Why You Should Consider a Private Villa for Your Wedding

When you close your eyes and imagine your destination wedding in Mexico, what do you see? You probably picture an intimate exchange of vows with the ocean breeze in your hair, surrounded only by your closest friends and family. What you don't picture is a random tourist in a neon green Speedo walking through the background of your ceremony, or the booming bass of a poolside aerobics class interrupting your vows. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many couples who book large all-inclusive resorts. While resorts offer convenience, they often lack the one thing luxury clients crave most: true privacy.

As a photographer, I have shot weddings in every setting imaginable, from massive hotel ballrooms to secluded jungle clearings. I can tell you with certainty that if you want an event that feels exclusive, timeless, and deeply personal, you should look beyond the hotel strip. A private villa in the Riviera Maya offers an experience that no resort can match. It is not just about avoiding the crowds; it is about immersing yourself in the authentic culture and architecture of Mexico, creating a backdrop for your photos that is as unique as your love story.

The "Speedo-Free" Guarantee: Total Privacy

The most obvious benefit of booking a private estate or hacienda is exclusivity. When you book a venue like Hacienda Sac Chich or Villa la Joya, you are renting the entire property. There are no hotel guests fighting for lounge chairs, no strangers watching your first dance from a balcony, and absolutely no photobombers in the background of your portraits. This level of privacy creates a "bubble" around your celebration. It allows you and your guests to truly let your guard down, resulting in candid moments that are genuine and uninhibited.

From a photography standpoint, this control over the environment is priceless. I don't have to use clever angles to crop out a crowded pool bar or wait for strangers to move out of the frame. The entire grounds become our studio. We can shoot on the grand staircase, in the lush gardens, or by the private pool without anyone watching. This seclusion not only makes for cleaner, more elegant images but also makes you feel more comfortable. If you are camera-shy, having an audience of strangers at a resort can be nerve-wracking. At a private villa, the only eyes on you are the ones filled with love. You can read more about how I approach capturing these intimate moments on my About page.

Authentic Architecture vs. "Hotel Beige"

Let’s be honest: many all-inclusive resorts, despite being luxurious, look the same. They are often massive concrete structures designed for efficiency, not necessarily for romance. A private villa, on the other hand, is usually dripping with history and character. We are talking about 18th-century stone walls, towering arches, intricate tile work, and courtyards filled with bougainvillea. These textures provide a rich, cinematic quality to your destination wedding photos that you simply cannot get at a modern hotel. The venue itself does the heavy lifting for your decor; you don't need to spend thousands covering up a generic ballroom when the walls around you are pieces of art.

This aesthetic distinction is crucial for couples who want their wedding to feel like it is actually in Mexico, rather than just in a generic tropical location. The "Old World" charm of a villa pairs beautifully with modern wedding fashion, creating a contrast that looks stunning in print. Whether it is the play of light and shadow through a colonial archway or the vibrant colors of a Mexican garden, these venues offer a sense of place. Architectural Digest often highlights how these restored properties blend historical significance with modern luxury, and that blend is exactly what makes for a sophisticated wedding gallery.

Freedom from "Preferred Vendor" Restrictions

One of the biggest frustrations couples face when planning a resort wedding is the dreaded "preferred vendor list." Many hotels force you to use their in-house florist, DJ, and decorator, or they charge you a massive "outside vendor fee" to bring in your own team. This often results in cookie-cutter weddings where every centerpiece looks the same. Private villas generally operate with an open-vendor policy. This means you have the freedom to curate a dream team of the best local talent without being penalized. You can hire a specific caterer who specializes in authentic Oaxacan cuisine, a florist who builds custom installations, and, of course, the photographer you truly connect with.

This freedom allows you to design a wedding that is 100% unique to you. As a destination wedding photographer in Cancun, I love working at villas because I can collaborate freely with other creative vendors to produce something spectacular. We aren't limited by the resort's strict timelines or rules about where we can and can't go. If we want to move the dinner tables to a different courtyard because the light is better, we can. This flexibility ensures that your investment goes toward quality and creativity, rather than arbitrary fees and "standard packages."

The "Three-Day Party" Vibe

When you book a private villa or hacienda, you aren't just booking a venue for six hours; you are often booking a home for the weekend. Many of these properties have on-site accommodation for your immediate family or bridal party. This transforms your wedding from a single evening event into a multi-day bonding experience. Imagine waking up on your wedding day and having coffee by the pool with your parents, or hosting a relaxed welcome dinner in the courtyard the night before without ever leaving the property. It slows down the pace of the weekend, allowing you to actually spend quality time with your guests.

This relaxed timeline works wonders for your photography. It gives us opportunities to capture the "in-between" moments—the morning swims, the rehearsal dinner toasts, and the late-night conversations under the stars. It removes the rush and stress of transportation logistics, as everything is happening in one place. Wedaways suggests that hosting all events in one location is the key to a stress-free guest experience. By creating a central hub for your celebration, you build a sense of community that translates into warm, joyful photos.

Lighting and Layout

Finally, let’s talk about light. Light is the most important ingredient in photography, and villas are often designed to master it. These structures were built centuries ago to keep cool in the Mexican heat, utilizing high ceilings, open-air corridors, and shaded courtyards. This creates pockets of soft, directional light that are incredibly flattering for portraits. Unlike a beach resort where you are often fighting harsh, direct sunlight with no shade in sight, a Riviera Maya villa offers diverse lighting scenarios at any time of day.

The variety of backdrops within a single property allows us to create a diverse gallery without you having to travel. We can shoot romantic, moody portraits in the chapel, bright and airy shots in the gardens, and dramatic, architectural images against the stone walls. It allows me, as your Cancun wedding photographer, to push my creativity. If it rains, villas usually have beautiful covered terraces that save the day without ruining the aesthetic—something that is much harder to find on a beach.

Ready to escape the ordinary?

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime investment. You deserve a setting that honors the magnitude of the occasion—a place that offers intimacy, beauty, and the freedom to celebrate exactly how you want. A private villa provides the canvas for a truly bespoke experience, ensuring that your memories (and your photos) are timeless, elegant, and completely yours.

If you are considering a private estate for your big day and want a photographer who knows how to capture the unique magic of these venues, I would love to chat. Visit my main page to see more of my work, or reach out directly to start planning.

Getting Your 50+ Guests from Cancun Airport to Tulum Without Stress

You have done the hard part: you convinced 50 of your favorite people to take time off work, buy flights, and fly to Mexico to watch you say "I do". Now comes the logistical nightmare that keeps most destination wedding brides up at night: getting guests from Cancun to Tulum. It is an hour-and-a-half drive (on a good day) from the airport to the hotel zone in Tulum. The last thing you want is for your Grandma to be stranded at Terminal 3 negotiating with a taxi driver in broken Spanish, or for your maid of honor to arrive at the welcome dinner sweaty and stressed because she took the wrong bus.

As a photographer, I see the difference between a wedding group that arrives relaxed and one that arrives frazzled. When guests have a smooth transfer, the vibe at the welcome party is electric. When they have had a travel day from hell, the energy is low, and the smiles in the photos look a little forced. The key to a stress-free arrival isn't luck; it's strategy. You need to take the reins on this one. Here is the no-nonsense guide to moving your people south without the headache.

The "VIP" Option: Private Chartered Buses

If you have a large group arriving around the same time (or if you can gently suggest a "preferred" flight window), the absolute best move is to charter a private coach bus. Companies like Happy Shuttle Cancun or Cancun Airport Transportation offer private buses that can hold 45+ people. It might sound like a field trip, but it is actually a luxury experience. Everyone gets on the same air-conditioned vehicle, cracks open a cold beer (yes, you can usually pre-order drinks), and the party starts the second they leave the terminal.

They have bonded on the ride down, the ice is broken, and they are ready to celebrate. Financially, this often works out cheaper per head than everyone booking their own private vans. You can organize two main buses: one for the early afternoon arrivals and one for the evening arrivals. It requires a spreadsheet to track flight times, but the peace of mind is worth every second of admin work.

The New Player: The Mayan Train (Tren Maya)

By late 2025, the Tren Maya has become a viable and trendy option for getting to Tulum. It is faster than driving during rush hour and avoids the unpredictable traffic on Highway 307. The train station is connected to the Cancun Airport terminals by a shuttle, and the ride down to the new Tulum station is smooth and scenic. For guests who are adventurous or arriving solo at odd hours, this is a fantastic recommendation to put on your wedding website.

However, a word of caution: the train drops them at the Tulum station, which is still a bit of a trek from the beach hotel zone. They will need to grab a taxi from the train station to their final destination. If you have older guests or people with heavy luggage, the multi-leg journey (shuttle -> train -> taxi) might be too much friction. I recommend this option for your younger friends who pack light and want to see the jungle scenery, but maybe stick to door-to-door car service for the parents and grandparents.

Grouping Guests by "Arrival Windows"

You do not need to pay for everyone’s transfer, but you should help them coordinate. The biggest mistake I see is couples letting every guest fend for themselves. This results in 25 separate vehicles driving to the same place, which is bad for the planet and your guests' wallets. Instead, create a shared Google Sheet or use a tab on your wedding website where guests can input their flight details.

Once you have the data, play matchmaker. Group people landing within 90 minutes of each other and introduce them via email or WhatsApp. "Hey Cousin Mike, Aunt Sarah lands an hour after you; why don't you guys split a private Sprinter van?" They will thank you for saving them money, and they will have a travel buddy to navigate customs with. It fosters that community feeling before they even reach the resort, which translates to better interactions in your candid photos later in the weekend.

What to Avoid (The "Do Not Do This" List)

Please, for the love of your sanity, tell your guests not to take the yellow taxis at the airport curb. They are notoriously expensive (often charging $150+ USD for a ride that should cost half that) and the quality is hit-or-miss. Also, advise against renting cars unless they plan to do serious exploring after the wedding weekend. Parking in Tulum is a nightmare—tight spaces, expensive lots, and confusing signage. You don't want your groomsmen late to the rehearsal dinner because they couldn't find a place to park their rental Jetta.

Also, be realistic about the "collectivo" (shared public van). While it is the cheapest way to travel ($5 USD), it is hot, crowded, and not suitable for anyone hauling a suitcase and a garment bag with a suit inside. Save the backpacking adventures for the honeymoon. For the wedding, prioritize comfort and air conditioning. You want your guests arriving fresh-faced and ready for photos, not melted and exhausted.

The "Welcome" Experience Starts at the Airport

If you really want to impress, hire a transportation company that offers "greeter" service. They will stand at the exit with a sign customized with your wedding logo or hashtag, not just a generic name. It makes your guests feel like VIPs immediately. Some services even offer "cold towel" service and bottled water right at the curb.

These small details set the tone for the entire event. It signals to your guests that they are taken care of, that you have thought of everything, and that they can relax. That relaxation is the secret ingredient to great wedding photos. When guests aren't stressed about logistics, they are present in the moment. They laugh louder, cry happier tears, and dance harder. If you want to know more about how a relaxed vibe improves your gallery, check out my About page.

Let's Get the Party Started

Transportation might not be the sexiest part of wedding planning, but it is the backbone of the guest experience. Getting your crew from A to B safely and efficiently ensures that when I point my camera at them, they are smiling because they are happy, not because they are relieved the travel nightmare is over.

If you are planning a wedding in Tulum and need a photographer who helps you navigate the logistics as well as the lighting, I’m your guy. I have been shooting destination weddings in Cancun and Tulum for years, and I’m happy to share my vendor list with my couples.

