After four years of highly successful congress sessions in Greece, Mauritius, Italy and Thailand, the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress went to Los Cabos, Mexico for our 5th edition. 600 top wedding planners and vendors from over 80 countries convened in this beautiful city and engaged in brainstorming sessions, focus groups, expert panels, one-to-one business meetings and a whole lot of networking.
One of the biggest B2B platforms for wedding industry professionals, this forum enhances and raises the bar for wedding celebrations worldwide. From a lavish opening cocktail at the iconic Cabo Del Sol that represented all the elements found in Los Cabos, of the sea, the sand, the beautiful green landscapes and the larger than life cacti at to the daily conferences at the newly overhauled Los Cabos International Convention Center, the after-party in the lush green backdrop of Acre and the lavish and memorable gala dinner at the famous San Carlos Canyon, all our guests had a first-hand experience of the fabulous Mexican hospitality and kaleidoscopic cultural offerings.
They say that magic happens when the right company is present at the right time and the right place. And DWP Mexico was a celebration like never before. Thanks to our Host Partner & all our Supporting Partners from the destination because of whom, the moments of DWP 2018 became an exuberant fiesta! Let’s relive the journey once again…
DWP 2018 Official Host Partner – Mexico Tourism Board
Picture Courtesy: @visitmexico
Mexico is a diverse and vibrant world. It’s a country full of romance and beauty where you’ll be swept off your feet. Fairytale weddings come to life with the magic of Mexico. We don’t know whether it’s the untouched beauty of Cabo or the pristine waters of Cancún and the Mayan Riviera, all we know that it’s a true celebration! And that’s the reason it was chosen for the 5th edition of the DWP Congress. The Mexico Tourism Board hosted the DWP Congress, which is the promotional government agency in charge of the integral marketing that sets the stage to receive couples from all over the world to bring their lives together in weddings and honeymoons, and special occasions.
DWP 2018 Official Host Partner – Los Cabos Tourism Board
Picture Courtesy: @loscabostourism
With a dramatic desert backdrop, located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, Los Cabos is home to award-winning resorts and exquisite culinary offerings. It offers the perfect backdrop for couples planning their special day. From a beautiful oceanfront ceremony overlooking the Arch to a sophisticated soiree on the terrace of a luxury resort, Los Cabos offers an array of stunning locations to get married. The Los Cabos Tourism Board works with organizers and planners to structure meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions to plan a successful event.
DWP 2018 Airline Partner – Aeromexico
Picture Courtesy: @aeromexico
Fly to the beautiful city of Mexico with Aeromexico, Mexico´s global airline which operates more than 600 daily flights and its main hub is in Terminal 2 at the Mexico City International Airport. As a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, Aeromexico offers customers more than 1,000 destinations in 177 countries served by the 20 SkyTeam airline partners rewarding passengers with benefits including access to 672 premium airports lounges around the world.
DWP 2018 Host Hotel Partner – Cabo Azul
Picture Courtesy: @caboazulweddings
Cabo Azul is a stunning location for any celebration. The property has amazing views providing endless stretches of sand, azure waters, and year-round sunshine. Mesmerizing venues, a talented team that pays attention to every detail, and five-star dining options will ensure you a day to remember Cabo Azul Resort is full of flair, natural elegance, playful lighting and dramatic accents that can accommodate up to 150 guests for your wedding.
The venue welcomed the DWP guests in a very special way. As soon as the guests arrived at the venue, they had a Mariachi band playing Mexican music that set the mood for the attendees. When the guests entered the room, they were surprised with a stone-made DWP Congress logo with each guest’s initials in over 100 rooms. And that’s not it. When the guests looked from the window, they had a welcome message engraved on the sand.
DWP 2018 DMC Partner – Transcabo
Picture Courtesy: @Transcabo
México Planners (Formerly Transcabo DMC), our partner Transportation Company, is proud to own and operate the largest and most up-to-date fleet of over 50 air-conditioned vehicles which is a key tool when providing the best quality service for any groups. Mexico Planners is the first DMC that created a specialized department, with the mindset of meeting the wedding group’s high-quality requirements. They were very courteous and provided swift service during the event.
