Something I really enjoy about photographing destination weddings is the chance to meet and spend time with such a diverse group of people from all over… and I have to say that it has been proven over that when you come right down to it no matter what nationality you have there is nothing that brings people together like the destination wedding experience. Also (and this is off the record) I have also noticed that there is no one like Canadians  to be totally crazy when the party gets going!  Tiffany and Colton came to Mexico with a very close knit group, I am actually pretty sure that all of their guests were family and that made for a really relaxed and emotional celebration. It was hard to narrow down the images for this blog post, here are some favorites from the wedding day and TTD session the next morning.

The weather was all over the place, pouring rain, crazy humidity, and later bright sunshine… fortunately everyone rolled with it and all in all it could not have been a more beautiful day! Details photos by Lindsey.

A few moments from the ceremony… so many different emotions. I love the first image that was captured by Lindsey.

Sand ceremony containers, this beach wedding tradition is similar to the unity candle, the two different containers of sand our joined into one.

Oops, almost made a big mistake on positioning here… as a symbol of their good wishes the guests all threw stones into the ocean that were engraved with meaningful words like “love” family” “balance”, etc. At the very last minute I realized that if I remained in my vantage point facing the guests in the shallow water I was about to be pelted with stones! Probably not too healthy for the camera lens, let along the photographer!

Such a sweet couple! Tiffany and Colton, I loved photographing the two of you!

The photos of the maraca player and the very energetic mini flower girl are Lindsey’s.

The flower girl listened to all the toasts and applause throughout dinner. When she was finally able to get her hands on the microphone she gave one of the most entertaining toasts ever!

The following photo was taken by Lindsey Medina.

Elizabeth Medina Photography, Mexico’s premier destination wedding photographers, photography throughout Mexico in areas including the Mayan Riviera, Cancun, Tulum, Merida, Yucatan, Campeche, Puerto Vallarta, Costa Careyes, Los Cabos and Guanajuato, Mexico.

I think every bride and groom envision a sunny day for the wedding, Alex and Eric certainly had theirs! As corny as it sounds sometimes you just feel the love and happiness all through the day, and it was great to witness such a large group of the bride and groom’s friends and family who had not only made the trip the attend this destination wedding in but who truly seemed to be thrilled for Alec and Eric and enjoying every single second to the maximum. Such a great party!

The Fairmont Mayakoba is a really unique setting, fantastic architecture and jungle vegetation overlooking the Mayan Riviera, it seemed like the perfect venue for this Mayan Riviera destination wedding.

The first look: this is usually the only time of the day that I am in charge of setting up… so I tend to get into it and my inner movie director takes over! At this wedding I once again had the assistance of wedding photographer Hiram Trillo. His second shooter/wife Nancy (that should probably be reversed, pretty sure the wife part comes first) was also helping out and so it was really fun to find a location that allowed the Alex and Eric’s encounter to be captured from three very different vantage points. Very cinematic if I do say so myself. (how embarrassingly geeky is that anyway?) Erin’ s approach was captured by Nancy.

And the following from Nancy’s vantage point across the river.

A few wedding party photos:

The beach ceremony, Alex and Eric brought down a rabbi, from what I understand they are very hard if not impossible to find in the Cancun Mayan Riviera area.

There goes the veil!

I love the next image!

Mariachi photo by Hiram.

The decor was fantastic, Alex and Eric choose to use white flowers for the beach ceremony and red for the dinner reception. The rich red flowers really complemented the Mexican themed table decorations and wedding favors (talavera pottery shot glasses). Muy bonito!

First dance:

I loved Hiram’s photo of the father, daughter dance, great capture!

And of course we love the Hora!

Mexico’s premier destination wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina photographs weddings in Yucatan, Campeche, the Mayan Riviera, Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Vallarta.

The hardest part of blogging has got to be narrowing down which images to include! I hear over and over from my clients how hard it is to choose which images from the wedding to include in the wedding album and of course I can totally relate! Amy and Marco traveled to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for their destination wedding. The ceremony was held in the little Catholic chapel on 5th Avenue. The reception had to be moved indoors due to an unbelievable amount of rain (sound familiar, blog readers? I am pretty sure at this point that we are statistically protected from ever again seeing a drop of rain at the Royal!) but that didn’t seem to dampen everyone’s enjoyment of the celebration one bit. I was very happy that it let up in time for bride and groom photos on the beach and that Amy and Marco were up bright and early for a fantastic trash the dress session the next morning. Guess I better stop the chatter because I know Amy and Marco must be ready to finally see some photos!