Planning Your Jewish Wedding at Villa La Joya

When you close your eyes and picture a Jewish destination wedding, what do you see? Maybe it’s a chuppah draped in white linen fluttering against a turquoise ocean backdrop. Maybe it’s the sound of the glass breaking, followed immediately by the roar of the waves and "Siman Tov U’Mazal Tov" played by a mariachi band. If this is the dream, there is one venue in the Riviera Maya that stands head and shoulders above the rest for making it a reality: Villa La Joya.

As a photographer who has captured countless love stories in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I often see couples struggle with the limitations of big all-inclusive resorts. They want a traditional Jewish ceremony with a kosher meal, but the resort’s "cookie-cutter" packages just can’t accommodate the specific logistical needs of the tisch, the bedeken, or a custom kosher menu. This is where Villa La Joya shines. It is a private, exclusive-use villa that gives you total freedom to bring in your own vendors, meaning you don’t have to compromise on tradition or luxury. Here is my guide to planning a Jewish wedding at this stunning venue that honors your heritage while embracing the tropical vibe.

The Perfect Spot for Your Chuppah

The chuppah is the focal point of the Jewish ceremony, symbolizing the home you will build together. At most resorts, you are stuck with whatever gazebo they have on-site. At Villa La Joya, the world is your oyster. The villa’s architecture is grand and European-inspired, offering a sophisticated backdrop that feels more like a Lake Como estate than a typical beach hut. Most of my couples choose to set up their chuppah on the villa’s expansive garden lawn, right at the edge of the sea. This offers the best of both worlds: you get the stunning ocean view without your guests having to trudge through deep sand in their heels.

From a photography perspective, the lighting here is a dream. If you position the chuppah facing the ocean, we can time your ceremony so the sun is softening behind you, creating that ethereal, glowing look that makes for incredible photos. Because the villa is private, you won't have random tourists in swimsuits wandering into the background of your sacred vows. It is just you, your family, and the open horizon. I always recommend working with a florist who understands the structural needs of a chuppah—it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the ocean breeze while looking delicate enough for your photos.

Logistics of the Bedeken and Tisch

One of the most emotional parts of a Jewish wedding is the bedeken (veiling ceremony) and the tisch (groom's reception). These rituals require separate spaces before the main ceremony, which can be a logistical nightmare in a crowded hotel lobby. Villa La Joya is laid out perfectly for this flow. The groom can host his tisch on the lower patio or in a shaded garden corner, singing and toasting with his groomsmen, while the bride gets ready in the luxurious upstairs bridal suite.

For the bedeken itself, the villa’s grand staircase or the upper balcony are show-stopping locations. I love photographing the moment the groom walks up to see his bride for the first time; the architecture of the villa adds a sense of grandeur and timelessness to the images. Because you have the entire property to yourselves, we can orchestrate this "first look" in complete privacy. There is no rushing because there won’t be another wedding scheduled right after yours. You can take your time, cry the happy tears, and soak in the weight of the moment before heading down to the chuppah.

Kosher Catering in Mexico

Food is central to Jewish culture, and for many families, keeping kosher is non-negotiable. This is often the biggest hurdle at destination weddings. Most all-inclusive resorts have strict rules against outside food, forcing you to use their non-kosher kitchens or pay exorbitant fees for "kosher-style" meals that might not meet strict Orthodox standards. Villa La Joya has no vendor restrictions. This is a game-changer. You are free to hire any of the fantastic kosher caterers available in the Cancun and Playa del Carmen area, such as The Ember or Kosher Catering Gourmet.

This flexibility allows you to craft a menu that is authentic and delicious. Imagine a cocktail hour with kosher margaritas and ceviche, followed by a reception dinner that adheres to kashrut laws but still features fresh, local Mexican flavors. As a destination wedding photographer in Cancun, I have seen how much happier guests are when the food is high-quality and safe for them to eat. Plus, since you aren't locked into a package, you can bring in a kosher cake baker or specialty desserts without a penalty fee.

The Saturday Night Sunset Dilemma

If you are planning a traditional Jewish wedding, you likely know that you cannot marry on Shabbat (Friday night to Saturday sundown). This leads many couples to choose a Sunday wedding or a Saturday night ceremony after Havdalah. In Mexico, sunset is relatively early year-round (usually between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM depending on the season). If you wait until full darkness on a Saturday to start your ceremony, you will miss the natural light for your portraits.

My advice? Consider a Sunday wedding if you want those golden hour, sun-drenched photos. This allows us to schedule the ceremony about an hour before sunset, giving us perfect light for the chuppah and family portraits immediately after. If a Saturday night is a must, we can get creative. We can do a "first look" and couple portraits before Shabbat begins on Friday (if you are comfortable seeing each other), or we can embrace the dark! Villa La Joya looks spectacular at night with bistro lights strung over the pool and candles lining the walkways.

The Hora: Party Like No One is Watching

No Jewish destination wedding is complete without the Hora. I have seen some wild Horas in my time, but there is something special about doing it under the open sky with the Caribbean breeze cooling you down. The pool terrace at Villa La Joya is the ideal spot for the reception. It is spacious, paved (so chairs don’t sink into the grass while lifting you!), and surrounds a beautiful pool that reflects the party lights.

Safety is key here—lifting chairs on a dance floor can be precarious, so I always make sure to capture the action with a wide lens from a safe distance before getting into the mix for close-ups. The energy of the Hora is unmatched, and I love freezing those expressions of sheer terror and joy on the couple's faces as they are hoisted into the air. If you want to see how I capture these high-energy candid moments, check out my About page. It’s all about anticipating the chaos and finding the beauty in it.

Bringing Tradition to Paradise

Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are, blending your rich heritage with the relaxed, tropical vibe you fell in love with. Villa La Joya offers the canvas to paint that picture exactly how you want it, without the red tape of a corporate resort. Whether you are Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox, you can create a day that feels sacred, personal, and incredibly fun.

If you are planning a Jewish wedding in the Riviera Maya and need a photographer who understands the flow of the bedeken, the importance of the chuppah, and how to stay out of the way during the Hora, I would love to be there for you.

Wedding Planner: @camelliadestinationweddings

Venue: @Villalajoya

Makeup & hair: @sandracarolinamakeup

Makeup & hair: @hellobeautymx

Catering: @chefcristianmorales

DJ: @robertfirth

Audio: @unoaudiovisualsdj

Live music: @musharpsentertainment

Sax: @michaelsaxtrumpet

Entertainment: @drumsinparadise

Florals & rentals: @anhexobodas

Dancefloor: @hercon.entertainment

Photobooth: @picme_photobooth

Transportation: @emvatours

How to Handle "The Plus One" Conversation for Destination Weddings

Putting together a guest list is arguably the most stressful part of wedding planning, second only to perhaps the seating chart. But when you take your celebration international, the stakes get even higher. Suddenly, you aren't just buying someone a chicken dinner; you are asking them to book flights, take time off work, and pay for a resort stay. This naturally leads to the dreaded question: "Can I bring a guest?" The rules for a plus one in destination wedding scenarios are significantly different—and trickier—than local weddings. Guests often feel uncomfortable traveling alone, yet you are trying to keep your headcount (and budget) under control.

As a photographer, I see the impact of the guest list firsthand. I have shot intimate elopements with ten people where the emotion is palpable, and I have shot massive 200-person ragers where the bride spends half the night introducing herself to strangers. There is no right or wrong size for a wedding, but there is a right way to handle the invitation process. You want to be surrounded by your favorite people, not your cousin's boyfriend of two weeks who might photobomb your family portraits. Here is my honest advice on navigating the delicate balance of empathy and boundaries when it comes to plus ones.

The "Travel Buddy" Dilemma

The biggest argument guests have for bringing a plus one to a destination wedding is simply the travel aspect. Flying to Mexico alone can be intimidating for some, and staying in a romantic resort room solo isn't everyone’s idea of a good time. It is important to validate these feelings. If you have a single friend who doesn't know anyone else at the wedding, expecting them to fly solo is a big ask. In these cases, offering a plus one is often a kindness that ensures your friend actually attends and enjoys themselves, rather than feeling isolated or unsafe during the trip.

However, there is a distinct difference between a "travel companion" and a "wedding guest." I have seen couples successfully navigate this by allowing the friend to bring a travel buddy to the resort, but clarifying that the wedding ceremony and reception are for invited guests only. The companion can enjoy the pool or spa during the wedding events. It sounds harsh, but it is a valid compromise if you are strictly limited by venue capacity. Most of the time, though, if someone travels all that way, they are usually included in the festivities, so you need to weigh the cost of that extra plate against the comfort of your close friend.

The "No Ring, No Bring" Rule in 2026

Traditionally, the "no ring, no bring" rule was the gold standard for trimming guest lists: if they aren't married or engaged, the partner doesn't get an invite. In 2026, this rule feels a bit antiquated. Many couples live together, buy homes, and have children long before (or without ever) getting married. Applying a strict traditional rule can accidentally offend a committed couple just because they don't have a marriage license. Instead of looking for a ring, look for the relationship's longevity and significance. If you have known the partner for years and they are a staple at your social gatherings, they should probably be on the list.

That said, you do need a cut-off point to avoid the "flavor of the month" guests. A solid modern rule of thumb is the "six-month" or "one-year" mark. If they have been dating less than a year, or if you have never met the partner, it is perfectly acceptable to leave them off the invitation. The Knot offers great etiquette advice on this, suggesting that consistency is key. Whatever rule you set, apply it to everyone equally. You can't let your sister bring her new boyfriend but tell your college roommate she can't bring hers; that is a recipe for drama that you don't need on your wedding day.

The Cost Factor: It’s Not Just Dinner

When you plan a local wedding, adding a guest might cost you $150 for a meal and drinks. At an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, the financial dynamics are different. Many resorts charge per-head fees for private events that go beyond just the food. You might be paying for the ceremony chair setup, the cocktail hour open bar, the reception dinner, and sometimes even a "guest pass" fee if the plus one isn't staying at the host resort. When you start doing the math, that random plus one could cost you significantly more than you anticipated, eating into the budget you set aside for things that last forever, like hiring a destination wedding photographer in Cancun.

It is okay to protect your budget. If you are paying for the wedding yourselves, you have every right to prioritize quality over quantity. I often tell couples that every stranger at your wedding is a deduction from your honeymoon fund or your photography package. When you view it that way, it becomes easier to say no. If a guest pushes back, you can be honest about the per-head limitations at the resort. Most rational people understand that destination weddings have strict caps on attendance due to the venue packages, and they won't take it personally if you explain it’s a numbers game, not a personal slight.

The Photography Perspective

From my side of the lens, the guest list drastically changes the vibe of the photos. When you look back at your wedding album in twenty years, do you want to see faces you don't recognize in the background of your first dance? Intimate weddings often yield the most emotional photos because everyone there is deeply invested in your story. When the room is filled with people who truly know and love you, the tears are real, the laughter is louder, and the guard comes down. A room full of strangers (or awkward plus ones who don't want to be there) can dilute that energy, leading to a stiff atmosphere that translates into the imagery.

There is also the matter of the dance floor. A plus one in destination wedding scenarios can sometimes be a wallflower. If they don't know anyone but their date, they tend to sit on the sidelines, or worse, they pull your actual friend off the dance floor to keep them company. I want to capture a packed dance floor with high energy. The best parties happen when the group is cohesive. If you are on the fence about a plus one, ask yourself: "Will this person add to the joy of the day, or are they just a placeholder?" My goal is to capture genuine connections, and that is always easier when the guest list is curated with intention. You can read more about my philosophy on capturing genuine moments on my About page.

Wording the Invitation

The best way to handle the plus one conversation is to preempt it with crystal-clear invitations. Ambiguity is your enemy here. If you address the envelope to "The Smith Family," it implies the kids and maybe a guest are invited. If you address it to "John Smith," it implies only John is invited. Be specific on the RSVP card as well. Using phrasing like "We have reserved 1 seat in your honor" makes it impossible for the guest to write in a plus one without blatantly ignoring your instructions. This saves you the awkwardness of having to call them later to clarify.

