In a tale that began with a digital connection, Olympic track and field star Gabby Thomas and Kaviva non-alcoholic beverage founder Spencer McManes recently celebrated their union in a breathtaking ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Their love story, ignited by an Instagram follow and a subsequent direct message, blossomed over two and a half years, leading to a surprise rooftop proposal in Austin and culminating in a vibrant destination wedding that reflected their laid-back personalities and deep affection.
A Love Story Culminating in a Coastal Celebration
The journey to matrimony for Gabby Thomas, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and Spencer McManes, the innovative mind behind Kaviva, was anything but ordinary. It all began with a simple Instagram follow that quickly led to Spencer's decisive move into Gabby's DMs. Their first date, an enchanting three-hour conversation at an Austin speakeasy, covered everything from culinary delights to fantastical sagas, solidifying their connection. Almost two and a half years later, in March 2025, Spencer orchestrated a surprise proposal on an Austin rooftop, a moment Gabby describes as utterly unexpected, despite a few telling clues her friends inadvertently left behind. The joyous occasion was followed by an intimate dinner at J. Carver's, one of Gabby's beloved Austin eateries.
A year and a half later, on October 30, the couple chose the picturesque Garza Blanca Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas as the backdrop for their wedding. Their vision was a continuous celebration, with friends and family staying together at the resort, fostering an atmosphere of shared joy and camaraderie. Remarkably, the venue was selected sight unseen, a testament to their easygoing approach to planning.
The wedding preparations were approached with a relaxed yet personal touch. Gabby emphasized creating an experience that resonated with their authentic selves, rather than conforming to external expectations. With the help of wedding planner TK Name of About Love, they focused on incorporating meaningful details, including references to their shared travels, their beloved dogs, and even their favorite food, pizza.
Gabby dazzled in three distinct custom creations by Galia Lahav for the ceremony, reception, and after-party. Her ceremony gown, a lace basque-waist design, exuded a romantic, elegant, and dramatic Victorian-esque charm, complete with added sleeves and a veil. She complemented her look with Maria Elena earrings and comfortable Jimmy Choo ballet flats, chosen for the beach setting and her height. Spencer opted for a sophisticated white tuxedo jacket paired with black trousers, distinguishing himself while his groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos. He also added a personal touch by gifting his groomsmen bolo ties, an heirloom from his great-grandfather, making them stand out.
The bridesmaids were adorned in honey beige dresses from Austin-based brand Revelry, a subtle nod to the couple's home city. Gabby encouraged her bridesmaids to choose silhouettes that best expressed their individuality, prioritizing authenticity over strict uniformity.
The ceremony, held directly on the pristine sand with the Pacific Ocean as a magnificent backdrop, was blessed with a magical moment. Despite a day of rain, the clouds parted just as Gabby approached the altar, revealing a vibrant rainbow. Escorted by both her parents, Gabby was enveloped in a mix of gratitude, excitement, and presence, further amplified by her grandfather officiating the service. Spencer vividly recalls the intensity of their gazes, lost in each other's eyes amidst the outpouring of love from their guests.
Following the vows, the newlyweds savored a quiet moment for sunset portraits by the water, embracing the misty beach conditions. They even filmed playful TikToks with their wedding party before heading to cocktail hour.
Gabby made a grand entrance to the reception in her second Galia Lahav gown, a flashy, sultry, and unexpected design perfect for dinner and dancing. She had a bustle added to seamlessly execute their choreographed first dance, which impressively transitioned into the "Dougie." The dance floor remained electric throughout the night, with a diverse playlist featuring hip-hop, throwback classics, and country music, ensuring everyone was smiling and dancing.
As the night progressed, Gabby changed into her third and final ensemble: Galia Lahav's playful "Hazel" short dress, paired with custom New Balance sneakers, allowing her to dance freely and embody the life of the party.
Reflecting on their special weekend, Gabby expressed immense gratitude, feeling like the luckiest person in the world, not just for the symbolic good luck rain, but for the overwhelming love and joy shared by everyone present.
The story of Gabby and Spencer's wedding is a beautiful reminder that love can bloom in the most unexpected ways and that true connection is worth celebrating with authenticity and joy. Their journey, from a simple Instagram interaction to a grand beachside wedding, underscores the magic of modern romance intertwined with timeless traditions. It speaks to the power of personal touches and shared experiences in making a special day truly unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression of happiness and heartfelt emotion
