We are still planning on our May 22, 2021 wedding celebration in Cabo. Of course we understand this option is not entirely possible or realistic for many of you. Unfortunately, we are in a bit of a "use it or lose it" situation regarding our contract with the resort and the deposits we've already paid them. That said, we're very much looking forward to getting away and finally celebrating with loved ones. Through our communication with Paradisus and our travel agent, Joanne Smith, we feel very confident in how well the property is handling health and safety precautions. As of January 2021 Melia Hotels International, the parent company of Paradisus Los Cabos, offers free COVID-19 antigen testing for guests, which fulfills the current travel requirements to re-enter the United States. Guests who stay at the resort a minimum of 3 nights will be able to book their test at check-in and tests will be required to take place 72 hours prior to departure. Though it has not gone into effect yet, the CDC is expected to implement a required 7-day mandatory quarantine for international travelers arriving in the U.S. We'll update this information as soon as there are any changes. Paradisus Los Cabos is also providing complimentary insurance to cover medical expenses and an extension of a guest's stay if they test positive for COVID-19. For more information please contact our travel agent, Joanne Smith (contact info on the "travel" tab), directly.
The year was 2009. Rhianna was topping charts, Cory was gearing up for a Fort Lewis College Soccer National Championship and Emily was basking in the glory of freshman college dorm life. We frequented the same parties, shared a similar circle of friends, but never really became more than acquaintances. We both graduated, Cory moved back to ABQ & Emily refused to leave Durango at risk of entering the "real world". Flash forward to 2015, and Mr. Dean's back in Durango fully loaded with an MBA in finance (very attractive to the wooed Miss Em) & a ridiculously eccentric English Bulldog, Kevin Bacon. We'd run into each other pretty regularly as Em was an honored patron of the Pub (as if that shocks anyone) and Cory reaped the benefits of his brother bar tending (thanks, Casey!). As the months and butterflies progressed, we gradually spent more and more time together and the sparks were undeniable. Something just clicked for us and that cliché expression "when you know, you know" suddenly made all the sense in the world.
Cory had the recipe for the ultimate romantic proposal. We're in Australia on a remote island near the Great Barrier Reef, our best friends are on the trip with us, we've had an incredible day beach hopping and exploring the island on our golf buggy AND he chose the date of 11/11 in honor of Em's favorite number. The only problem: Cory forgot to take into account one minor detail, Em's serious sass. While whipping around the island in our buggy, a bag (unbeknownst to Emily) with champagne and glass flutes goes flying out of the vehicle. Que the onset of frivolous, unnecessary bickering as Cory tried not to blow the surprise. We arrive at our destination, One Tree Hill, to catch the gorgeous sunset from the highest point on the island. While Cory's preparing for the biggest moment of his life, Emily in all her stubborn glory marches off solo to get her own photos. When Em gets back and Cory asks to go for a walk, he's met with an eye roll. Poor guy. Long story, well, still long...Cory was finally able to pop the question and she said yes! After a long period of waiting and wondering if their vacation was about to be really awkward, Dani & Markus finally saw us walking down the hill, both grinning (Em "ugly cry" grinning). They greeted us with the champagne in flutes with broken off stems & the celebration officially began. Perfectly imperfect.