For destination weddings, your wedding website is your best friend. Create a robust FAQ section where you address this head-on. You can write something polite but firm, such as: "Due to the intimate nature of our destination wedding and venue capacity limits, we are unable to extend plus ones beyond those named on the invitation." Zola’s guide to wedding websites suggests framing it as a wish to keep the event intimate. This sets expectations early, so guests can decide if they want to make the trip solo before they even commit to the RSVP.

Dealing with Pushback

Even with perfect etiquette and clear invitations, you might get a text asking, "Can I bring my new boyfriend?" It happens. The key is to handle this gracefully but firmly. Do not apologize profusely; simply state the facts. "We would love to meet him, but unfortunately, our venue package is strictly capped, and we’re at maximum capacity." By blaming the venue or the budget, you remove the personal element. It’s not that you don't like their boyfriend; it’s that the resort literally won't let you add another chair.

Remember, this is your wedding. You are curating an experience for yourself and your closest loved ones. It is natural to feel guilty, but you are not responsible for managing everyone else's vacation. If a guest decides not to come because they can't bring a date, that is their choice, and you have to be okay with it. Focus on the people who are making the effort to be there for you. Those are the people I want to photograph you with—the ones who would fly across the world just to see you smile.

Let’s Plan Your Intimate Celebration

Whether you are planning a massive reunion or a select gathering of your nearest and dearest, navigating the guest list is just the first step. Once the people are chosen, the real fun begins: creating an unforgettable experience in paradise. I specialize in capturing the unique energy of destination weddings, ensuring that whoever makes the cut looks their absolute best in your gallery.

If you are looking for a photographer who understands the nuances of destination wedding dynamics and can help you navigate the planning process, I would love to connect. Let’s make your Mexican wedding unforgettable.

After the Sunset: Capturing Your Epic Destination Wedding Party in Mexico

We all know the script for a perfect wedding in Mexico. It starts with a mimosa-filled morning, moves to a tear-jerking ceremony under the palm trees, and transitions into golden hour portraits as the sun dips below the horizon. But what happens when the sun is gone? If you are like most of my couples, the ceremony is just the warm-up. You flew your friends and family thousands of miles not just to watch you say "I do," but to celebrate with a massive destination wedding party that lasts until the resort shuts you down.

As a photographer, I often see portfolios that are 90% natural light—bright, airy, and beautiful daytime shots. But if 50% of your wedding is happening after dark, you need to know your gallery won't turn into a grainy, blurry mess the moment the stars come out. I take huge pride in my night photography because that is when the real energy comes out. From the emotional speeches to the tequila shots on the dance floor, I want to ensure every moment is crisp, vibrant, and true to the vibe of your night. Here is how we make the magic happen after dark.

The Reality of "Low Light" Photography

When photographers talk about "low light," it often strikes fear into the hearts of brides who worry their reception photos will look like they were taken in a cave. The truth is, low light is where creativity thrives, provided you have the right equipment and know-how. Unlike the controlled environment of a studio, a beach reception is unpredictable. The moon might be hiding behind clouds, or the venue lighting might be dimmer than expected. This is where I rely on professional off-camera flash setups. By strategically placing lights around your reception area, I can illuminate the scene without killing the ambiance. We want to see your faces clearly, but we also want to retain the glow of the string lights and the moodiness of the evening.

This balance is crucial because simply blasting a flash directly at you creates that "deer in headlights" look that nobody wants. Instead, I use techniques that bounce and diffuse light, mimicking a more natural glow. This allows me to capture the background environment—the ocean waves, the architectural details of your venue, and the starry sky—while ensuring you look sharp and well-lit. It is about creating a three-dimensional feel to the images rather than a flat, washed-out snapshot.

Mastering the Sparkler Exit

The sparkler exit is a classic wedding tradition that has become a staple for destination weddings, but pulling it off on a windy beach requires some logistical finesse. Safety and timing are everything here. I always recommend doing the sparkler run before your guests have had too many margaritas—usually right after the speeches or the first dance is a great time. Visually, sparklers provide a stunning, warm light source that wraps around the couple, creating a romantic and exciting separation from the dark background. I shoot these with a specific lens aperture that turns the sparkles into beautiful, glowing bokeh balls, making the image feel magical and high-energy.

However, the key to a great sparkler photo isn't just the sparklers themselves; it is how we light you amidst the fire. If a photographer relies solely on the light from the sparklers, your faces will often end up orange and muddy. I mix the warm ambient light of the sparklers with a cool, crisp flash to ensure your skin tones look natural while the fire around you pops. Brides magazine offers some great safety tips for these exits, but from a photography standpoint, my main tip is to walk slowly. The slower you walk through the tunnel of light, the more chances I have to capture that perfect cheering shot and that cinematic kiss at the end.

Fireworks and Cold Sparks

If you really want to elevate your destination wedding party, nothing screams "celebration" quite like a professional fireworks display or cold sparks during your first dance. Cold sparks—those fountains of sparks that shoot up from the floor—are safer and often permitted by resorts that ban traditional fireworks. Capturing these requires split-second timing. I need to know exactly when they are going off so I can adjust my camera settings before the trigger is pulled. Fireworks are incredibly bright compared to the dark sky, so I use a technique that exposes for the bright explosions while adding just enough fill light to ensure you and your partner aren't just silhouettes against the display.

The composition of these shots is equally important. I typically switch to a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the fireworks exploding over the ocean or the resort. This is one of those moments where hiring a local expert matters; having worked as a destination wedding photographer in Cancun for years, I know the layouts of these venues. I know where to stand to get the best angle that includes the fireworks, the venue architecture, and the couple, all in one epic frame. It is a high-pressure shot because there are no do-overs with fireworks, but when we nail it, it usually ends up being the cover photo of the wedding album.

The Dance Floor Energy

Once the formal events are done, the real party begins, and this is personally my favorite part of the night to shoot. A destination wedding dance floor has a unique energy; everyone is on vacation mode, the humidity is high, and the inhibitions are low. To capture this chaos beautifully, I use a technique called "dragging the shutter." This involves keeping the camera shutter open for a fraction of a second longer than usual while a flash freezes the subject. The result is a sharp image of you dancing, surrounded by cool streaks of light and motion blur from the background. It makes the photos look exactly how the party felt: fast-paced, colorful, and wild.

This is also where I get right into the middle of the action. I don't stand on the sidelines with a zoom lens; I am on the dance floor with you (camera safely strapped to my hand, of course). I want to capture the sweat, the singing, the tie tied around your head, and the group hugs. By being close to the action with a wide lens, the viewer feels like they are in the photo, not just looking at it. It captures the texture of the night. If you want to know more about my approach to capturing these candid, unposed moments, you can read more on my About page.

Why Experience Matters in the Dark

Shooting in the dark is the ultimate stress test for photography gear and skills. Autofocus systems struggle when there is no contrast, and cheap lenses can't handle the lack of light. Furthermore, the environment in Mexico adds another layer of difficulty: humidity. At night, as the temperature drops, condensation can form on lenses instantly if the photographer isn't careful. I bring specialized equipment designed to handle difficult lighting conditions and weather. I know how to focus manually when it’s pitch black and how to troubleshoot on the fly so that we never miss a moment of the action.

Beyond the gear, experience teaches you anticipation. In low light, you can't just "spray and pray" (hold the button down and hope for a good shot) because flashes need time to recycle power. I have to anticipate the peak of the action—the drop of the beat, the dip in the dance, the clinking of glasses. It is about quality over quantity. An experienced photographer knows how to read the room and lighting conditions, such as the mixed color temperatures from DJ lights. If you are curious about how weather patterns might affect your outdoor reception, The Weather Channel's historical data is a good resource, but rest assured, I am prepared for it all.

Let's Light Up Your Night

Your wedding doesn't end when the sun goes down, and your photography coverage shouldn't dip in quality either. You deserve a gallery that tells the full story of your day, from the quiet morning anticipation to the raucous, joy-filled celebration under the stars. Whether it’s a romantic sparkler exit or a crowded dance floor, I am there to capture the vibe exactly as you remember it—bright, bold, and full of life.

If you are planning a destination wedding party in Mexico and want to ensure your night photos are just as epic as your day photos, I would love to hear from you. Let’s chat about your venue, your vision, and how we can create some magic together.

Why an Unplugged Ceremony is the Best Decision for Your Destination Wedding

I’m Evan Whitney from Arch Wedding Studio, and I want you to imagine the following with me: you are standing at the start of the aisle, the music swells, and you take that first step toward the love of your life. You look out at the chairs lined up on the white sand, hoping to see the smiling, teary-eyed faces of your closest friends and family. Instead, you are met with a wall of raised arms, black plastic cases, and camera lenses. You aren't making eye contact with your grandmother; you're making eye contact with the Apple logo on the back of her iPad.

This is a scenario I see play out far too often. We live in a digital world where our first instinct is to document everything, but your wedding ceremony is the one moment where that instinct needs to be paused. As a photographer who is passionate about capturing real emotion, I am a huge advocate for the unplugged ceremony. It isn't about being strict or controlling; it is about reclaiming the intimacy of the moment. Today, I want to explain why asking your guests to put their phones away is the greatest gift you can give to them, to me, and most importantly, to yourselves.

The "Wall of Screens" vs. Professional Photos

From a purely visual standpoint, cell phones are the biggest obstacle to getting those breathtaking, clean aisle photos you see on Pinterest. When guests lean into the aisle to get "the shot" with their phones, they unknowingly block my angles and clutter the frame. I have seen countless key moments—the groom’s reaction, the father giving away the bride, the first kiss—compromised because a well-meaning guest thrust a phone right in front of my lens at the critical second. It turns a timeless, artistic image into a snapshot of people taking snapshots.

Beyond just blocking the view, screens ruin the lighting and the ambiance of your professional photos. In a dimly lit chapel or during a sunset ceremony, the harsh blue glow of a smartphone screen illuminates faces in a ghostly, unflattering way. It pulls the viewer's eye away from the couple and straight to the bright light in the crowd. When you hire a professional Cancun destination wedding photographer, you are investing in high-quality artistry. An unplugged rule ensures that your final gallery is filled with the joyful faces of your loved ones, not a sea of devices.

Guest Experience

There is a profound psychological difference between witnessing a moment with your own eyes and watching it through a 6-inch screen. When a guest is focused on framing a video, zooming in, or checking if they are recording, they are not fully present. They shift from being a participant in a sacred event to being a content creator. Research on the psychology of photography suggests that taking photos can actually impair our memory of the event, as we outsource the memory to the device rather than feeling it in the moment.

When you ask guests to unplug, the energy in the space shifts immediately. I can feel it. People sit up straighter, they listen more tailored to the vows, and they engage emotionally with what is happening right in front of them. When you look out at your audience during the ceremony, you want to connect with them. You want to see their smiles, their tears, and their reactions, not the tops of their heads as they look down at their screens. An unplugged ceremony invites your community to truly witness your union, creating a shared emotional experience that is far more powerful than any Instagram story.

Trust the Pro (That’s Me!)

One of the main reasons guests feel the urge to pull out their phones is a fear that the moment will be lost if they don't capture it. They want to preserve the memory for you. But this is exactly why you hired me. My entire job, and the reason I love what I do, is to ensure that no glance, no tear, and no laugh goes undocumented. I have the professional gear, the fast lenses, and the anticipation to capture these split-second moments infinitely better than a shaky cell phone video ever could.

