Megan and Matt had a very intimate and beautiful beach wedding at the Paraiso Iberostar in the Maya Riviera. I loved the colors and details that were chosen, they harmonized perfectly with the setting. The ceremony was held just a few feet away from the ocean, it was the first beach ceremony I have photographed where there was no altar, podium, Chuppah or arch of any kind, nothing at all but the bride and groom, family and friends and sand, water and sky. It was simply perfect! I really do not think I have seen the water or sky more beautiful, and since I photogrpah so often in Cancun and the the Rivera Maya I think that is really saying something! The colors of the ocean and sky were glorious.

Thank you Megan and Matt for all your kindness, it was so wonderful to be treated as old friends throughout the day. We wish you both the best of everything! I am really looking forward to creating your wedding album to showcase and preserve the memories of the day. Here are a few of the photographs:

I coudn’t resist a beachy shot of the rings.

There is a tradition among destination wedding brides of preparing OOT (out of town) bags filled with little things to make their guests stay more comfortable. Instead of bags Megan used beach buckets in her theme color, pink. How cute is that? At the dinner reception there were little pink pails filled with M & Ms (which stands for Megan and Matt of course!)

Even the dress got to go outdoors for photos.

One last check on the mirror. As much as I love photographing veils I also really love the no veil look, especially with a hairstyle like Megan’s.

I think the only special request Megan made all day was a photograph of Matt tying his tie! Did I do OK?

Matt and Megan met in a really special garden area to take some pictures together before the ceremony.

While i was getting shots like the one above my assistant captured the one below, I loved it!

Bride and groom with maid of honor and best man.

Another amazing detail, little bags of flower petals tucked into the chair covers.

Here comes the bride…

Elizabeth Medina, Maya Rivera wedding photography. Artistic wedding photojournalism throughout the Yucatan penninsula and all of Mexico.Iberostar Paraiso Resort, Maya Rivera, Mexico.

I have been so fortunate to photograph in many different and wonderful locations throughout Mexico. The Royal in Playa del Carmen is a particularly great venue. I love going into a familiar location like the Royal and discovering a whole new couple’s story and coming away with a completely different set of images! Becky and Brian were an amazing couple to photograph, and very expressive, not to mention patient. I didn’t know what to think about Becky’s Spanish style dress when I saw it on the hanger…but once she had it on..wow! I loved it and the complete look she put together. The morning after the wedding we met at 6 am (yes! you read tht correctly 6 am the morning after the wedding!) for a trash the dress photo session on the beach. Becky was prepared for the occasion with a second wedding dress. In the Maya Rivera the sun rises over the ocean so we were able to get some wonderful color, making the early alarm clock well worth it! Thank you Brian and Becky I am so happy to know that these photographs will be part of you family history!

Becky and Brian did not see each other before the ceremony, I did a few window light portraits of each in the rooms where they were preparing for the ceremony.

Bright flowers, so nice for the beach wedding.

I love witnessing the range of emotions on the wedding day, Becky started out all smiles down the aisle and lost it when she looked at Brian!

Some past ceremony pictures…Here Becky and Brian and in the garden where the coctail hour was held.

The reception was held in the same location as the ceremony, right on the beach. Such a special atmosphere for the first dance together as husbanc and wife.

Becky and her sister having fun on the dance floor…

Sunrise and time to TTD!

Becky started out with her hair styled straight, that only lasted a few minutes because she got hit by a huge wave! I think the wet hari looks totally amazing and proof that it is not the hair makeup etc. taht makes brides look fabulous, the most important ingredient is happiness!

Having met Eno and Magdelana almost a year ago and having photographed previously at the Hacienda San Jose, (one of the fabulous group of haciendas in Yucatan, Mexico that are operated by Starwood resorts) I knew ahead of time that there would be some serious eye candy at this wedding. The day was beautiful and there was a great turnout of family and friends who traveled to this off the beaten track destination. I had not photographed a hacienda wedding in a while and it was so much fun to photograph this amazing couple and their warm and relaxed fiesta in Yucatan!

I loved the act that all three of the bridesmaids were sisters of the bride!

Lo mariachi´s made a dramatic entrance.

The fiesta was held on the lawn of the hacienda and started right at dusk.

This was one of the longest toasts ever and really funny!

The DJ came down with the group and really knew her stuff. I had no idea that DJ´s work could be so complex, it was very cool to watch her work.

Hacienda wedding photography in Mexico by Elizabeth Medina, wedding photojournalist. Hacienda San Jose, the haciendas, Merida, Yucatan, mexico.

