I have to think that one of my favorite things that come with destination wedding photographer territory can also be one of the most bittersweet. Getting to meet wonderful, hospitable and caring people like Janelle and Todd and spend with them their most special day is an amazing privilege! The flip side of the coin- knowing that they live too far away for us to crash their future celebrations! Although as cold as it is where they make their home we won’t give up hope of seeing them again in Mexico one of these winters! Janelle and Todd took such good care of their guests (and photographers!) it was a pleasure to see how they enjoyed their wedding in Akumal, Mexico and we hope the photos capture the spirit of the day.  All photographs (c) 2012 Lindsey Medina and Elizabeth Medina.

Its fun seeing the wedding bands that each bride and groom have chosen, Janelle and Todd’s were super unique!

Getting ready and off for the first look! Todd nad Janelle seemed so happy to have this private encounter before the ceremony! And as photographers Lindsey and I were happy to have a chance for some relaxed moments to photograph the couple before things got rolling!

Beach ceremony, Akumal is such a beautiful location. The weather was kind of “iffy” and I think it even rained for a few seconds but fortunately all was good and after the ceremony the sun came peeking out!

I love all the different emotions that are revealed in the next images.

We found Mexico’s next Mariachi!

Accompanied by a Mexican Mariachi trio Janelle and Todd rejoined their guests to party at the Grand Sirenis’ Palapa complete with typical Mexican details like papel picado streamers and the bride and groom calavera cake toppers.

Nope, not finished! The next morning bride and groom were up bright and early for trash the dress photos, so amazing to have the beach to ourselves at such a lovely time of day!

It was absolutely lovely. Carla and Angelo’s wedding took place at Dreams Riviera Cancun, super fantastic “second shooter” Lauren and I very much enjoyed spending time with this very kind couple and their Latin and Greek group. You know that when those two groups come together its going to be a great party!

Carla and Angelo exchanged handwritten notes before the ceremony and they were surprised to have chosen the EXACT SAME CARD for each other!

The “first look”….the next shot is Lauren’s…

The ceremony was held in the gazebo overlooking the ocean…it was so pretty and of course you know I do love yellow!

A few relaxed wedding party photos…

Then a very short bride and groom photo session on the beach before heading off the the cocktail hour. I always love it when timelines permit the bride and groom to experience at least part of the cocktail hour with their guests!

The next image is Lauren’s.

Yellow signature cocktails! Perfecto!

The first dance, father daughter dance and reception…

Photos from the trash the dress session the next morning…it was so peaceful to be have the beach all to ourselves.

Mexico’s premier destination wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina, photographs weddings in the Mayan Riviera and other amazing wedding locations throughout Mexico.

I think every bride and groom envision a sunny day for the wedding, Alex and Eric certainly had theirs! As corny as it sounds sometimes you just feel the love and happiness all through the day, and it was great to witness such a large group of the bride and groom’s friends and family who had not only made the trip the attend this destination wedding in but who truly seemed to be thrilled for Alec and Eric and enjoying every single second to the maximum. Such a great party!

The Fairmont Mayakoba is a really unique setting, fantastic architecture and jungle vegetation overlooking the Mayan Riviera, it seemed like the perfect venue for this Mayan Riviera destination wedding.

The first look: this is usually the only time of the day that I am in charge of setting up… so I tend to get into it and my inner movie director takes over! At this wedding I once again had the assistance of wedding photographer Hiram Trillo. His second shooter/wife Nancy (that should probably be reversed, pretty sure the wife part comes first) was also helping out and so it was really fun to find a location that allowed the Alex and Eric’s encounter to be captured from three very different vantage points. Very cinematic if I do say so myself. (how embarrassingly geeky is that anyway?) Erin’ s approach was captured by Nancy.

And the following from Nancy’s vantage point across the river.

A few wedding party photos:

The beach ceremony, Alex and Eric brought down a rabbi, from what I understand they are very hard if not impossible to find in the Cancun Mayan Riviera area.

There goes the veil!

I love the next image!

Mariachi photo by Hiram.

The decor was fantastic, Alex and Eric choose to use white flowers for the beach ceremony and red for the dinner reception. The rich red flowers really complemented the Mexican themed table decorations and wedding favors (talavera pottery shot glasses). Muy bonito!

First dance:

I loved Hiram’s photo of the father, daughter dance, great capture!

And of course we love the Hora!

Mexico’s premier destination wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina photographs weddings in Yucatan, Campeche, the Mayan Riviera, Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Vallarta.

With 2010 here for a while and it is great to be able to share one last 2009 wedding! Thank you, thank you Angela and Chris for your patience and total lack of bride (and groom) zillaness as I slowly but surely edited the many photos from your Dreams, Tulum wedding! I will stop the chatter now and let the photos of this bright and happy destination wedding at one of my very favorite locations do the talking. Congratulations, Angela and Chris, thank you so much for letting Lauren and I photograph your beautiful and very special destination wedding!

A few details: the colors of the flower’s in Angela’s bouquet really “popped” and had to love her choice of spunky purple shoes!

Getting ready and a photograph of the beautiful bride. I can’t mention enough how much I appreciate it when the bride is able to dedicate a window of time to bridal photos before the action begins.

Angela and Chris planned to meet for a “first look”, those moments are some of my favorites from the day.

Anglela and her girls pre-ceremony.

Dreams Tulum has such serene and beautiful ceremony site!

The happy groom awaiting the ceremony…

Group hug!

During the ceremony some clouds rolled in, just enough to bring a very brief shower and an amazing rainbow!

Bride and groom, sunset beach photographs, I don’t know how it could get much better.

Luego la fiesta…con muy buen ambiente!

Destination wedding photographer Tulum Mexico. Elizabeth Medina, wedding photography in the Mayan Riviera, Yucatan, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende and throughout Mexico.