We had 1 day of sunshine in Puerto Aventuras before the torrential rain came pouring down and food poisoning nearly ruined the trip.
What a week this was! Destination weddings are my absolute FAVORITE because I always take advantage of a reason to travel to new, beautiful places and make a vacation out of it after the wedding is over.
Mexico had other plans for me this time, though!
When we landed in Mexico on June 10th, 2021, the sun was filling the sky with warm dreamy light. Vibrant blue skies were abundant. I read a book by the pool and soaked in the warm, salty air, the gentle breeze on my skin and the view of leafy green palm trees above me. It was heavenly.
The next day, the day of the wedding, dark, threatening storm clouds filled the sky. The rain held off just for Dahlia and Ivan. It was very cloudy, but never rained, which I think actually kept the heat at bay and made the weather very nice overall for their lovely outdoor, beach front wedding.
I checked in at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya and headed over to Dahlia's hotel room via golf cart to photograph her getting ready and all the details. Her dress and veil were absolutely STUNNING and so unique. Her beautiful dress was duo-toned- the top with a sweetheart neckline was the color of sand and covered in floral lace, the bottom half was white with more floral details. Her veil was covered in glitter which was amazing. She shone bright like a diamond, Rhianna style. Extra AF would accurately describe her bridal style and I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT. The more bling, the more glitter, the more dazzle the better. Dahlia, you made the most breathtaking bride! Her sweet momma helped her put on her dress and bridal jewlery and helped me set out her wedding details to be photographed just right while her dad went up the stairs to help us hook the dress more securely.
The Ceremony was lovely and small, the perfect intimate Mexico beach front wedding in the Riviera Maya.
Dahlia and Ivan's closest friends and family were gathered to witness the two become one. The officiant performed the ceremony in Spanish and English. They poured unity sand together with the gentle waves crashing on the rocks to their backs, then celebrated with a marital kiss that ended with a big dip and celebrated down the aisle together.
Then we ran off for some Bride & Groom portraits all around the resort. What a beautiful area! Dark rock outcroppings, the sandy beach, and a lush jungle right around the corner. Oh, not to mention we lucked out with a super cute couch and a tent that was set up for a romantic dinner for someone else by the hotel. The hotel worker that was setting it up was nice enough to let us use it for some quick portraits, and sure enough those turned out to be some of my absolute favorites.
And we can't forget the family & friends who made the long, thoughtful journey to celebrate with them on their special day.
This was a gorgeous wedding that ended with dancing the night away under the stars. We saw a group of people dancing off to the side of the stage. Dahlia sent someone over to invite them onto the dance floor, and when they hit the spotlight we found that it was a group of teenage girls that had been wandering around the hotel property, shouting "Felicidades!" when they saw the bride and groom walk by for photos earlier that day. They must have stayed close by. They were so happy for Dahlia and Ivan, they even asked for a photo with the bride & groom and they were smiling from ear to ear. It was such a sweet night to witness. Congratulations, Dahlia & Ivan!! It was such a blessing for me to be present for your wedding. I can't thank you guys enough!
Oh, yeah. The foodpoisoning?
Never again will I eat any seafood at a buffet. What was I thinking?! I only got 3 hours of sleep that night and felt miserable for the next day or two. And this was after a miserable night of sleep the night before from the A/C going out in the hotel and the room being 86* and humid all night. You bet your bottom dollar I still went snorkeling in the rain the next day, though. They wouldn't refund the excursion without a doctor's note. Oh well. These are the memories life is made of, right?! I will certainly never forget it.
