By Celece Krieger for View on Magazine, September 2017
It’s hard to believe seven years ago, View On Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief Kathy Lee introduced her golf writer Rob Krieger and travel writer Celece Krieger (then Seegmiller). Two years ago, we were engaged and last year we found ourselves with a big decision to make: “Where in the World do we get married?” There were several destinations considered, everywhere from Zion National Park to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. With family and friends scattered from coast to coast, we wanted a location that was convenient, affordable, and fun. We finally decided on Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Spa and Resort in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico. Of course, Kathy Lee (aka village matchmaker) was there and she asked me to share our experience.
On June 9th, 36 of our dearest family members and friends gathered to witness our wedding celebration, or as I like to call it, our wedding fiesta. Many guests arrived early and stayed for five to six days. Getting to Secrets from St. George was incredibly convenient with just a 45-minute flight from St. George and then another 90-minute flight from Phoenix on American Airlines. With 8 restaurants and 4 bars; beautiful pools; and a sublime spa; we had a wonderful time together enjoying this beautiful all-inclusive resort.
While most brides spend the days before their wedding rushing around finalizing details, I had the opportunity to relax and enjoy our guests. On the day of the wedding, the only thing I had to do was have my hair and make-up done by the spa professionals and get dressed while Rob played golf. The entire wedding team at the resort was incredible to work with, from start to finish. It was the wedding I had always dreamed of, with the waves crashing on the beach and the light ocean breeze setting the scene. Our dear friend and local musician Nonamarie Miller was there to share her talents as she played the violin while we walked down the aisle. She also sang “Marry Me” by Train. According to witnesses, there was not a dry eye in the audience. Of course, it was only appropriate for us to ride off in a golf cart for our reception. Our sunset reception was set on a patio above the ocean with waves rolling in and a Mariachi band playing in the background. After dinner, the sun set and a beautiful rare full strawberry moon rose above the sea.
It was indeed the best day of my life and I could not have asked for a better setting to marry the love of my life. After a late night of dancing under the twinkling lights, we arrived back to our room and found it covered in rose petals and candlelight. The next morning, we were served a gourmet champagne breakfast in bed followed by a couple’s massage. Who could ask for more?
Destination weddings not only create an incredible experience for the bride and groom, but for their guests as well. Weddings have a way of bringing people together. Our family and friends from Boston, Cleveland, Salt Lake, Mesquite, and St. George arrived as strangers and left as friends. It was the best wedding gift we could have asked for and I now get to spend the rest of my life full of adventures with my best friend, all thanks to Kathy Lee and View on Magazine.
