Tammy and Mark's Timeless Elegance Wedding in San Jose del Cabo -Munaluchi Bride

Sharing a mutual connection, Tamara and Mark first crossed paths during a Thanksgiving dinner party at the house of Tamara’s sister-in-law in New Orleans. They remained in casual contact via social media for a few years, until another visit to New Orleans would take their relationship to a new level. It was Christmas day when Mark offered to take Tamara’s son out for dessert with his own son. Enjoying themselves so much, Tamara decided to join, and while the boys played she and Mark were able to catch up and get to know more about each other. So natural was their connection that it felt like an unofficial first date, and before the evening was over they decided to schedule an official first date the following night, remaining together ever since…

Read all about Tamara & Mark’s love story, proposal, and experiences in their timeless elegance wedding in San Jose del Cabo – beautifully captured by MunaLuchi Coterie member Mosaic by MG.

Bride & Groom: Tamara & Mark
Occupations: Division Manager & Head Athletic Trainer
Wedding date: 6.16.18
Wedding location: Cabo Azul Resort in San Jose del Cabo

Tell us how you met. Mark and I first met in 2011 at a Thanksgiving dinner party at my sister’s in-laws home. Over the next few years we would see each other periodically when I came to visit my sister in New Orleans and we kept up with each other on social media, exchanging pleasantries from time to time. He stayed consistent and continued to ask me out each time he saw me or knew I was coming to town. Eventually, on Christmas Day 2016, in the same place we originally met, he offered to take my son with he and his son to a dessert gathering and he would bring him home later. When “later” came, the boys didn’t want to stop playing so Mark offered to come pick me up to hang out with him while the kids continued to play. That was our first unofficial date and it was the most unexpected great time I had had in awhile. The following night we went on an official first date and we’ve been together ever since.

Tell us about the proposal. Mark ended up proposing to me in November of the following year (2017). We were again, at a family function as my family was getting ready to embark on a cruise for the Thanksgiving holiday. We decided to do a pre-Thanksgiving dinner together since we would be at sea on the actual day. In our family we have a tradition that when we are ready to eat, we hold hands and share what we are thankful for, we pray then we feast. We started with my sister, came all the way around the 25 person circle to me, and then finally to Mark. He talked about how thankful he was for me, and for our relationship and camaraderie. He then got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife!

How did you know they were “the one”? I knew Mark was the one after I told him on our first date I didn’t want a boyfriend and was in love with him a week later!

Describe your wedding attire. Timeless. Black Tux & Powder White Dress. I really wanted a simple, but unique dress. Something that would accentuate my curves and give me some height since I’m not a tall person. My Groom, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen were in classic black. (Dress? Suit?).

What was wedding shopping like for you? Amazing. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a few days after we got engaged so for her to have been through surgery and recovery just in time to be a part of my dress shopping was a complete blessing. My best friend had also just moved back from DC so she was able to be a part of it also. Thee dress was actually the first dress I tried on. It was gorgeous, but I just felt like I loved it because it was the first one I tried on. I went to 4 other dress shops and tried on countless gowns, but I just kept coming back to that one.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? We wrapped up our wedding with Second Line! We had to incorporate some New Orleans tradition in the wedding for sure!

Wedding Party gifts: Bridesmaids received a makeup bag with some items they could use the day of like a face mask, body wash, lotion, make up items, mints, etc. The Groomsmen received personalized socks and flasks.
Favorite item on the menu: Definitely the steak! YUMMM.
First dance song: “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.

What is your best memory from your wedding? When my husband washed my feet and I washed his. This was actually the day prior to our wedding, at our rehearsal. We decided to do it then instead of during the wedding for logistical reasons, but it was absolutely perfect.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Make sure to schedule time to walk around and greet your guests. The time will get away from you if you don’t. Also, make sure you eat! I know it sounds obvious, but there’s a lot going on that you may forget or run out of time.