Pretty much at every wedding I photograph someone notices me doing crazy things with my camera and comes up to me and tells me that I have the best job around. I have to agree! It is inspirational to be around so much happiness and beauty. Knowing that a couple as fabulous as Margaret and Eric had not only chosen me to record their once in a lifetime destination wedding at the Barceló Maya Palace in the Rivera Maya, but are enthusiastic about my work is an honor, but also as we say in Spanish a “compromiso”…a big responsibility that I don’t take the least bit lightly! My aim as I run around with the camera is to capture the beauty in the personal, unique moments that make up the day, and go beyond the superficial capturing in the images a sense of place and feeling. Feeling that we have been able to capture those memories really does make be love my job! Gracias, Margaret y Eric, me encantó fotografiar esta boda tan especial.

Elizabeth Medina, wedding photographer, Maya Rivera, Yucatan Penninsula. Wedding photography at the Barcelo hotel. Elizabeth Medina specializes in wedding photography throughout Mexico.

It always amazes me how each wedding that I photograph is different from all the others, but that each has its own special magic! Lisa and Brian were married in a very unique and extremely beautiful destination wedding on a private beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The event was planned by wedding coodinators Maria and Erica at Weddings in Playa. and I thought the timing (or the day itself) could not have been more perfect. The fiesta was held at the Casa del Agua restaurant on Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida. Lisa and Brian, I felt so fortunate to have been chosen to photograph your unforgettable wedding in Mexico! Felicidades a los dos!

I had never seen a dress quite like Lisa’s dress from Pronovias in Spain, it was absolutely perfect for this wedding.

We did a few pictures at the Shangri La Caribe before leaving for the ceremony site, I loved this one of the groom.

These Mayan ruins were located very near the ceremony site. It was so much fun to photograph Lisa and Brian and their families in that setting.

Those conch shells really put out a lot of sound! The Mayan wedding ceremony was very heartfelt and lovely,

The walk to Casa del Agua, everyone yelling out congratulations to the novios…

The Casa del Agua, an amazing place for the fiesta.

Playa del Carmen wedding photography by wedding photojournalist Elizabeth Medina, Riviera Maya, Mexico.

As a wedding photographer I love going to a familiar location and finding new and different viewpoints. Having photographed at Dreams Tulum twice recently, reminded me once again that each couple and the dynamic of each wedding is totally unique. While I love finding new ways to incorporate a sense of place into my images (especially when the place is as gorgeous as Dreams Tulum), I think my most important task is to be aware of the unique moments and beauty that every event possesses. Amanda and Jay were so much fun to work with, and the way the two families blended so completely to have a great time together highlighted to me one of the very best aspects of a destination wedding. I hope that these few photographs along with the MANY that Jay and Amanda will receive will be a unique part of the fabulous history of a whole new family. Mil gracías Jay y Amanda, fue un placer conocerlos!

Amanda before the ceremony. Jay and the guys had no idea that she could see them from her balcony!

The ceeremony site. rain had been forecast, but it was a clear and very sunny day.

Annie was one of those brides who really love and appreciate the importance of photographs (something I can relate to!), it was so much fun to hear about all her photography ideas for the wedding day and also for the unique “trash the dress” photo shoot she had planned for the morning after the wedding. The “trash the dress” session to me is not really about the dress at all…basically it is just a relaxed opportunity to create special photographs of the bride and groom, without having to worry about all the guests, timetables and nerves of the wedding day. And if the bride and groom are adventurous like Annie and Marc, all the better!

Right before the ceremony at Dreams Tulum it started to RAIN! I couldn’t believe it since it had been nice all day… fortunately it stopped in time for the ceremony and everything was beautiful!

The wedding ceremony site at Dreams Tulum was so beautiful, I think it looks like a desert island.

Annie and Marc during the ceremony.

Marc and Annie celebrating with their beautiful flower girls.

A perfect destination bride…

Annie asked for pictures with flowers, since it was winter at home. I decided to try to frame them with flowers and think that I succeeded in both of these images.

The next morning early we headed out for the trash the dress session. Gorgeous!

Stacey and Charles chose an outstanding location for the wedding, the MK Blue at the Fairmont Mayakoba near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Not only does the MK Blue have a very upscale, relaxed vibe, it is surrounded by incredible scenery and was the perfect setting for this very special celebration. I loved how the colors chosen for the wedding reflected so perfectly the colors of nature. Thank you Stacey and Charles for the honor of being your wedding photographer!

