Sometimes we meet a couple and notice right away how very beloved they seem to be by friends and family. Usually when that happens by the end of the day we also end up thinking the couple is the just the greatest and that is just what happened with Shannon and Jeff. I loved receiving Shannon’s emails and almost don’t want to send off the photographs because then she will have no reason to email! The ceremony was held on the lawn of the Hilton Cancun which overlooks the ocean. By some miracle it rained on the golf course which is just across the road and not one drop on the wedding! It was truly a beautiful day. And a great party!

The “first look”, i would recommend this to anyone getting married, I loved the portraits of Shannon and Jeff taken before the cermony.

A few details from this destination wedding.

The ceremony was beautiful and I was so appreciative of Shannon’s videographer, who was considerate and non obtrusive enough to film from behind the last row of guests. This makes such a huge difference in the photographs, I think the photograph below would NOT be the same with a videographer standing front and center next to the best man, between the bride and groom or in the center of the aisle as is so often the way at destination weddings.

The reception was held in one of the Hilton’s ballrooms. I guess it should come as no surprise that the banquet service was fantastic.

The first dance…

A funny toast…

And a great party. DJ Mannia really knows how the crowd moving, but I think this group did not really need much encouragement!

Cancun, Mexico wedding photojournalism by destination wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina.

Its always fun to photograph a great celebration! Kim and Reggie’s wedding was the first time I had ever been to the Hilton in Cancun. It is a great hotel, I loved the view and the relaxing atmosphere. The wedding itself  was planned to be very special. In addition to the Cancun Hilton‘s dedicated wedding planner, Jessica Parra, Kim and Reggie had a great wedding coordinator who travelled with them to Mexico, Candice Smith from Something Blue Events and there seemed to be all kinds of neat details everywhere I looked and never a slow moment. The weather was kind of touch and go for a while (hurricane Gustav was passing by out at sea on its way to cause so much trouble in the US) but Kim and Reggie were able to have the ceremony as planned overlooking the Cancun ocean. Hooray!

Reggie and Kim, You were a blast to photograph I look forward to seeing you both again in November!

I have never seen a bride shed more happy tears on one day! And with very good cause. Reggie had a way of going the extra mile to give Kim the most lovely surprises, cards and speeches, thank goodness for waterproof mascara! She had finally dried her eyes from Reggie’s multiple gifts and when her mom presented Kim with mementos from her childhood, more tears!

Wow! Things were running a little late after all those tears, but I know I would not forgive myself if I didn’t push the pause button for just a moment to capture portraits of the radiant bride.

A few photographs from the ceremony…

And some happy photographs of the newly married couple.

I thought this was one of the most beautiful cakes I have seen!

A bit of reception decor in the Cancun Hilton ballroom.

Reggie and Kim’s first dance.

Reggie went after the garter and came out with this “private property” sign!

speeches…

I don’t remember what the groom was reading but I do know that more tears were the result!

Blog readers will see more of the smiling faces below very soon when I shoot their Cancun wedding in November! Thanks so much Rachel and Aaron for spreading the word!

Cancun photographer Elizabeth Medina specializes in wedding photography in the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Isla Mujeres, Guanajuato and Los Cabos.