Saturday May 8, 2021
Andaz Mayakoba Resort, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
1512 days 3 hrs 17 mins ago
Story
Like many modern romances, we met through a dating app amid our busy lifestyles. Whether it was fate or the all-knowing algorithm, we knew we had something special when we learned about the many commonalities we shared the first hour we met, from our separate days in the Bay Area to our love for food traveling.
Despite the two hours distance between us (New York and Philly) in the first few months of our relationship, we tried to spend as much quality time together as possible. It was also the physical separation that made us realize we wanted to merge our lives together. Fortunately, we were able to make it happen in New York. Fast forward three years later, we still have endearing love for each other, and we can't wait for our lifetime of adventures!
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
See Our Story!
Who made the first move? How?
Howard. Howard came down to visit me in Philly on our second date. We spend the whole afternoon bar hopping around Center City after a belly rubbing brunch. Before we parted way at the 30th St. Amtrak station, Howard planted a goodbye kiss on my lips that left me smiling for days.
Who's going to take out the trash?
Most likely Howard (and the dishwashing too 😝)
What's your favorite activity together?
We love traveling to different cities and countries to explore local cuisine and activities.
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
Boston! It was the first trip we took together!
Travel
Getting In
The closest airport to Andaz Mayakoba is Cancun International Airport. From there, the resort is about 31.6 miles to the south. We are working with Mayan Hospitality Services for all of our group transportations throughout this trip, and they will be extending a discount to all our guests for transportations as well. You can reserve your ride from the airport to the hotel by emailing Raffaele at raffaele@mayanhospitality.com
Booking at Andaz Mayakoba (Ig @andazmayakoba.mx)
We were able to negotiate a hefty discount with our room block, yay!
Group Code: G-AMAG
Last Day to Reserve Rooms: April 14, 2021
There are limited rooms available under our group reservation, so we highly recommend guests to reserve the room as early as possible to secure a spot with our group rate. The hotel has a great selection of rooms with different views. More pictures are available on the hotel website hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/andaz-mayakoba-resort-riviera-maya/cunam/rooms. We also have a guest brochure that includes all reservation and check-in details -- email or text us if you would like a copy!
Post-Wedding Excursion
From cenote to a catamaran outing, you bet we are continuing the party with different activities! We'll let you know our post-wedding excursion once we work out the details!
Packing List
Passport -- Make sure the expiration is good for this trip!
Swimwear and Water Shoes
Sunblock
Hat and Sunglasses
Bug Spray
Things to do in Mayakoba, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum. UPDATE 2/11/2021 -- Because it is now mandatory for travelers to get tested three days before returning to the US, we highly recommend guests to stay within Mayakoba for the most part and avoid crowds. Not to worry -- there is so much to do within this small paradise! Feel free to check out the Mayakoba link below. There's also a description about the community in Q&A.
Our Favorite Restaurants
Schedule
Friday, May 7, 2021
Party before the Party
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
In our book, the pre-party is just as important as THE party! We would love to welcome and start celebrating with all of you before our big day. Open bar starts at 8 pm sharp so come on by right after your dinner!
Casual or Cocktail Attire
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Ceremony
4:30 PM
Cocktail Hour and Photo Session
6:00 PM
Let the drinking and the photo-taking begin!
Reception
7:00 PM
We drink, eat, and dance to our health!
To Be Announced
Post-Wedding Gathering
The celebration doesn't end on the wedding night. Stay tuned for more information!
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
March 26th is the RSVP deadline, but we'd appreciate it if you can RSVP as soon as possible.
How should we travel safely during COVID?
We understand there are concerns with traveling during COVID time if you have not been vaccinated yet. The good news is there are on-site antigen testing and PCR testing available at the resort! Both tests comply with all current travel regulations. Antigen testing is complementary for two guests per reservation; PCR COVID testing is $170 each with a 12 hour TAT.
IMPORTANT UPDATE 2/7/2021 -- It is now mandatory for all international travelers (including US citizens) to be tested negative three days before entering the US. We require all guests to get tested on Friday (May 7th) prior to joining our group events for the weekend. The negative result will ensure the safety of our gathering and your return back home on Monday (May 10). As a last min option, Cancun airport also provides testing on a first come first serve basis.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
Will the ceremony and reception be socially distanced?
Yes, Andaz hotels under the Hyatt luxury brand have very strict social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines.
-The seatings at the ceremony will be placed 6 ft apart
-Limited occupancy for all venues at the resort
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Yes, the entire wedding will be outdoors.
Will I need to stay at the Andaz Mayakoba resort for the wedding event?
Yes! Since Mayakoba is a gated community, the venue does require all wedding guests to stay at the resort. If you must have other arrangements, let us know asap and we will check with the venue for a day pass.
Are kids welcome?
As much as we love your little ones, we will not be including them in the ceremony. However, we recognize that some of you will be traveling with your kids and there is a fun kids club at Andaz and is open to all guests. Details are available on the resort website.
Can you tell me more about Mayakoba?
Overlooking the Caribbean sea, Mayakoba is a gated community surrounded by a stunning tropical landscape on the shore of Rivera Maya. With four luxury residencies (Andaz, Rosewood, Banyan Tree, and Fairmount) open to all Mayakoba guests, a world-renowned golf course, and El Pueblito town square, you really don't need to leave the community your entire trip! For those that want to mix up the beach time with some fun things to do, weekly unique activities are organized in the Andaz resort for guests to partake, ranging from fitness, salsa making, and even tequila university!
Feel free to read up on this great piece from CNN Travel about this heavenly destination.
What will the weather be like?
The average temperature in May at Playa del Carmen ranges from 70s to high 80s, making it the best time to enjoy all the sun and beaches this beautiful city has to offer!
What should I wear?
Please see our Schedule for the dress code.
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
Calling all ladies! We recommend staying away from stiletto heels during the ceremony and cocktail hour since we will be on a beach lawn. If you do want to show off a pair of skinny heels, you can always change shoes after the cocktail hour.
Can I bring a date?
Please check your invite for your +1!
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Except for the ceremony, please feel free to snap away! The #hashtag is in the making!
Whom should I call with questions?
Please feel free to email or text us your questions!
Registry
Your presence is enough of a present to us! But for those of you who would like to help out, you can do so with the following link 😊
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle howard-dee-and-amanda-che. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.