Kendall Skreden and Ryan Thomas met on the first day of an executive development program to become assistant buyers for Neiman Marucs. “We both wanted to work in fashion,” she says. “I definitely didn’t think that’s where I’d find a boyfriend, let alone my husband!” After dating for just shy of three years, he proposed in front of Highland Park Town Hall, followed by a surprise engagement party with both of their families and friends at The Joule.
After considering venues in Northern California, where Kendall is from, Ryan brought up Cabo San Lucas, where Kendall’s family had been visiting for years, and it logistically made sense for guests coming from California and Texas. “As soon as we decided on Mexico, I wanted something that felt effortless, but not casual,” the bride says. To help plan everything, they hired Lee DeLange of Events by Marianna Idirin.
For their ceremony and reception, Kendall chose Rancho Shibumi, which is only 15 minutes outside of Downtown Cabo San Lucas, while on a trip with her mother. And they secured the date of February 29th—Leap Day and also the wedding anniversary of Kendall’s grandmother and her mother’s late father.
“One of the best parts of marrying a man who loves fashion is that I never have to dress him or tell him what to wear,” Kendall remarks. “He loves suiting and chose to get a navy custom suit by Kyle Shiels and woven tie from Uncommon Man, a Suitsupply dress shirt, and Billy Reid dress shoes.”
For herself, the bride wanted something more formal that would juxtapose the natural elements of Mexico. Her high-neck, lace gown was light and elegant. And at the end of the night, she switched into a black Calvin Klein dress and ATP Atelier leather sandals for dancing.
On the day-of, Kendall got ready with her bridesmaids in their gifted Sleeper sets before putting on their various white midi dresses. Then, the bride drove with her father in a Defender to the ceremony site.
Kendall walked down the aisle, passing guests with white paper parasols, to stand with Ryan against the backdrop of the ocean. They recited their own vows, and when they kissed, the chorus of “I Like Me Better” by Lauv played—they were so giddy, they danced back down the aisle.
The mariachi band led everyone to the reception where esquites, tostadas, and ceviche were waiting. And during the cocktail hour, whales were jumping out of the water, seemingly excited to join in on the celebration. For dinner, guests found their seats at three long tables and dined on carnitas, al pastor, and mushroom and pepper tacos with fresh tortillas. Of course, non-stop margaritas were a big part of the evening as well.
After the meal, the newlyweds had their first dance to “May I Have This Dance” by Francis and the Lights. “We had zero practice,” Kendall remarks. “We just love the song and wanted it to be fun and playful.”
Back on the dance floor, Kendall’s father’s friend, who is essentially an uncle to her, passed out black gloves with LED lights on the fingertips, which, when worn, created a rave-like experience in the middle of the Mexico dessert. And later in the night, churros and Mexican coffee were presented on carts to keep the energy levels high.
Once the party ended, Kendall and Ryan and all of their guests were shuttled back to their hotels, and the new Mr. and Mrs. passed out into a deep sleep from enjoying the day to the fullest extent.
Kendall + Ryan: A Wedding Film in Cabo San Lucas from Blueberry Creative.
