My First Destination Wedding in Cancun…or Anywhere Outside the US for That Matter
When Lauren first reached out about photographing her destination wedding in Cancun, I tried to play it cool. I failed. Miserably.
You see, I had already photographed two of her bridesmaids’ weddings over the last five years, which is the highest compliment a photographer can receive. One of those sweet friends even lives in Knoxville, and her daughter goes to the same preschool as my Evelyn. So, when Lauren asked if I would consider flying to Mexico to capture her wedding day, I was already mentally packing sunscreen.
The only other time I had been to Mexico was for my own honeymoon. Dustin and I stayed at an all-inclusive resort similar to Dreams Vista, and I remember thinking, this place does not even look real. The water. The light. The color. This time with Lauren & Jonathan’s full blessing, I brought my entire crew: Dustin and all three kiddos. It was the kids’ first time out of the country, and I’m not going to lie, they crushed it.
We arrived Wednesday night. Thursday was my scout day. I wandered the resort, noting hidden corners perfect for portraits, watching how the light shifted throughout the day, and mentally mapping out how I’d navigate a massive property solo without a second shooter. Challenge accepted.
The wedding was on Friday, and it had the most glorious sunshine. Not a single sweaty forehead in sight. Yes, it was windy (hello, ocean breeze!), but somehow, everyone’s hair and makeup held up like they had a personal weather shield. Lauren and Jonathan embraced every gust like it was part of the design plan.
Can we also talk about their vendor team? Incredible. I was the only American vendor serving this couple, and every single professional from hair and makeup to florals to DJ to coordination was kind, welcoming, and immensely talented. If they spoke to me in Spanish and saw the lostness in my eyes, they graciously repeated it in English with a smile. Their work rivaled any team I’ve worked with in the U.S., which speaks volumes about Lauren and Jonathan’s diligence in building their Cancun dream team.
What I loved most, though, was this couple. They trusted me fully with portrait locations. They never once complained about the wind. And they were the happiest of happy every single time I saw them around the resort. At breakfast. At dinner. Poolside. They would stop, chat, laugh, and never once seemed bothered that my entire family was also enjoying Cancun alongside them.
So, when people ask me what it was like to photograph a wedding in Mexico, my honest answer? It was everything I dreamed of and more. So much so that when their travel agent asked if she could recommend me for more Mexico weddings, I said an enthusiastic YES.
Lauren & Jonathan, thank you for inviting me into your destination wedding in Cancun. For trusting me in a new country, at a new resort, with salty air and ocean winds swirling around us. I adore your gallery. But even more than that, I adore the love you two share. It shines brighter than any Mexican sunset.
I’m a Knoxville Wedding Photographer that loves to travel. I shoot anywhere! Click here to contact me with any questions you have about pricing or booking! If you liked what you saw above, go ahead and follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see my daily updates of the latest sessions!
Vendors used by Lauren & Jonathan:
Resort: Dreams Vista Cancun
Hair & Makeup: Makeup Masters
Wedding Dress Shop: Brides by Glitz Nashville
Travel Agent: Forever in the Sand
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