Megan + Nick Get Married in Riveria Maya, Mexico at the Iberostar Lindo Resort!
Guys, this was my first time ever photographing a destination wedding and I am not going to lie -- I was freaking nervous. Megan does not know this yet but I broke out in an intense stress rash/hives about 4 days before leaving for Mexico....Yikes! Right?! Which is CRAZY because Nick and Megan are the most easy going couple! But, I am a perfectionist. I wanted to do an amazing job and, on top of that, Megan is my cousin. Although you would think there is less pressure with family, I am here to tell you that THAT IS A LIE! ;) I have not had an unhappy couple yet, but if there was one, I could compensate them, apologize, and in time, never see them again. But with family: NOPE. They, and their pictures, are with me forever. Thankfully, with a little beer, some encouragement from our family, and a whole lot of Jesus, everything went PERFECTLY. I am so excited to show everyone some photos of this amazing day.
After photographing Megan and Nick's engagement session last summer, they decided to forgo the resort photographer and instead opted to pay for my flight and a four night stay at the Iberostar Lindo Resort in Riveria Maya, Mexico in exchange for taking their wedding photos. I was overjoyed with this opportunity and in case you are looking for a photographer for your destination wedding, please contact me, because I would love to do this type of exchange again. The combination of a beautiful place, an incredibly happy and easy going couple, and some of the best family and friends, has me convinced that destination weddings are the WAY TO GO! Here are ten reasons why I am now in love with destination weddings:
1. The way Megan and Nick set up the guests' stay:
Megan and Nick's guests had the option to come for either 4 or 7 days. (Family and close friends who were able to take time off of work and life came for seven, while everyone else, including myself, came for four.) Guests who came for four flew in on Tuesday. They then had the rest of the day Tuesday as well as all day Wednesday to hang at the pool and/or beach, get to know one another, go on excursions and catch some shows. Megan and Nick hosted a "welcome reception" at one of the bars Tuesday night so everyone had the chance to meet. Thursday was their wedding and Friday was another full day of relaxation and fun (I went snorkeling!) and then traveled home on Saturday!
2. The opportunity to get to know the wedding party and guests before the big day:
Did you now that you have to pay a fee ($300 or more, per day, per vendor) to bring in your own vendor. BUT you can typically bypass this fee if your vendor stays at the resort for at least 3 days (which is what Megan and Nick opted to do). This was an awesome opportunity to get to know their family and friends that I didn't already know which made my job WAY easier the day of the wedding when it came to family photo combinations as well as understanding relationship dynamics. Getting family photos done quickly is key to being able to have enough time for bridal portraits, especially when you don't do a first look!
3. Jesus, the wedding coordinator:
Yes, you read that, Jesus was Megan and Nick's wedding coordinator, and he was AMAZING. He took care of everything from the table arrangements, to Megan and Nick's arrival to the ceremony, making sure guests had absolutely everything they needed, as well as giving me a golf cart ride back to my room at the end of the night so I could immediately upload their photos.
4. The rides to the resort and back to the airport:
Apple Vacation arranged for the majority of the guests to all ride on a bus together to the resort and back to the airport. This made it super convenient as well as comforting for people who don't travel internationally very often. And who doesn't love a bus beer on the way to vacation!?
5. The opportunity to do things on your own or with the group:
Want a night with just you and your significant other? Easy! There were so many options for dinner, the casino, shows, etc to do on your own. Want to hang out with a bunch of your friends who also came for the wedding? We did that too! The bride and groom designated one of the pools as the "meeting place" and people gathered there each day to socialize and hang out! There was also a nightly gathering place! Wifi worked at the resort too so you didn't have to wander around aimlessly (although I did that a couple of times too! Haha!)
6. The views:
Need I say more?
7. The friendship between the bride and the groom:
Nick and Megan started out as friends. Megan never planned to date Nick, and even denied having a crush on him when her mom encouraged her to "date the cute boy she works with". Watching them over the course of four days showed me what an incredible foundation this friendship has given them for a lifetime together. It is so evident that they simply enjoy spending time and having fun with one another.
8. Megan’s bridesmaids:
They were helpful, positive, told Megan she was the most gorgeous person in the whole room several times, and overall great people. Those girls were so centered on helping Megan and Nick have the best day ever, and were a true reflection of the type of amazing friends that Megan and Nick are to all of them.
9. Groomsmen:
I think Nick just went through his list of friends and picked out the best looking. Or at least it seemed like it ;).
10. Letters:
If you aren't already married, I would advise that you and your fiancé plan to write letters to each other on your wedding day. Check out the photos of Megan reading her's from Nick!
Thank you for reading! Enjoy!