First I’ll share a little morning after TTD beauty…

And the wedding day itself…

Everyone broke out in laughter when Marco pulled out “the ring” the ceremony was pretty solemn and it took everyone by surprise!

Breaking the blog rules by posting two ring shots!

La Fiesta…mariachis, tequila, and all around good times.  We were disappointed that the beach reception was not possible due to the weather, but the guests may not have even noticed the change of venue!

Maybe it has to do with lunchtime being almost here, but I can’t help but thinking of Ky and Cody’s destination wedding in Mexico as just plain delicious. So much yummy color and texture and of course such a sweet, sweet couple! It is no secret by now that I am always delighted to have the Hacienda Uayamon as my photographic playground. What is a little hard for me to wrap my brain around is the idea that I have the privilege to be photographing amazing couples who have found, chosen and traveled long distances to such a remote location after falling in love with it through the photographs on this very blog. Ky and Cody, I appreciate so much all you did to make the hacienda wedding a reality, I loved spending the day with the two of you and your families, thank you so much for appreciating my vision and  letting me be part of your wedding.

Ky looked amazing…

The “first look” brought on a few tears.

We were able to do quite a bit of photography of the bride and groom around the grounds of the hacienda.

Gotta love all the color and how it “popped” against the backdrop of the rustic hacienda walls.

Cody spotted this little ‘tortulita” sitting quietly right above the spot where we were photographing.

Bride and groom taking a little break…

The ceremony was held in the ruins of the chapel, I think this site is simply magical.

The reception was set up in the hacienda grounds, and of course the use of color was again evident.

I love the next image of the intimate dinner served under the giant Ceiba tree, it really evokes to me of how it felt to be there.

Elizabeth Medina is Mexico´s premier wedding photographer. Specializing in destination weddings she covers events in Yucatan, Campeche, Mayan Riviera, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende and throughout Mexico.

I guess it probably goes without saying that participating in a destination wedding in the Mayan Riviera is a fantastic experience. Bringing together so many unbeatable elements…travel, love, happiness, fun people, sun, ocean, sand, and of course an amazing fiesta…I guess it would be hard to go wrong with that recipe! Oh and I almost forgot… if you are the bride and groom and so inclined you can top it all off by “trashing the dress” on a gorgeous beach the next day. Blog readers get ready because this little photo blog is going to be on fire in the coming weeks with photographs of some amazing destination weddings at the most incredible locations!

Jehda and Ken were married at the Paradisus Resort, one of my favorite locations, and in addition to the Paradisus’ team they had the assistance of ace professional wedding planner Yazmin de la Mora in making sure that every detail went smoothly on the big day. All in all it was a lovely day as I hope the day’s imagery will attest.

Jehda and Kenneth decided just a day or two prior to the ceremony that they would like to do a “first look”, and then do some photographs with their wedding party prior to the ceremony. Although it was a bit warm, (OK, that should read it was really, really hot!) this turned out to be a very good call because the ceremony ran a little longer than expected leaving a pretty tight window of daylight for after ceremony photos. It also freed up time for Jehda and Ken to enjoy part of the really fun cocktail hour with their guests.

The next two images are really two views of the exact same moment! Lauren and I seem to have each hit the shutter button of our cameras from slightly different perspectives at just the same very sweet second. The first is mine and the second Lauren’s.

The ceremony was held on the beach, such vibrant color!

In the months leading up to the wedding I got to know the groom, JP, pretty well, we chatted several times on the phone as the plans for the wedding at one of my very favorite venues, the JW Marriot Cancun came together. Up until a few days prior to the wedding I had not really had any contact with Carolina. I assumed that JP was doing most of the wedding legwork, and that Carolina was either too busy with work to do much wedding planning or maybe she just wasn’t that in to the photography aspect. As one who often needs to do a fair bit of delegating on a daily basis this hypothesis seemed logical, but actually it could not have been more wrong! Carolina turned out to be a star wedding planner and all about doing whatever it takes for great photos, it was a lot of fun to see how the details came together and photograph in some off the path locations that she had scouted. Lauren and I were very happy to get to know Carolina and JP and their group and are very excited about the photos both of the event at the JW Marriott as well as the TTD session at Secrets Maroma beach.

