Lakeside Wedding in Guatemala with Flowers and String Lights

Monyca (she/they) and Maria (she/her) skipped the ballroom vibes and headed straight for Isla Verde Atitlan where volcano peaks push through the mist. With a petal circle on the dock, rainbow Vans in the getting-ready suite, and outfits that blended softness with personal flair, the day felt relaxed, expressive, and deeply connected to place. Picture an intimate guest list, rings from Alexis Russell Jewelry, and Karen Soto making sure everything flowed, from the fern-strewn florals to dinner under string lights.

How did you choose your ceremony location?

Lake Atitlan is one of those places that sticks with you. Foggy mornings, still water, and that view of the volcanoes. Monyca had spent years working at Isla Verde Atitlan, so when it came time to choose a wedding venue, the connection was personal and obvious. The wooden deck above the lake gave us a space to gather without needing to over-decorate or compete with the view.

Tell us about the ceremony setup.

We opted for a ceremony on the overwater deck, surrounded by a circle of petals, ferns, and local greenery. Instead of a traditional aisle, guests were seated close, forming a circle around us as we exchanged vows. Karen Soto layered magenta flowers, soft grasses, and jungle leaves that blended effortlessly with the landscape. The setup was designed to feel both grounded and celebratory. Nothing too structured, just honest and warm.

What was the vibe during the reception?

Dinner was held in a bamboo pavilion above the lake, under a canopy of string lights. Guests sat on white benches around long wooden tables decorated with wildflower runners, tropical blooms, and clay bowls of candlelight. Karen Soto sourced most of the florals locally and arranged them to feel loose and natural.

What did the party look like after dark?

Once the sun dipped behind the volcanoes, the dance floor lit up. Literally. Friends waved and swayed under the hanging bulbs, drinks in hand, music playing. Later, we stepped out onto the dock for a quiet kiss while fireworks lit up the sky. It was one of those “we did it” moments that doesn’t need a stage to feel electric.

Any advice for couples planning a small destination wedding?

Don’t over-plan every minute. Part of what made our day feel so special was leaving space for pauses, spontaneous laughs, and quiet moments. Whether it was sipping cocktails under the string lights or laughing barefoot on the dock, every part of the day felt lived-in and real, exactly how we wanted it.

Photography by Daniel Lopez Perez

Dress Anthropologie Weddings
Florist & Wedding Planner Karen Soto
Rings Alexis Russell Jewelry
Venue Isla Verde Atitlan