The gorgeous bride before leaving for the ceremony.

I lvoe photographing texture.

Stacey travelled to the ceremony in a private gondola, such a beautiful and peaceful time before the ceremony.

I loved this photograph with the Mexican flag!

The bride arriving at MK Blue…

The beach wedding ceremony, such special moments to photograph.

I loved the non-matching group of bridesmaids, this is one of my favorite “trends”.

Brida and groom at sunset.

I loved the shoe table! What a great idea for a beach party!

Just a detail shot…

MK Blue is made of bleached wood, the look is really different for the Maya Rivera.

A few candid images from the reception.

First dance and the party…

I have never been one to put much faith in first impressions, but I guess I may rethink that after this wedding. As I walked into the salon Brigette flew out of the chair to hug the stylist who had just finished her hair. My first impression was, “this bride moves really fast!” Totally true all day! I especially enjoyed photographing Corey and Brigette’s wedding because they were such fun people be around and it was such a high energy, joyous occasion.

Corey and Brigette were able to use different areas of the Cancun JW Marriott for their destination wedding, the ocean-front gazebo for the pre-ceremony Ketubah signing, the wedding ceremony was held on the beach just a few feet from the incredible Cancun water, the cocktail hour in an area overlooking the ocean and the reception itself was a really fun poolside party. Amazing! Thank you Brigette and Corey for choosing me to photograph such an unforgettable day!

Could they be any cuter? I thought the shoes and the sand pails full of petals were perfect!

That turquoise blue Cancun water made a stunning backdrop for the chuppah decorated with white roses.

The reception…

The father daughter dance.

Cancun destination wedding photography by Mexico wedding photographer Elizabeth Medina at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa.

One thing I hear over and over at the weddings I photograph in Mexico is that rain on the wedding day is “buena suerte”, but of course no one wishes for that lucky wedding day rain! Cari and Nick had planned to meet me on the morning of the wedding to do a bit of more casual portrait photography and everything went as planned, but the minute I started photographing it began to rain and we had to run for cover! Fortunately the rain stopped, and not only did the sun came out but the day could not have been more perfect for the wedding! Mucha suerte! I really appreciated Cari and Nick’s decision to do the photographs of the to of them as a couple pre-ceremony, although bright sun was a bit of a challenge it worked out great because they were able to completely go with the flow of the party after the ceremony and not leave their guests at all. The Moon Palace was a great setting for this gazebo wedding which was simply beautiful and full of happiness.

In the morning…this was taken on the restaurant balcony where we took cover from the rain much to the enjoyment of the women at the next table!

Fortunately in a few minutes we were able to head for the beach.

Getting ready…

Bride and groom before the ceremony, the “first look”.

Nick waiting in the gazebo…

Cari and her father arrived in a horse drawn carriage, it was really a spectacular entrance.

The ceremony was held in Moon Palace Tucanes wedding gazebo.

The reception site overlooked the ocean.

The first dance.

Some of my favorite images were from the father daughter dance.

The toasts were so funny, I was laughing too!

Moon Palace destination wedding photography, Cancun Mexico, by Elizabeth Medina, wedding photojournalist.

Amy and Brian were great to photograph because together with a great group of family and close friends they enjoyed every minute of their wedding celebration. They were married in a very special beach wedding ceremony at the El Dorado Royale in the beautiful Riviera Maya. Amy warned me that the wedding would be an emotional one, and there were quite a few happy tears! Although the resort is fairly large, their ceremony site overlooking the ocean was very private, peaceful and natural. The reception afterwards took place in a poolside palapa and was a lot of fun! Gracias Amy and Brian for including us in your wedding celebration, best wishes to both of you for a long and happy marriage! Felicidades!

A few portraits of the bride and groom from before the rehearsal dinner, this was the night before the wedding at the El Dorado Royale.

Amy’s mom helping with the veil…Amy got ready on the Casitas side of the resort which I loved because of its casual feel.

Amy and Brian did not want to see each other prior to the ceremony, but we were able to do some bridal photography with Amy, I loved being able to create these images.

The ceremony was held at the very edge of the El Dorado Royale, the view of the Maya Rivera coast was breath taking.

Brian and his guys waiting…

For Amy and her dad…

A few photographs from the beach ceremony.

The sand ceremony, so pretty with black and white sand…

I thought this shot of the whole bridal party on the beach was a lot of fun, I had never seen black bridesmaid’s dresses before and thought that they looked great with the colorful flowers.

Amy’s flowers were very bright and tropical.

