I have just returned from one of the best weddings I’ve ever shot. Not to downplay all of the other fabulous weddings this year, but this one took me on a journey to Mexico! Not only was the location steller, but the nice long weekend I got to spend with the bride and grooms’ friends and family at an all-inclusive resort near Cancun really added icing to the cake.
Getting there was a bit of a long ordeal thanks to Hurricane Paula hanging out over Cuba, but after a 6 hour delay at BWI airport, I finally made my way to Mexico.
Upon arrival, I was greeted in the lobby with a cool towel and a glass of champagne. I was smitten.
I’ve known the bride & groom, Dana and Doug for about 5 years. I met them before they were even a couple, so to see their relationship come to this moment before their awesome friends and family was really an added bonus.
The day before the wedding, Dana, Doug and I had some fun running around the beautiful resort for an engagement-style shoot. With so many amazing spots that looked like they were just set up for a photo shoot, I was a bit overwhelmed, but loved every minute of it.
On Saturday, the big wedding day, the weather was absolutely perfect, nice and overcast, perfect for photos! Most people pray for sun on their wedding day, but we photographers love a cloudy day!
Dana looked absolutely fabulous as she slipped into her silk gown that looked like it was sculpted for her body. After mom and the bridesmaids buttoned the many buttons that adorned the back of her dress, it was time to see Doug for the first look.
Dana and Doug’s room, which overlooked the water and beach, had a rooftop deck, so I had Dana wait on the deck looking out over the water and then called for Doug to come up and surprise her. As usual, the first look is my favorite moment of the entire day….the moment when the groom finally sees the dress and the woman he is about to marry…it gives me goosebumps every time.
The ceremony took place near the beach in a marble-like “gazebo” surrounded by fountains…very classy! The white stone of the structure framed the ceremony beautifully. About 60 friends and family watched as Dana and Doug became husband and wife.
After a very cool cocktail hour, complete with a mariachi band, the guests made their way down a path to the reception terrace. Blue lighted fabric columns, white fabric draped down from another gazebo and native palms flanking the dance floor kept the look simple and classy. After speeches by the best man, maid of honor and Dana’s father, it was easy to see that this group of friends and family that assembled in Mexico to celebrate with Dana and Doug were top-notch. Once the dancing began and the tequilla shots started to flow (thanks to Edgar, a resort employee who happened to show up everywhere we were with shots of tequilla in hand) there was no turning back…it was going to one heck of a party…and it was!
Congratulations Dana and Doug! Thank you for choosing me to document your most awesome weekend!
Freckle Photography-Annapolis, Maryland 
Again, you have shown your talent! My faves are the one of her standing at the top of the stairs in her dress, the pic of the bouquet with the awesome backdrop and the very last picture. Great job 🙂
Hey! Love the pics, great work!