Sarah Michelle Gellar & Freddie Prinze Jr.

Mexico rings of romance, from its coastal beaches that invite couples to stroll hand in hand, to its fiery cuisine, to its sultry atmosphere.

From siesta to fiesta, the mood promises of passion.
The west coast has long been a playground for Hollywood jetsetters; a short flight from Los Angeles sweeps lovers south of the border to enjoy this beautiful region.

In the summer of 2002, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. hopped a southbound plane for more than just fun in the sun: they headed to Puerto Vallarta to exchange vows.

Gellar, the star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Prize, Gellar's co-star in the big screen version of Scooby-Doo, co-starred in a wedding party that spanned several days, beginning in the state of Jalisco about 100 miles south of Puerto Vallarta.

Before the wedding, the couple and their guests celebrated at Costa Careyes (sea turtles), named for the turtles that nest on the beach. (Every year, the turtle eggs are protected by a beach camp and local residents have so far released 75,000 baby turtles back into the sea.) The resort is located on the Costa Alegre, a remote coastline that stretches for 100 miles with little development.

For three days, the party enjoyed the hospitality of Costa Careyes, which offers a private beach, health club and spa, and outdoor restaurant and bar.

The wedding took place a few miles away at Sol de Oriente (Sun of the East) , a private rental house with six bedrooms, seven baths, and a magnificent 10,000-square-foot pool that encircles the house. The grand home is located high atop a cliff, providing magnificent sea and sunset views.

Gellar wore a Vera Wang dress in traditional white in a ceremony that was officiated by choreographer Adam Shankman, appropriately enough of The Wedding Planner. The ceremony, which was moved indoors by a summer storm, was followed by an elegant dinner and plenty of live Mexican music.

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