Many destination weddings are small, a gathering of just your closest family and friends, who make the trek out to somewhere beautiful to celebrate you. On that note, I’d like to say that Rose and Lee had about 60 people who flew out for their destination wedding – which should give you a keen sense of just how awesome they are. That they are kind, funny, and warm-hearted, and therefore have so many who love them and wanted to share in their special day. It was set along the white sand coasts of Playa del Carmen, flanked by pretty gardens (with hammocks! can’t get enough of the hammocks!) It was breathtakingly beautiful in every direction you looked. With 60 people, you can have a bit of a party while still feeling intimate and cozy, which made this day just so fun to photograph!

Special thanks to Alice Hu for flying out & shooting with me, and being totally on board with ordering chicken nuggets and fries from room service post-wedding :) My kind of travel partner!

So many factors go into building the perfect wedding, though I believe that it really all boils down to one thing – the people. Of course, at the very center the bride and groom, but also the loved ones with their toasts, the laughter across tables, the dozens of happy bodies filling up the dance floor… this is what breathes the life into the day and makes it perfect.

Although a picture-perfect venue, serving as the backdrop for all your memories with all those wonderful people, cannot hurt either, and a picture-perfect venue is precisely what the Mission Inn is. Part historic landmark, part hotel, part crazy crazy maze, it is an amalgamation of architectural styles, unique buildings, and ultimate portrait backdrops. Kay & Brenn’s reception was held in the stunning Spanish Art Gallery and after dark, we got to take a few more night portraits around the grounds. Even then, after hours and hours of talking/dancing/laughing/mingling/getting-married, they were as sweet and enthusiastic and in love as ever. It was a beautiful day!

You all know of my weakness for bougainvillea…

Jenny & Jerry had the loveliest yellow-hued wedding last month! June gloom kindly stepped aside for a sunny day that matched the vibrant color palette they chose for the wedding. The whole occasion had a warm relaxed feel that perfectly ushered in summer!

I looooved working with the team of vendors they put together – the day was beautifully coordinated by Ryann of Hustle and Bustle Events, the lush florals were designed by LV Florals, and stunning video was captured by Joe of Today’s the Day Weddings {I always love working with Joe, he’s a great videographer and his unobtrusive style meshes so well with ours!}

Jenny looked gorgeous in her lace gown, which she had altered to a beautiful custom design of her liking…

Love the sweet sachets of lavender they gave as favors & the lovebird cake topper! The amazing cake was created by Jeseca Creations.

For the reception, Jenny changed into THE most amazing dress – I love the soft green color & whimsical feel!

Near the end of the reception, Jerry surprised Jenny with a sweet rendition of “Wonderful Tonight” that he had been practicing on the guitar. It was such a heartfelt moment: