MJ Acosta & David Ruiz Wedding in Los Cabos

by: Daniela Ortiz – Cabo Wedding Photographer

If there’s an event that fits the saying “Love conquers all,” it’s safe to say that it’s the MJ Acosta wedding.
Trust me, I know organizing a wedding can be difficult even at the best of times, so imagine tying the knot in the middle of a pandemic. But no virus could stop the union of two people in love. MJ Acosta and David Ruiz have proven that love wins, and it always does!

The joy, warmth, and adoration in each other’s eyes weren’t hard to miss, and I feel fortunate to be there to witness that. Now, I would like to walk you through their beautiful journey until they finally get to say their “I dos” in Los Cabos. But before that, let me tell you a bit about this power couple.

Who Is MJ Acosta-Ruiz?

MJ Acosta is an Emmy Award-winning host, journalist, sportscaster, and prominent speaker who is passionate about her work and does what she loves while fighting misconceptions. Born as Marjorie Acosta, MJ Acosta-Ruiz is a Dominican-American host of NFL Total Access. She holds the record of being the first Afro-Latina and a woman of color to host a show at the NFL Network.

Like most stories of triumph, MJ’s road to success was not an easy one. There were bumps and large hills to overcome along the way. She also had to give up many things to get to where she wanted to be, but everything was worth it in the end when she realized all her sacrifices and hard work were leading to progress.

MJ was born on November 20, 1984, and grew up in Manhattan, New York City, until she moved to Miami. She joined NFL Network in September 2018 as a Bay Area-based reporter and became the sole host of NFL Total Access two years after.
In her nearly decade-long career in the industry, there’s no doubt that MJ is a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.

Who is MJ Acosta Husband?

MJ Acosta’s husband, David Ruiz, is a US marine and a security specialist. Unfortunately for the fans, there’s not much information about him besides being in a long-term relationship with MJ. They are also hardly ever spotted in public, but their cute pics are more than enough to tell us how they’re head over heels in love with each other!

While MJ Acosta’s husband remains private and his identity still intact, many of MJ’s fans are vocal about their support to the pair. They wanted the couple to take their relationship to the next level. You’ll find encouraging comments on her Instagram whenever she posts pictures of them together, so I know for sure fans adore the duo. We can’t really blame the fans, can we? After seeing the bride and groom in person and even before they walked down the aisle, I, myself, have become a fan of this stunning couple.

The Beginning of a Road to Forever

Since sports played a crucial role in the Acosta-Ruiz relationship, let’s begin by talking about MJ Acosta’s love for sports.
Her family loves and enjoys sports, and it has always been part of their lives. In particular, they are basketball fanatics. Her father used to play professional basketball in the Dominican Republic, and she started cheerleading for his team. She also cheered for the Miami Dolphins while already working as a sports reporter.
But who would’ve thought that her passion for sports would lead her to the love of her life? Surely, most of her life revolves around the sports industry.

The Meeting

MJ and her husband, David Ruiz, met on Christmas day in 2013 during a basketball game in Miami. Although she rarely opens up about her private life, their relationship was never hidden as she would post some lovely pictures of them together. They often visit romantic destinations and spend quality time together when he’s in town.

The Proposal

After years of being together, the pair finally took a step closer to their future together. In the same arena where the couple met seven years ago, David finally went down on his knee and asked MJ for a lifetime of commitment.
He proposed to MJ the night before the Super Bowl. Since the event was hosted in her hometown, in Miami, and it’s the place where they first met, it was a special moment for MJ; David, for sure, does know how to be romantic and make his proposal memorable for his then-fiancee.

MJ Acosta Wedding Planning Process

Everyone’s wedding was affected differently by the global pandemic, and the MJ Acosta wedding was one of them.
Some couples had to change their plans due to the coronavirus, which discourages social gatherings. Regardless, the pair had initially intended to elope for a romantic, one-on-one event.

