Happy New Year’s! A little holiday break from shooting has meant time spent editing 2011′s final weddings. I loved noticing how the last events of the year represented so perfectly a cross section of the variety of weddings photographed all throughout the year. Very different in setting, style, number of guests, degree of formality and type of ceremony, held in different geographical locations and including people from different parts of the globe, somehow all of the events seemed to be defined by the same set of key common elements; amazingly happy and laid-back brides and grooms, relaxed good times (hey, its Mexico, comes with the territory!) and of course (and hopefully our blog readers will forgive us if we do say so ourselves) some pretty sweet once-in-a-lifetime photographs to remember them by! Coming soon to the blog as we wrap up 2011 editing: beautiful events in Merida, Yucatan, Playa del Carmen, and San Miguel de Allende. To get the ball rolling, Xochitl and Israel’s lovely, long awaited Playa del Carmen wedding at the Xcaret Eco Park. Xochitl and Israel were married in what has to be one of Mexico’s most spectacular venues and incorporated colorful Mexican elements. We were able to photograph the couple on the grounds of the park, the Catholic mass and then the  beautiful ocean side reception at the Las Posas area of the park.

Xochitl and Israel, it was a joy to finally be able to meet you and your beautiful family! On behalf of team Medina congratulations, we wish you all the best! We truly hope the wedding photographs will be a special part of your family history!

All photographs (c) 2012 Elizabeth and Lauren Medina.

The Xcaret park has a small Mayan ruin, we were photographing the bride and groom when I saw something move behind them! We had a visitor!

I know, I know, things have been moving slower than usual here on the blog… fortunately not for lack of photos but because there are so many! Being so busy shooting and editing the images from weddings on both coasts (and points in between!) has meant a portfolio bursting wide with photographs but very little time to blog! Here’s a little taste of spring from John and Ashley’s late March wedding at the Mayan Riviera’s beautiful Azul Sensatori Resort. I felt so blessed to photograph such a truly lovely couple on their very special day!

A few ceremony moments on the beach at Azul Sensatori.

After the ceremony Ashely and John did their ‘first dance’ on  the beach accompanied in song by one of their family members, beautiful!

The next two are from Lauren’s camera, so lovely!

The day’s schedule and relaxed vibe allowed for plenty of daylight for photos of the bride and groom, this part was so much fun!

Wow, Ashley!

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.

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.

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.

Wedding day energy…there is nothing like it! One thing I love about wedding photojournalism is that there are so many emotions being experienced though out the day, documenting the joyful, beautiful real emotions (and also of course the craziness of it all) is an absolute adventure and the only thing that you can know for sure is that no two weddings are ever alike! Michael and Kelly are a fantastic couple with absolutely amazing energy for being in the moment and enjoying each other and the group of family and friends that joined them in Mexico. The day seemed to fly by so fast! I think one of the most wonderful thing about photography is its ability to stop time, I was so amazed while editing the photos by how many once in a lifetime moments were to be found in the images that Lauren and I were fortunate to be able to capture on this incredible day.

Lauren spotted this ´still life´ I love how the little details can help tell the story.

Bride and groom before the ceremony…

The weather had been pretty much touch and go, but at the perfect moment the sky cleared and the sun lit up the bride and groom, wow!

Another great detail shot from Lauren´s camera!

Fiesta!

Wedding photojpurnalist Elizabeth Medina, wedding photography at Azul Sensatori a Karisma resort. Elizabeth Medina specializes in destination wedding photography throughout the Mayan Riviera, the Yucatan Penninsula and Mexico.

This was such a fun session. Tommy and Erica contacting me while planning their vacation at the Aventura Spa Palace Resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. They were thinking about a photo session of the two of them together. Not wedding or engagement photographs because they ahve been married for quite a while, but photographs of the two of them in that fabulous location. The session was really enjoyable, it is always fun to photograph a nice couple with good “chemistry” and Tommy and Erica  and it was fun to explore the different little corners of the resort. Gracias Tommy and Erica, I hope you enjoy the photographs!

