“What can Brian and I do today to be good clients for you?” Since I spend the wedding day focused on being a good photographer for the brides and grooms who have entrusted such important memories to my lens Stacia’s question truly took me by surprise. I am sure I did not express myself very well which of course did not stop them from being fantastic all day long! Because when it comes right down to it the answer lies in doing just what Brian and Stacia did on their wedding day… be themselves and enjoy each other and every minute of their once in a lifetime day! Brian and Stacia were married at Azul Beach this resort is kind of unique in that it has a boutique hotel vibe but is also all inclusive and family friendly. I have really enjoyed all the weddings I have photographed at this location and this laid back beach affair was certainly no exception.

Puerto Morelos wedding photography by Mexico’s premier wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina. Wedding photojournalism in the Mayan Riviera, Yucatan and throughout Mexico.

Unfortunately I seem to have run out of superlatives somewhere during my last post, if anyone has a few to donate I appreciate it, I will be needing them over the next few weeks as the blog explodes with amazing weddings! I guess for now I will have to let the photographs do the talking for Nicole and Ben’s fantastic Riviera Maya destination wedding at Azul Beach near Puerto Morelos. The wedding was coordinated by Luxe Destination Weddings and featured a very stylish and fun bride and groom, basically it could not have been more beautiful!

I know this could not be the view every bride dreams of seeing out her window a few hours before the ceremony! Fortunately if was a false alarm and it stopped sprinkling just in time for Nicole and Ben’s “first look” and bride and groom photos on the beach.

A few getting ready details…

The first look…

The Catholic ceremony was held at the Marina Maroma Chapel, what a nice location!

Gotta love those signature drinks! And in my favorite color!

The reception was held back at Azul Beach, perfect!

Mexico wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina, Wedding photojournalism in the Maya Riviera, Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and throughout Mexico.

This was a beautiful wedding to photograph! Eric and Stacey make a beautiful couple! They were married on the beach at the Maroma Paradise Marina which is operated by Karisma Resorts. The getting ready portion of the day happened at another Karisma property, Azul Beach. From there the group was transported to the Secrets Maroma Marina by bus except for Stacey and her girls who made the trip in a limo. The ceremony and reception were held on the beach at the marina. A large and really fun group of family and friends had made the trip to the Riviera Maya to share in the celebration.

A few getting ready and bridal shots taken at Azul Beach before leaving for the ceremony.

Somehow I liked the juxtaposition of the limo and the palapa…and I love Stacey’s excited face! What a happy day!

Stacey was hiding so the guests wouldn’t see her when the limo arrived…

I loved the orange colors that were chosen for the wedding, they really popped next to the bright blue water! This is Eric’s boutonnière.

I have no idea why I thought this sign at the entrance to the marina was funny!

The ceremony site and program…

Lindsey captured this expressive shot of Stacey’s mom as Stacey entered with her father.

Stacey’s flower girl did an excellent job! She even helped out with the photography!

There were so many nice details at this wedding. Each guest had a personalized hand paineted sand dollar as a place card.

Elizabeth Medina is a professional wedding photographer based in Yucatan, Mexico. She specializes in wedding photojournalism and photographs weddings in the Mayan Riviera, Cancun, Yucatan, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and throughout Mexico.

Wedding planning can be so complicated, especially at a distance. Jennifer wrote me an email before the wedding that said basically that the only thing she was sure of was that it was going to be a beautiful day. And it truly was! And so much fun as I think you should be able tell from the photographs! Lindsey and I had said just the night before that we thought it would be nice to photograph a bride with a cute short haircut…how astonishing to arrive at Azul Beach the next day and meet a gorgeous bride who fit that description perfectly! Jen and Fred make such a great pair, and were so nice to work with, it was a pleasure to photograph the moments that made up their high spirited, once in a lifetime Mexico wedding! Come to think of it, I think we also hoped for sunshine….and there was definitely plenty of that! Not to mention unforgettable tropical color! Thank you Jen and Fred!

The very colorful ceremony location. The ocean and sky could not have been more beautiful than on this summer day.

A light moment during the vows, Jen’s maid of honor was a big help when the wind picked up!

Once one bridesmaid teared up it was over for all of them!

Ok, this is a bit random….I would love to know what was said!

The decisive moment, bridal party edition…Lindsey (first shot) and I (the following shot) clicked the shutter at just the same time!

A few details from the cocktail hour and wedding reception.

Working on the playlist…

There were many emotional special dances, here is the mother-daughter dance.

This has never happened to me before…I was photographing a quick party picture of Fred hugging his mom and aunt…I was not expecting this to happen!

Elizabeth Medina, is a destination wedding photographer, based in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and photographing weddings in the Maya Riviera, Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Tulum areas as well as Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende and throughout Mexico. Azul Beach is a Karisma Resort located in the Riviera Maya.

Russell and Brit were a fabulous couple to work with…I could tell Russ was a sweetheart when I saw the note he had left for Brit before the wedding made out of bracelets and necklaces! Brit was very beautiful and sweet and I could tell immediately that they are crazy about each other! It was so much fun to catch the spontaneous, joyous moments between the two of them. What more could a wedding photographer hope for? Muchas felicidades Brit and Russell!

It looked like rain right up until the time of the ceremony, so the ceremony was held in an alternate location, fortunatley the weather cleared up and we were able to photograph outdoors afterwards.

Brit wore a mermaid style dress, the train bustled in the coolest way!

The reception location was one of the loveliest I have seen, the palapa was very open and had a breathtaking view of the ocean. The sky cleared completely to reveal an amazing full moon.

Playa del Carmen wedding photography by international wedding photojournalist Elizabeth Medina.