While most weddings are filled with happy faces of family and close friends, MJ and David had chosen an intimate ceremony. Sure, their loved ones weren’t there physically. But thanks to today’s technology, they were able to virtually celebrate with the newly-married couple.

The Setbacks

Despite not having any guests onsite, the planning process wasn’t easy. They had to change the dates multiple times, and the timing with wedding planning and COVID-19 caused various challenges.
They had already set their hearts on an elopement and began planning months ago. Initially, they wanted to do it in Napa, though the date wasn’t set yet. They also had a few details about the wedding with the help of some NFL couples. Then, a unique opportunity to elope in Los Cabo came up out of the blue.

MJ Acosta Elopement

As a Cabo wedding photographer, I would honestly say that MJ Acosta elopement is one of the most memorable events I’ve had the pleasure to be part of. This couple did not let the coronavirus put a damper on their I dos. It’s a magical wedding that proves that love never fails. That’s why it will always have a special place in my heart.

Since there weren’t any guests, I was able to focus on the couple entirely – their emotions, experiences, reactions, and feelings.
Being surrounded by all that warmth and love was truly delightful. What can I say? I’m also a hopeless romantic at heart. It’s an exhilarating experience to spend the day capturing excitement, romance, laughter, anticipation, and joy coming from two different individuals who chose to be one.

The Virtual Guests

Just because their family and friends couldn’t come to the MJ Acosta wedding doesn’t mean they couldn’t share this special moment with them. I have seen a lot of brides and grooms walking down the aisle, and I know it’s a happy and emotional moment to walk with parents, a family member, or a loved one. But for MJ and David, they each walked down the aisle alone.

Although no one could walk with them, their friends and family watched them live via Zoom and were able to embrace the moment fully. While the realities of a wedding amidst the pandemic can be tricky, they were able to pull it off, and the event went off with a bang! As soon as the rituals were over, they rushed to greet their close friends and family.

The Wedding Registry

Creating a wishlist for a newlywed is one of the most anticipated elements of wedding planning. But not for the Acosta-Ruiz couple. Instead of registering for gifts, MJ and David did an exemplary deed that will benefit the Black and Brown communities. They revealed that they were looking for local charitable organizations they could help. They didn’t register for items and wanted to accept donations rather than gifts.

MJ Acosta Wedding Venue

Of course, I can’t talk about the MJ Acosta wedding without mentioning the perfect location for this elopement. The couple exchanged vows in Los Cabos, Mexico. Besides being an inspiring destination to visit and elope, it’s also one of the few places where they can travel without excessive restrictions during the pandemic. Plus, this place holds dear to them as they’ve been to Cabo almost every year since moving to California.

With not much time left, the couple planned the essential details of their elopement. Though they had a coordinator, they were juggling different tasks and shuffling between the cities. In the end, all the hard work paid off with such a beautiful ceremony in a spectacular location.
MJ even said that she couldn’t picture having done it anywhere else. Its picturesque scenery and warm climate create the ideal setting and unique backdrop suitable for their big day.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that the MJ Acosta wedding is a one-of-a-kind event for eloping over having a traditional wedding. It was hard not to tear up with such a wonderful ceremony set in a scenic outdoor location. So I hope you’re able to picture their love story and get to know them and their gorgeous wedding through this post. And if you want to see more of their stunning photos, feel free to check out my Instagram.

Thank you MJ & David for sharing your love.

Cabo Wedding Vendors

Infinite thanks to all the wedding vendors that where involved in the making of this gorgeous day.

Cabo wedding photographer – Daniela Ortiz Photography

Cabo wedding Videographer – H-Art Cinema

Venue: Le Blanc Spa Resort

Flowers & Decor: Del Cabo Weddings

MakeUp: Luxe Beauty Experts

Hair: Curly Hair Daze

Minister: Cabo Minister Cinthya

Wedding Gown: Janene´s Bridal Boutique – Maggie Soterro Designs

Headpiece: Casa de Novia Boutique

Suit: Suit Supply

Groom Styling: Free by DrFresh

Barber: RawknyKZ Barber Shop