The ceremony was held at the gazebo, it was a little windy that day, but so pretty!

The reception decor and some of the action,the wedding guests had front row seats to a spectacular view of Cancun’s tuquoise water.

Just a few images from the TTD session, this session was done at Secrets Maroma Beach, what a gorgeous resort!

I hope to be forgiven for a blog post heavy in both wedding day detail photographs and superlatives. I met Zach and Lolita several months prior to the wedding when they came to Merida, Mexico for a site visit to their wedding venue, the Hacienda Xcanatun. I was delighted to be able to meet “my” bride and groom in person and very excited knowing their celebration would take place not only in Merida but at one of my very favorite destination wedding locations!

For those who might be unfamiliar, Yucatan’s haciendas are true hidden gems, as former plantations they are incredible historic sites, very unique to this part of the Peninsula and not found in the Mayan Riviera or Tulum, areas that have been developed recently. Xcanatun dates from the XVIII century and is now a wonderful boutique hotel, it is charming and intimate with an upscale feel, and was the perfect setting for this very lovely wedding. Zach and Lolita, Lindsey and I wish you all the very best! Felicidades a los dos!

Lolita on her way to meet her groom for a “first look” and bride and groom photgraphs on the grounds of Hacienda Xcanatun, these two are so great together!

The backdrop of the ceremony was the hacienda chapel, it was very peaceful and beautiful.

The dinner reception was held on the hacienda’s outdoor terrace. Zach and Lolita had music all throughout the evening, an orchestra accompanied the ceremony followed by a traditional Yucatecan trio (perfect for the location and ambience!) and finally after dinner a local salsa band had the guests on their feet!

Lindsey and I were able to “escape” the reception for a few minutes with Zach and Lolita for a few nigh time photos…

Wedding photographer based in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, Elizabeth Medina photographs weddings in Yucatan, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Cancun, the Maya Riviera, Tulum, San Miguel de Allende and throughout Mexico, with a relaxed, natural and expressive style.

Such a wonderful couple, surrounded by family, Lauren and I really enjoyed this wedding! The weather on their wedding day could not have been crazier, bright sunny skies and then a very sudden downpour just as the ceremony was ending. Group photos in a gazebo filled with 100 guests taking shelter from the rain was a first! I had to admire Mitul and Loan for taking the change in weather completely in stride and continuing to have such a great time with their wedding party and guests! It was just awesome that we had a trash the dress session scheduled for the next morning. The weather was perfect and I really loved the additional bride and groom photographs we were able to take around the resort as well as photograph Mitul and Loan with the dress (and suit!) in the ocean. Thank you so much Mitul and Loan! Can’t wait to get cracking on your album!

Wondering about the weather…

All the guys in the wedding party wore khakis and white shirts with fun white and tan tennis shoes, this little nephew was one of the guys!

This wedding party had an awful lot of personality as yoy can see in the next photo!

These two make such a great couple! While I suspect that being photographed might not be Mitul’s favorite activity he was such a great sport and never complained even thought I don’t think he had more than a few hours of sleep before having to wake up for the day after session.

With 2010 here for a while and it is great to be able to share one last 2009 wedding! Thank you, thank you Angela and Chris for your patience and total lack of bride (and groom) zillaness as I slowly but surely edited the many photos from your Dreams, Tulum wedding! I will stop the chatter now and let the photos of this bright and happy destination wedding at one of my very favorite locations do the talking. Congratulations, Angela and Chris, thank you so much for letting Lauren and I photograph your beautiful and very special destination wedding!

A few details: the colors of the flower’s in Angela’s bouquet really “popped” and had to love her choice of spunky purple shoes!

Getting ready and a photograph of the beautiful bride. I can’t mention enough how much I appreciate it when the bride is able to dedicate a window of time to bridal photos before the action begins.

Angela and Chris planned to meet for a “first look”, those moments are some of my favorites from the day.

Anglela and her girls pre-ceremony.

Dreams Tulum has such serene and beautiful ceremony site!

The happy groom awaiting the ceremony…

Group hug!

During the ceremony some clouds rolled in, just enough to bring a very brief shower and an amazing rainbow!

Bride and groom, sunset beach photographs, I don’t know how it could get much better.

Luego la fiesta…con muy buen ambiente!

Destination wedding photographer Tulum Mexico. Elizabeth Medina, wedding photography in the Mayan Riviera, Yucatan, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende and throughout Mexico.