By telling your guests to put their devices away, you are essentially telling them: "We have this covered. Relax and enjoy the show." You can promise them that you will share the professional photos with them as soon as you get them. This relieves them of the "duty" to document. When guests trust that the professional photographer is capturing the main event, they can relax into their role as guests. They can hold their partner's hand instead of their phone, and they can clap loudly when you kiss instead of fumbling to hit the "stop record" button.

How to Politely "Enforce" the Rule

Many couples worry that asking for an unplugged ceremony will seem rude or "bridezilla-ish," but it all comes down to how you communicate it. Most guests are happy to comply if they know your reasoning. The best approach is a combination of a cute, clear sign at the entrance to the ceremony area and a verbal announcement from your officiant before the processional begins. The officiant has the authority to command the room. A simple script like, "The couple invites you to be fully present with them today and asks that you please turn off all cell phones and cameras," works wonders. For inspiration, there are many unplugged wedding wording ideas available that range from funny to formal.

If you are worried about guests feeling deprived of their photo ops, try the "Social Media Minute." This is a fantastic compromise I’ve seen work beautifully. Once you are at the altar, the officiant pauses and says, "Okay everyone, take out your phones! You have 60 seconds to take the best photo you can of the couple." You pose, everyone gets their shot to post on social media, and then the officiant says, "Great, now please put them away for the rest of the ceremony." It satisfies the itch to snap a photo while ensuring the vows and the ring exchange remain intimate and distraction-free.

Your destination wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. You deserve to look out at your ceremony and see the people you traveled so far to be with, fully present and sharing in your joy.

If you are looking for a photographer who values real connection and timeless images, I would love to hear from you.

The Real Guide to Hair & Makeup for Destination Weddings

When you close your eyes and picture your wedding in the Riviera Maya, you probably see a gentle breeze catching your hair and a golden-hour glow on your skin. What you probably aren't picturing is 85% humidity, a sticky layer of sweat, and that "gentle breeze" turning your perfectly styled beach waves into a frizzy tangle. It’s the unglamorous reality of getting married in the tropics, and it is the number one worry I hear from my brides.

As a Cancun destination wedding photographer, I spend my entire life looking at how makeup and hair translate through a lens in this specific climate. I have seen what works beautifully for eight hours, and I have seen what melts off in thirty minutes. Achieving flawless hair & makeup for destination wedding celebrations isn't about fighting the elements; it's about prepping for them with the right products and the right expectations. I want to share the practical, field-tested advice that will keep you looking fresh from your first look to the last dance.

Airbrush vs. Traditional Foundation

The foundation you choose is the most critical decision you will make for your makeup. In a humid climate like Cancun or Tulum, traditional liquid foundations can feel heavy and, worse, they can start to separate or "slide" off your face as your skin naturally produces oils and sweat. If you are prone to sweating, a heavy liquid base is going to be your enemy. It tends to settle into fine lines and can look "cakey" very quickly under the intense tropical sun.

This is why I almost always recommend airbrush makeup for destination weddings. Airbrush formulas are typically silicone-based, which makes them incredibly water-resistant—essentially, they are sweat-proof. The makeup sits on top of your skin as a fine mist rather than sinking into your pores, creating a lightweight, breathable barrier that withstands the heat. It photographs beautifully because it creates a seamless, matte finish that cuts down on unwanted shine without looking heavy. If your makeup artist offers airbrush, take it. It is the best insurance policy against the humidity.

Updo vs. Beach Waves

We all love the look of loose, romantic, mermaid waves flowing down your back. It’s the quintessential "beach bride" vibe. But I need to be the bearer of honest news: the wind on the coast of Mexico is relentless, and the humidity is the enemy of a curl. If you choose to wear your hair down, you must accept that it will likely get messy, windblown, and lose its curl structure by the reception. If you are someone who will be stressed if every hair isn't perfectly in place, wearing your hair down is going to cause you anxiety on your wedding day.

If you want a style that is truly "set it and forget it," an updo is the only way to go. A chic chignon, a textured bun, or a braided crown will keep your neck cool and your hair secure against the ocean breeze. If you are dead-set on wearing it down, I highly recommend using hair extensions. Surprisingly, high-quality extensions hold a curl much better than natural hair in humidity and add the necessary volume to prevent your hair from looking flat or stringy after an hour outside. Be realistic about your hair type and choose a style that works with the weather, not against it.

Why You Can't Skip the Trial Run

Many brides try to save money by skipping the hair and makeup trial, thinking they can just show the artist a Pinterest photo on the wedding morning. Please, do not do this. Pictures on Pinterest were often taken in controlled studio environments or non-humid locations. You need to see how your hair and skin react to the specific products your local artist uses in the actual Riviera Maya weather. A trial run is the only way to test the longevity of the look.

I recommend scheduling your trial for the morning of your Welcome Party or rehearsal dinner. This allows you to "stress test" the look. Go outside, walk around in the heat, dance a little, and see how the makeup holds up after four or five hours. Does the eyeliner smudge? Do the curls fall flat immediately? This "test drive" gives your artist invaluable information. On the wedding day, they can then adjust the primer, use a stronger setting spray, or pin your hair differently based on how the trial went. It is worth every penny for your peace of mind.

The Touch-Up Kit

Even with the best professional application in the world, you are human, and you are getting married in the tropics. You are going to glow, and eventually, you might sweat. This is normal! The goal isn't to stop it entirely but to manage it. Your maid of honor needs to be armed with a dedicated touch-up kit that is accessible at all times during the photo session. Do not bury this deep in a bag in the bridal suite; it needs to be in a clutch right next to you.

The two most important items in this kit are blotting papers and a translucent setting powder. When you feel sweaty, do not just layer more powder on top; that creates a muddy, cakey mess. First, use the blotting paper to lift the oil and sweat off the skin. Then, apply a light dusting of powder to matte down the T-zone. This simple two-step process keeps your skin looking fresh and clean in photos rather than greasy. A quick spritz of refreshing facial mist can also cool you down and reset the makeup without disturbing it.

How I Capture (and Edit) You in the Heat

Finally, trust your photographer. I know that you are worried about looking sweaty in your photos, but I have specific techniques to handle this. When I’m shooting, I am constantly looking for the best light. I often use "backlighting" (putting the sun behind you) which creates a halo effect on your hair and keeps the direct, hot sun off your face. This prevents squinting and reduces the hard shine on your forehead. I also monitor your look constantly; if I see you getting too shiny, I will call for a quick "blotting break" before we continue.

In the editing room, I also have your back. There is a fine line between "dewy tropical glow" and "sweaty." During my editing process, I can soften the texture of the skin and tone down harsh highlights caused by humidity. I don't airbrush you into a plastic doll, but I do refine the images so that the sweat is minimized and the glow is emphasized. You focus on the emotion and the moment, and let me worry about the lighting and the retouching.

You are going to look beautiful, tropical heat and all. It’s about preparation, not perfection. If you want a photographer who understands the elements and knows how to make you look flawless in any weather, let’s connect.

Working with Local Mariachi Bands: What to Know Before You Book

If there is one sound that instantly transports you to a celebration in Mexico, it’s the sound of a mariachi band. As a photographer, I can tell you that the moment a mariachi band enters the reception, the entire energy of the wedding changes. It’s pure joy, it’s high-energy, and it’s one of the most authentically beautiful cultural traditions you can include in your day.

But I've also seen couples get stressed out by the booking process, or end up with an experience that wasn't quite what they dreamed of. Hiring a mariachi band for your wedding in Mexico is a little different than booking a DJ back home. You’re hiring a group of passionate, local artists. So, I want to share a few key things I’ve learned from watching dozens of weddings, to help you get that perfect, magical mariachi moment.

1. Understand the Huge Range in Quality and Size

It’s a common mistake to think that "a mariachi band is a mariachi band." This couldn't be further from the truth. The quality and impact of the band can vary wildly. You might find a small, 3-piece group that is more of a quiet, strolling trio, or you can find a spectacular 12-piece orchestra with multiple violins, trumpets, and powerful vocalists that commands the entire room. Both have their place, but you need to know what you’re booking.

My advice is to always ask for a recent video of the band performing, not just a studio recording. Pay attention to two things: their sound and their trajes (uniforms). A professional, high-quality band will have immaculate, matching charro suits and a full, rich sound. For most weddings, a group of 6-8 musicians is the sweet spot. This gives you the full, impressive sound with violins and trumpets without completely overwhelming your event space.

2. The Perfect Time for the "Mariachi Moment"

Timing is everything. Many couples instinctively think they should have the mariachis play during the dinner service. From my perspective, this can sometimes backfire. A full, professional band is wonderfully loud and engaging, which is the exact opposite of what you want when guests are trying to have a quiet conversation over their meal. It can also be a distraction during the ceremony itself, pulling focus from your vows.

Here’s the secret: the most electric, unforgettable way to use a mariachi band is as a surprise transition. My favorite is having them burst into the area at the end of the cocktail hour to lead everyone to the reception. Or, have them make a grand entrance right after the first dance to kick the party into high gear. This high-energy "wow" moment gets everyone on their feet, clapping and singing along. The candid photos of your guests' surprised and joyful faces are always some of my favorites of the night.

3. They Are Booked "Por Hora" (By the Hour)

When you hire a wedding band or DJ in the U.S. or Canada, you’re typically booking them for a 4 or 5-hour block. This is not how it works with mariachis. Local mariachi bands are almost always booked por hora—by the hour. This is a crucial detail for your planning and your budget. The price they quote you will almost always be for a one-hour performance.

Honestly, for a wedding, one hour is almost always the perfect amount of time. Mariachi music is a high-impact, high-energy performance. An hour is long enough for them to play all the classics (like "Cielito Lindo" and "El Rey"), get everyone dancing, serenade you at your table, and then make a grand exit, leaving everyone on a high note. You get all the magic and energy in one concentrated, perfect dose, without it overstaying its welcome.

4. Booking via Your Resort vs. Your Planner

You generally have two main avenues for booking your band. The first, and easiest, option is to book directly through your resort's wedding coordinator. The resort will have a preferred, "in-house" band that they work with for all their events. This is a safe, simple, and reliable choice. You tell them you want a band, they add it to your invoice, and you don't have to worry about a thing.

The second option is to hire a band through your independent wedding planner (if you have one). A good planner will have relationships with the best local bands in the area, not just the one the resort has on contract. This can often result in a higher-quality, more authentic, and more impressive group of musicians. It might require a separate contract and a bit more coordination, but if the quality of the music is a top priority for you, this is often the way to go.

A great mariachi band does more than just play music; they create an experience. They bring a level of passion, tradition, and pure, celebratory joy that is impossible to fake, and it’s a part of the day my camera absolutely loves. Capturing that authentic energy is what your wedding photos are all about.

If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to capture the vibrant, candid, and joyful spirit of a destination wedding, I’d be honored to chat with you.

The 3 Destination Wedding Costs No One Tells You About

One of the main reasons couples choose a destination wedding is that it often seems more affordable than a traditional, large-scale wedding back home. And in many cases, it absolutely can be! But after years of being behind the scenes at these beautiful events, I’ve seen couples get completely blindsided by unexpected costs that were never mentioned in the resort's glossy brochure.

Your dream wedding shouldn't come with a surprise bill at the end. The key to financial peace of mind is knowing ALL the potential expenses upfront. I want to pull back the curtain on the three biggest "hidden" destination wedding costs that I see couples encounter time and time again. My goal is to help you build a budget that is realistic, so you can go into this amazing experience with your eyes wide open.

1. The "Outside Vendor Fee" (The Big One)

This is, without a doubt, the most important and most painful hidden cost. When you book your wedding at an all-inclusive resort, they will have their own "preferred" or "in-house" team of vendors (photographer, DJ, florist, etc.). If you want to hire any professional who is not on their list—like a photographer whose style you actually love or a specific DJ you've found—the resort will charge you a penalty. This is called the outside vendor fee, and it can be staggering.

