Kindred Collective Punta Mita Recap: A Meaningful Gathering for the Wedding & Events Industry
Photography: @joelandjustyna | St Regis. Punta Mita
Kindred Collective Punta Mita: A Three-Day Gathering Rooted in Connection, Creativity & Community.
There are experiences that inspire you—and then there are those that remind you why you chose this industry in the first place.
Photography: @joelandjustyna | St Regis. Punta Mita
I’ve just returned from Kindred Collective in Punta Mita, and I’m still sitting with the beauty of what unfolded over three deeply intentional days. Hosted at the breathtaking St. Regis Punta Mita, this gathering was a masterclass in meaningful connection, thoughtful design, and the power of community within the wedding and events industry.
This wasn’t about spectacle for spectacle’s sake. It was about presence. About humanity. About gathering with purpose.
Day One: Arrival, Intention & a Thoughtful Welcome
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this experience was carefully considered from the inside out.
Day one began with a welcome cocktail reception hosted by Forma, setting a tone that felt both elevated and grounded. Every detail—from the atmosphere to the conversations—was rooted in intention. It was the kind of opening that immediately invited guests to exhale, to arrive fully, and to connect without pretense.
As the sun dipped and the evening unfolded, the energy felt warm, open, and genuinely inviting. A perfect beginning.
Day Two: Conversations That Matter
Day two was the heart of the experience.
We started the morning together with intention—showing up honestly, letting go of insecurities, and creating space for authentic dialogue. Breakfast was shared around the most thoughtful tablescape, a visual reminder that beauty and vulnerability can—and should—coexist.
The day flowed seamlessly between intimate one-on-one conversations, small group exchanges, and deeper discussions. I had the honor of leading two group discussions, bringing together creatives from across the industry to talk candidly about growth, confidence, leadership, and the realities we often navigate behind the scenes.
What stood out most wasn’t just the talent in the room (though there was plenty of that)—it was the humanity. The openness. The willingness to listen and be seen.
Lunch led into continued connection, and by the time the sun began to set, it felt as though walls had softened and real relationships had formed.
An Evening by the Sea: Dinner, Fireworks & Celebration
The day concluded with an unforgettable dinner on the beach.
Thoughtfully curated menus, beautiful wine and cocktails, the rhythmic sound of ocean waves, and—just when we thought the night couldn’t surprise us further—fireworks lighting up the sky. It was one of those moments that felt cinematic yet deeply personal at the same time.
The evening continued with an after-party filled with laughter, movement, and joy—an effortless blend of celebration and connection.
Day Three: Leisure, Reflection & Gratitude
The final day offered space to slow down.
Curated leisure activities allowed us to reflect, recharge, and savor the experience before heading home. It was a gentle close to a gathering that reminded us that rest, beauty, and intentional pauses are just as important as the work itself.
What I love most about the wedding and events industry isn’t just the creativity—though the storytelling through every touchpoint continues to inspire me. It’s the people. The community. The shared commitment to creating meaningful moments for others while continuing to grow ourselves.
Kindred Collective does something rare: it brings together talented humans and creates an environment where connection feels honest, intentional, and real.
I’m incredibly grateful to Rebecca and Erin for curating yet another unforgettable experience. I feel lucky to witness this industry from the inside—and even more honored to be an active part of it.
Until the next one.
xx Akeshi
Credits & Gratitude
Photography: @joelandjustyna of @forma_mgmt
Video: @peytonfrank of @luago.agency (assisted by @juliakentnerfilms)
Venue: @stregispuntamita
Planning & Design: @indigoeventdesign
Floral & Design: @psflowersdesign
Stationery & Gifting: @papertreestudio
Entertainment: @jordankahnorchestra
Cocktail Sponsors: @forma_mgmt & @saltedpages
Business Support: @masterfully.managed
Production & Fabrication: @elizabethmargaretevents
Rentals: @delcaboevents @delcaboweddings @yayarentals
Lighting & AV: @encoremex
Travel: @wedawaystravel
Non-Profit Partner: @hogamx
Text Communication: @wedping
Website Design: @karima.creative
Vendor Liaison: @hllovely
Cocktail Napkins: @mydrap_northamerica
Calligraphy: @chitugui_disenos_bodiles
Onsite Support: @soecollab
Weather Reports: @ironicreports