Elizabeth Medina Photography, Rivera Maya Mexico.

One thing I love about destination weddings is that they lend themselves so well to very intimate, expressive ceremonies. Witnessing so many couple’s special day, each one unique and beautiful, I realize over and over again that it is not large guest list or all the trimmings and extras that make the wedding truly meaningful, rather it is the spirit of love and commitment that can be felt most powerfully. Of course sand, ocaean and sky make th most wonderful decorations! Shura and Tim love the ocean, and he actually proposed under water while scuba diving! So I guess the choice of an intimate beach ceremony at the beautiful and relaxing El Dorado Maroma (AKA Mi Hotelito) surrounded by a close group of friends was a natural one. Thank you Shura and Tim for allowing us to join you on your wonderful day, best wishes to the two of you!

I liked the warm, rich colors of the flowers! Rings and rose petals…

Shura’s bouquet.

A little champagne toast during the getting ready photos from the HMOH. (honorary matron of honor!).

Shura and tim met before the ceremony so we could get photographs of the two of them. That was great but kind of scary when it started to rain during the photo session! They were good sports though and thankfully the rain stopped in plenty of time!

The ceremony on the beach.

Tim’s vows were on little slates just like his underwater proposal! It was hilarious!

Time to celebrate!

The coctail hour was held in a poolside palapa, very laid back.

A few night photographs after dinner. The second was captured by Lauren, I loved her take on the moment!

Destination wedding photography in Mexico by Elizabeth Medina. Elizabeth is a wedding photojournalist based in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, photographing weddings throughout Mexico in locations including the Maya Riviera. To view her online portfolio of wedding images visit:  www.elizabethmedina.com

Kevina nd Sara were a wonderful couple to work with. Kevin had been my point of contact during the planning stages so I knew he was very enthusiastic about having great wedding photographs. He and Sarah were so patient, they really collaborated to go the extra mile for their photographs, both on the wedding day and by waking up the morning after the wedding for a sunrise trash the dress session at 6 AM on the beach in Playa del Carmen. They had some great surprises for their guests on the wedding day. Every one seemed so happy for the bride and groom, and I have absolutely never seen a happier mother of the groom as Sarah was welcomed into the family! Here are some images form the weddign day and the fabulous trash the dress session the next morning…I think it was worth the 5 am alarm clock, which is saying a lot!

A couple of images from the trash the dress photo session…the name of this fishing boat was ¨corazón¨, or ¨heart¨in Spanish.

One thing about portrait photography is knowing how to connect with subject and knowing how to pace the session for the most variety and expressions possible. During the wedding day and the trash he dress session Sarah and Kevin were such good sports and we got all kinds of photographs of the two of them but I still felt like there was something a little below the surface yet and that it would make a special photograph. When I saw the image below in my camera´s viewfinder I think I actually said ¨That´s it!¨ Just what I had been after!

The rings…

Sarah´s beautiful dress.

A few shots from the ceremony in the Gazebo at the Royal in Playa del Carmen. Happy, happy bride…

The gazebo and sand ceremony…

This one is kind of a funny moment…Only at a resort wedding would you see something like this!

One of the surprises for the wedding guests was the mariachi group.

6 AM, time to trash the dress! Sunrise in the Maya Rivera happens over the ocean.

I loved the textures in this image.

Time to trash the dress (or wash the dress) in the ocean.

Elizabeth Medina, es fotógrafa profesional de bodas. Ofrece fotografia de bodas en Mexico, en la Riviera Maya, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Tulum, Yucatan, Merida, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, Y Los Cabos. Se especializa en bodas de destino en haciendas y playas.

