I’m still on cloud CINCO DE MAYO after photographing this super fun celebration over the weekend in Cancun, Mexico at the GORGEOUS Royalton Riviera resort!!! Sand in between my toes while photographing Taylor and Ashley’s wedding was exactly what my soul needed — Although, let’s talk about how much of a work out it is to run around on the sand for hours straight!!! HAHA! And this group definitely had me running in different directions because they knew how to PARTY!!! I found myself behind the camera laughing, dancing, and singing with them. 🙂 It was a great time!!! And it was an even better time documenting these memories for everyone never to forget.

I initially connected with Taylor and Ashley from a mutual friend/past destination wedding couple I photographed a couple of years ago. 🙂 Shout out to mi amigos, David and Lindsay!! I was so excited to be a part of another Cinco de Mayo fiesta — I think this needs to be a tradition. Go to where tacos and Margaritas are acceptable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all weekend long. EVERYDAY. 😉 My little piece of Heaven! HA! As the Mexican Holiday weekend quickly approached, I was more and more excited to meet dear family and friends, and photograph everyone in their element! And they definitely didn’t disappoint… You’ll see below how much fun it was to be a guest and also be the photographer! Although, during the day, it was scorching hot outside — 95 degrees! WHEW! “SUMMER IS COMING!” 😉 Speaking of this Game of Thrones playful reference… When Taylor, Ashley, and I got together the evening before their wedding (photos from that session coming to the blog another day!), I quickly learned that they are also GoT fans! WOOOO! How did I find out? Well, when Taylor and Ashley were playing around in front of the camera, Taylor started whispering funny GoT references to make her laugh. HA! It turned out they talked about gathering the crew together for a GoT watch party Monday since their wedding was occurring during the episode — No spoilers because I haven’t watched it yet, but I heard it was a GOOD one!!! Anyways, this crew (and me!!) definitely didn’t mind skipping the episode for this party! Check out their fun fiesta below!!!

TAYLOR AND ASHLEY’S WEDDING DAY

Ashley and Taylor’s day started in the cool a/c — Well, actually, it might have begun by the pool with a drink first and then eventually indoors! 😉 That is what happens when you stay at an all-inclusive resort… THE BEST! The girls had their hair and makeup was done at the resort spa and eventually ended up in the room where they would get dressed.

Ashley was so excited to slip on her STUNNING Made with Love dress!!!

I love this beautiful moment of Ashley’s mom helping her with her sandals. We commented on how it parallels the time Ashley needed her mom to help put on shoes when she was little. <3 Love that! Also, don’t you love the detail on her dress?!

So much joy!!!

Goodness, ASHLEY! You’re stunning!!!!

Awe, nothing like parent love. <3

In the meantime, the men were down one level away from the girls also getting ready for the big day! 

This crew loved the camera! HA! Oh, and loved some downtime for a drink at the resort sports bar while ‘Titanicing.’ 😉

The sun was out and it was ceremony time!!! I’m soooo glad the sun eventually was covered by the clouds halfway through the ceremony so everyone didn’t look like zebras from the light vs. shadows! 😉 HA! But the shade definitely helped relieve some of the 95-degree heat!

Awe, Taylor’s reaction was precious!

Love that natural veil flying action!

Awe, Ashley’s grandma got a little emotional. <3 So sweet! Love their bond!!

YAY!!!!!!

Love the celebrations following the ceremony — Especially when the sister of the groom welcomes the bride into the family with a big congrats hug!!!

<3 The sweetest!!!

And this is just the start of the party!!!

Gosh, girls!!! You nailed these portraits!!! Beautiful!

I’m SO glad the guys didn’t melt to pieces … Although, somehow … One of the guys sweated through his SHOES. Yes, I learned that it is indeed possible. #whenincancun

YAY!!!!

The guys were so attentive to Ashley when they spotted a couple of sticks caught in her dress. So sweet!!!

Beautiful!!

I snuck Taylor and Ashley away for some portraits before the party officially started!

AND HOLY GORGEOUSNESS.

Taylor was ready to party! So he started his own little dance party to get pumped up. HAHA!

This needs to be on a canvas!!! GORGEOUS!!!

Oh, yep! This was the time Taylor started whispering more Game of Thrones references in Ashley’s ear. HA! 

Ashley, you’re stunning!!!

<3!

I love the rustic vibe Taylor and Ashley were able to achieve planning a wedding from the US! The farm tables were a great touch on the sand. 🙂

And the large leaves were an excellent addition to the beach theme!

Isn’t this so relaxing?!

FINALLY, time to start the party!!!

That smile!!!!

One of my favorite photos!!! Beautiful!

So sweet!!!

While Taylor surprised everyone with a fun dance with his mom!! 🙂 Also, I love this brother/sister piggyback photo tradition!

Erin, Ashley’s twin sister/MOH, said she knew Taylor was the one when Ashley decided to move in with not just Taylor… but with THREE other friends of Taylor. Ha! I don’t even know how Ashley did it, but I do know the guys love her and consider her one of them!

And then the Mexican water … AKA, tequila … came out!!!

What’s a champagne toast look like in Mexico? Oh, of COURSE, more tequila!!! 😉 HAHA!

Then the fiesta turned into a FIESTA!

This wedding pulled moves I had yet to photograph in my career. HAHA! But when in Cancun!!!

The bartenders were the VIP of the group besides the B&G that evening! 😉 HAHA!

Why do you ask? Because of this… HAHAHAHAHA!

I think the Mexican water ended up more on the ground than consumed. 😉 HA!

YAY!!!! What a super fun day!!!!

Thank you, Taylor and Ashley, for having me travel with you to paradise! I love seeing your families and friends come together to celebrate for not just one evening but for an entire weekend! The best kind of celebration!!! 🙂 Thank you for giving me the best experience documenting your unforgettable moments — Even I’ll never forget some of these moments! HAHA! You all were a trip! CONGRATS and enjoy the newlywed life!!! XOXO!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Thanks to the vendors who made this happen!!!

Venue: Royalton Riviera Cancun
Hair and Makeup: Royalton Riviera Cancun Hotel Spa
DJ: Mannia Cancun
Dress: Dress Purchased at Lovely Bride in Georgetown Dress Designer: Made with Love
Officiant: Father of the Bride Michael Blakeley
Food, Rentals, Flowers, and the Cake: Royalton Riviera Cancun