DWP 2018 Design, Décor, Furniture & Floral Partner – Del Cabo Weddings
Picture Courtesy: @delcaboeventdesign
Del Cabo Event & Design has a reputation which began to build and success grew from the ground up, as their hyper-motivated team used unique decor, fabric, staging, lighting, furniture, and custom touches to craft spectacular events for numerous Fortune 500 and Forbes List Companies, many of whom now use Del Cabo no matter the event city or continent. Del Cabo Event Design is the go-to company for event planning in Cabo.
Incorporating the Mexican culture, they designed the entire 3-day event with various elements from this vibrant culture. Some of the highlights were – they made a customized lounge at the airport with sombreros for guests to take pictures. A cactus plant covered with glass was placed on the meeting table. From customized cushions, handmade plates and versatile decor, they meticulously turned the venue into a Mexican Kermesse.
DWP 2018 Welcome Cocktail Venue Partner – Cabo del Sol
Picture Courtesy: @cabodelsolevents
Cabo has three district elements – desert, beach and green lawns. And Cabo del Sol elegantly combines the three to provide a unique backdrop to any event. Guests could see whales from faraway shores.
The picturesque views and vibrant character of the Baja make Cabo Del Sol, the perfect location for hosting private weddings or events is an unparalleled destination to host the wedding of your dreams perched on the Pacific shoreline, with private areas a secluded, beautiful atmosphere – all while surrounded by 36 holes of world-class golf.
DWP 2018 Welcome Cocktail Catering Partner – Eat Cabo
Picture Courtesy: @EatCaboCatering
With over 15 years of experience in the Los Cabos area, EAT Cabo Catering is renowned for its exceptional food offerings, creative menu planning and elegant food presentation, combined with outstanding service. They did a traditional Mexican feast at the event which had DWP-engraved Mezcal cocktails in clay mugs.
DWP 2018 Closing Cocktail Venue Partner – Acre
Picture Courtesy: @acrebaja
Imagine celebrating your special day with your loved ones surrounded by lush mango orchards and agave vegetation in a sultry romantic desert setting. The hip eatery near San Jose del Cabo which is set on exquisite private farmland is a hidden gem and a tranquil oasis filled with tropical goodness as well as beautiful down-to-earth architecture, artisanal interiors, delicious cuisines and much more.
DWP 2018 Conference Center, Gala Dinner and Closing Reception Catering Partner – Casianos
Picture Courtesy: @itakate.catering
Casianos Restaurant’s concept emerges from the pressing need felt by Chef Casiano Reyes to set his creativity free, to break away from the limitations imposed by a set menu and to make a brand new dining experience out of every single opportunity. Whether it’s a dinner for 2, a tasting menu for 60 or 300 people or more events, Casianos will bring your catering experience to the next level.
DWP 2018 Gala Dinner Venue- San Carlos Canyon – Grupo Questro
Picture Courtesy: @grupoquestro
A place where you can close your eyes, feel the wind, hear the birds and smell the sea. In this region of Lower región of Baja California Sur, it is here where the “Canyon of San Carlos” is located. It can be reached by taking the San Jose del Cabo – Cabo San Lucas trans-peninsular highway. This venue was transformed into a vibrant gala dinner location where guests truly had a memorable time.
DWP 2018 Photography & Videography Partner – Cabo Collective
Picture Courtesy: @cabocollective
A collective of audiovisual professionals innovating and creating solutions, committed to revealing the beauty in life, showing the world we see through their lenses, bringing visual comfort and influencing upcoming generations with our commitment to high-quality products. With more than 10 years of experience producing different projects like musical clips, TV ads, TV series and photography, they offer impeccable results to their clients.
DWP 2018 Beverage Partner – Casa Cuervo
Picture Courtesy: @casacuervo
Well, no party is complete without some good, ol’ tequila. And at the DWP Mexico edition, we had Jose Cuervo! One of the best-selling brands of tequila, selling a fifth of the tequila consumed worldwide. The brand has also been the winner of multiple awards.
DWP 2018 Entertainment Partner – Cabo Fine Entertainment
Picture Courtesy: @cabofineentertainment
Cabo Fine Entertainment had three different themes for each night. The first night’s theme was traditional Mexican, followed by Alebrijes and boho chic. As soon as the guests arrived, they got a glimpse of what’s waiting for them at the event. The fine dancers were waiting to greet them at the arrivals.
