Sandos Playacar wedding in Playa del Carmen Mexico
Krista + Corey
I think it’s safe to say that most of us are dying for a vacation right about now, so as a destination wedding photographer, I can bring a little bit of paradise to you! I am digging into my destination wedding archives and so excited to share a lovely wedding from Mexico that took place just a couple of months before the world shut down.
Krista and Corey’s destination wedding in Mexico was such a sentimental affair with the best tropical vibes! I met these two sweeties back in 2017 when I photographed their couples portrait session in Ottawa. They ended up becoming my close friends (my insta-nurse when I need someone!! Ha!), so I was thrilled to hear that they were engaged— and even more excited when they reached out to me about their Sandos Playacar destination wedding!
This was such a busy time for me; I had returned from photographing a gorgeous wedding in Italy and was home in Canada for less than 48 hours before escaping to Mexico for their wedding! As a friend, I loved being there to celebrate with them, and having the chance to photograph their wedding just sweetened the deal!
Krista and Corey chose to have their entire Playa del Carmen wedding at the picturesque resort, Sandos Playacar, which made everything relaxed for their guests! It can be challenging to be detail-oriented while planning a wedding abroad, but Krista didn’t let distance get in the way and brought so many cute details, including vow books and personalized cards! The ceremony took place on a stunning white-sand beach, and the reception also took place on the beach! Despite shooting so many destination weddings in the past, I’ve never had a reception take place on the beach also: they’re usually in a garden or nearby terrace. I loved the energy the beach reception brought to the day!
Krista is probably the most emotional person I know, which makes for the best photos on a wedding day. They had a very intimate wedding with only four people in their wedding party and close friends and family attending, so naturally her joyful emotions shone throughout the day!
The ceremony was stunning, with the bright blue ocean backdrop and sun shining the whole time! You would have never guessed it was December— or that I had photoshopped an entire boatload of tourists out from the background of a few photos! Both of her parents walked her down the aisle, which was such a special touch. It truly was a perfect day with no rain and the most magical sunset!
The reception also very romantic energy; it was lit by string lights and moonlight, and they even whipped out sparklers for the first dance. Krista’s first dance with her father lived out every girl’s dream: dancing with your dad on the beach, sand under their feet and with string lights above their heads, with the sounds of the ocean in the background!
The night ended with a bang; once the dancing started, everyone broke loose and had a great time! Even the guests who had appeared totally shy got down and partied hard; it was a total hoot!
The couple looked amazing, and the wedding details were pulled together so perfectly. It truly was an incredible day!
Chels xo
Brides Dress Store + Designer: With Love Bridal Boutique - Mori Lee (https://withlovebridalboutique.ca/)
Bridesmaid Dress Store + Designer: Henkka (https://www.henkaa.com/)
Groom + Groomsmen Attire:: Harry Rosen (https://www.harryrosen.com/en/)
Hair Artists: Laura Kardos (www.instagram.com/laurakardoshair)
Wedding Invitation Suite : Emma Allen (www.instagram.com/emmaallendesignstudio)
Anyone Else who Made Your Day Extra Special! {Any Etsy stores, etc}: Thistle and Lace (www.instagram.com/thistleandlaceshop) - table numbers + cake topper