This fee does not go to your photographer; it goes directly to the resort. I have seen these fees range from $500 to over $1,500 per vendor. This is a massive line item that can shatter your budget. It forces you into a tough corner: either settle for their in-house team (which may not match your style) or pay a huge premium for the artists you truly want. You must ask about this fee in writing before you sign any contract with your venue.

2. The "Wedding Weekend" Budget Creep

When you first crunched the numbers, you were likely budgeting for a six-hour event: your ceremony and your reception. But a destination wedding is rarely just a six-hour affair. Your guests are flying thousands of miles and spending their vacation time to celebrate with you. This creates an unspoken (or sometimes very spoken) expectation that you will host them for more than just the wedding day itself.

This is where the "welcome party" and "farewell brunch" sneak into your budget. While these can be "casual," they are never free. A two-hour welcome cocktail party with an open bar and some appetizers for 50 people can easily add thousands of dollars to your final bill. You need to decide from the very beginning whether these extra events are a priority, and if they are, you must budget for them specifically as their own major expense, separate from the wedding day.

3. Shipping, Customs, and Import Taxes

This is the logistical nightmare that no one thinks about. You've spent months collecting the perfect party favors, custom signage, welcome bag goodies, and other beautiful decor to make your wedding personal. The problem is, how do you get all of this stuff to Mexico? Shipping is notoriously unreliable and expensive, with a high risk of your box getting stuck in customs. The only "safe" way to do it is to pack it all in extra suitcases and bring it with you.

Here’s the "gotcha": when you land in Cancun or Cabo and a customs agent scans your suitcase, they don't see "wedding favors." They see 75 identical artisan tequila bottles or 100 boxed candles. They consider this a commercial import, not personal items, and they will charge you a hefty import tax right there on the spot. I have seen couples forced to pay hundreds of dollars in cash at the airport just to get their own welcome bags. It's a terrible way to start your wedding week.

A destination wedding is an incredible, unforgettable experience. Knowing about these potential costs isn't meant to scare you; it's meant to prepare you. A great wedding planner and an experienced team of vendors will be transparent about these things from the start.

If you’re looking for a photographer who believes in transparency and will be an honest partner in helping you navigate this entire process, I would be honored to chat with you.

Should You Hire Local Vendors or Fly Your Own Team to Mexico?

As you start planning your destination wedding, you’re going to hit a major fork in the road. Do you hire the photographer or planner you love from your hometown and fly them with you? Or do you put your trust in destination wedding local vendors you’ve only met over email? It's a tough decision that involves trust, budget, and style.

As a photographer who specializes in this exact world, I want to give you a straight, honest answer. I see couples wrestle with this all the time, and my advice is almost always the same: you shouldn't just hire a "local" vendor, and you definitely shouldn't fly in your hometown team. You should hire a destination specialist—a professional who has built their entire business around serving a global clientele in this specific, beautiful, and logistically unique part of the world.

The Hidden Costs of Flying Your Team In

The first and most obvious hurdle is the cost. That photographer or planner's fee, which already seems high, is just the starting point. You will also be responsible for their round-trip flights, baggage fees (which are significant for photo gear), a hotel room for at least 3-4 nights, a per diem for food, and all their ground transportation. This can add thousands of dollars to your budget per vendor.

But here’s the real budget-killer: the outside vendor fee. Nearly every all-inclusive resort in Mexico charges a steep fee, often from $500 to $1,500 USD, for any vendor who is not on their "preferred" list. This fee goes directly to the resort, not the vendor. So, on top of paying for their travel, you’re paying a massive penalty just for them to walk onto the property. Suddenly, that hometown vendor is astronomically more expensive.

Your Hometown Pro is Out of Their Element

Let's set the money aside and talk about expertise. The photographer you love in your city is an expert at shooting in your city. They know the best parks, the cool urban spots, and how to handle a cloudy day in October. They are not an expert at shooting in the harsh, reflective, 1:00 PM sun on a white beach in Mexico. The light, the humidity, the salty air, and the unique challenges of a resort timeline are a completely different ballgame. They are, essentially, learning on your dime.

A hometown vendor also has zero local connections. When their rental car breaks down, they don't have a driver they can call. When their lighting gear fails in the humidity, they don't have a local network to borrow from. They don't know the resort security rules or the best, most private spots for photos. They are working on an island, and that’s a huge risk for you to take on your wedding day.

The "Local" Vendor vs. The "Destination Specialist"

Now, let's talk about hiring "local." This is where couples get nervous about style, communication, and quality. And to be fair, if "local" just means the in-house vendor your resort pushes on you, your fears might be valid. Those teams are often focused on volume, not a unique, artistic vision. This is where you can end up with those generic, cookie-cutter photos we’ve all seen before.

But there is a massive difference between a generic "local" vendor and a "destination specialist." A specialist (like me) is a professional who has chosen to base their business in a destination market like Cancun or Los Cabos. We may live here, or we may travel here so often that we are local experts. Our business is built from the ground up to cater to an international couple, meaning we have the high-end style, clear communication, and professionalism you expect, combined with the priceless on-the-ground expertise.

The Sweet Spot: Why a Specialist is the Smartest Choice

Hiring a destination specialist is truly the best of both worlds. We have the local knowledge and the international standard of quality. I know these venues like the back of my hand. I know which resorts have the best "Plan B" for rain and which beaches are too crowded at 4 PM. I know exactly where the sun will set at your specific venue in March. I have backup plans, local contacts, and the right insurance for working in Mexico. This isn't just one trip for me; it's my entire professional world.

For vendors like your planner, florist, DJ, and hair/makeup artist, I will always recommend you hire a tried-and-true, recommended destination specialist based here in Mexico. They have the relationships with the resorts and the local supply chains. And for your photographer? It's even more critical. You are not just hiring someone to take pictures; you are hiring an expert guide who can navigate the light, the weather, and the timeline of a destination wedding to ensure your memories are captured flawlessly.

Don't risk your wedding day on a vendor who is out of their element, and don't settle for a generic in-house team. Invest in a professional who specializes in this. You deserve an expert who is as passionate and knowledgeable about your destination as you are.

If you’re looking for a photographer who is a true destination specialist and knows how to make your wedding in Mexico look as magical as it feels, I would be honored to chat.

Getting Married at Dreams Natura: What Makes It Different from Dreams Riviera Cancun?

Hi, I’m Evan Whitney, the photographer behind Arch Wedding Studio. If you’re planning your destination wedding, you’ve probably noticed that the "Dreams" brand is a huge name in the Riviera Maya. Two of their most popular resorts, Dreams Natura and Dreams Riviera Cancun, often end up as the final two contenders for couples. On paper, they seem very similar: both are family-friendly, all-inclusive, and beautiful. So, what’s the difference?

As a photographer who has been lucky enough to shoot at both, I can tell you they offer surprisingly different atmospheres and, more importantly, very different visual backdrops for your wedding photos. This isn't about which one is "better," but about which one is the right one for your specific style. Let’s break down the key differences from a photographer’s point of view.

Dreams Natura

Modern & High-Energy vs. Classic & Lush

Dreams Natura is the newer of the two, and you feel that modern energy the moment you arrive. The design is contemporary, sleek, and inspired by the surrounding jungle, with a lot of natural wood, stone, and impressive water features, including a lazy river and a water park. This resort has a "wow" factor and feels very high-energy and fun. It’s perfect for the modern couple who loves a sleek design and wants a venue that feels new and exciting for their guests.

Dreams Riviera Cancun, on the other hand, is built with a more classic, tropical hacienda style. It’s incredibly lush and feels more established, with winding cobblestone paths, sprawling gardens, and a more traditional layout. The vibe is timelessly romantic and a bit more tranquil. This resort is for the couple who dreams of that classic Riviera Maya feel—romantic, surrounded by nature, and exuding a warm, traditional charm.

Dreams Riviera Cancun

Unique & Dramatic vs. Timeless & Oceanfront

When it comes to your Dreams Natura wedding ceremony, the locations are all about drama and unique design. Their most famous spot is the "Infinity Pool" gazebo, which features a clear-floor aisle that makes you feel like you’re walking on water. They also have a very cool, cenote-inspired cave location for intimate ceremonies, and a stunning rooftop deck. These spots are fantastic for a couple who wants a ceremony backdrop that is modern, unexpected, and very "Instagram-worthy."

Dreams Riviera Cancun’s ceremony locations are more about classic, in-your-face ocean views. Its most iconic spot is the large, octagonal, thatched-roof gazebo set right at the edge of the beach. It’s a beautiful, timeless structure that perfectly frames the turquoise ocean behind you. They also offer beautiful beach setups and garden locations. This is the ideal choice for the couple who has always pictured that quintessential, romantic, toes-in-the-sand (or at least looking at the sand) ceremony.

Dreams Natura

Architectural & Sleek vs. Organic & Green

As a photographer, I love the variety at Dreams Natura. The modern architecture creates amazing leading lines, dramatic shadows, and reflections. We can use the sleek, wood-slatted walkways, the impressive rock formations in the lazy river, and the contemporary sculptures to create photos that feel more high-fashion or editorial. The rooftop also offers epic panoramic views of the ocean and the jungle, which is incredible for sunset portraits.

At Dreams Riviera Cancun, my lens is always drawn to the greenery. The entire resort feels like a secret tropical garden. We can wander the winding paths and find a dozen secluded spots that feel like we’re all alone in the jungle. The photos here feel more organic, soft, and naturally romantic. It’s easier to find those classic "tropical paradise" shots, with lush palm trees, vibrant flowers, and charming, rustic textures.

Dreams Riviera Cancun

Chic Rooftop vs. Romantic Garden

Dreams Natura truly shines with its modern reception venues. The Blue Water Rooftop is a show-stopper. Hosting your reception or cocktail hour up there, overlooking the entire resort and the ocean, feels incredibly chic and exclusive. It’s perfect for a sophisticated party under the stars. They also have beautiful, modern ballrooms and terrace options that carry that same contemporary, high-end feel.

Dreams Riviera Cancun delivers a more grounded, classic romantic reception. Its pool deck, surrounded by those iconic octagonal towers and lit by torches and twinkle lights, is a hugely popular and beautiful spot. You can also host a reception in their garden areas or on a beach-adjacent terrace. The feeling is less "Miami chic" and more "timeless tropical romance," with the sounds of the ocean and the warm, lush air setting the mood.

So, here’s the bottom line: a Dreams Natura wedding is perfect for the couple who wants a modern, sleek, and high-energy venue with unique, dramatic photo backdrops. Dreams Riviera Cancun is the ideal choice for the couple who wants a classic, lush, and timelessly romantic setting that feels like a tropical garden paradise.

There’s no wrong answer—only the one that feels right for your love story. If you’ve chosen your venue and are looking for a photographer who knows how to capture its unique magic, I’d love to chat.

Your Guests Don't Want Another Tote Bag: A Guide to Welcome Gifts They'll Actually Use

As a destination wedding photographer, I’m in a unique position. I get to see everything that happens behind the scenes, from the planning stages to the very last moments of the wedding weekend. And that includes seeing what’s left behind in hotel rooms after the farewell brunch. And I’m here to tell you an honest, friendly truth: it’s almost always the welcome bags.

I know your heart is in the right place! You’re asking your favorite people to travel thousands of miles for you, and you want to greet them with a thoughtful gift to show your gratitude. The welcome bag has become the standard way to do this. But after seeing dozens of custom-printed tote bags and personalized koozies left behind, I think there’s a better way. Let’s talk about shifting your budget from "stuff" to gifts your guests will genuinely love and appreciate.