Offering high-quality shows and performances, Cabo Fine Entertainment produces and presents shows for hotels, groups, weddings and conventions in Los Cabos. With over 13 years of experience, they can turn your vision into a shining reality. From acrobats to jugglers to aerial dance and Brazilian Samba, they have a wide variety of shows to choose from.
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – CaboStrings
Picture Courtesy: @cabostrings
CaboStrings since its inception, regularly creates video clips loaded with exciting scripts, unforgettable images and careful instrumental music full of feeling and communication. Their witty music videos have captured the hearts of thousands on social media around the world. CaboStrings offers lively, vibrant and energetic music. The violin and cello break with traditional stereotypes offering to explore at the same time the purest, most elegant sound and new avant-garde instrumental possibilities.
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – Totoy
Picture Courtesy: @totoyband
Totoy band is a power trio band based in Cabo San Lucas and they have been providing live music entertainment to the most important and exclusive venues in the Los Cabos area, such as Palmilla, El Dorado, Maravilla, Esperanza, Hilton, among others. Whether it’s work, a wedding or any special event, you are sure to have a good time with them. During the event, they synchronized with the fireworks and as soon as they played “Titanium by Sia,” the fireworks delighted the guests and it’s safe to say that they stole the show!
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – Cabo DJ
Picture Courtesy: @CaboDj
Cabo DJ has been providing the Los Cabos clients with professional DJ services for the last 12 years including sound equipment, lighting, dance floor rentals and more! They pride themselves in being a “Musical Atmosphere Factory,” full of energy, vibrancy, and alive with pure sound. Any event will turn into a power-packed event with the energy they bring in!
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – Symphonic Orchestra of Baja California Sur
Picture Courtesy: @OSIBCS
The OSIBCS is a non-profit cultural Project sponsored by the Asociación Sud-californiana de promoción a la cultura musical. Its main goal is to promote the music culture in the community of Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, focusing on the classical genre. Founded 10 years ago as a 12 musician’s camerata, the OSIBCS has continued to grow up to the point in which it has become one of the biggest projects in northwestern Mexico.
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – Suono Productions
Picture Courtesy: @xochitllujan / @suonoproductions
With more than 25 years of experience in Latin America, Suono Productions is dedicated to utilizing DJ skills to bring to light an idea or a message through music and entertainment. Suono Productions is specialized in creating Unique Musical Experiences for Weddings with passion and great attention to detail. From DJs, Audio, Mapping, Architectonic Illumination and On-Line Wedding, we love to help couples from all over the world to say “I do!”
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – Luna Itzell
Picture Courtesy: @luna.itzell
Luna Itzell has the most privileged and expressive voice on México’s contemporary music scene. A fifteen-year career and 9 CDs have allowed her to interpret different types of music. She has discovered that traditional Mexican music is ideal for sharing what is in her heart. Traditional rhythms of bolero, huapango, son, pirekuas, and corridos are complemented by the spectacular native Mexican dress that Luna Itzell wears with elegance and good taste, part of a fabulous musical ensemble that shows the World a small piece of our beloved homeland.
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – Mariachi Cabo
Picture Courtesy: @mariachicabo
The Mariachi moment is an element that cannot be missing in any great event, much less in your wedding. Mariachi Cabo is a musical group made up of music professionals focused on making your event fun and unforgettable. So get them on board for a fun authentic Mexican twist! They truly go an extra mile for any event to provide a customized experience. For the DWP event, they went through the hill to synchronize their music with fireworks to provide delight to the attendees.
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – Polyphonic Choir of Los Cabos
Picture Courtesy: @LosCabosPolyphonicChoir
The Los Cabos Polyphonic Choir is a Choral Musical group that is committed to being an agent for the propagation of musical culture in our state, providing a training space in the field of cultured music to children, youth and adults of Los Cabos. His repertoire is versatile and varied, ranging from Sacred Music, Classical, Opera, Mexican music, Baroque, musical themes, infant music, and film themes.
