Both of my children got married within three months of each other and each had a destination wedding. My son celebrated his nuptials under majestic redwood trees in Santa Cruz, and my daughter in San Jose Del Cabo, at the end of Baja California in Mexico.
They are in their mid-thirties and doing well with their careers so as a single mom, I only had to come along for the ride. I’m proud to say, both rides were fantastic.
My daughter and I took a reconnaissance trip to Mexico
I love Mexico so when my daughter invited me to go down to San Jose Del Cabo to check out hotels and the wedding venue, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I wrote more about Los Cabos in a previous post.
My daughter chose the J.W. Marriott Beach Resort and Spa as our main hotel because it was close to where the ceremony was going to be at Flora Farms, a 25-acre organic farm with a restaurant, spa, and villas. It’s a popular wedding location in Los Cabos.
The J.W. Marriott is a sprawling and gorgeous complex where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean with amazing views of migrating whales that just happened to be passing by in January while we were there for the wedding. I enjoyed sitting on a beach chair watching them, but once, when I went into town, I got texts from both kids telling me the whales and dolphins had put on a spectacular show while I was away. Sadly, I only saw them spouting and occasionally saw their backs rise from the water.
What we love about the J.W. Marriott is that even though it’s large, you don’t see bunches of noisy and obnoxious tourists ruining the serenity. Even though many events take place there, it’s mostly peaceful.
Long and multiple staircases take you down to the shore. I got my Stairmaster steps in for sure. It’s not a property that is ideal for the disabled even though there were some ramps. My knees felt creaky when I got back home but I enjoyed the exercise.
The kids (who are adults) spent hours in the pool/bar. One day, the guys were watching a football game and drinking heavily. I wondered how much pee was in that pool. I never went in myself because I didn’t feel comfortable showing off in a bathing suit.
The evening before we went home, we had a divine dinner at Cafe Des Artistes Los Cabos located at the J.W. Marriott. It serves Mexican/French haute cuisine designed by chef Thierry Blouet. I had eaten at the Puerto Vallarta Cafe Des Artistes and both are an exquisite experience.
San Jose Del Cabo Historical Arts District
About 10 minutes from the hotel is the colorful arts district which is a cluster of streets filled with art galleries, shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and bars. It’s a fun place to hang out and party. Every Thursday evening features an art walk where locals and tourists gather to visit galleries, talk to the artists, and, of course, party.
Watch my quick video tour of the Arts District
I took an Uber to the Arts District several times and the cost was minimal. My ride was about $7 US dollars.
On our first visit, my daughter and I scoped out restaurants in the Arts District to have the Welcome Dinner and decided on La Lupita, which is a popular place to have tacos. While we were there, I had a grasshopper taco. We didn’t serve any bugs for the welcome dinner but my daughter ordered a selection of five different tacos that were amazing.
The restaurant staff never missed a beat and were super efficient. We had the upper floor all to ourselves and a very talented but unobtrusive band played above us. The restaurant was a perfect choice for our group of 39 who were bused there from the hotel by All Ways Cabo Transportation.
Another little bar we enjoyed more than once for cocktails is the Kitchen Mezcal Bar located at the Drift Hotel. It’s a quiet hideaway that serves creative cocktails and food on an open patio. Two of our wedding guests stayed at the Drift, which is a modern and tiny boutique hotel, which I usually prefer. We toured the rooms during our first trip and it’s lovely.
Flora Farms is the perfect venue for a wedding
When we first visited Flora Farms, we were taken up an unpaved road on a hill and I thought we were being kidnapped. But, when we arrived at the farm, I could see why it was a popular wedding venue. It’s gorgeous.
Our rehearsal brunch was held there as well and we enjoyed farm-crafted cocktails as we ate delectable delights including their wonderful pizza. The menu offers farm-to-table and organic produce grown on the property.
The ceremony was held on a long grass pathway surrounded by native plants and trees. It is separated from the public for privacy. A stone-covered barn sits at the end where the reception was held. Before the guests were seated, an adorable donkey carrying Corona beer kept the guests busy taking Polaroids to put into the guest book.
You can’t beat the weather
January is a perfect month to visit San Jose Del Cabo because the temperature is not too hot, but you can still wear a bathing suit. It cools off a little in the evening, but jackets are barely required. My daughter’s in-laws were in heaven because they had traveled from Kansas City, Missouri where they were having blizzards. Plus, the whales were migrating and they are always a sight to see.
What beautiful weddings! The brides, and you, look wonderful! What a special time of life. Congratulations!
THanks, so much, Laurie. Both weddings were amazing!
This looks just spectacular, Rebecca!
Thanks, Carol!
Looks like it was a fun and special time. I like destination weddings because even if they’re in a big city, somehow, it feels more intimate when everyone spends a couple of days together.
That’s so true Jennifer. They were all close friends and family. My wedding had 100 people and I no longer recognize most of them.