Getting hitch abroad is more that just a beautiful destination, it is about having an intimate wedding with only your closest.
Rewind to 2022, an email lands in my inbox via Your Perfect Wedding Photographer from Jonny + Linh. A destination wedding in Mexico, a country I was yet to explore, I excitedly told Natalie. I read on. The couple live in my town of Bristol too, I then exclaimed! Needless to say we met and after a G&T I had a new set of friends. It is obvious to see that J+L are the kind of welcoming folk that make you feel like you’ve known them for years.
Fast forward to April 2023 and their fiesta wedding at The Royalton Riviera, Cancun, Mexico
It is the morning of the wedding. I am eating my breakfast in Puerto Morales, and my word, my feet are incredibly itchy! Due to the fact the night before I being served as main course at the mosquitos annual Easter fiesta. Ryan (my trusty photo wingman) then arrives in his taxi. I jump in and begin the long process of entering the Royalton Riviera
The hotel is astounding and obviously the air conditioning feels great too! We get taken to the spa where Linh and the ladies are in full flow, make up and hair styling galore. After a few photographs of the bridal squad I head to meet Jonny and the boys. It takes 10 mins to walk. The door opens, at which point we are greeted by the unique sight of a rugby team of men, parading in boxers wearing Mexican wrestling masks. This, I have to add, is a first in my 300 odd weddings and, I hasten to add, one experience I’ll leave in the past for a while. Jokes aside, After few shakes of the wand the whole wedding party were ready.
Jonny stood there at the end of the aisle. It is hard to describe a location of such magnificence, to say a rooftop ceremony overlooking the Caribbean Sea does it an injustice, however it should give a fair idea. The gorgeous Linh, in arms with Mum, walked towards the handsome chap that awaited. A smile now beaming across his face. To cement their marriage they poured sand on top of sand under the arch. Shadows cascaded their faces as a result of the strong mid day sun. A rapturous applause as the now wed duo were announced and walked back down the aisle before the whole party headed to the beach.
A reception on the beach before the wedding breakfast on the mezzanine .
The reception drinks took place on the white sand beach. The Caribbean Sea washed away footprints and the palm trees swayed in the breeze, and of course, Margaritas flowed. The heat was beating down and the newlyweds walked through a tunnel of confetti. A few kisses here and there, before the party refreshed and went back to the mezzanine for the wedding breakfast.
I always find the speeches such an emotional time, parents holding back the tears, recounted stories of past. Well these were no exception. I have never seen a bride (& groom) well up with tears of joy as much as Linh did. As the sun set, we grabbed a few photographs on the roof, before the night ensued. Countless rounds of tequila as the mariachi band went wild. On that note -If you have planned your wedding already and haven’t booked a Mariachi band, then I recommend you re-think your plans!
Jonny and Linh then took hands and danced the night away, followed by the tequila possessed wedding party who threw all manners of shapes on the dance floor. It truly was an awesome day and to top it off I got to see them a few days later in Valladolid.
A destination wedding in Mexico was the perfect way for this beautiful couple to celebrate the marriage, a day spent with their closest of friends and family. I love this duo, their entourage, and everything about this incredible wedding in Mexico! Congrats amigos! x
THE WEDDING FILM PREVIEW
THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PREVIEW
Introducing Valladolid – A Colonial town full bold colours and cobbled streets and the glistening evening sunshine.
With my destination weddings I offer a separate day portrait session to capture the unique surroundings without the pressure of your wedding day. As this particular wedding was in an all inclusive resort, I felt the photograph we missing some authentic Mexican colour. As such I research around and thought Valladolid would be the perfect place. Just 30 miles from Chichen Itza, This beautiful Spanish colonial town is awash with colourful building that glisten as the sun hits the cobbled streets. It was the perfect backdrop for photographs. I was lucky enough too spend a couple of days here, and my word it was one of my favourite places on my adventure.
Destination Wedding Photography | Cancun Mexico + Valladolid
If you are reading this any wandering about destination wedding photography or nation-wide within the UK, then come say hey! I am based near Bristol but cover weddings nationwide! I love to shoot with an artistic reportage style, with a hint or realism whilst creating a fun-filled experience for all >> Find out more
