As destination wedding photographers, we've had the incredible privilege of witnessing and immortalizing love stories in various parts of the world. Yet, there was a recent experience that truly stole our hearts – a destination wedding in the picturesque paradise of Puerto Vallarta. The fusion of love, laughter, and stunning natural beauty created a canvas for unforgettable moments that will forever be etched in our memory.

From the moment we arrived in Puerto Vallarta, we were enveloped by its magic. The azure waters of the Pacific Ocean gently kissed the pristine white sandy beaches, while lush palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze. This tropical haven is not just a destination; it's a living dream that offers a perfect symphony of nature's wonders. We couldn't have asked for a more enchanting backdrop to capture the essence of Carla and Victor’s love.

Wedding details

Carla and Victor invited friends and family from all over Texas and Mexico to join them for a few days of relaxation and celebration at the Grand Palladium Resort in Puerto Vallarta. Hosting a wedding at an all inclusive resort certainly comes with conveniences, such as allowing for guests to do their own thing outside the planned events.

Carla and Victor welcomed everyone the evening before their wedding day with a festive cocktail hour by the ocean. The resort offered numerous stunning photo ops, which we delighted in utilizing to photograph their wedding details.

Getting ready

The wedding day began with a sense of anticipation in the air. Everyone took some time to relax at the beach or by the pool before preparing for the big day. In their rooms, the bride got ready with her bridesmaids while the groom partied with his groomsmen, sharing laughter and heartfelt moments. These intimate connections perfectly encapsulate the blend of excitement and nervousness that often accompany a wedding.

Bridal party

Once everyone got ready, we stepped out to get bridal party photos and solo portraits of the bride and groom, who were waiting until the ceremony to see each other! Everyone looked amazing in their harmonious warm-toned color palette. Rain clouds started filling the sky, but their cheerful attitudes made a good time of the compromised weather.

Wedding ceremony

Under the open sky, with the ocean's melody as the backdrop, Carla & Victor exchanged vows surrounded by their family and friends. The rain continued gently coming down throughout the ceremony, keeping its heavier pours until after the couple kissed as newlyweds. The family and group photos that followed were a little wetter than usual, but by that point everyone embraced getting soaked. As they say in numerous cultures, rain on a wedding day is a sign of lasting marriage!

Wedding reception

One of the most unique aspects of destination weddings is the interweaving of local traditions with the couple's personal story.

The evening kicked off with a celebration of both American and Mexican cultures. Carla and Victor made their grand entrance, danced together and with their parents. The couple's families shared testaments of their love and support, which were elegantly lit by everyone’s phone flashlights and added an extra touch of magic to the moment.

They proceeded with Carla tossing her bouquet to the ladies, and Victor removing Carla’s garter with his mouth and tossing it at his boys. Both recipients seemed thrilled with their catch, as they may be next in line to get married!

There was also an interesting Mexican tradition called “the serpent”. The couple stood on chairs and created a bridge between them with her veil, which all the ladies and then the men linked arms and raced through. This fast moving chain of people was a recipe for laughter and joy as everyone tried to keep up without falling over!

Newlywed portraits

As the afternoon transitioned into evening, we ventured outside the reception to snap some portraits in between rain fall. The weather put a damper on schedule and location flexibility, but we loved the lush green plants which soaked up the humidity.

We decided to go out for portraits once again as the night sky adorned itself with stars and string lights lit up the beach nearby. Carla and Victor’s love radiated as they held each other close, with the waves crashing in the near distance. This was the moment where their connection truly shone through, as they enjoyed embracing each other as husband and wife.

Dance party

It’s not a proper Mexican wedding without everyone dancing the night away! The rhythmic beats of current hits and traditional Mexican music enticed everyone to the dance floor, forging connections between guests from diverse corners of North America.

Everyone rejoiced and partied hard together, from niños to abuelas. They even invited us to join them once we put our cameras down for the night. It was so much fun!

As we packed up our gear and bid farewell to Puerto Vallarta, we couldn't help but reflect on the privilege of being a witness to such extraordinary love stories. This destination wedding was not just about Carla and Victor’s union; it was about encapsulating moments of pure joy, raw emotions, and the unbreakable bonds that unite us all.

Mexico, with its natural grandeur and the warmth of its people, provided the ultimate setting for this chapter of love.

Wedding Video:

As a gift for flying us out there, we made a little highlight video of their day with our GoPro. This was a new experiment from the artistic wedding films we craft, but are considering offering it as a budget friendly add-on for destination weddings.

The opening scene is a custom hand drawn animation by the talented artist Topher Sipes. Check it out!

To any future couples considering a destination wedding, we can wholeheartedly attest that Puerto Vallarta is more than a place – it's a feeling. It's a place where love is woven into the fabric of its beauty, creating a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime. We are forever grateful to have been a part of this enchanting journey in paradise.

Here’s what Carla had to say about their experience working with us:

“Jasna's commitment to making us feel comfortable and informed from the very beginning was exceptional. She never pressured us into any decisions and always had our best interest at heart, making us confident in choosing her as our photographer. In Puerto Vallarta she immersed herself in our celebration, chatting up other guests and creating a welcoming environment. We consider her more than our photographer, she became an honored guest. Despite the rain during the ceremony, Jasna's photography skills shone brightly, capturing pure joy and happiness in the most beautiful pictures we've seen. Her dedication and talent made our destination wedding truly unforgettable.”

Reach out if you’re planning your own destination wedding, we’d love to travel and celebrate with you!

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Destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta

Carla & Victor