Destination Wedding in Isla Mujeres

Last year, I could hardly contain my level of excitement when I received an email from Sara asking if I was available and interested in shooting her destination wedding in Isla Mujeres, Mexico (For the record, I’m ALWAYS interested in destination weddings!) Sara was Nina’s sister. Nina and I had worked together a few years prior and Nina was instantly easy to love so I knew I would like Sara. You know that feeling you get when something great is about to happen but you don’t want to tell anyone about it because you don’t want to jinx it? That’s how I felt about this! I didn’t want to say anything until I met with Sara and her fiance, Brad to work out the details and sign a contract. If you’re a photographer, you know what I mean. Inquiries can pour in and they don’t always pan out. The key is to keep your cool and then do a happy dance when everything is worked out!

I recognized Sara & Brad when we met at Starbucks for coffee. First of all, Sara and I looked like we came from the same family! But we quickly realized that I had waited on them before when they were out for a family brunch on Mother’s Day. You see, their whole family is incredibly close and Sara & Nina’s mom is the sweetest little peach. Sara & Brad felt like old friends, and I LOVE when that happens! Clicking with potential clients is like hearing the heavens sing! The details of their romantic beach side wedding sounded like they were the smartest people I’d ever met and I found myself wondering why everyone didn’t opt for a destination wedding?! I know the answer to that, but really, destination weddings are the way to go! Marriage, vacation & pure bliss all rolled into one. Ok, back to Sara & Brad. After our meeting at Starbucks, I saw them a few times here and there before the trip but we didn’t have a chance to really get to know each other before the trip.

My sweet hubby of course came with me to Isla for the trip! I was terrified of traveling alone & I needed someone to scope out the island with me. I also don’t think I could ever go on such an adventure without him! He has the patience that I sometimes lack. We arrived on Isla mid afternoon and we went straight to the beach to meet everyone in Sara & Brad’s group. We got to meet Brad’s family since they are from the West side of the state. Everyone was so welcoming and I just knew the trip was going to be everything I hoped it would be! We spent the next few days poolside with Sara, Brad and their guests. Zack and I instantly felt like we were apart of the family.

On the morning of Sara & Brad’s wedding, Zack and I walked around the island to scope out the perfect location for the first look. Sara was so relaxed while she was getting ready. Brad was a little nervous, but now that I know him better, he’s just like me. A little anxious even when everything is perfectly fine. I will tell you though, Brad’s nerves sure did go away when he received his gift from Sara. Ladies, a little black book of boudoir photos really goes a long way!Brad really has great taste, his gift to Sara was a beautiful rose gold Shinola watch. (Take note, future couples!)

Sara and her bridesmaids were sipping mimosas, singing & dancing, jumping on the bed, and getting ready for the big day. The energy was contagious!

It was time for the first look. This is when Zack, my handsome assistant, was helpful. He went with Brad to the spot & when it was safe, I brought Sara over to see her groom. I can’t express enough how intimate a first look is. It’s just you & your significant other. I mean, Sara & Brad did have an audience from some locals, but it really added to the magicalness of it! Everyone stopped driving (and there aren’t many cars on the island) and cheered for them! When we met back up with the rest of the bridal party, it was game on! We traveled around the island via two taxis and stopped anytime we saw an amazing back drop. Zack spotted a little carnival with a beautiful carousel and I’m so thankful. The photos we took there are so unique and some of my favorites.

The wedding was on the beach and I felt as if it were just like the mountains. They are so beautiful in person that no photo could ever do the view and beauty justice. Even though Sara & Brad saw each other before the ceremony, Sara still cried as her mother Deb walked her down the aisle. Brad still had a few tears and looked at Sara as if she had never been more beautiful. It was SO romantic!

After the ceremony, instead of walking back down the aisle, everyone walked over to the ocean. Together, they threw flower petals into the ocean. It was beautiful! The speeches were tearjerkers. After the first dances, it was time to party! I’ve never been to a wedding (besides Nina & Janice’s) where all of the guests dance until they shut the lights off! This group was shaking it all night long and taking breaks for tequila shots! It was a great way to end their perfect day.

After the wedding, we spent the rest of our days poolside, overeating and definitely taking advantage of all inclusive drinking. Zack and I had a wonderful experience and I thoroughly enjoyed being at the pool bar while it rained one day and got to know Sara’s mom & her cousins.

Sara and Brad are now some of our best friends. Zack and Brad get along really well and so do our dogs. Yogi and Banks like each other a little too much, sometimes 😉 I am so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to shoot my first destination wedding and gain two amazing friends in the process.

I hope you all enjoy the photos from their wedding day. I wanted to blog about this for so long and I’m so glad I was finally able to. Cheers to Sara & Brad!

xo
Kerby