The Wedding Planner
Patricia Haro
Event Coordinator, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort

A tropical backdrop lends an instant atmosphere of romance to any destination wedding. On Mexico's West Coast, the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort makes it easy for brides to plan a tropical wedding, whether for just the bride and groom or including lucky guests. We recently interviewed Patricia Haro, Event Coordinator at this beachfront resort. Patricia, like other planners interviewed in this monthly column, has passed the Marriott International Wedding Certification Program. Patricia also gives us her advice on how she works to exceed brides' expectations while working with them long-distance.

What aspects of your property are most attractive to brides?

Brides love our beautiful Yeti; it’s located in front of the Pacific Ocean surrounded by the ocean, with an atmosphere of the tropical paradise of Puerto Vallarta. All of the guests can enjoy the incredible sunsets and a wonderful view. This area is perfect for ceremonies or romantic dinners for two.

Another fabulous area is Las Casitas Garden, an ideal outdoor venue for the reception, brunch, lunch and dinner, even the ceremony or whatever you want to offer for your guests.

Brides feel great confidence because they have an on-property certified wedding coordinator available for arrangements with the vendors besides hotel services and they do not worried about anything else except enjoying and sharing this special day with friends & family.

What are the most popular wedding venues at the property, both for large and small weddings?

Yeti, Las Casitas Garden, especially the outdoor venues…everybody loves to be near the Ocean with great views of the Bay and Downtown area.

Our Yeti has a capacity of 80 people for a civil or religious ceremony and Las Casitas Garden a maximum of 350 people in banquet, considering the set up, dance floor area, stage for the musical group and more.

What local elements can a bride add to her wedding to give it a regional atmosphere?

They really like our fruits sorbet. Our pastry chef works with couples to create wedding cakes in their favorite flavors and shapes or decorated with natural flowers. The tiki torches and candles are fabulous to create a romantic night for everybody. When they decide to have fireworks, the wedding is spectacular with all of the bright colors. A wedding with live music is unforgettable, especially when the newly married couple want Mariachi to accompany the ceremony or a Trio at the end of the party.

For brides planning a weekend wedding, what nearby attractions or on property activities are of special interest for their guests?

In addition to the beach and a dramatic oceanfront pool, the resort features extraordinary recreation facilities: three lighted tennis courts, a children’s program, activities center, gym and health club.

The Spa and Beauty Salon is very popular. Our Spa offer treatments for the couple or friends including: Therapeutic Massage, Relaxing Herbal Body Wrap, Hydrating Facial, etc. For the rehearsal dinner, our restaurants are perfect places to go: Mikado Japanese, Champions Restaurant, La Estancia Restaurant and Las Casitas Restaurant.

From June through November, there is the Sea Turtle rescue program and baby turtles release ceremony. These turtles are born in our nursery, and after 45 days, we invite guests to participate and have the incredible experience of liberating a turtle. This takes place on the resort’s beach. Last year we had more than 17,000.

For golf-lovers, there are three professional golf courses in the area. The hotel can arrange tee times through the Concierge Golf Desk with special rates exclusively for the hotel guest.

In Puerto Vallarta we have great gourmet restaurants, a picturesque boardwalk, Mexican aircraft art, tours (day/night), canopy, horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, whale watching , the Marietas Island, Yelapa, Quimixto, Las Animas, Los Arcos and much more.

Shopping in Puerto Vallarta really does offer something for everyone. There is a wide variety of shops and a large array of merchandise, from inexpensive souvenirs to locally produced fine art.

There are over 300 restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, a different one for every day of the year. They range from casual palapas on the beach or traditional family run “loncherias” to beautifully designed and decorated restaurants or the sophisticated elegance of many hotels dining rooms. And the variety of cuisine is as diverse as the settings.

Click here for an interview with Patricia about how she works to exceed brides' expectations while working with them long-distance.

Click here for more on romantic getaways in Puerto Vallarta

To plan a Marriott wedding, call the Marriott of your choice and ask to consult with the hotel's wedding event planner. For more information on Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites, call 1-800-228-9290 or see www.marriott.com.

Photos courtesy CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort