This wedding will always hold a special place in our hearts! Our very first out-of-the-country destination wedding, and in one of the most stunning places in the world: La Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico, at the beautiful Hotel Xcaret Arte.
Preparing for this trip took careful planning. I needed to bring everything necessary to photograph the wedding without compromise, while still keeping luggage light enough for a 15-hour travel day. Extra batteries, backup cameras, lenses, chargers, and weather protection.. everything mattered.
The wedding day for Brooke and Oscar began at the hotel. Brooke got ready in her suite with her bridesmaids, while Oscar prepared with his groomsmen in another room. Being in a tropical location meant dealing with humidity and sudden rain. As soon as we stepped outside, my lenses began fogging up. Thankfully, being prepared paid off! I always carry lens cloths and cleaning solution, so I was able to fix the issue quickly and continue shooting without missing anything.
As we walked from the hotel rooms to the ceremony area, the rain began pouring down. I immediately stored everything inside my water-resistant camera bags to protect the equipment. None of my cameras were damaged, and I was able to continue documenting the ceremony smoothly. Luckily, the ceremony space was covered, and the rain didn’t last long.
The ceremony itself was incredibly emotional. Brooke and Oscar were surrounded by their closest family and friends, traveling from different places to share this moment with them. Afterward, we took time for private vows and portraits, exploring the beautiful grounds and capturing the architecture, water views, and tropical landscapes around the resort.
The reception was where everyone came together to celebrate. Traditions, laughter, dancing, and unforgettable moments with their loved ones. It truly felt like a celebration that reflected who they are as a couple.
Traveling to such a beautiful destination for our first international wedding was an amazing experience. It taught us the importance of preparation, flexibility, and staying calm no matter what the weather brings. We are so grateful to Brooke and Oscar for trusting us with such an important day and we’re already excited for the next destination wedding adventure.
We hope you enjoy these photographs as much as we enjoyed creating them.