DWP 2018 Engagement Partner – ELITE Party Concepts
Picture Courtesy: @lancasterandhopps / @BodasELITEPartyConcept
The closing night was sensational with almost everybody on the dance floor! Thanks to Elite Party Concepts. Since 2001, it is a luxury destination wedding and DJ service provider from Mexico City. Their most famous artists are Lancaster & Hopps. The DJ duet consisting of Cuban Djane Yudith Carrasco & Alex Lancaster from Mexico City. With over 18 years of experience, the duet can play anything from EDM, deep house & top 40 to reggaeton and salsa. They have played for VIP private events for the likes of ATP’s #2 player Rafael Nadal, Forbe’s Top 10 Carlos Slim, Mexico’s President Peña Nieto and former President Calderón, ATP’s 500 Acapulco Tournament and F1’s opening and closing parties.
DWP 2018 Hair & Makeup Partner – Blanc Bridal Salon
Picture Courtesy: @blancbridalsaloncabo
Blanc offers luxury hair and makeup services for weddings and special events. Owned by American master stylist & make-up artist Neysa Quintana with her 15 years of experience make sure that the quality is not compromised anywhere from products to styling to delivery. She and her team of talented stylists love weddings and stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques for bridal styling. They also offer services for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, engagements, boudoir and pregnancy photoshoots, as well as editorial and film.
DWP 2018 Charity Partner – Casa Hogar Cabo
Picture Courtesy: @CasaHogarCSLAC
DWP 2018 Luxury Gifts Partner – Clase Azul
Picture Courtesy: @claseazultequila
An ultra-premium Tequila made from organic agave and aged for eight months in barrel, Clase Azul is 100% sure to give you an authentic taste of the region. The stunning hand-painted decanter shaped like massive restaurant-style pepper grinders is equally beguiling.
DWP 2018 Supporting Partner – Barcelo Gran Faro Los Cabos
Picture Courtesy: @barcelohotelsresorts
Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos is a unique setting for weddings in Los Cabos that overlooks the Sea of Cortés offering unforgettable celebrations with wedding photos to remember. This idyllic landscape sparks admiration from several Hollywood stars, frequent visitors to Los Cabos and the Gulf of California. The hotel offers 350 luxurious rooms and suites and is perfect for a small or a large wedding.
DWP 2018 Supporting Partner – ACTIDEA
Picture Courtesy: @ActideaMX
Specializing in the conceptualization, coordination and production of events, Actidea is a group of professionals specialized with 20 years of experience. They are a team of people specialized in the comprehensive management of culture and leisure projects, the production and organization of events, design and communication. The video mapping which was done at San Carlos Canyon where they projected the story of Los Cabos on the rocks was astonishing.
DWP 2018 Luxury Gifts Partner – Cristina Ramella
Picture Courtesy: @cristinaramellaofficial
The guests loved this unique piece of jewelry from Cristina Ramella. Celebrate the beauty of travel with world-inspired jewelry by Cristina Ramella, a travel-inspired jewelry brand that creates a one-of-a-kind collection for travel enthusiasts. They hold an international presence in more than 30 cities around the world. Contemporary and elegant, this luxury brand stands apart in its ability to capture the essence of a free spirit.
DWP 2018 Gifts & Décor Partner – Fiesta Fancies
Picture Courtesy: @fiestafancies
Fiesta Fancies – a place where creativity & imagination will help you transform any event into a whimsical and fanciful fiesta! Fiesta Fancies is inspired by the vibrant heritage and culture of artisans in Mexico and brings you Mexican traditions with a modern twist. They specialize in fiesta-themed party goods including delicately chiseled tissue paper garlands, laser cut invitations, custom painted and personalized maracas, laser cut party favor tags, cake toppers, mini piñatas and digital invitations.
DWP 2018 Printing Partner – MktIdeas
Picture Courtesy: @mktideas
MktIdeas has been a key player in the success of Los Cabos. MktIdeas consistently delivers quality work in a timely fashion, with projects ranging from collateral development to creative graphic designs and print production. Their dedication and efficiency have made them an invaluable resource for our team, as we often require a quick turnaround.
DWP 2018 Fashion Show Partner – Sindashi
Picture Courtesy: @sindashimx
The conference ended with a vibrant fashion show by Sindashi. Perfect for lovers of boho, bohemian, eco fashion, folk style, Chicana style, Mexican motifs, and the best of Mexico’s modern women accessories, Sindashi, a representation of a blank canvas ready to paint the colors and cultures of Mexico on it; through designers, artists and indigenous communities who together achieve unique pieces to preserve the inheritances of our cultures.