Amy and Brian made a great entrance into the reception, they were ready to PARTY!

Yummy colors…

The maracas on the tables were a huge hit with the guests.

Amy’s dad gave a funny speech…

Amy and Brian, the first dance.

Mexico photographer Elizabeth Medina, wedding photography at the El Dorado Royale, Maya Rivera, Mexico. Elizabeth Medina specializes in wedding photojournalism throughout Mexico.

What a wonderful day! Because of scheduling conflicts Evonne and Forrest were unable to fit in a trash the dress session that had been contemplated for the morning after the Thanksgiving day (US Thanksgiving day that is) wedding. Instead, I arrived early in Playacar the day of the wedding in time for a photo session with just the bride and groom at noon. Looking over the images I am astounded by how many special images came from that session, held at a time of day notorious as bad for photography!…Forrest and Evonne make such a spectacular looking couple and interact in a beautiful way, and while they were initially a little unsure about what to do in front of the camera they loosened up very quickly! They also turned out to be really good at the kissing pictures, actually I think they may have even forgot about the camera completely for a while!

The resort is gorgeous and the weather was a photographer’s dream. I thought the ceremony was absolutely lovely, and I appreciated very much being able to talk to the officiant prior to the ceremony. He was very open to finding out what I thought would be the best positioning for himself relative to the bride and groom, that can make such a difference, in this case the camera (and the congregation!) could see Evonne and Forrest’s faces and expressions throughout the ceremony which makes the ceremony especially meaningful for the congregation. The icing on the cake was that after the family photo session and in the last minutes of daylight Forrest and Evonne decided to go for it and do a spontaneous mini trash the dress session before the reception! Of course Evonne had it all under control and walked into the reception an hour later looking fabulous in a second beautiful gown!

Gracias Evonne and Forrest, it was such a joy to met you both.

The groom….

I usually never see this sight because I don’t usually shoot in the sun at midday…which just goes to show sometimes its good to break the rules!

This image really makes me smile, it is just the kind of relaxed, beautiful moment that I hope to capture.

Forrest and Evonne each had a longtime friend to stand up with them. I thought it would be fun to photograph the bridal party in the “palatial” lobby of the Rui Palace Rivera Maya Resort.

Final prep…

The Riu Palcace gazebo ceremony…

After “the kiss” Forrest and Evonne jumped the broom, this was the first time one of my weddings had included this African American wedding tradition that marks the bride and groom starting their life together as man and wife.

Los mariachis….

The unexpected trash the dress session! How many couples go for a swim between the ceremony and reception?

The dinner was held in a private room, which had been decorated beautifully. Evonne used shells, candles and framed pictures of her and Forrest together as a couple to decorate the tables. My assistant and I felt so honored to see that she had even included our place cards and favors with personal notes to each of us.

OK, I won’t go into it all, I will just say that Evonne’s siblings had some VERY FUNNY surprises to welcome Forrest into their Asian family, I don’t think wedding photojournalists are supposed to laugh as they photograph, but I seriously could not help it!

Rui Palace Playacar, Mexico photography by Elizabeth Medina, Mexico destination wedding photojournalist.

I had been waiting for Daniela and Marcelo’s wedding for a year and a half. I knew it would be a blast to photograph! Daniela and Marcelo live in Monterrey, Mexico, but planned an amazing wedding at Daniela’s home in Merida. Daniela is well known in Mexico as a professional jewelry designer and from the moment she came into the studio I was struck by her unique natural stylishness. I never guessed that Marcelo would be just as cool and that they would both be so much fun! Muchas felicidades a los dos y mil gracias por ser como son, ¡me encantó fotografiar la boda! PD, Nos vemos muy pronto en otra boda muy especial!
I begged Daniela to give me a few minutes to photograph her by window light. I was sorry to make Marcelo wait but I think it was worth it! I loved the way her vintage style dress and veil were complemented by the architecture.

I love the moment when the couple first sees each other, I think it is usually more emotional when it is a private moment before the wedding ceremony, these two were so delighted to see each other and I was able to capture teh moment from a distance with a telephoto lens.

I had wondered if Daniela would design jewelry to wear for the wedding…I had to smile when I noticed her bracelet!

the ceremony took place at the church in the village of Cholul, this church has been beautifully restored and has a lot of charm and personality.

I think this is one of my favorite photographs ever.

Time for the reception….

The reception site, so much color!

The first dance was very emotional.

La fiesta estuvo buenísima…

Elizabeth Medina, international wedding photojournalist, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.