The Wakeman Wedding

We started off this beautiful, hot and scenic Cancun morning with details and getting ready shots of my lovely bride. I took a walk on the beach and took pictures of the hotel, the water and wildlife to capture the essence of the day she was to be wedded. I wanted her to look back and be able to remember the sounds of the ocean waves, the colors, and all the beautiful details of her big day. The lizards were definitely my favorite part of the morning as one charged in another direction and frightened the life out of me. They’re so fast! (Video below)

We continued the morning with getting some shots with her bridesmaids in matching pajamas and celebrated with mimosas. The mother of the bride and her bridesmaids helped to get her ready for her first look with her future hubs and father. The groom was in cheerful spirits and was so excited to see his bride.

They got ready for their first look and my bride had a couple of surprises for the groom that left him speechless. It was a hot day in Cancun, but the groom would have said that his fiancé was hotter lol. He was over the moon with his customized boudoir book my bride had gifted him. (Ladies, a boudoir session is ALWAYS a great gift for your future hubs)

After the first look with her fiancé we initiated the first look with dad. Dad is a cool guy. My husband and I met him the day before the wedding and he was the life of the party. He had a great attitude and lots of jokes to crack and loved to make everyone laugh. Prior to the first look he asked if he could wear his shades.. From that moment I realized that he wanted to keep them on to hide the wave of emotions that were about to come.

Let the waterworks begin! There was not a dry eye that witnessed this special interaction with her dad. This is the moment every little girl dreams of with her father on her big day. My bride gifted her dad a custom hanker chief with some heartfelt words she had embroidered. We all felt so lucky that we were able to see and feel all the love they have for each other.

Now to walk her down the aisle!

The ceremony space was directly by the beach to where you could feel the wind, feel the sand on your feet and hear the waves crashing while the tree’s swayed side to side. During the ceremony the groom had his own sentimental surprise for the bride. He had kept the coupon book his bride had made him from when they first started dating years ago. He claimed to have lost it many years ago but was saving it to redeem a coupon on their big day. My bride could not hold back the tears and neither could we.

We went into the portraits part of the day. Some have mixed feelings on this but I am definitely a “ We gotta get these family shots” type of photographer. So often these end up being the last pictures we get with some loved ones and I take so much honor in capturing these for my clients even if they think they don’t want them. You’ll never regret having these memories with family and loved ones.

Up next we started on the bridal party & groomsmen individual and group photos.

These were so fun, so vogue and playful. I just love the champagne with the black and white contrast on the beach.

Finally some time for the bride and groom portraits and before the grand entrance.

Reception details and cocktail hour to add to the ambiance and memories of the way things were. I love how it sets the tone before the grand entrance.

They served little appetizers enjoyed by all the guests including myself! A beautiful champagne wall with all the guests names engraved in the orange peel. Signature cocktails named after their fur babies served at a bar with the words “Drunk in love” to reference Beyonce’s song.

We continued the day with cake cutting and the grand entrance for my lovely couple and then straight into their magical first dance, daddy daughter and mother son dances.

After being teary eyed from the emotions of the first dances, it was time for dinner, speeches, and all the craziness on the dance floor. We ended the night with a nice and intimate private dance and a sparkler exit to go out with a bang!

It was so special to have been a part of their beautiful day and have had the pleasure of capturing it. They are so loved by all their friends and family and can’t wait to watch their love flourish for years to come.