Californians Brenna Gustafson and Paul Jacobson dreamed of hosting an intimate seaside wedding in Mexico at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa, one that would reflect their down-to-earth sensibilities paired with modern day sophistication. The couple intended to escape the formality of a hometown affair and more importantly, elude the crowd. “Neither of us do well in large groups and it was important to us that we spend quality time with our guests beyond the wedding day,” Brenna says. Little did they know, an invitation to their far-flung nuptials in Cabo San Lucas would attract a similar bevy of celebrants. “Paul and I couldn’t believe all of the people that arrived for our wedding!” says Brenna. “Friends would drift through the resort throughout the week and surprise us. It was incredible!”

Having vacationed over the years in the luxurious Mexican resort town with their families, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa was a natural choice to host a guest list of 75. “Cabo has the most striking architecture and landscape, with this vast white desert situated along the ocean,” Brenna says. The couple offered a loose itinerary of fine dining options in downtown Cabo, along with trips to the quaint village of San Jose del Cabo for shopping and poolside lounging throughout the week. The resort staff catered to their every wish and allowed them the luxurious opportunity to relax in the days leading up to the event. “The service was above and beyond what we ever expected,” exclaims Brenna. One special evening, the Jacobson family hosted a rehearsal dinner at Girasoles, a restaurant well-known for delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. “Above everything, we wanted our wedding to be laidback and fun!” Brenna says.

Just before sundown on November 18, 2006, guests gathered on a lovely palapa terrace overlooking the majestic Sea of Cortez. The warm sun in the sky and the scent of tropical flowers in the air created a magnificent setting. Brenna was beautiful in a sophisticated Monique Lhuillier gown of ivory lace. Her bouquet was a tight bundle of green cymbidium orchids. Six bridesmaids stood by her side in silky purple satin dresses holding smaller versions of the bridal bouquet. Paul looked handsome in a traditional black tux with a white bowtie to add a lovely touch of formality. In a touching ceremony, the bride’s uncle, Reverend Bill Miller pronounced the radiant couple “man and wife.”

Paul and Brenna’s vision for a contemporary dinner party prevailed on an open-air patio of flickering candlelight. The location coordinator, Natalie Harwood of Baja Weddings, made certain no detail would be overlooked for the special day. In addition, the couple enlisted the expertise of their friends in California who are involved in the wedding industry. Brenna flew in her stylists from the Todd Hamilton Salon in California for the event. “They were fabulous and knowing they were there prevented lots of worry,” she says. Friends of the bride, Jolene Hilliard and Sharon Stewart, arranged abundant white and green floral centerpieces atop tables covered in a rich eggplant hue. “Even our dear friends, Marilyn and Jenny, drove 500 miles each way through Mexico with a truckload of decorations, lighting and the tuxedos!” says the bride.

The head chef of the resort prepared a fresh mix of exotic fruit salads and local seafood delicacies that suited the celebration perfectly. Champagne was served and toasts were raised to wish the couple a sincerely joyous life together. After dinner the wedding party danced to a classic musical selection arranged by the groom including his favorite, Frank Sinatra. “Our only rule for the night was absolutely no disco!” Brenna says.

The newlyweds are especially grateful to their photographer James Christianson, a good friend from home. “The photography was the one aspect of major importance and consideration,” Brenna says. “When the wedding is over and done, it is those images you hold onto forever.” A week of relaxation and the joyful company of friends and family was just the way to begin married life together. Added to that was a blissful honeymoon along the Provence Coast in France, the final stop on a gloriously romantic journey.

Photos by James Christianson