I’ve been so excited to blog this wedding!!! Jen & Tyler were the winners of our Destination Wedding Giveaway we hosted earlier this year and you’ll probably recognize them from their engagement blog posted here (you’ll want to click that link to read their love story. It’s amazing, I promise). Not only was it a destination wedding, but our first international wedding! It will forever hold a special place in my heart.
When Jen told me about their wedding plans over coffee here in Fort Worth, I knew it would be epic. She and Tyler, along with their families, had rented out the entire resort for a week-long wedding bash. The first few days were spent sunning, swimming, and exploring while the weekend was full of festivities like the rehearsal dinner, Mezcal tasting, and the wedding itself. As with any wedding, it wasn’t without its stresses though. The lovely Interjet decided to cancel not only our flight from Mexico City, but also the flights of one of Jen’s brothers, his kids, one of Tyler’s sisters, and several members of the bridal party. Jen is a badass though and solved the dilemma with the help of Viva Aerobus! We were all welcomed to the resort 24 hours late with tear filled hugs, cheers, and shots.
If you’ve never been to Mexico, I definitely recommend a trip to Oaxaca. Even in November, the weather was a balmy 90 degrees with sunshine galore. The locals are extremely friendly, and THOSE VIEWS.
Yeah, those ones. Being a native Texan, I love Fort Worth… but dang. Marc had to talk me down from moving to Huatulco. Tropical weather year round and tacos?! Yes, please.
Anyways, back to the wedding.
Tyler & Jen started the day in their own villas with their best friends. The dudes did what anyone would to relieve the pre-ceremony jitters: a few shots of booze and one or two cannon balls into the pool. Beer and music flowed from the top floor of the bridal suite where the girls got their hair and makeup done. After dresses were slipped into, tuxes donned, and gifts given, it was time for the First Look! What I love about these two is even after being together for ten years, the emotion, excitement, and love is still very obviously there. What I love about First Looks is that non only do you dissolve those nerves, but then you have what seems like all the time in the world for couples portraits (and the bridesmaids get a sneak peek at the reactions).
The ceremony was held in the Turtle Bay villa in front of the infinity pool. Tyler’s dad officiated as the golden, hazy sun set with the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs in the background. The couple read hand written vows to each other before exchanging rings, and then FINALLY were pronounced Man and Wife. Ten years of dating, doing life together, being dog parents, planning a wedding hundreds of miles from home… all immortalized in the words, “You may now kiss the bride.” Through tear filled smiles, Mr. & Mrs. Thompson shared their first hug as a married couple. #WorthTheWait
I always tell my couples that the hardest part of any wedding day is the anticipation before the ceremony. Once that’s over: IT’S PARTY TIME. And oh what a party it was. After almost 8 years of photographing weddings and receptions, I must say that this was the reception to beat. DAMN. Between what was happening on the dance floor and what was happening in the pool nearby, there was no shortage of photo ops. Marc and I were there until 11 p.m., but the celebration raged on until the early hours of the morning. We all know weddings involve celebrations. When those weddings are in Mexico, you go extra hard.
Below was one of my favorite moments throughout the day. Jen and Carlos (the Man of Honor) have a traditional dip picture that they do when they travel together. It was amazing. Of course we had to have Tyler jump in and dip his wife in the same fashion. Carlos then decided he needed to dip Tyler as well.
And while I was shooting all of this, Marc was off to the side snapping this:
Bonus point of having two photographers, y’all 😉
If you came to the head table at any point in the reception, you had to do a shot with the Bride & Groom. Also, Absolute Raspberry is delicious.
90 degree weather + humidity + alcohol + pure joy = jumping into the pool fully clothed.
YEP. I told you it was incredible.
Tyler & Jen, I’ve said it a hundred times already but THANK YOU. Memories were definitely made. Adventures were had. You two took care of us so well and we loved every.single.thing about your wedding.
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN! <3 Ten years is no simple feat, but you two definitely have it in you for forever.
Photography: Swan Photography
Venue: Las Palmas Huatulco
Day Of Coordinator: Bodas Huatulco
Dress: Blue Bridal Boutique
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Tux: The Black Tux
Catering: Cafe Juanita
Hair/Makeup: Ikal Noil Hair Studio
Videographer: Blu Couture Wedding Films
Groom’s Wedding Band: Jewelry by Johan
Bride’s Rings: Tiffany & Co.
Invitations: Minted