Who would turn down going to a wedding in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico? Not I.
My dear friends Bettina and Vinny had their wedding at the beautiful Mahekal Beach Resort. To be honest, it didn’t matter if it was Mexico or South Dakota – I would be there regardless.
The Resort was like no other, with bungalows upon bungalows in place of large modern hotels we are all accustomed to. It was another world – well, a jungle (with amenities). The festivities began with the welcome party at the fire pit. It was a perfect way to dive into Mexico mingling with Bettina and Vinny’s family and friends. I can only imagine how they felt having their nearest and dearest all in one place and a beautiful relaxing one at that.
The following day we had an amazing time venturing to Tulum to see the ruins and soaking up the waters of the cenotes. It was as if nothing could go wrong.
Boy was I wrong…wrong as all hell!
The morning of the wedding I went into Bettina’s bungalow suite to begin makeup. 2/3s of the way I began to feel weak, unsure if my nausea was due to fatigue so I brushed it off and kept pushing through. I began moving slower and slower, getting weaker and weaker by the second. As soon as touchups were done, I dropped everything and went straight to the powder room. That’s when reality hit me. I caught the stomach bug that had been going around. Getting back to my room was the hardest and longest journey ever, or so it felt. Thank GAWD there were garbage cans along the trail back. To all the workers at the resort, I am so so sorry y’all had to change those garbage cans.
By the time I got to my room, I laid there feeling helpless, only to find out that my plus one had the stomach bug too. I thought the same damn thing y’all are thinking, like “what the hell???” We had 45 minutes till the wedding. To shorten this long story, we never made it. We both laid in bed sick- I with a fever, running between bathroom and bed.
Although we didn’t make it, I owe much to photographer Paulo Salud for capturing their wedding and allowing me to seeing all the beautiful moments throughout this day unfold.
To Bettina and Vinny,
Thank you for being my big bro and big sissy all these years. Thank you for continuing to be amazing friends and always being there for me even when I get too caught up in my many ambitions and career. I have always admired and looked up to the relationship you two have upheld these many years (as well as so many others). Sometimes I wonder if y’all even argue- haha. Y’all have gone through it all and I am so excited for this new chapter in your lives. I Love you guys!

Xoxo
-Mon