Meeting one evening via mutual friends at a bar in Santa Monica, California, Kimberlee Kuhle and Andrew Cerrina hit it off right away. “We ended up spending the entire night together at a local karaoke bar and haven’t left each other’s side since,” smiles Kimberlee. 

A few years later, the pair traveled to Los Cabos for a romantic weekend getaway. “While checking in, we had been ‘randomly’ upgraded to a gorgeous oceanfront villa with an upstairs roof deck,” explains Kimberlee. “I followed Andrew upstairs during the tour of our room and was surprised by candles and floral arrangements that had been set up, and Andrew was on his knee ready to propose. It was absolutely beautiful and I loved the intimacy of it.” 

The bride was thankful that her mom and husband-to-be were especially helpful in planning their dream celebration in Cabo San Lucas, a locale where the couple shared many memories over the years, plus they wanted an early 2022 wedding, so weather played an important role in their final selection. Planning a destination wedding came with a few obstacles. 

“There are so many details – small and big – involved in the planning process that we would never have thought of and would definitely have overlooked if it weren’t for our wedding planners [at Beth Helmstetter Events, Inc.] who guided us along the way,” admits Kimberlee. Andrew adds that his primary concern was making sure that his bride was happy with how their celebration was unfolding as they began making arrangements. “I also wanted to be sure our guests would have an amazing experience,” he shares. 

Kimberlee wanted to focus on the natural scenery of the hotel and region, rather than distract from it, so a lovely neutral-hued décor scheme was planned for the late-afternoon ceremony. “We played with textures such as organic woods, handmade ceramics, and neutral linens that complemented the existing environment,” she illustrates. “For florals, we focused on shades of white, cream, and neutrals that also worked perfectly with the bridal-party attire.” 

As guests arrived to the property ready for a weekend filled with delightful wedding-related events, they discovered straw market welcome bags in their rooms that included custom hats with the couple’s wedding logo, tequila tasting kits, chocolates, locally sourced ceramic shot glasses, and adorable hand-painted maps that featured a wedding-weekend itinerary to help guide them through the next few days. 

“We played with textures such as organic woods, handmade ceramics, and neutral linens that complemented the existing environment.”

Desiring a traditional service – officiated by their close friend – that included personalized moments, Kimberlee and Andrew each wrote and recited their own vows. “It was so special and memorable,” confides the bride, who wore a stunning, fitted high-neck lace gown featuring a low back complemented by a cathedral veil. An awe-worthy arbor of fresh florals framed the spot where they exchanged “I dos.” “Our location was perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with sunny blue skies, crystal water, and a gentle breeze – it could not have been a more perfect setting,” he illustrates. 

Long tables, surrounded by the same modern wood armchairs from earlier in the day, showcased pretty silk linens and low arrangements of lisianthuses, ranunculus garden blooms, and more, all placed in ceramic vessels that lined the entirety of each table. Eye-catching oversized rattan pendants were suspended over dining tables, adding to the elegant beachside look. Stoneware charger plates, wooden flatware, personalized menus, and linen napkins with fringe were arranged at each place setting. The soft hues paired magically with candles housed in tapered glass houses and the twinkle lights overhead. 

Loved ones enjoyed a three-course dinner service, savored slices of wedding cake, and indulged in “Moose-tini” espresso martinis – cleverly named after the couple’s pup, Moose. Following the reception with a live band, the newlyweds held a silent disco after-party for late-night dancing, scrumptious small bites, and delicious drinks for those who wanted to continue the festivities. “The silent disco was definitely a highlight of the weekend!” declares Kimberlee. 

Their wedding weekend was entirely as perfect as Kimberlee and Andrew had imagined. The bride only mentions one thing they would change: “Extending our stay an extra night, so we could properly recover,” she says. “We also left in the morning for our mini-moon in Riviera Nayarit, so we weren’t able to enjoy our farewell brunch.” Nonetheless, the groom shares that spending three days with close family and friends was wonderful. “It’s rare, if not once in a lifetime, to have all those people together,” he reflects of the special time.

This real wedding was originally published in the Spring 2023 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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