We feature Olivia & Radar’s stunning Punta Mita wedding today.
Planned by Amy Abbott and Paola Franssen of Amy Abbott Events
How It Started
Olivia Lovoi and Rader Smith live in Houston, Texas. They met in September of 2021 through a blind date arranged by Olivia’s boss, who happened to be friends with Rader’s cousin. They were told they both loved the beach, good music, and had laid-back personalities—so they said yes.
Only five days later, Rader invited Olivia to travel with him to the Austin City Limits music festival. It was bold, fast, and felt completely right. “Being together was so effortless,” Olivia says. “We had the best time. I think we both knew after that weekend that we would be together.” From that point on, they were inseparable.
After nearly two years of dating, Rader proposed during a morning walk on the beach in The Abacos. Olivia’s family has a home there, so it was a familiar setting. She’d just finished a workout and changed into a neon pink swimsuit (a detail she now laughs about) when Rader insisted they walk a little farther down the beach. She was ready to jump in the ocean, but he kept stalling. Finally, he dropped to one knee with the ring in the palm of his hand. “It was so bright outside I didn’t even realize what was happening at first,” she remembers. Later that day, friends and family surprised them at a beach bar nearby. “It was the most perfect day.”
Why A Punta Mita Wedding
The couple chose The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort as the setting for their wedding weekend. Rader had been vacationing in Punta Mita with his family for years and introduced Olivia to the area early in their relationship. The idyllic location quickly became a shared favorite, with many return trips over the years.
It was the perfect blend of personal significance and natural beauty—with world-class hospitality, stunning views, and the convenience of being just a two-hour flight from Houston. It offered everything they were looking for: a luxury experience for guests, meaningful memories for them, and a relaxed, coastal setting to anchor the weekend.
Working with Amy Abbott and Paola Franssen of Amy Abbott Events, they designed a Punta Pita wedding celebration that felt layered, intentional, and completely true to them. “We wanted it to feel luxurious but not overdone,” Olivia said. “It had to reflect us.”
Rehearsal Dinner + Welcome Party
The night before their Punta Mita wedding, celebrations began with a rehearsal dinner at a private oceanfront home on the Punta Mita golf course, hosted by Rader’s uncle. It was a warm, intimate gathering for family and the bridal party, set with long tables, soft candlelight, and heartfelt toasts that set the tone for the weekend.
Following dinner, all guests were invited to La Rustica, a favorite neighborhood restaurant in town. The welcome party was lively and relaxed, with wood-fired pizzas, mezcal cocktails, and music under the stars. It was the perfect way to greet guests and ease into the weekend — full of warmth, great food, and that unmistakable Punta Mita charm.
The Wedding at St. Regis Punta Mita
The ceremony took place on the oceanfront lawn at The St. Regis Punta Mita, with views stretching over the Pacific. A sculptural floral arch designed by Florklor anchored the altar, blending garden roses, ranunculus, tulips, and Miyabi roses in layered shades of blush, coral, and citrus. Handwoven fans rested on each guest’s seat. Live acoustic guitar played as Olivia walked down the aisle.
Cocktail hour followed on the terrace, accompanied by passed bites and chilled cocktails. Guests watched the Punta Mita sky turn gold while the newlyweds slipped away for photos on the beach. “We didn’t do a first look,” Olivia says. “So that moment just after the ceremony was our first time alone. It was calm and special. At one point, Rader got under my veil, and we were laughing so hard. We had no idea how the photos would turn out—and now they’re some of our favorites.”
Dinner + Details
The wedding dinner was served al fresco on the lawn. The design was clean and refined: neutral linens, layered glassware, woven charger plates, and loose floral runners in sunset tones. Every table was lit with flickering votives and hurricane lanterns, creating a glow that warmed the space as the sun went down.
The culinary experience was a standout. Guests dined on grilled shrimp with chile and lime, sea bass glazed in smoky adobo, and barbacoa short rib with roasted field vegetables. Salsas were house-made. Late-night pizzas were planned in advance because the couple knew their wedding crowd would dance until the very end.
Wine pairings were selected to complement each course, and service was timed to let the night unfold slowly and intentionally. The couple wanted the evening to feel like a dinner party that just happened to be a wedding.
The Party
Once dinner wrapped, Troy Curtis Orchestra took the stage and brought the energy all the way up. The band played through the cake cutting and into a firework show over the Pacific, creating a perfect crescendo moment. “It was the turning point,” Olivia said. “The moment when dinner ended and the party really began.”
Later that night, Olivia changed into a redesign of her mother’s wedding dress, tailored by Jenny Kim Couture. She and her sister stepped away for a few quiet moments before walking back in together and surprising their mom. “It was a full-circle moment inside this big celebration. And now my sister plans to use the leftover fabric in her own dress someday.”
As the party continued, DJ Mauricio Lemus took over with a curated late-night set. The dance floor stayed packed well into the early morning hours.
From The Bride
“The whole weekend felt like us. Nothing forced, nothing overdone. It was full of joy, full of love, and full of people we’ll never forget sharing it with. My advice? Don’t sweat the little things. Stay present. It really does fly.”
Creative Team
Wedding Planning & Design
Amy Abbott & Paola Franssen, Amy Abbott Events
Venue
Ceremony & Reception: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Rehearsal Dinner: Private Oceanfront Home, Punta Mita Golf Course
Welcome Party: La Rustica, Punta Mita
Photography
Gideon Photography
Floral Design
Florklor
Hair & Makeup
Kahlo Salon
Stationery & Signage
Papellerie
Rentals
Del Cabo Rentals
Entertainment
Troy Curtis Orchestra
DJ Mauricio Lemus
Fashion
Ceremony Dress: Ines Di Santo
Reception Dress: Custom redesign of bride’s mother’s gown by Jenny Kim Couture
Rehearsal Dress: EF Bridal
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Jewelry & Rings: LeMel Jewelry
Groom’s Suit: Knot Standard
Bridesmaid Dresses: Billy J
Groomsmen Attire: Generation Tux
Pinterest
/
Share on
facebook