For Kylie Elizabeth Duff’s 35th birthday, her mother organized a video montage of well wishes from friends and family. In an effort to inject some humor and intrigue into the virtual occasion, Kylie’s aunt submitted a video from her friend’s son, actor Matthew Jerome Barr, who Kylie didn’t know personally. . .yet. He hilariously and convincingly spoke of his and Kylie’s long history, deep-rooted friendship, and extraordinary adventure in the video.
A month later, the two serendipitously found themselves both in Nantucket and finally met in-person. His three-day visit turned into a six-day adventure on the island, and shortly after they parted ways, he invited her to join him in Mexico at the Rosewood Mayakoba. After a little more than a year together, Matt proposed on a trip to Mnemba Island off the coast of Zanzibar. “It was simple, elegant, private,” Kylie recalls.
Since the Rosewood Mayakoba had become a home away from home for the couple, booking the hotel for their destination wedding was an easy decision. “We fell in love under its thatched roofs over endless tequila,” Kylie says. “We knew there would be something poetic about hosting a wedding in the very place that it all began.” To help bring their vision to life, the pair hired Emily Campbell of GoBella Design & Planning, and Yessica Cruz was behind the lens all weekend. The invitation suite by Richard’s Notebook also set the tone for the exciting events.
For her spring wedding weekend in Mexico, Kylie looked to Johanna Ortiz for her pre-wedding events. “I chose a three-piece green, midriff-baring ensemble for the welcome party and a silk, one-shouldered printed dress for our rehearsal dinner,” the bride explains. “I could and would wear both again in a heartbeat.”
On the morning of April 15, 2023, Kylie got ready with makeup artist Zoë Elizabeth and put on her custom Cucculelli Shaheen dress that featured embroidery of her and Matt’s sun signs and wedding date. Then, Kylie walked with her brothers to the garden, where the ceremony was set up.
Kylie took her mother’s arm, and they walked down the aisle to meet Matt, who looked handsome in a suit by Michael Andrews Bespoke. Matt’s younger brother officiated the service, and Matt’s sister and Kylie’s brother also spoke. After exchanging their vows in front of a fresh floral installation by Vanessa Jaimes, the newlyweds led everyone to the beach for cocktail hour during the sunset.
Under the palapa, guests enjoyed the delicious seated dinner of tuna tataki, shrimp, and tenderloin. After Kylie’s parents toasted the night and the happy couple, the shoes came off and Walton Stout Orchestra picked up the energy. “It was colorful, it was sweaty, it was endlessly and deeply entertaining,” Kylie remembers.
The newlyweds had their first dance to “Simple Song” by Chris Stapleton, performed by Matt’s uncle, Phil Baliff. Phil also wrote and sang an original song for the mother-son dance, called “Raising the Barr.”
Halfway through the evening, the bride changed into something she could limbo in, a custom Leal Daccarett La Palma dress. And at the end of the night, Kylie’s mom and the coordinating team surprised everyone with a spectacular fireworks show.
After the reception came to a formal close, the brass section led everyone to the canteen, where churros and Class Azul tequila were waiting to be enjoyed. The celebration continued with Latin music until 3:00 a.m.
Once their destination wedding weekend came to a close, Kylie and Matt flew for a mini-moon in Sa Miguel d’Allende.
