When I first began to study photography (and I do mean study- I am probably the only person who would have purchased every photography book available at Barnes and Nobles and practically memorized them before actually buying a camera and signing up for a class- I mean really, who does that?) I embarked on a mad love affair with color… only to fall head over heels with black and white contrast and shadow when I began to develop and print in the darkroom. In those non-digital times one had to choose ahead of time between “seeing” in black and white and in color, or as I eventually began to do carry two cameras- in my case usually with a roll of tri X or an Ilford BW film in one and color transparency film in the other. Nowadays things are so much more flexible since we don’t need to decide ahead of time whether the photographs will be developed in black and white or in color.

Alejandrina and Marcelo’s photographs reminded me of how awesome that artistic freedom really is. The couple had a very elegant and classic beauty and as Lauren and I photographed the two of them at Merida´s Casa Faller I knew I would love seeing many of their images in classic black and white. At the same time there were elements throughout the day (such as the beautiful details that BAKU EVENTS brought to life at the couple´s  Hacienda Hunxectaman dinner reception, that just begged be be portrayed in color! I guess that is what ´s called having the best of both worlds!

Ale y Marcelo, nos encantó acompañarlos en su maravilloso dia, les mandamos muchisimas felicidades abrazo fuerte de parte nuestra.

All photographs (c)2013 Elizabeth and Lauren Medina.

Gemma and Carlos traveled half way around the world with a large group of fun-loving friends and family to be married in a chapel in the town of Puerto Morelos.  Just thinking back to the sight of this oh so international couple and their group enjoying the Mayan Riviera really brings a smile to my face! Great energy! Here are just a few of the couple’s happy moments and a tiny sample of the thoughtful details from the day. Gemma and Carlos, thank you for being so much fun, it was a joy to photograph your Mexico wedding! And of course a big thanks to event coordinator Maju and her team from Leanne Marie Weddings!  All photographs (c)2012 Elizabeth and Lauren Medina.

The rings and a few bride and groom getting ready photographs:

Gemma looked amazing and everyone was so excited to see her marry Carlos. I think it is fair to say that her wedding look knocked the socks off her bridal party!

The bride and groom were so much fun, it was great to see everyone notice the “help” message on the soles of Carlos’s shoes.

Married! The celebration begin on the steps of the church!

Wedding party photos on the beach of Puerto Morelos…

The reception was held poolside at the Hacienda Tres Rios resort… it was a very private and lovely setting for an amazing party!

Alejandro and June’s hacienda wedding in Merida, Yucatan… where to begin?  We were fortunate to spend a great deal of time with this very sweet couple, starting off the day prior to the wedding with a bride and groom photo session at the Hacienda Teya and finishing up with a visit to the happy couple on their honeymoon in Tulum! (they invited us, honest!)  The wedding day was full of photo opportunities, the bridal “getting ready” took place at the historic Gran Hotel in Merida’s “centro”, and it was so awesome that June and her party were able to literally cross the street to arrive at the Catholic ceremony at the very lovely Iglesia de la Tercera Orden. For those that are not familiar with Merida, this colonial city is home to many very special Catholic churches and June and Alejandro chose a beauty for their Catholic marriage celebration. I hope you will scroll all the way down for a little taste of the Hacienda wedding reception and the “eco chic” Tulum TTD session which was a fun adventure! June and Alex thank you so much, it has been wonderful to get to know the two of you and we appreciate all your collaboration along the way!

OK, this next image of June’s dashing groom is not going to do anything to dispel the idea that we are a little old fashioned here in Merida.  :-)

You guessed right, there is a back story for the next photograph! It seems that back in the day before June and Alex started dated Alex commented that when he met the girl who would push/jump start his old Falcon he would marry her… and you know who that beautiful girl was!

Getting ready on the wedding day, El Gran Hotel.

The next image is one of my favorites, it just says Merida to me.

Just a few images from the reception at Teya…

And finally the trash the dress session in Tulum at an eco chic hotel called Azulick…muy rustico but a great spot for June and Alex’s final photo session!

This wedding had so many fun elements! What a joy it is to tell the story of a day like this! A traditional Mexican Catholic mass, a mariachi serenaded stroll down the streets of Playa del Carmen, a dinner dance reception in the garden of the Royal Resort (one of my favorite locations), a romantic bride and groom photo session on the beach and of course a bride and groom who were obviously crazy about each other and happy to be celebrating in Mexico with a close group of family and friends! ¡Fue un dia inolvidable! Thank you so much Rocio and Eliazar, I loved photographing your happiness and love on your wedding day in Playa del Carmen!

A getting ready shot…when I see the bridesmaids pitching in to get the bride ready I always remember the saying “it takes a village”.

Details….

Is this little guy cute or what?

The Catholic church in Playa del Carmen where the wedding ceremony was held.

I always have an eye out for both the “big picture” and the small elements that quietly illustrate the day’s story.

Los novios, joined by the lazo en the Mexican tradition.

Los mariachis started playing when the bride and groom made their exit from the the church.

Everyone walked from the church to the reception at the Royal, a beach front resort. I think that is so much fun!

Arriving at the Royal…

The mariachis must have been a bit tired after that walk…but they never missed a beat! I wish I could remember what song they were playing here…I think it may have been “Somos novios”

Bride and groom pictures…what a great couple!

I confess, as much as I LOVE wedding photojournalism I am very proud of my skills as a portrait artist, and envisioning and creating expressive images like the next one makes me very happy.

First dance in the garden area of the Royal Resort.

I don’t know if this groom toss looks like fun to me or jsut plain scary…but Eliazar actually seemed to be enjoying it!

Great way to end a reception on a hot, hot, hot day!

Elizabeth Medina is a wedding photojournalist located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. She specializes in destination weddings and photographs weddings in the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and throughout Mexico.