The Problem with the Standard Welcome Bag

You know the one I'm talking about. It’s a canvas tote bag with "Jen & Mike's Riviera Maya Fiesta, August 2025" printed on the front. Inside, there's a bottle of water, a bag of Lay's potato chips, a can of Modelo, a map of the resort, and maybe a little bottle of Advil. While the intention is wonderful, the contents are often things guests could easily get themselves, and the tote bag itself is destined for the back of a closet.

The reality is that your guests have limited luggage space for the trip home. As much as they love you, they probably won’t use a tote bag with your names and wedding date on it again. It’s not that they are ungrateful for the gesture; it's just not practical. I believe the money, time, and effort you spend creating these bags could be used in a way that makes an even bigger and more memorable impact.

Alternative #1: The Gift of a Shared Experience

Instead of giving everyone a bag of things, what if you gave them a memory? Take the money you would have spent—let’s say $75 per guest—and pool it together to host an incredible welcome event. Imagine greeting your guests on their first evening not with a bag in their room, but with an invitation to a private sunset catamaran cruise. That’s an experience no one will ever forget.

There are so many possibilities. You could host a group tequila or mezcal tasting led by a local expert, complete with amazing appetizers. You could set up a private, high-end taco bar by the pool for a fun and casual welcome lunch. Or you could even arrange for a professional cigar roller to come to your welcome cocktail hour. These shared experiences create a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere from the moment your guests arrive and are far more valuable than any physical item.

Alternative #2: One Single, High-Quality Gift

If you love the idea of giving a physical gift, the key is to focus on quality over quantity. Ditch the collection of small, forgettable items and invest in one single, beautiful, and genuinely useful product. Instead of that printed canvas tote, what about giving each couple a gorgeous, unbranded Turkish towel? It’s something they can use at the pool all weekend and then take home as a high-end beach towel, bath towel, or even a stylish throw for their sofa.

Other ideas along these lines include a bottle of truly excellent, top-shelf tequila or rum that they can’t easily find back home. Or, you could give each guest a gift certificate for the resort’s best coffee shop to cover their daily caffeine fix. A premium, reef-safe sunscreen from a brand like Supergoop or Coola is another fantastic option. The goal is to give them something that feels like a luxurious treat, not a party favor.

Alternative #3: The Gift of Total Convenience

Sometimes, the most valuable gift you can give someone is making their life easier. Think about the stressful parts of travel and see if you can eliminate one for your guests. What if, instead of a welcome bag, you used that budget to pre-arrange and pay for everyone’s round-trip airport transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle? This removes a huge logistical headache and is an incredibly thoughtful and practical gesture of hospitality that everyone will appreciate.

This idea of providing convenience can take many forms. You could pre-pay for a valuable resort amenity for each guest, like a day pass to the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit or a credit for a poolside cabana rental. Another fantastic idea is to host a farewell breakfast on the final day, giving everyone a chance to gather one last time and enjoy a guaranteed, easy meal before the chaos of checking out and heading to the airport. These acts of service show you’ve truly thought about their comfort.

Your gratitude is the real gift. How you choose to show it should be as unique as you are. By focusing on creating memories, providing quality, or offering convenience, you can give your guests a welcome gift that they will be talking about long after the tan lines have faded.

If you’re looking for a photographer who cares about the big picture and the thoughtful little details of your wedding weekend, I’d love to talk.

Your Wedding Photos Are Back, Now What?

That email you’ve been eagerly waiting for has finally arrived. The subject line reads, "Your Wedding Gallery is Ready!" and your heart does a little leap. It’s one of the most exciting moments after your wedding—the chance to finally see the complete story of your day, with all the beautiful, funny, and emotional moments you remember, and many you might have missed.

But after that initial wave of excitement, a new feeling can sometimes set in: overwhelm. You open the gallery and see 800+ incredible photos. They’re all beautiful, but how do you even begin to choose which ones to print? And how do you turn this huge collection of digital files into a beautiful, tangible album that will sit on your coffee table for the rest of your lives? Don't worry. The goal of this post is to give you a simple, stress-free guide to take the next, most important step.

Step 1: Don't Rush. Relive the Day Together.

Before you even think about picking favorites, I want you to make an event out of viewing your gallery for the first time. Don't just quickly scroll through on your phone while you're waiting in line for coffee. Instead, set aside a free evening. Open a bottle of that champagne you love, put on your wedding playlist, get comfortable on the sofa together, and look through the entire gallery from start to finish on a big screen.

The only goal for this first viewing is to relive the story of your day. Don’t try to be critical or choose your top ten. Just experience it. Laugh at the hilarious dancing photos of your friends, get a little teary-eyed at the ceremony moments, and just soak in all the memories and emotions. This allows you to appreciate the day as a complete narrative before you start the more analytical process of selecting individual images.

Step 2: Create a "Favorites" Folder (The No-Stress Method)

Okay, now that you’ve relived the day, it’s time to start narrowing things down. Most online galleries, including the one I use to deliver your photos, have a simple "favorite" feature—usually a little heart icon you can click on each photo. For your second pass through the gallery, I want you both to go through it separately. Don't consult with each other yet. Just go with your gut and click the heart on every single image that makes you feel something.

Don’t overthink it. If a photo makes you smile, heart it. If it brings back a specific, happy memory, heart it. After you’ve both created your own individual lists, we can then view a combined folder of all your mutual and individual favorites. This is the magic part. It creates a master list of all the most important images for both of you. Don't worry if this list is still long—200 or even 300 photos is totally normal! This is the pool of images from which we will build your album.

Step 3: Think in "Spreads," Not Single Photos

This is the key to shifting your mindset from a scrapbooker to a storyteller. A wedding album isn’t just a collection of your favorite photos placed one after another. It’s a professionally designed book that tells a story. We design in "spreads," which are the two pages you see side-by-side when you open a book. A great spread uses a combination of photos to tell a mini-story of a specific moment.

To help you organize your thoughts, try to select a few "must-have" hero images from each part of the day: Getting Ready, The First Look, The Ceremony, Wedding Party Portraits, Family Photos, Reception Details, and The Party. For example, a powerful spread from your ceremony might feature one large, stunning photo of your first kiss, paired with two smaller, candid photos of your parents’ joyful reactions. This ensures your final album has a balanced narrative that flows beautifully from beginning to end.

Step 4: Let a Professional Do the Heavy Lifting

Honestly, this is the stage where most couples get stuck. Life gets busy after the wedding, and the task of actually arranging photos on a page, choosing layouts, and making sure everything looks perfect can feel so daunting that the album project gets pushed to the back burner for months, or even years. This is where a professional designer (that’s me!) comes in to save the day. We are experts in visual storytelling and creating clean, timeless layouts that will still look beautiful 50 years from now.

My album design process is designed to be completely stress-free for you. All you have to do is send me that "Favorites" folder we created in Step 2. From there, I will personally design a complete, beautiful first draft of your album. You’ll be able to review the entire book online, page by page, and leave simple comments for any changes you’d like (e.g., "On page 12, let's swap this photo for that one."). We'll go through a couple of rounds of revisions together until it is absolutely perfect in your eyes. This takes all the pressure and guesswork off your shoulders.

Your wedding photos are a precious investment. They deserve to live in a beautiful book that you can hold in your hands and share with your family for generations, not just on a hard drive in a desk drawer. An album is the final, essential step in bringing your wedding story to life.

If you’re ready to turn your beautiful digital gallery into a timeless family heirloom, I would be honored to start the design process for you.

Welcome Parties & Rehearsal Dinners: Do You Need Photos?

Hi, I’m Evan Whitney from Arch Wedding Studio. You’re deep into planning your destination wedding, and you’ve chosen your photographer (hopefully me!). Now you’re looking at the final package details and a big question comes up: Should you add coverage for your welcome party or rehearsal dinner? With your budget on your mind, it’s a totally valid question. Is it really necessary?

As your photographer, my honest answer is that it’s not an absolute necessity like capturing your ceremony is. But I do believe it’s one of the most valuable and wonderful additions you can make to your wedding story. My goal today isn’t to sell you on more hours, but to walk you through what you really get when you have these pre-wedding events photographed, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

It's All About the Candids

Think about the vibe of a welcome party. It’s relaxed and casual. The official wedding-day jitters haven't kicked in yet, and everyone is just buzzing with the excitement of being in paradise together. This is when the hugs are bigger, the laughter is easier, and the atmosphere is pure joy and anticipation. These events are a goldmine for the most genuine, heartwarming candid moments of your entire wedding weekend.

While your wedding day is beautiful, it's also structured and can fly by in a whirlwind of scheduled events. The photos from your welcome party tell a different part of the story. They are less about the formal traditions and more about the people, the connections, and the relationships. It’s about capturing that relaxed, happy energy of all your favorite people in the world meeting and mingling in one beautiful place.

A Chance to Capture All Your Guests

Here's a little secret: it is nearly impossible to get a great photo of every single guest on your wedding day. The day moves incredibly fast, and my primary focus has to be on you, your families, and the key moments of the ceremony and reception. As much as you’ll try to talk to everyone, you simply won't have enough time to have a meaningful interaction with every single person who traveled to celebrate with you.

The welcome party is the perfect solution to this problem. It's my chance, as your photographer, to circulate and get beautiful, relaxed photos of almost everyone. I can capture your college friends meeting your work friends, your aunt chatting with your partner’s cousin, and get those priceless group shots that there just won’t be time for on the wedding day. It ensures that the final gallery truly represents the whole community of people who gathered to support you.

Getting Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Unless you’re a model, you’re probably not used to having a professional photographer around, documenting your every move. It can feel a little awkward at first! Having me there for your rehearsal dinner or welcome party is the perfect, low-pressure way to break the ice. It gives you, your families, and your wedding party a chance to get used to my presence and my camera.

This "warm-up round" works wonders for the wedding day photos. By the time I show up for getting ready on the big day, I’m not a stranger anymore; I’m a familiar, friendly face. You and your friends will be more relaxed and natural around me, which allows me to capture even more authentic moments. That little bit of practice helps everyone forget the camera is there, which is when the real magic happens.

But Let's Talk About Your Budget

Now, let's be practical. The main reason couples hesitate to add this coverage is the cost. Adding hours or another day to your photography package is a real investment, and I completely respect that. I always encourage couples to be honest about their priorities. If your budget is tight, it is 100% okay to focus all of your resources on the main wedding day. That is, and always will be, the most important story to tell.

However, it doesn’t always have to be an all-or-nothing decision. If you love the idea of capturing these moments but don’t have the budget for a full evening of coverage, we can often find a middle ground. I can create a custom package for just 1.5 or 2 hours of coverage for your welcome party. That’s often plenty of time for me to capture the atmosphere, get photos of your guests arriving, and document any special toasts without requiring the investment of a full day’s rate.

So, do you need photos of your welcome party? Maybe not. But will you cherish them forever? Absolutely. It’s an investment in capturing the full, warm, and joyful story of your wedding weekend. It adds a depth and richness to your memories that you will be so grateful for years down the road.

If you’re curious about what this could look like for your wedding, let’s chat. We can talk about your events and create a custom plan that fits your vision and your budget perfectly.

First Look vs. Traditional Aisle: The Deciding Factor for a Destination Wedding Timeline

Evan Whitney from Arch Wedding Studio here. As you start to picture your wedding day, there’s one moment that probably stands out: seeing your partner for the first time. The big question is, when should that moment happen? Should you stick with the deeply ingrained tradition of seeing each other for the first time at opposite ends of the aisle? Or should you opt for a modern, private "First Look" before the ceremony?

This is a deeply personal and often emotional decision for any couple. But for a destination wedding, I want to argue that the choice has much bigger practical implications. It’s not just about tradition versus trend; it’s about the entire flow of your day and the experience you’re creating for your guests. As a photographer who has navigated hundreds of wedding day timelines, I want to break down why this decision is so critical.

