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What do you do when you want a destination wedding, but some of your most beloved family members can’t travel? You do what Brittany and Jeff did: you plan the ultimate trifecta of wedding celebrations. Planning a destination wedding takes some work, so make sure you discuss it with your photographer to make sure you’ll be capturing every moment. I’m so excited to share how the Millers planned their wedding and what it took to make sure we got it all on camera.
I want to start by saying that one of the benefits of hiring a local photographer for a destination wedding is cost savings. Many photographers, myself included, are willing to bundle our services to make sure you’re capturing every moment of your wedding. If you hire a photographer in your destination location, especially if you’re getting married in a large city, you’ll likely pay a higher cost for a photographer. For me, I charge my normal rates but ask for you to cover my travel expenses. That means while you might be paying for a resort or hotel costs and a flight, you’ll be able to bundle things like your engagement session, a boudoir session, and your at-home reception. The savings alone, as well as the connection you’ll have with your photographer, will make it well worth it!
Brittany and Jeff had some family members who wouldn’t be able to travel to a long-distance location. They decided to host a small, backyard ceremony for those loved ones. In fact, doing it this way ensured they’d have no legal issues when they got married in Mexico. If you’re traveling anywhere outside of the United States, it’s typically recommended you get married locally before traveling to your destination for what is known as a “symbolic wedding.” That way you won’t have to worry about any issues. For example, in Mexico, where the Millers got married, the process includes obtaining a visa, taking x-rays, translations of your legal documents in both Spanish and English, and notarization of documents in Mexico. Their Kansas wedding ensured there’d be nothing but stress-free happiness in Mexico.
Brittany and Jeff ensured their at-home ceremony would be memorable for everyone involved. This back yard setting was the perfect way to share their day with the loved ones who couldn’t make the trip.
And just like that, the Millers were legally married and ready for a stunning beachfront wedding in Mexico. If you’re planning a destination wedding, don’t be afraid to work with your photographer to capture your legally-binding marriage, too. Even an easy courthouse wedding should be captured as part of your memories of your full wedding story.
A first look in a dreamy destination like Mexico is a photographer’s dream come true. I love scoping out inspiring settings, and Mexico is filled with them. You really can’t go wrong when planning a destination wedding, because, by design, they are breathtaking. There were no bad spots to take a photo, and I swear, everyone from Brittany and Jeff to their bridal party to the guests were absolutely glowing since they got to enjoy a vacation as part of the wedding.
I loved shooting with a different setting than I’m used to back in Kansas. I was in love with the palm trees in the background, and the tropical greenery is such eye candy for a photographer like me. The background just enhances the romance of the photos of the bride and groom sharing their intimate moments.
The adobe-style architecture of Central America gave me such a beautiful backdrop to work with, too. Clean whites with pops of earthly colors create such a classic and elegant look in my style of photography.
From the sandy beaches to those tropical details found only in spots like Mexico and Caribbean countries, planning a destination wedding alongside of your photographer will ensure you capture these beautiful moments in a way that’s classic and romantic, yet tells the distinct story of your wedding. Isn’t this couple stunning?
And of course, when you’re a wedding guest on a beautiful beach with nothing more to do but relax, enjoy the setting, and maybe take an excursion or two, there are so many great opportunities to celebrate. I loved snagging photos of the guests, who were happy to be in Mexico with the newlyweds.
The final part of the Millers’ wedding was the reception, which was held back home immediately after they returned from Mexico. It’s hard to come off of that vacation high, but let me tell you, there’s no better way to do that than to immediately come home and continue the celebration.
The final part of this wonderful celebration ended with the party, where those who couldn’t attend — and even some who did go to Mexico — got to share in the final piece.
Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to be difficult and I cannot recommend enough the way Jeff and Brittany designed their wedding. There were so many incredible moments I got to capture. I have no doubt they’ll remember every detail of their celebrations, not just the wedding in Mexico.
I’m almost completely booked already for 2022 as far as weddings are concerned. If you’re getting married, please reach out quickly to see if I have openings in my schedule. Get in touch, because I’d love to tell your story.
Bye, bye, my little coati buddy! I’m so glad I got to capture you, too!
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