I get a surprising number of emails every week from destination brides and grooms asking for suggestions of locations for their weddings. I know the choices must be overwhelming, especially since there is not always the opportunity for a site visit before actually making the trip to Mexico for the wedding. When asked about Dreams Tulum I am always happy to give an enthusiastic thumbs up, especially if the crowd is a bit laid back and may be bringing children. Everyone just seems to have a great time at Dreams Tulum! This wedding certainly is a case in point, I was struck over and over as I edited all the photographs by the smiles on everyone’s face. Audra and Joe are a very active and fun couple, great to hang out with and to photograph! The ceremony was held on the beach and the dinner and dancing afterward also overlooked the ocean, in the Seaside Grill restaurant. Thank you Audra and Joe for letting us photograph your day. Best wishes to the two of you,may you continue to be blessed!

Bride and groom getting ready…

I thought this tee shirt was the best!

Audra and her team before they helped her with her final preparations.

So beautiful! I love it when there is enough time to do bridal portraits before the ceremony, they are always some of my favorites of the day.

The ceremony set up on the beach.

This is one of my favorites from the day.

In the warm weather sometimes the ring just doesn’t want to go on! iI loved Audra’s reaction!

Married!

The black and red color scheme is a bit different for a beach wedding, I thought the punchy color looked just fantastic.

Bridal party formals..

The first dance…

Not quite sure what was going on here…

Wedding photography in Mexico by professional wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina. Elizabeth Medina is a Wedding Photojournalist based in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. She photographs weddings throughout Mexico at locations including the Maya Riviera, Yucatan haciendas, Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos y San Miguel de Allende.

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.

This photo session was so enjoyable! Jill Higgins is a professional photographer based in Georgia and would be in the Maya Rivera area photographing a wedding at the Fairmont Mayakoba. She wanted some photographs with her husband Brian, they have been married for 12 years but apparently had spent very little time on the “other side” of the lens and had few photographs of them as a couple. I was so happy the way things worked out to make the session a reality. As it turned out we would also be in the Playa del Carmen area for a wedding the next day, so timing was perfect. It is a little intimidating being commissioned by another photographer but it was great fun getting to meet Jill and Brian. Aside from being a great looking couple they are very sweet and laid back, we even had a chance to hang out and talk shop afterward!

T+L Magazine, which faithful readers of this blog may remember is one of my favorite publications, (along with Elle Decor, but that is totally off the subject of this post!) describes it as Maya goes Zen, I don’t know about that, but the way the mangrove swamps are integrated into the architecture is fantastic. Great place for a photo session with a great couple!

Elizabeth Medina specializes in wedding photojournalism. She photographs weddings in the Maya Riviera, Tulum, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, Los Cabos and throughout Mexico.

Mindy and Chad are the kind of people that you feel like you have known forever as soon as you meet them. They have been married for one year and planned a fun anniversary photo shoot to take place during their trip to Tulum. Since I can usually only make the trip to Tulum for full wedding day coverage I was happy that I would be in the area already and available to photograph the two of them, especially once I met them and found out how much fun they are! We started off with more casual anniversary shots of the two of them around the beautiful grounds of the resort, then they quickly changed into wedding clothes for the second part of the session, which ended up with all of us completely soaked! Fortunately the camera survived and I think the photographs were worth it! Thank you so much Mindy and Chad for being so much fun to hang out with and for waiting so patiently to see the photographs!

Mindy and Chad told me they really liked the architecture of the resort, I tried to incorporate the feel of the resort into the photographs.

Mindy, is a very cheerful, bubbly person…but I thought the serious photographs of her were just beautful.

Casual beach photographs, I think every newly married or engaged couple should have these done!

I think this is my favorite from the whole anniversary session, because it shows the fun releationship the two have!

Two more photographs of the Bride on the Dreams, Tulum beach…

Elizabeth Medina is a professional photographer specializing in wedding photojournalism. Located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, she photographs destination weddings in Yucatan, the Maya Riviera, Tulum, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta Los Cabos and throughout Mexico. She is a member of the WPJA, Wedding Photojournalist Association.