The "Why"

Here’s the unique reality of a destination wedding: your guests have moved mountains to be there. They have spent their hard-earned money and precious vacation days to travel across the world to celebrate with you. Your time with these incredible people is the most valuable currency you have all weekend. A traditional timeline, where all photos are taken after the ceremony, creates a 60-to-90-minute gap where you, the hosts, are completely absent from the party.

This is where a First Look becomes a game-changer for the guest experience. By seeing each other before the ceremony, we can photograph your romantic portraits, your entire wedding party, and even your immediate families, all before you say, "I do." This means that the moment your ceremony ends, you are free. You can go straight to your cocktail hour, grab a margarita, and actually spend that priceless time hugging and laughing with the loved ones who traveled so far to be with you.

The Emotional Argument

The main reason couples hesitate to do a First Look is the fear of "ruining" the magic of the aisle moment. It’s a valid concern, but I want to reframe how you think about the emotional experience. The traditional aisle reveal is a beautiful, but very public, moment. You have a hundred pairs of eyes on you. You can’t speak. You can’t hug. You have to wait another 20 minutes to finally connect.

A First Look, on the other hand, is a completely private, intimate experience designed for just the two of you. It’s your chance to see each other without an audience, to embrace, to cry, to laugh, and to actually talk about how you feel. It’s a quiet moment to calm your nerves and ground yourselves before the beautiful whirlwind begins. Over and over, my couples tell me their First Look was the most present, real, and cherished memory of their entire wedding day. And I can promise you, from years of experience, the aisle moment is still just as powerful and emotional. You essentially get two incredible, distinct moments instead of just one.

The Photography Argument

Now, let's talk about the photos themselves. In tropical destinations like Mexico, we have two major light challenges: the midday sun is incredibly harsh, and the sun sets early and very quickly. A traditional timeline often forces us to do all of your important portraits in the hour immediately following a 4 PM or 5 PM ceremony, which can be a frantic race against a rapidly setting sun or in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

A First Look gives us complete control over your photos. It allows us to strategically schedule your portrait time for the most beautiful, soft, and flattering light of the day, rather than being locked into a specific post-ceremony window. It also gives us more time overall, which means we never feel rushed. We can explore different locations around your resort, get more creative, and capture a much wider variety of gorgeous, relaxed photos that truly do your love story justice.

The Bottom Line for Your Destination Wedding

Here’s how I see it. If preserving the absolute tradition of the aisle reveal is your number-one, non-negotiable priority, and you are perfectly okay with missing your entire cocktail hour and potentially feeling more rushed during your photo time, then the traditional path can absolutely work. We will create a detailed plan to be as efficient as possible.

However, for about 99% of my destination wedding couples, I strongly recommend a First Look. The benefits to your timeline, your stress levels, your guest experience, and the final quality and variety of your photos are simply overwhelming. It’s a simple logistical choice that helps transform your wedding day from feeling like a rushed production into feeling like a relaxed and joyful celebration.

Your wedding day should be about celebrating your love, not staring at your watch. By choosing a timeline that prioritizes presence and connection, you’re giving a gift to your guests, and most importantly, to yourselves.

If you’d like to chat more about how we can build the perfect, stress-free timeline for your day, I’m here to help.

5 Mistakes Couples Make When Planning a Beach Ceremony (And How to Avoid Them)

The dream of a beach wedding ceremony is powerful. You can practically hear the gentle sound of the waves, feel the warm sand between your toes, and picture yourself exchanging vows against a backdrop of endless turquoise water. It’s a beautiful vision, and it’s why so many couples choose to get married here in Mexico.

But as a photographer who has shot countless ceremonies on the sand, I can tell you that a few small, overlooked details can quickly turn that serene dream into a stressful reality. My goal today is to let you in on the five most common mistakes I see couples make when planning their beach ceremony, and to give you simple, practical ways to avoid them. A little foresight will ensure your experience is every bit as magical as you’ve imagined.

1. Mistake: Choosing the Wrong Time of Day

The most common mistake couples make is scheduling their ceremony for 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. In our minds, this feels like the middle of the afternoon, but in a tropical destination, it’s when the sun is directly overhead and at its absolute harshest. This creates dark, unflattering shadows under everyone's eyes (what photographers call "raccoon eyes"), causes constant squinting in your photos, and can be uncomfortably hot for you and your guests sitting in the direct sun.

How to avoid it: I always, always advise my couples to schedule their beach ceremony during the "golden hour"—the last 90 minutes before sunset. The light during this time is soft, warm, and incredibly romantic. It’s universally flattering, and it makes for the most stunning, dreamy photos. It’s also significantly cooler and more comfortable for everyone. If your schedule requires an earlier ceremony, try to find a spot on the beach that offers some open shade, like near a cluster of beautiful palm trees.

2. Mistake: Forgetting About the Wind

Beaches are, by nature, windy. It’s a detail that seems minor but can have a major impact on your ceremony. That romantic, flowing down-do you’ve been dreaming of can become a tangled mess in a matter of minutes. A long, cathedral-style veil can go from a beautiful accessory to a face-covering nuisance that you’re fighting with throughout your entire vows.

How to avoid it: For your hairstyle, consider a chic up-do, a beautiful braid, or a half-up style that will keep your hair under control and off your face. If you have your heart set on a dramatic long veil, let’s absolutely use it for some stunning portraits, but I strongly recommend removing it for the ceremony itself. Also, remember that wind carries sound away. A high-quality sound system with discreet microphones for you and your officiant is non-negotiable if you want your guests to actually hear the beautiful vows you’ve written.

3. Mistake: Not Considering the Tide and Sand

The beach is a dynamic, living environment, and you have to plan for it. I’ve seen beautiful ceremony setups with arches and chairs placed too close to the water, only to have the tide creep in and force a last-minute scramble. The sand itself also presents a challenge, especially for guests who arrive in dress shoes or high heels, making the walk to their seat an awkward and difficult trek.

How to avoid it: This is an easy one! Simply check the tide charts for your wedding date and make sure your planner sets up your ceremony well above the high-tide line. For your guests' comfort, a "shoe valet" is a brilliant and thoughtful touch. This can be a simple, beautifully decorated station with a bench and some brushes where guests can trade their fancy shoes for a pair of complimentary flip-flops. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference.

4. Mistake: Having No "Plan B" for Weather

This is the big one. Tropical weather is famously unpredictable. A perfectly sunny day can turn into a sudden, torrential downpour in a matter of minutes. Choosing to have your ceremony on the beach without a solid backup plan is a gamble that can lead to an incredible amount of stress and disappointment on your wedding day.

How to avoid it: The key is to have a Plan B that you love almost as much as your Plan A. Your backup location should not feel like a sad consolation prize. When you're touring venues, ask to see their rain-plan locations. Look for a beautiful covered terrace with an ocean view, a grand open-air palapa, or an elegant indoor space with large windows. If you love your backup plan, then making the call to move the ceremony due to weather becomes a stress-free decision, not a heartbreaking one.

5. Mistake: Ignoring the Onlookers

Unless your resort is on a completely private cove, most beaches in Mexico are public or shared spaces. This means if you set up your ceremony on the main stretch of sand in front of your hotel, there’s a very high probability that you’ll have an audience of other hotel guests in their swimsuits watching from their lounge chairs, cheering, and appearing in the background of your most sacred photos.

How to avoid it: Talk to your wedding coordinator about privacy. Ask if they have a more secluded section of the beach that they reserve for weddings. Sometimes, the best option is to have your ceremony on a beautiful lawn or terrace that overlooks the ocean. This gives you the same stunning view and sound of the waves but with far more privacy. For the ultimate seclusion, a sunrise ceremony almost always guarantees you’ll have the entire beach to yourselves.

The Arch Wedding Studio Difference

Your beach ceremony can and should be a dream come true. By thinking through these practical details, you can ensure the experience is as serene and beautiful as you've always imagined.

As your photographer, my job is to help you plan for a seamless and beautiful day from start to finish. If you have any other questions, I’m here to help.

The Best (and Worst) Months to Get Married in the Riviera Maya: A Photographer's Guide

So, you've decided on the stunning Riviera Maya for your destination wedding—congratulations! Now comes the first, and arguably biggest, decision you’ll make: choosing a date. You’ve probably googled "best weather in Cancun" and gotten a dozen travel blogs giving you the basics on rain and sunshine.

But as a photographer who has captured weddings here in every single season, I can tell you there's so much more to it than just the weather. The experience of getting married in March is vastly different from getting married in May or August. I want to give you the real, on-the-ground scoop on what each season is actually like, considering everything from the quality of the light and the crowd levels to the prices and potential challenges.

The "Sweet Spot": November, February, March & April

If your top priority is having the most perfect, postcard-worthy weather, this is your window. These months are the heart of the dry season. The days are consistently sunny and warm, but the oppressive humidity of the summer has lifted, making it incredibly pleasant. The risk of rain is very low, and hurricane season is a distant memory (or still months away). From a photographer's standpoint, the light is gorgeous, with golden sunsets that happen at a convenient time for most reception timelines.

Of course, perfection comes at a price. This is peak season in the Riviera Maya, meaning it's the most popular and most expensive time to visit and get married. Flights and resort rates will be at their highest, and the best venues and vendors (like me!) book up very far in advance. If you have your heart set on a Saturday wedding in March, my best advice is to start planning at least 12-18 months out to ensure you get your first choice of everything.

The "Shoulder Season" Gamble: May, June & Early July

This is a time of trade-offs. The weather begins to shift as we head into summer. The days get noticeably hotter and more humid, and the chance of a brief, pop-up afternoon thundershower increases significantly. However, the big crowds from the spring season have thinned out, so you can often find much better deals on flights, room blocks, and even venue packages. For couples with a bit more budget flexibility, this can be a fantastic option.

From a photography perspective, there are two specific things to be aware of during these months. First is the heat. It can be intense, which is something to consider for your comfort, your guests' comfort, hair, makeup, and anyone planning to wear a full suit. Second, this is typically the start of the sargassum (seaweed) season. It's unpredictable and changes daily, but there is a chance the beaches may not be as pristine as they are in the winter. Having a resort with beautiful pools and gardens as a backup photo spot is key.

The "Risky & Rewarding": August, September & October

I need to be very direct about this period: this is the heart of the rainy season and the absolute peak of hurricane season. It is hot, it is humid, and there is a real, statistical chance that your wedding plans could be impacted by a tropical storm. This is precisely why it is, by far, the cheapest time of year to get married here. The deals can be incredible, but they come with a significant risk.

So, what's the "reward"? If you are a couple who is willing to roll the dice (and you absolutely MUST purchase comprehensive wedding insurance), the visual payoff can be immense. The resorts are quiet. And the rain, when it’s just a dramatic passing storm, creates the most epic, moody skies and makes the jungle foliage look impossibly lush and vibrant. Your photos can be incredibly powerful. However, you must have a "Plan B" venue for both your ceremony and reception that you love just as much as your "Plan A."

The Months I Often Advise Couples to Reconsider: December & January

This might be a surprising take because the weather in these months is arguably the best of the entire year. So, what’s the problem? The holidays. This is the absolute peak of the tourist season. The resorts are filled to maximum capacity with holiday travelers, and the prices for everything—from your flight to your guests' rooms to the wedding packages themselves—are astronomical. It is the most expensive time of the year, period.

Beyond the cost, the crowds can impact your experience. The beaches will be packed, the pools will be loud, and finding those quiet, intimate spots for your romantic portraits becomes a real challenge. You may also face more restrictions from resorts regarding event spaces and vendor access due to the sheer volume of guests they are managing. While the weather is a dream, the premium price and logistical challenges often make these months more stressful for a wedding celebration.

