Friday, February 18, 2011

Playa del Carmen | Destination Wedding in Mexico | Barb and Dan

So this was only the coolest wedding I have ever photographed!  No offense to all of the fantastic brides I have had the honor of working with.  You have invited me to photograph amazing days in some of the best locations around Milwaukee and Chicago.  But when my boss asked me, "Hey, would you like to photograph a wedding in Mexico?" I didn't have to think twice.  Uh, yeah, when do I leave?

Not only was I going to Mexico, I was going to photograph Barb and Dan's wedding!  They are truly some of the nicest people you will ever meet.  Really.  Plus, with a destination wedding, I got a chance to meet the people they are closest to.  So I know Barb and Dan 's outstanding personalities run in the family.

The day of their wedding, the girls got ready at Vida Salon and Day Lounge.  The spa is located on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen in a really cool part of the town.  The neighborhood is very hip and trendy, kind of like what the Third Ward would is like.  Except it's warm, sunny, and right next to the beach.  Which is a great thing in January.

Pink flower in front of Vida Salon and Day Lounge


Wedding dress hanging under stairs with beautiful window light creating shadows on wall
 There's nothing quite like being able to write your vows in a spa to help put the perfect words together.
Bride writing love note to husband before wedding

Bride walking down stairs at Vida Salon and Day Lounge

High heeled wedding shoes at Vida Salon and Day Lounge
Dan met Barb just outside Vida Salon, where they shared a "first look".  Since we were going to be taking all the portraits before their evening ceremony, the first look was a great opportunity for them to see each other for the first time, and really enjoy the moment of seeing each other.
First look of bride and groom in alley near Vida Salon and Day Lounge


Bride and groom hugging after first look in alley near Vida Salon and Day Lounge

After their first look, we took a couple portraits before getting a cab ride to Xcaret Park.
Bride striking a pose in front of wall with circle

Bride and groom kissing in back of taxi in Playa del Carmen Mexico
Xcaret Park is an amazing place to visit if you ever have the chance.  There were a lot of fantastic locations within the park to take some portraits, and if we had more time, I know the classic "just one more" would have been my request.
Portrait of bride and groom near ocean at Xcaret resort in Mexico






Portrait of bride sitting on stone wall with sunset coming through window
Barb and Dan had an evening ceremony in the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, which is located at the highest point in the park.  Once the ceremony was over, Barb and Dan led their wedding guests down a candle lit path.  Along the path between the chapel and our destination were Mayan conch shells blowers.

Groom holding wedding rings while standing next to best man


Mob shot of all wedding guests at Xcaret Resort in Playa del Carmen
 And when you have a destination wedding, it's a good thing to get a group shot of everyone who made it, even if you do have to do a little Where's Waldo? to find yourself.

 Barb and Dan led everyone down a ramp, into their reception.  La Isla is a cave that you enter by walking over an underground river.  It is truly a one of a kind location to experience, especially on your wedding day.
Dan's best man gave an outstanding toast.  It was funny, yet emotional.  And the way he owned the stage, it was like having a little bit of a comedy show going on to get the night started.







If you like what you see here, even if you're not planning a destination wedding of your own, please contact us if you would like us to be your wedding photographer.

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