An Insider's Look at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is easily one of the most popular venue choices for Shaadi Destinations brides and grooms booking their dream Indian destination wedding - and it is not hard to see why! From the limitless resort credit to overwater mandaps to Indian food cooked on-site by their in-house Indian chef, there is lots to love! With an incredible set of exclusive perks for Shaadi Destinations clients, Hard Rock Hotels across Mexico offer an unbelievable value for a high quality wedding product.
Marielos Osuna is the life and energy of the wedding department at this wonderful resort! Before becoming one of the most respected on-site wedding coordinators on property, Marielos was trained in Food and Beverage departments within the Hard Rock brand. She was also a wedding concierge which is where she learned all the skills necessary to help couples have an incredible time during their wedding week in paradise. Come take an Insider’s Look at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya with Marielos Osuna!
The famous rocks of Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya provide an awesome photoshoot setting and allow for the beach water to remain incredibly calm and transparent; Courtesy of MnM Photography
Why did you become a wedding planner?
Once I started working as a Wedding Concierge (each wedding couple at Hard Rock can rely both on their On-Site Wedding Coordinator as well as 1-2 Wedding Concierges who are all working towards the execution of events!), I found the beautiful area that is weddings - I fell in love with every part of a wedding from the planning process all the way to on-site execution and coordination. I love to coordinate events and the idea of making a memorable experience for two people that they will remember forever - that’s priceless! I’m a very active person and my personality is very bubbly - I make sure that every couple feels super welcome and make a connection with every couple!
When was your first Indian wedding and what was it like?
It was just 3 years ago in September 2017 - there were 160 guests! I was very excited and a little nervous at the same time, but only because it was a 360° change of what I use to coordinate with Mexican, American or Brasilian weddings and for me it was a whole learning experience with all the beauty of Indian traditions. Actually, I'm still friends with the bride and she has a baby already :).
Krishna and Amir took a few steps outside to find a perfect private spot on property for their first look shot; Courtesy of Sweet Caribbean Photography
What is your favorite moment at each Indian destination wedding?
While all our weddings have been so dear to me, we had one magnificent wedding with Shaadi Destinations here at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya that was our first overwater mandap a few years ago. What a wedding and what a week! That mandap was absolutely gorgeous; from the moment I saw the Monisha and Jinesh’s mandap, I knew it would look awesome, and more so with the fact that it was the first mandap made on water of that style.
This stunning mandap at Monisha and Jinesh’s wedding was one-of-a-kind! Shaadi Destinations collaborated with the amazing Rao Factor Design House from Dallas, TX to create the first overwater mandap in Mexico! Courtesy of Hiram Trillo
The process for the correct installation overwater took time and coordination of both the location and structure. It started to be installed from one night before due to the delicate process of the structure and coordinating the area at night was a challenge, but it was a success! Seeing it finished and live was a complete success. Another element that helped was the weather, it was perfect to perform the ceremony! It was a warm day as usual in the Riviera Maya - I was tanned for many days after the ceremony as of course my job has me running outsider from the bride’s room to the ceremony site to the baraat and back constantly. We made sure to keep guests hydrated and happy with water service, the unique Shaadi Destinations coconuts (a guest favorite!), and iced wet towels.
It was intense, but that feeling comes with every wedding and is what makes it exciting to execute the needs of the guests at the moment and so they can have a good experience. Our team together organized an experience for the couple to have one of their best days they will remember forever. It's really an honor to be part of that wedding!
Ricky and Keya celebrating the night away at their Sangeet event on Woodstock Terrace at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya; courtesy of Button Up Photography
How long have you been at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya?
I have been on property for the past 5 years! Time flies :)
What is your favorite venue on property?
I love the Maracas Terrace in the Hacienda section! It is by the beach and the pools both and has a few different levels separated by just 2-3 steps. We often host Mehndi and Sangeet events here! I also love Woodstock Terrace, but it can only be requested in the last month or two before your event date as it’s protected in case the hotel has a large event taking place.
Sangeet vibes are super strong at Maracas Terrace at Shradha and Sameer’s wedding planned by Nirali Shah Events! Courtesy of Andre Gouin Photography
What is the best spot for a photoshoot at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya?
Starlight Beach! Here, you have ocean views, the beach, palm trees around, and rocky areas behind. All in one area, you can take a bunch of shots with all sorts of terrain and environments! Photographers love taking shots here.
Could you tell us a little bit more about your Indian wedding program or packages?
We have an amazing chef who joined us from India. The chef has the best disposition to help all the time. He is present always in every event to make sure he has good control over everything. I can say that I have great confidence that his food is of great quality and I always have his support to make couples happy.
When we say destination weddings are all about FUN IN THE SUN, this is exactly what we mean! The bridesmaids and groomsmen are loving it at Anushi and Akash’s wedding; Courtesy of Federico Salmeron Photography
Why should a couple choose your resort over all the rest?
It’s an easy answer! I have many reasons why Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is the best resort for Indian destination weddings! For example, we have a big hotel with many locations with large capacity to have all sorts of events! We also have several outdoor venues with oceanfront views without even having to be on the sand. We also have grand ballrooms with super tall ceilings that you can suspend amazing floral chandaliers and all sorts of things! Plus our service level is top notch - our staff knows the guest experience and that of the bride and groom is super critical!
What is your favorite restaurant on site and what's your favorite thing to order?
My favorite is the oriental restaurant ZEN , the Pad Thai is THE BEST!
What is your favorite Indian food item?
My favorite are always Shahi Paneer, Chicken Tikka Masala, Samosas and Ras Malai for dessert. But I can and will always try all the items - so exciting!
Heena and Anish riding off into the sunset after tying the knot in paradise! This Indian destination wedding at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya was planned by The Story Book Events; Courtesy of MnM Photography
What makes a Shaadi Destinations bride and groom different from others?
Milan, Shree, and their entire team in the US and Mexico will always take care of every couple as if they are family. Also they make sure their guests are so happy until the bride and groom feel like royalty! We are always so excited to have Shaadi Destinations and their couples get married in paradise and choose us for their most special day <3
What are your top 3 tips for couples looking to plan an Indian destination wedding?
1) Think specifically about your themes and outfits as well as your guests’ comfort when selecting your preferred venues - how will things look and how will guests feel at each event?
2) Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the resort you have chosen ahead of time (editor’s note: Shaadi Destinations clients can stay up to 6 nights on property and then receive a portion as a credit towards their wedding. During this time, they can experience the resort, try the food, meet the chef, visit all their vendors from decor to florals to speakers to dhol player, and bask in that Hard Rock glory!!)
3) Trust your wedding coordinator! We have so much experience on-property making sure things go as smoothly as possible. While weddings have so many moving parts and things are not always second by second as scripted, everything will be smooth and wonderful - your memories are in our hearts as we work hard all week long while you are home with us.
That’s a wrap for Monisha and Jinesh’s stunning Indian destination wedding at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya!; Courtesy of Hiram Trillo
Shaadi Destinations is the premier, award winning, modern-day destination wedding travel agency for South Asian couples seeking a streamlined process, incredible experiences, and a party friends and family will never forget! We save our couples thousands of dollars while throwing them the wedding festivities dreams are made of.
We live and breathe destination weddings - with just one consultation, you will be light years ahead in your destination wedding planning process. In less than one week, Shaadi Destinations will find you the most perfect resort that meets your needs, your budget, and your desires. With our vendor relationships and pre-negotiated exclusive perks at resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, we are confident we can find exactly what you are looking for. You'll find we have the best rates, best incentives, and best booking experience.