Final Thoughts

There is no single "perfect" month to get married here, but there is a month that is perfect for your priorities. Whether you value ideal weather, a smaller budget, or a more private experience, being informed is the key to making the best choice.

If you want to talk more about how the time of year might impact the light and the photos for your specific date, I’m always here for an honest conversation.

Thinking of Eloping? Here’s a Simple Guide for Playa del Carmen

In the world of weddings, there’s a beautiful movement growing. Couples are choosing to trade the stress of a massive event for the deep, personal intimacy of an elopement. Choosing to elope isn’t about downsizing; it’s about intentionally focusing on what matters most: the two of you making a lifelong promise to each other.

If this sounds like your dream, then I can’t think of a more perfect place to do it than Playa del Carmen. It has that perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, chic style, and authentic Mexican charm. But even a simple elopement needs a little planning. My goal today is to give you a straightforward guide to crafting an unforgettable elopement here in paradise, proving that your wedding day can be both breathtaking and blissfully stress-free.

Step 1: Define Your "Just Us" Dream Day

The single most beautiful thing about eloping is that there are no rules. This is your chance to throw the rulebook out the window and make a day that is a pure reflection of your relationship. So, the first step is to dream. When you close your eyes and picture your perfect day, what does it look like? Is it just the two of you, barefoot on a secluded beach at sunrise? Or do you have your parents and a couple of best friends there, witnessing your vows in a mystical cenote?

Forget what you think a wedding "should" be and focus on what feels right. Do you want to spend the day on an adventurous jungle trek or lounging on a private catamaran? Do you want to exchange long, handwritten vows or just say the simple, important words? This is your day to design from the heart. My job as your photographer isn't just to document it, but to help you celebrate whatever version of "perfect" you choose.

Step 2: Assemble Your A-Team (It's Smaller Than You Think)

While you’re skipping the huge guest list, you will need a small team of key professionals to bring your vision to life. For a seamless elopement in Playa del Carmen, you really only need a handful of key players. First, you'll need a great local officiant who can perform a ceremony that resonates with you. Second, I highly recommend a local elopement planner or coordinator. They are worth their weight in gold for handling logistics like marriage licenses, finding private locations, and connecting you with other amazing vendors like florists or musicians.

And of course, you need a professional photographer. For an elopement, your photographer often becomes one of your primary guides and collaborators. I’ve been a part of many elopements, and I can help you with so much more than just the photos. I can recommend other vendors I trust, help you scout the most beautiful and private locations for your ceremony, and work with you to build a timeline that feels relaxed, fun, and completely centered around the two of you.

Step 3: Choose Your Unforgettable Backdrop

Playa del Carmen and the surrounding Riviera Maya are overflowing with breathtaking locations that are perfect for an intimate ceremony. And I’m not just talking about the main beach in town. We can find a quiet, secluded beach cove that will make you feel like you’re the only two people in the world. We could hold your ceremony in the awe-inspiring silence of a private cenote, with sunlight filtering through the jungle canopy above you. The options are incredible.

Imagine exchanging vows on a stylish rooftop of a boutique hotel, overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Or what about a ceremony on the deck of a luxury sailboat as the sun sets over the water? This is where my expertise is so valuable. I can help you choose a location based not only on its beauty but also on privacy and the quality of light. A sunrise ceremony, for example, is an incredible option that almost always guarantees you’ll have an entire beach all to yourselves.

Step 4: Create a Timeline Centered on You

A traditional wedding timeline is often a frantic rush from one event to the next. An elopement timeline is the beautiful opposite—it’s slow, intentional, and flexible. The entire day is structured around creating a relaxed and meaningful experience for you. There's no rushing to get to the reception or sticking to a rigid schedule for your guests. The day flows at your pace.

Here's an example of what a beautiful, stress-free elopement timeline could look like: We could start with a relaxed morning, followed by hair and makeup arriving at your hotel around 2 PM. I’d join you at 4 PM to capture the final touches and the beautiful details. At 5 PM, we’d head to a secluded spot for your sunset ceremony. Afterward, we’d spend an hour taking romantic, fun portraits as the golden light fades. By 7 PM, you’re off to enjoy a private celebratory dinner on the beach. The entire day is about connection, not production.

Choosing to elope is a brave and beautiful decision. It’s a declaration that your love is the only thing that needs to be at the center of your wedding day. In a place as magical as Playa del Carmen, a simple day can feel more special, more memorable, and more you than you ever thought possible.

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with intimacy, intention, and incredible adventure, I would be honored to be the one to capture it for you.

3 Questions You're Forgetting to Ask Your Destination Wedding Photographer

Hi, I’m Evan Whitney, the photographer at Arch Wedding Studio. If you’re in the process of choosing a photographer for your destination wedding, you’ve probably done your homework. You have a list of great questions ready: "What’s your style?", "What’s included in your packages?", and "How long until we get our photos?". These are all essential things to ask.

But after years in this industry, I’ve realized that the standard questions only scratch the surface. To truly understand a photographer's experience, professionalism, and how they’ll handle the unique pressures of a destination wedding, you need to dig a little deeper. I want to share three questions you’re probably not asking, but absolutely should be. The answers will tell you everything you need to know.

1. "What is your backup plan, not just for gear, but for yourself?"

Every professional photographer will have an answer for what happens if their camera fails. They’ll tell you they have backup cameras, lenses, batteries, and memory cards. This is standard procedure, and it’s a good start. But for a destination wedding, there’s a much more important, and often unasked, question: What happens if they can’t make it? What if they get dangerously ill the day before your wedding, have a major family emergency, or their flight gets cancelled due to a hurricane?

This is a scenario no one wants to think about, but a true professional must have a bulletproof plan. A good answer involves more than just a refund. It involves a network. I am part of a tight-knit community of trusted, high-caliber destination wedding photographers here in Mexico. My promise to my clients is that in a worst-case emergency, I will move heaven and earth to find a replacement photographer of equal or greater skill and a similar style to take my place. It’s good to point out that after so many years in the field, I’ve never had to use my backup plan. Your wedding day is my top priority, and this plan ensures your memories are protected no matter what life throws our way.

2. "How do you handle family photos, and what is your philosophy on them?"

When you're looking through a photographer's portfolio, you’re falling in love with the epic romantic portraits and beautiful candid moments. It’s easy to forget about the more traditional side of the day: the formal family photos. The process of gathering and arranging family for these shots can easily become the most stressful part of the wedding day if it’s not handled well. Asking a photographer about their philosophy on this reveals how they manage group dynamics, stress, and time.

My philosophy is simple: family photos should be efficient, cheerful, and painless. Before the wedding, I work with you to create a detailed shot list of the exact groupings you want. On the day, I can then take charge politely and confidently, moving through the list quickly so your family members aren’t left standing in the sun for an hour. But my job doesn't stop there. I also believe in capturing the candid love between family members throughout the day—the hug with your grandmother, the laugh with your siblings.

3. "May I see a full wedding gallery from a wedding similar to mine?"

This is single-handedly the most important question you can ask. A photographer’s website and Instagram feed are their highlight reels. They are showing you the best one or two images from dozens of different weddings, all shot in perfect conditions. But that doesn’t tell you the whole story. It doesn’t show you how they perform consistently over an entire 8-hour day, or how they handle difficult lighting, a messy hotel room, or a reception that’s running late.

Seeing a full gallery (which often contains 500-800+ images) is the only way to see what you will actually receive. Look for consistency in the editing from the start of the day to the end. Do the getting-ready photos look as good as the sunset portraits? How do they capture the dancing at the reception in a dark room? Seeing a full gallery from a wedding with a similar venue (e.g., beach ceremony, ballroom reception) and timeline to yours will give you total confidence in what your final collection of memories will look like.

The Next Steps

Asking these questions will help you look past the pretty pictures and find a true, seasoned professional who you can trust with the immense responsibility of capturing your wedding day.

I believe every couple deserves to feel completely confident in their choice of photographer. If you’re ready to chat, I invite you to ask me these questions and anything else on your mind. Let’s work together!

Why I Tell My Couples to Take Photos in Downtown San José del Cabo

When you picture your wedding photos in Los Cabos, you’re probably dreaming of stunning cliffside sunsets, endless ocean views, and romantic portraits on a perfect sandy beach. And trust me, we will absolutely capture all of that breathtaking coastal beauty. It’s what makes Cabo one of the most incredible wedding destinations in the world.

But I have a favorite spot that isn’t on the beach. It’s a place that I encourage all of my couples to build time for in their photo plans. It’s the historic downtown Art District of San José del Cabo. Taking an hour to wander these charming streets adds a layer of richness, culture, and vibrant life to your wedding gallery that you simply cannot find anywhere else. It’s my photographer’s secret to telling the complete story of your love affair with Los Cabos.

It Adds a Story You Can't Get at a Resort

Let's be honest, the luxury resorts in Los Cabos are magnificent. They provide a flawless backdrop of ocean, sand, and infinity pools. We will create stunning images there. But a beautiful resort in Cabo can sometimes look a lot like a beautiful resort in another part of the world. The story, while lovely, can feel a bit generic. It’s missing a sense of place, a specific connection to the culture of Mexico.

A photo session in downtown San José del Cabo instantly grounds your story in a place. It shows a different side of your adventure—one that is full of authentic charm and local history. Walking hand-in-hand down these streets tells a story of a couple who didn't just visit a resort; they explored and appreciated the true soul of the region. It adds a chapter to your wedding album that is rich with character and says something unique about you as a couple.

Color & Texture Everywhere

From a purely photographic standpoint, downtown San José is a playground. I get excited every single time I shoot there because the visual opportunities are endless. We can turn a corner and be met with a stunning wall painted in a vibrant, saturated yellow or a deep, romantic blue that makes a white wedding dress absolutely pop. The streets are lined with rustic, centuries-old wooden doors, intricate ironwork on windows, and historic colonial architecture that provides incredible texture.

This variety is the perfect complement to the softer, more natural palette of the beach. The dynamic colors and rich textures add depth and immense visual interest to your final gallery. It breaks up the imagery and keeps your album exciting and diverse. Instead of just one beautiful note, you get a whole symphony of backdrops, from the organic beauty of the coast to the handcrafted charm of the town. Every alleyway and doorway offers a new, perfect composition.

It's an Experience, Not Just a Photo Session

Posing for photos for a long time can feel a bit stiff. A session in downtown San José feels less like a photoshoot and more like a fun, romantic excursion. It’s an experience. We get to wander, explore the cobblestone lanes, peek into charming courtyards, and maybe even stop for a celebratory tequila shot at a local bar. It’s a chance for you to take a break from the wedding-day bubble, relax, and just have fun together as newlyweds.

This relaxed, "in-motion" style of shooting always results in wonderfully candid and natural photos. Some of the best images happen in between the "poses"—when you're laughing as you navigate the uneven streets, sharing a quiet glance in a shaded archway, or when a local wishes you "Felicidades!" as you walk past. It allows me to capture your connection in a way that is dynamic, full of life, and feels completely, authentically you.

It's Easier Than You Think

I know what you might be thinking: "This sounds great, but will we have time?" The answer is yes. The historic Art District is very compact, and we can capture a huge amount of variety in just an hour or so. It's located just a short drive from most of the major resorts along the tourist corridor, making it a very manageable trip. The logistics are simpler than you imagine for such a big visual payoff.

The best time to do this is often during a "Day After" session. The day after your wedding, the pressure is off, and we can take our time in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Going beyond the walls of your resort will give your wedding album a depth and personality it wouldn't have otherwise. It’s a chance to capture the full, vibrant spirit of your destination wedding experience. I promise you, it's an adventure you won't regret.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding gallery that is more than just beautiful beach photos, I’d love to take you on a walk through my favorite streets in San José del Cabo.