Okay, so let’s get into a little bit of recounted a really fun and new adventure.

Teaming up with the lead, Esther Moerman Photo, the day just went like a dream, ignoring the fact I was in pain due to some impressive sunburn I received the day before. The couple was amazing and such sweethearts that it felt so natural to be down there in the sun with them all.

We started the day getting ready in the couple’s hotel room, where both K & J got dressed together. Something so sweet and just perfect. They decided to do that because it might be their wedding day but they wanted it to start just like any other day. They moved around the room together so easily and naturally, Esther and I barely had to give any directions. You would think they modeled before the day where the cameras would be all in front of them. They had everything organized and together it was not hectic at all. From details to dress to the resort handling their flowers and make up, it was so easy.

Once we got some couple photos in the room, we all hit the beach and got some amazing photos in the sun and surf. The wind throughout the day was definitely a paid actress and making the photos even more enchanting on the beach.  Esther lead the day and watching her was amazing and I learned a lot just by watching her. (She definitely has the more experience for beach photos and how to get those awesome posing to make it even more beautiful!)

The ceremony space was a familiar location, as just the day before we did a shadow session, so ironically we had the ideal lighting with very little to no issues! Again, Dreams Jade handled the set up and florals and it was beautiful with the beach behind, palms swaying with the wind.

After the ceremony, we had 5 mins before the next wedding… to say Esther banged through the family photos is an understatement! So quick and efficient!! I think we had like a min to spare or something! (But it is super beneficial that with a small destination wedding, you don’t have a lot of extended family photos to call!)

Then while we all joined the start of the cocktail hour, we had smiles and laugh and chats with the guests, as if we were some, and not working! We all got to enjoy the Mariachi Band and K & J had their (unofficial) first dance to them before going off to Golden Hour!

Golden Hour on the Beach!? Omg please say yes for it! It was absolutely amazing and the light was everything. We didn’t get into the beach for these because the tide was high on that day and K didn’t want her dress to get soaked before the reception. So we stuck to the boardwalk/ramp and still got some of thee best photos! (Did I mention the wind was a paid actress? The palms were moving and grooving that evening!)

The rest of the night flowed so well, from formal introduction, first dance, dinner and dancing! I even got on the dance floor with Esther and the guests at points without my camera! (I don’t normally do that! It’s like 1-5% chance!)

The night kept going with Oh My Churros, a mobile cart for mini churros!! They were so good! All made fresh and with a variety of toppings! Like the best end of night party desert to add to the cake!!

Working with Esther at Dreams Jade was a dream. Finally meeting in person, after a year of working with her in a coaching program she offers, was like nothing else! There are moments when you meet people, you just click. And I feel like I knew her for years before meeting! Next time I get to see her is in January for her Boss Babe Retreat in Canada! From tropics to snow-covered Mountain range!! I cannot wait!

---

Vendor tags for the weekend!

Resort: Dreams Jade
Lead Photographer: Esther Moerman Photo
Content Creator/Videographer: Lonely Wolf Productions
Venue: @dreamsjaderesort
Hair & Makeup: Spa @dreamsjaderesort
Florals: @bifloralsilkflowers
Dress Shop: @glamourclosetbride Designer:@lihihod
Suit: @ralphlauren
DJ: @theeventcancun
After Party Dessert: Oh My Churros: @ohmychurrosmx
Jeweller: @peternormanjewelers

Canon 6d Mark 4 Rental Body for the trip: Dodd Camera (my main body is in the shop for shutter issues)
My hotel for the trip: The Fives Oceanfront

Overall, my first (international) trip was amazing. I can’t wait to do it again, and again!
I don’t want to only stop at Cancun, I want to go to many other locations, international as well as on US soil!

2023 Wedding Stats:

Wedding: 17 out of 18 of the year.
Destination Wedding 1 out of 2 of the year
First ever International Wedding: Location: Dreams Jade Resort, Cancun, Mexico

(Now, as I share this, and edit more of the photos from this trip,
I am getting ready to head to TN for another wedding! And that will wrap up my 2023 season!)

The Gallery

---

Little behind the scenes of Esther and Josh working!