Alisha & Elton’s Destination Wedding: A Celebration of Love in Cancún, Mexico

Alisha and Elton met in 2021 after connecting on Instagram, where an easy conversation quickly sparked a deeper connection. What began as casual exchanges soon evolved into a long-distance relationship, and after closing the distance, the two have now been together for four years. The lovely couple tied the knot in a gorgeous destination wedding, captured by Evan Whitney of Arch Wedding Studio. For Alisha, it was a full-circle moment: after planning weddings for so many others, she finally got to create one for her most important clients yet — herself and the man she loves.

Set against the backdrop of Garza Blanca Resort & Spa in Cancún, Mexico, Alisha and Elton’s wedding weekend was a masterclass in intention, storytelling, and modern Black love. With 84 guests in attendance, the couple curated an immersive, multi-day experience that felt intimate, stylish, and deeply personal — from a lively welcome party to a farewell sunset sail complete with a saxophonist serenading guests as the sky melted into dusk.

Bride: Alisha Brown, 40, Wedding Planner and Designer, One Twenty West

Groom: Elton Brown Sr., 43, Football Coach, Norfolk State University

Photography By: Evan Whitney, CEO of Arch Wedding Studio

Planning & Design: One Twenty West

Planning & Coordination: Lucy Gallagher Events

Place of Residence: Hampton, VA

Wedding Date: June 28, 2025

Wedding Location: Garza Blanca Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

Wedding Theme: New York Edge Meets Virginia Ease — a modern
blend of sophistication and effortless coastal romance.

Wedding Motifs & Inspiration: Ease and flow shaped the ceremony through flowing fabrics, circular layouts, and a marble swirl motif inspired by water, symbolizing Virginia and Elton’s coastal roots. Shades of white and light blue set an ethereal tone, layered with an abundance of lush greenery and garden-style florals for a soft, romantic atmosphere.

The reception marked a deliberate shift in mood. Grounded in black and white with deeper shades of blue woven through linens, chargers, and menus, the space featured statement trees, dramatic lighting, and architectural, fashion-forward silhouettes that reflected Alisha’s New York roots. Stone table numbers and bar signage nodded to the concrete jungle, while pearls woven throughout — from Alisha’s gown to escort and place cards — symbolized refinement, legacy, and timeless elegance.

Honeymoon Destination: With Elton returning quickly to work as a college football coach, we opted for a luxurious minimoon at The Historic Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach, VA. An official honeymoon is planned to coincide with our one-year anniversary.

Briefly tell us about your wedding experience and how the both of you felt on your big day.

We thoughtfully created a wedding weekend that honored our love and expressed gratitude to the guests who traveled to celebrate with us. Once the weekend began with our all-white welcome party, it was the first time in months we allowed ourselves to truly relax and enjoy the moment. On the wedding day, we felt grounded, joyful, and fully present.

The celebration continued with a farewell sunset sail the following day, complete with a saxophonist, giving us time to connect more deeply with our guests beyond a single day.

Wedding song, and the significance of the song:

“So Amazing” by Luther Vandross felt like the perfect reflection of our story—a chance meeting that blossomed into a forever love. For Alisha, it marked the first time she felt safe enough to trust someone with every part of her heart, and Elton trusts her just the same.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

We’re looking forward to a lifetime of building memories together—raising our children wrapped in love, surrounded by family and friends, and sharing endless laughter along the way. Most of all, we’re excited to walk this journey side by side, pouring into one another, being each other’s rock, and continuing to grow together in love, trust, and admiration every day.