For those unfamiliar with Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is located very far from the Yucatan Peninsula where I live. The landscape, architecture, history and even the light are very different in the two places. Erin and Jim chose to be married in the historic Hacienda Las Trancas in the countryside between Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It was a beautiful, intimate celebration and I felt so fortunate to be able to document the wedding, as well as photograph Erin and Jim more informally in the colorful town of San Miguel de Allende. ¡Felicidades Erin y Jim!

I arrived from the airport just in time for this relaxed portrait session near the main square of San Miguel de Allende.

The people passing by thought that Erin and Jim were models, they were so surprised to hear that they would be getting married in a few days!

The wedding day…the weather could not have been more perfect.

Pre ceremony…

I have never really been into roses, but I think Erin made me a believer. They were AMAZING.

I loved this shot of the guys in the hacienda corridor.

Jim waiting for his first glimpse of Erin as a bride.

The ceremony was held in the hacienda’s courtyard, so beautiful.

A quiet moment before the fiesta.

July 7, 2007 was a big day for weddings, and it really was a lucky date for me, because I was able to work with a fabulous couple on a gorgeous sunny day in the Maya Riviera. Catherine and John planned their wedding on a private beach in Playacar, with the reception to follow at the Riu Palace Resort. Here are a few images form that special day…

The ceremony site in Playacar.

Catherine asked her friends to dress in the colors of the ocean..I love it!

The first dance…

Another first dance…this photograph really spoke to me.

Elizabeth Medina Photography, wedding photojournalism in the Riviera Maya and throughout Mexico. Rui Palace, Playacar, Mexico destination wedding photography.

Karaline was one of the brides that I look forward to meeting for months, because her emails were so full of personality and details about the wedding. It was fun knowing that she was excited about having creative photographs of her wedding day! She and Paul were in great spirits, enjoying every minute of the day, a delight to be around! Congratulations!

The wedding day was gorgeous, with an incredibly blue sky and turquoise ocean…but even those surroundings couldn’t compete with the bride’s eyes, wow!

Karaline’s sandals were so pretty.

The beach ceremony.

A post ceremony surprise from Paul’s father, the banner read “Felicidades Karaline and Paul 05-05-07″

Karaline and her “girls” on the beach.

My assistant captured this image, one of my favorites!

The poolside reception was one of the most lively I have seen, the guests really danced!

Splash!

Elizabeth Medina wedding photojournalist, Maya Rivera, Mexico. Secrets Capri Resort.

Alejandra and Jorge came to see me about photographing their sunset ceremony on the Gulf coast of Yucatan more than a year ago, and we walked the beach where the ceremony was to be held. While I envisioned a beautiful beach ceremony in this very special place the actual event was beyond my wildest dreams. What could be better than photographing such a happy couple, in the midst of so much beauty, love and good times?

Paradise…

I loved the contrast in texture between the rough palm bark and the very clean design of the rings.

This was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have witnessed.

The bride and groom make their grand entrance into the reception.

This has to be my favorite dessert photograph ever…ice cream in a coconut shell, I love it!

The first dance was spectacular.

Parent dance, what a moment to capture.

I am fortunate to have known Lauren since she was young and so was very happy to be able to meet her fiancée, Byron, and to photograph first an engagement session on the beach at Uaymitun last summer and then a year later the wedding in Mérida. I hope their photographs will be a real legacy for their new family, telling the story of the life that they are starting together, and bringing back happy memories for a long, long time. Congratulations, Byron and Lauren, and may you continue to be blessed in your life together.

Beach photo session, summer 2006.

Last minute wedding day preparations, the weather got very, very dark and windy about this time, I was sure it would rain, but amazingly the sky completely cleared and it was a beautiful evening!

The ¨novios¨decided to see each other before the ceremony and I was able to “hide” and photograph from a distance the moment when they first greeted each other before the ceremony.

A few moments during the ceremony.

Lauren and Byron’s first dance as husband and wife. I love the way both of their rings are together in this photograph.

Reception fun…

It almost wouldn’t be a wedding in Mexico without Mariachis. They even serenaded Lauren and Byron as they made their exit from the ballroom.

I hope I am not overloading my blog with images, it is so hard to edit all the photographs from a full day’s wedding coverage into a reasonable number! Sara and Neil were married a the Shangri La Caribe in Playa del Carmen, I felt very honored to have been chosen to document the wedding, especially when I saw the care that Sara had put into choosing each and every detail. The Shangri La Caribe had been on my short list of venues where I would like to photograph and it did not disappoint, I really enjoyed the vibe there…relaxed but beautiful. Sara and Neil, thank you for letting me be a part of your day, and congratulations to you both.

I have to mention the flowers…the color was incredible, absolutely perfect for the theme of the wedding.

Getting into a wedding dress can be a little tricky!

Sara dn her girls looking gorgeous.

I love the little bungalows on the beach at the Shangri La Caribe, this one had a little spot that was perfect for the “novios”.

Sara and Neil had a few moments alone before the ceremony.

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A few moments from the the beach wedding ceremony.

Drinks by the pool, so tropical…

It rained for just a few minutes and when it stopped the sky and ocean were amazing.

A few photographs from the reception.

Wedding photojournalism by Mexico wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina at Playa del Carmen, Mexico in the Maya Riviera.