Sayulita Destination Wedding with Playa Bliss Weddings

Jeff Sterett and Katy Lee Sterett currently reside in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado. They share a love of skiing, snowshoeing, and being in the outdoors. They both attended the University of Colorado and had a lot of mutual friends (even photos of them together), but they did not officially meet until years later. After dating a few years, they got engaged in January of 2013 in Coronado, California, aboard the Navy destroyer, the USS Sterett, which bears Jeff’s last name. During the tour of the ship, Jeff got down on one knee at sunset, on the aft deck, and proposed. The date of their wedding in Sayulita was 12/13/14, the only thing that Jeff picked! Katy shares more with El Sayulero about why they chose Sayulita as their wedding destination, what their wedding was like, and much more.

How did you first hear of Sayulita?

We first heard of Sayulita when we got an invitation to one of my friend’s wedding. We just saw Mexico and we booked instantly! Within minutes of arriving to town, we fell in love with it, even with all the sweating in September.  We were hooked.

Why did you choose Sayulita as the location for your destination wedding?

Honestly, it was the only place we considered. It was the only place that felt right. The town, the charm, and the people- it had everything we wanted!

Which wedding planner did you choose and why?

Playa Bliss Weddings is who made our wedding what it was- amazing! They were recommended by a girlfriend of mine, who was friends with one of the planners of Playa Bliss. After the initial phone call, I knew it was a match made in heaven. It was like talking to a friend whom I have known for years. Thanks Mo for the recommendation!!

Were there any other local individuals/companies that helped out with your wedding plans?

Yes, a ton! All the vendors we used were so professional and easy to work with. I recommend all of them. To name a few:  Funky Diva Hair Design, Vallarta No Problem (DJ Roberto), Don Pedro’s Catering, Flor Mimo and PhotoShootVallarta. Mireya from Flor Mimo was an absolute pleasure to work with and she delivered my boho theme exactly. Eva Sica from PhotoShootVallarta has an unbelievable vision and captured the spirit of our wedding so perfectly. We also had some table runners made in town from a local shop a few months prior to the big day, and a local man brought a horse and donkey to the reception as well!  

What was it like planning a destination wedding?

At first I was a little nervous because I physically could not see anything I was picking out, especially the location. After talking to Katy and Nicole, from Playa Bliss Weddings, they put me at complete ease.  Their attention to detail and knowledge of the area made it such a smooth process. I trusted their recommendations and suggestions and I am sure glad I did. They were always one step ahead of me, which was impressive. They are exceptional at what they do!

Where did you have your wedding and what was your wedding day like?

We had the ceremony and reception on the beach right outside of the two houses that we rented, Casa Milagros and El Palacio, at the very north end of the beach.  I always wanted a beach wedding and this had the best setting. It was private and picturesque. The wedding day was exciting! It was fun watching it all come together in front of my eyes, and it looked amazing!

How big was your wedding? Where did your guests travel from?

Ninety people!! It was a BIG destination wedding. We had people from all over the US attend from California to Florida to Ohio, and many states in between.

What is your most memorable moment from your wedding?

I would have to say the ceremony. It was a short ceremony that my brother Brian officiated, and he did an unbelievable job. He really brought out who Jeff and I are. He made us, and everyone there, laugh, cry, and smile. It will forever be a top moment in my life.

What did you like about having a destination wedding in Sayulita?

I was most excited about showing our guests the town that Jeff and I completely adore. It truly is a special place and wanted people to see that.  

What most impressed you about your wedding planner?

This is a tough question! I would have to say their dedication: their dedication to your vision and making it truly yours. From the first phone call with them to the clean up the next day, they were on top of everything! They are very passionate about what they do and it shows. They are a true pleasure to work with.  

What did you enjoy most about your stay in Sayulita?

I loved that everywhere Jeff and I went we ran into one of our guests. Having a wedding in a small, lively town gives you the ability to see and enjoy all the guests for more than just the wedding. It was a week-long party! All our guests ranted and raved about the town, the people, and the food.

Some people have a preconceived notion that Mexico is unsafe? How did you and your guests feel about your safety in Sayulita?

Sayulita is such a warm and friendly place that I have felt safe every time I have been here. Some of our guests were a bit worried prior to the trip, but after a few days that completely went away.

How did the cost of your destination wedding to Sayulita compare to the cost of friends’ wedding in your home of origin?

I feel like our destination wedding was cheaper down here than if we got married in the States. Plus you get a vacation of a lifetime!

What advice would you give others considering a destination wedding in Sayulita?

The two best things- get a wedding planner and make a Pinterest board of your vision. You can't go wrong in Sayulita and you can't go wrong with Playa Bliss Weddings. They make it easy and relaxing so you can truly enjoy your trip and your wedding.  

Any final words or thoughts?

I cannot thank Playa Bliss Weddings enough- they truly made our wedding one in a million!