Marydel & Russell’s Destination Wedding at Bahia Principe Grand Tulum
I had the privilege of photographing Marydel and Russel’s beautiful destination wedding at the stunning Bahia Principe Grand Tulum in Mexico. These longtime friends from my Vancouver days celebrated with 50 guests, including their two kids, in a vibrant, seaside ceremony.
The day was full of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments—especially the groomsmen’s epic dance-off! Despite the 30+ degree heat (and a broken camera strap!), I’m so grateful for the memories we created and thrilled with how these photos turned out.
Below is the story of their day, captured through the lens, along with some of my favorite moments from their celebration.
bright sunlight
The atmosphere at Bahia Principe Grand Tulum was full of excitement and warmth as the morning of Marydel and Russel’s wedding began. Sunlight streamed through the windows, with the sound of ocean waves and palm trees in the background. Inside, Marydel and her bridesmaids shared laughs and happy tears as she slipped into her beautiful gown, while the groomsmen prepped with equal excitement. The air was filled with love and anticipation, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
getting ready
Marydel and Russell prepped for the big day in separate rooms, with the bridal party enjoying the classic getting-ready moments. The girls were busy with hair, makeup, and laughter, while Marydel radiated calm excitement as she slipped into her dress. Meanwhile, the guys were in their own space, sipping drinks and joking around, sharing stories, and building anticipation for the ceremony. It was the perfect mix of relaxed energy and excitement, setting the stage for the celebration ahead.
ceremony
Despite the intense 30+ degree heat, Marydel and Russell’s beachside ceremony was nothing short of magical. With the ocean as their backdrop, they exchanged vows surrounded by close friends and family, incorporating beautiful Filipino traditions like the chord, veil, and coins, symbolizing their unity and commitment. Afterward, guests escaped the sun with a refreshing cocktail hour by the beach while I took photos of the bridal party in the golden light.
bridal party by the beach
For the bridal party photos, I kept it close to the ceremony site, choosing a spot nearby that still captured the beauty of the sunny day without pushing everyone too far in the heat. I wanted the photos to be fun and candid, so I had the group walk in the water and even tackle the groom! The warm glow of the sun, the soft sand, and the blue ocean in the background created the perfect setting for playful and natural portraits. Judging by how hot it was, I kept it quick and lighthearted, making sure everyone had a great time while still capturing those special moments.
A Moment for Two: Embracing the Beauty of Marriage
When it came time for the bride and groom photos, I always like to check in and see how they’re feeling, ensuring they get a quiet, intimate moment just for the two of them. I stay back, allowing them to connect and talk without me intruding, and I let them know when I’m done capturing that moment before moving on to the next style of photos. For Marydel and Russell, I kept it short and sweet, staying by the beach to mix in a blend of intimate, fun, and candid shots—ranging from close-ups to wide shots. Afterward, I encouraged them to take at least 30 minutes to themselves, to relish in their marriage and stay grounded in the moment, without rushing to the next thing.
An Evening of Stories, Dinner, and Connection
After the beachside festivities, Marydel and Russell’s reception moved to a beautiful, more intimate location within the resort. The couple shared a private dinner with their closest friends and family, laughing and reminiscing on stories from the past. The warm, relaxed atmosphere allowed everyone to enjoy each other's company, while the stunning surroundings set the perfect backdrop for their celebration. It was a moment of genuine connection, filled with love and laughter, as they celebrated not just their marriage but the bond they’ve shared with everyone around them.
Dancing Under the Stars: Beachside Party Vibes
As the night went on, the energy shifted to a lively, fun-filled beach party. The guests, full of excitement and celebration, danced under the stars with the ocean waves as their soundtrack. The atmosphere was electric, as everyone let loose, and even the groom's groomsmen couldn't resist the rhythm, having a little too much fun on the dance floor. With sand between their toes and the moonlit sky above, it was a perfect way to end the evening—full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
The Dream Team
A special thanks to the amazing wedding team that made Marydel and Russell’s destination wedding run seamlessly. From the meticulous planning by the hotel coordinator at Bahia Principe Grand Tulum to the fantastic videography team, everything came together beautifully. It was a true pleasure working alongside such talented professionals to capture this unforgettable day.