This wedding will go down in history as a party to remember. Now if only this photographer could get a certain song out of her head!  Pj and Kate were married in a Catholic ceremony at the Maroma Chapel in the Mayan Riviera. The wedding preparations as well as the coctail hour and dinner reception were held at the beatiful Excellence Riviera Cancun and the wedding was coordinated by Luxe Destination Weddings. Kate and PJ are such a fun young couple who really knew how to relax and enjoy their celebration. Muchas Gracias PJ and Kate! We hope the photographs bring back lots of memories!

Elizabeth Medina wedding photographer Riviera Maya Mexico.

Hola! Slowly getting caught up with December weddings! Tt was a pleasure to finally be able to photograph Milena and Gerry´s wedding! Planned originally for a date in the very midst of the Swine Flu outbreak, Gerry and Milena´s much awaited May 2009 wedding had to be postponed at the very last minute. Fortunately they and their guests who traveled in from both North and South America were able to go with the flow and gather in Mexico for a very memorable December celebration. What a fun, fun group! Be forewarned I am including many detail photos in this blog post! Milena and Gerry, aside from being lots of fun to photograph, are a very creative couple and they incorporated many projects and a lot of style into their wedding plans, let me tell you Martha Stewart has nothing on these two!

The cermony was held on a rooftop “Sky Deck” overlooking the ocean. I was not sure what to expect of this location but was very favorably surprised, the ceremony was just lovely.

More details! The Capiz shells made the most beautiful sound all through the ceremony.

Lindsey’s photo…

The reception, more details…I had to share the children’s place settings because it was such a cute idea and something we had not seen before. I am sure it was a huge hit with the flower girls and ring bearers (and their parents!) because it kept the little ones entertained all through the reception.

A few images from the TTD session, also at the Azul Sensatori. This session was actually done the evening before the wedding and was a great chance for us to get to know the bride and groom before the big day. Non wedding day sessions are really special to me because they give an opportuntiy to really focus on the couple and their interaction with each other.

The next two images are from Lindsey’s camera… I may be a bit biased but I think they are just beautiful.

Azul Sensatori wedding photography by destination wedding photographer, Elizabeth Medina. Wedding photojournalism in the Mayan Riviera and throughout Mexico.

So beautiful! Miko and Kenji were married in a very intimate and spiritual ceremony at the Hacienda Uayamón in Campeche, Mexico. Uayamón is truly one of the Yucatan Peninsula´s gems and I could not feel more happy that so many people have become familiar with this magical hacienda through my work. I tend to get multiple emails every week asking about this location which tells me one thing… that many of my blog ¨readers¨ actually skip my ramblings and just look at the pictures. Which is something that I endorse wholeheartedly! This hacienda is far off the beaten path in the state of Campeche and Kenji and Miko experienced some interesting adventures along the way that I am sure will make fun stories someday. Their spiritual wedding ceremony was truly moving and I felt honored to be present, the atmosphere was simply magnificent and not something I can easily describe in words. Rather than trying I will let the images speak. Congratulations Miko and Kenji, and thank you.

Kenji and Miko symbolically joined two candles to light one single flame, but their individual flames continued to burn next to each other throughout the ceremony.

Wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina, wedding photojournalism in Yucatan, Campeche, Riviera Maya, Cancun and throughout Mexico.

Adrienne and Evan were married at Milamores,  a secluded beach front property near Tulum, Mexico, which according to legend was originally built by famous drug king pin Pablo Escobar. Mil Amores is now living a whole new life as an “eco chic” boutique hotel and was a peaceful and private wedding location for Adrienne and Evan. Despite the weekend beginning with some weather “issues” due to pesky Hurricane Ida, the wedding day was unforgettable and the beach amazingly calm and beautiful for the oceanfront ceremony. Adrienne and Evan are a very loving couple and had planned so many thoughtful surprises for their guests it was really fun to see (and photograph!) each charming detail and how everyone had such a good time all through the evening’s celebration.

The bride and groom before the ceremony… muy guapos los dos!

Tulum’s wedding coordinator Gwen Grossett of Destination Weddings Tulum was on hand to make the wedding and reception all come together and run smoothly. Below, Adrienne walking through the jungle on the way to the ceremony.

The reception was moved indoors due to the uncertain weather, so while things may have been a little different than planned the ambiance was simply amazing.

Tulum wedding photography by Mexico destination wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina at Milamores, Tulum, Mexico.