarta and Riviera Maya, Mexico, the nine Colin Cowie Wedding Collection packages include exciting options such as Metallic Dunes, Rocker Chic, White Rosette and Seaglass. For beach-side bridal bliss, couples can choose Seaglass, a packaged inspired by the beautiful blue and green hues found in natural seaglass. This design is reminiscent of a perfect day at the beach and boasts unique guest seating in bold stripes and patterns, paired with an undulating aisle and crisp white gazebo.
For a scene straight out of a rock ‘n’ roll fantasy, Rocker Chic is true glam at its finest. This Hard Rock design features patterns and solids in black and white accented by just the right amount of dazzling pops of red or another color of your choice. The streamlined gazebo features an altar of black and white topped by a stunning floral arrangement in any choice of colors.
Each all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel is a unique beachfront property that features unmatched luxury accommodations including in-room double Jacuzzis, fine dining, top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service, custom rock-star memorabilia, live entertainment, expansive pools with swim up bars and much more!
What I found to be most impressive on my research trip was the quality of detail put into each décor item. The Chiavari chair covers are all hand-sewn, the appliquéd blossoms and beaded gazebos all carefully created and every idea is a fabulous brainchild of the legendary and most-fun Colin Cowie. Even the frame for the arbor is narrower and shorter and closer to the distance of the entrance frame to help photographers getting a better shot, a strategic decision by Cowie, who takes looks and strategies straight from the runway and applies them to show-stopping weddings. There are exceptional spa and salon services at each property, and wedding coordinators are at the ready to help couples design their wedding-day looks, even planning via email before the big day.
On gay-friendliness, the properties I visited score an 8 out 10 and Colin Cowie scored a 9 out of 10. Le Blanc and Aventura are definitely the places to plan your LGBTQ wedding, over Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, which is more of a family property and not so much a couples retreat. The language used on their sites somewhat heteronormative (Mr. and Mrs., bride and groom) and we’d love to see a slight transition like its LGBT-friendly properties. Mexico as a country is moving slowly toward marriage equality (Mexico City already offers it), and the locals generally don’t seem to have any issue with Americans visiting and having their wedding ceremonies here, whether they’re legally recognized or not. I’ve interviewed shamans as well, who say they’d absolutely perform traditional Mayan ceremonies for same-sex couples. I asked New York-based Cowie whether he intended on training the staff in Mexico on helping LGBTQ couples planning their weddings, to which he responded, “No, but I plan to. It’s very important that all couples feel welcomed. Stay tuned!”
Outside of your wedding, activities for you and your guest are endless. On property, you’ll find pools for families and pools for adults, countless bars (alcohol is included at every property), complimentary WiFi, a few fun clubs, fantastic restaurants (seriously, and these are included, too), stellar spas and nature walks. Cancun boasts an idyllic blend of natural reserves, archaeological sites and tourism attractions. The island stretches 14 miles along the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo. Visitors enjoy an array of activities, from touring the Mayan ruins and shopping in the hotel zone to exploring an incredible underwater world through scuba diving or snorkeling.
To book a vacation experience at Palace Resorts properties in Mexico visit www.PalaceResorts.com or the Hard Rock all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic or Cancun, Vallarta and Riviera Maya, Mexico visit www.HRHallinclusive.com and for more details about Colin Cowie Weddings, visit Weddings.PalaceResorts.com, call 800.635.1836 or contact your preferred travel professional.
