How to Beautifully Frame Your Playa del Carmen Wedding Ceremony
Creating a solid wedding timeline is key to making the best use of the beautiful natural light on the Yucatan Peninsula, allowing your day to unfold seamlessly as I document your wedding.
Sunset and the Golden Hour
When planning a timeline for a wedding, the first thing to consider is sunset time. The 1-1.5 hours before sunset has the best lighting – and is what photographers affectionately call "golden hour" – when the sunbathers leave the beach, the air cools, and the light is simply perfect for photography.
Sunset Ceremony Locations
Some couples visualize saying their vows by their wedding gazebo under the sun setting over the ocean. Due to the geographic location of Cancun, Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, the sun will go down on the opposite side, over the dense jungle.
There are some locations, like Holbox, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel, where it is possible to have your wedding with the sunset as a beautiful backdrop. If this is important to you, talk about it with your wedding coordinator.
Photography Start Time
I recommend photography coverage begins at least 1.5-2 hrs before the wedding ceremony. This will allow you to have enough time for you, your wedding party, and your families to get ready and have photos taken without feeling rushed. In some cases, more than 2 hours may be necessary if we are doing formal pictures before the ceremony or traveling to different locations.
Ceremony Start Time
I strongly recommend having the ceremony begin at least 1 hour before sunset, ideally about 2 hours.
How We Capture Your Wedding Ceremony
We will photograph at different angles and focal lengths to capture the love, emotions, and people here for this wedding union. We combine the beautiful beach scenery with raw and candid moments to best capture your big day.
Unplugged Weddings
I’ve had the honor to photograph a diverse range of ceremonies, and I feel “unplugged” wedding ceremonies are the best ones! At an unplugged event, the guests put away their devices and watch the ceremony in “real life” instead of seeing it through a screen.
There is something so beautiful about being present – that is what life is all about, enjoying the small moments.
If you choose an unplugged ceremony, make sure to share this with your guests, so they keep their phones and tablets put away and let the professional photographers capture those moments for you and your family.
Wedding Party Procession
A piece of advice for everyone walking down the aisle: remember to smile, look ahead, and walk slowly. Try to avoid looking down at your feet, as that leads to less flattering photographs. If you are nervous or shy, focus on one person or object at the front of the aisle.
Remember that walking down the aisle is meant to be enjoyable, exciting, and meaningful. Talk together and with your officiant to figure out the best plan for your event.
Bridesmaids Procession
Bridesmaids, don’t hide behind the flower bouquet. Show off the sexy neckline and own that dress! Hold your bouquet with your hands at hip height, keeping your arms slightly bent. Remember, confidence is everything.
Groom and Groomsmen Procession
Guys, don’t forget to walk slowly. This will allow me to capture how sharp and handsome you will look in wedding attire at the beach, so chin up and smile!
Bride Ceremony Entrance
It’s finally time for the bride to walk down the aisle! Remember, your bouquet is held at your waistline, walk slowly, take it all in, and don’t rush. This is the moment you have been waiting for, seeing your love at the end of the aisle! Smile (or cry), and make eye contact with your partner.
Same-Sex Wedding Entrance
If you are celebrating a same-sex wedding, there are several options for the walk down the aisle. You can take a traditional approach with one partner waiting for the other, you can walk in together, or walk down two aisles and meet in the center. Some choose to be walked in with parents or a close family member or friend; some choose to walk themselves. It’s really up to you and what you envision as a couple.
It’s important to talk with your officiant before the ceremony to determine when you’d like the audience to rise and discuss how you would like to be announced at the close of the ceremony.
Waiting in The Aisle
You are now at the end of the aisle, waiting excitedly for the love of your life to stand by your side. Your attention will be on each other while walking down the aisle, and it will be a moment filled with emotions. Do not hold back; allow me to document all of those feelings for you to cherish for years to come.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is a beautiful way to express your emotions and devotion to your loved one; keep this in mind while exchanging vows and rings. During the ring exchange, be sure to let the guests have a clear view of the hands – trust me, they want to see the rings – so they can enjoy this moment with you.
Wedding Vows
For your wedding vows, remember to use a wireless microphone and avoid microphone stands or wired microphones. They tend to get in the way and do not look good in photographs. Remember not to rush during your wedding vows. Take your time and speak clearly; everyone is there to show you their love and support, and love is contagious!
Wedding Veil and the Wind
If you wear a veil, and the wind is blowing it into your face during the ceremony, switching places is a quick and easy solution.
Wedding Officiant and The First Kiss
When the officiant pronounces you “married,” have him or her step aside for the first kiss, so they aren’t the center of the photograph. Your first kiss as a married couple has to be memorable... surprise us! We will be ready to capture that moment.
Just Married
After your first kiss, you will walk down the aisle together as a married couple, and all eyes will be on you. Everyone will be filled with joy – show us all who you are as a couple, release all the happiness and emotions you will be experiencing, and look up and smile!
Recessional Favors
Flower petals or bubbles are great for fantastic exit photos; consider talking to your planner ahead of time so we can create some artsy photographs as you recess down the aisle. The cold champagne will be waiting for you, cheers!