Destination weddings are always a blast. Getting to travel and take gorgeous photos is a special combination. It is a huge bonus when the couple hiring you for their gorgeous Dreams Playa Mujeres Wedding is two friends from college. Tori, Josh, and I all graduated from Baylor University’s Film and Digital Media Department. That is where the bride and groom met and started dating years ago. I have kept in touch with them since we moved to the same area after graduation. I was excited when they got engaged and I was honored when they asked me to capture their wedding.
If you aren’t aware, all-inclusive hotels/resorts are a great option for gorgeous weddings that are budget friendly. All your friends and family have a vacation in addition to attending your wedding in a fabulous setting. Note that hiring vendors outside of your resort (photographer, hair and makeup, etc.) is usually an additional fee since the all inclusive provides these services in-house. If you are planning to hire a few of your own vendors for your destination wedding here are some tips. Make sure to factor in travel costs for those vendors in addition to their regular fees. Each vendor will have their own policies on flights, number of night required, and additional needs.
Tori + Josh’s Dreams Playa Mujeres Wedding
Tori is a planning/organizing queen and I am so impressed with how well everything was planned and executed from beginning to end. They even had a digital welcome packet for all guests. This was my second wedding photographed on this property, so I was excited to help out and return to this gorgeous location.
These two held their Dreams Playa Mujeres Wedding in the center garden of the property with wide open sky and all the tropical vibes. After the ceremony we took time to walk down to the sandy beaches Playa Mujeres is known for to capture some portraits by the ocean. The maid of honor Jahana was a super star and went above and beyond to be helpful to myself and the couple. She was also a professional hype woman during all of the portraits.
The bride hand made the sunglasses you see her guests donning in some of the reception photos. She is beyond crafty and creative and she had tons of unique and adorable wedding details to show off. From her bachelorette party to the reception, custom details were everywhere!
All of the guests that attended this Dreams Playa Mujeres Wedding came to par-tay. The dance floor was full the entire night. As additional entertainment the couple hired water drummers to come by for some fun tunes. Even the guests got to play if they wanted. I always mention to clients that interactive options during your reception are the best way to keep guests engaged all night long, and this unique idea got everyone involved!
Below is the lovely review the bride wrote regarding her wedding photography:
We used Haley for ALL of our wedding related photos: our engagement session, our courthouse session, and our destination wedding celebration in Mexico. She is so attentive and friendly, and even if you feel awkward or uncomfortable on camera, she knows exactly what to do to make sure you shine for what I could consider the most important photos you’ll ever take. Haley will easily exceed your expectations of a wedding photographer! We absolutely ADORE every photograph she has captured for us.
– Tori Overton
Huge congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Overton! I had a blast celebrating you both in such a stunning location. This party won’t soon be forgotten by any in attendance, and everything was beyond gorgeous!
Vendors
Venue/Catering/Bartending/Florals/DJ – Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf Course & Resort
Planning – Iridian Diaz
Travel Agent – Luxury Travel Boutique
Makeup/Hair – Sarah Tamargo
Brides Dress – Sophia Tolli
Bridesmaid’s Dresses – Azazie
Groom/Groomsmen Suits – Men’s Warehouse
Looking for more summer wedding inspiration? Check out the blog post below!
Ashton Gardens Wedding – Lively and Elegant Party
Haley Katherine Photography is a Dallas Wedding Photographer specializing in weddings, elopements, destination weddings, and engagement sessions for couples seeking authentic, timeless, and cheerful imagery. If you would like to see more of my work, please visit my portfolio.
