Emma Mullins Photography

Justin and Lani’s Cancun destination wedding day in November was a MUCH anticipated event. After their January engagement session in Chicago, I was so excited to travel to Mexico with them! In addition to completely adoring each other, their chemistry is undeniable. I knew their wedding was going to be good!!

Cancun Destination Wedding

Family and friends traveled from all over to celebrate with these two. Their emotional sunset ceremony overlooking the ocean was memorable for many reasons. For instance, Justin’s face as his bride walked down the aisle had us all in tears. And then, if you can believe it, a rainbow appeared as they exchanged vows! If that’s not a good luck sign on your wedding day, I don’t know what is!

After the ceremony, EVERYBODY was ready to party. Guests celebrated with delicious food, dancing, and tequila throughout the night! We even had the opportunity for a creative night photo on the property. Shout out to the wedding party for helping make this happen… y’all are the best!

Highlights

Some favorite details include Justin’s handmade wedding ring (yep – he MADE it himself) and Lani’s “something borrowed,” bracelets from his grandmother. Justin’s custom suit had lyrics from their favorite song sewn inside. And – the next day we took a boat to Isla Mujeres for the most romantic newlywed session! Check out those photos here 🙂

Lani and Justin: Thanks again for taking me to Mexico with you! This day was such an honor to capture. All my best in your future adventures together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Villa del Palmar Cancún/Planner + Coordinator: Karina Peña, Doris Rosas/Dress: Vera Wang White Collection/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Suit: custom by Indochino/Groom’s cuff links: Indochino/BRIDE and SQUAD gear: David’s Bridal, Amazon.com/Bride’s rings: Jared/Groom’s ring: handmade by groom/Hair and Makeup: Village Spa/Caterer: Caprichos/Cake: GY Pastelería Boutique/Florist: Eventos Van Gogh/Rose petals: street vendor

Planning your own destination wedding in Cancun? Check out this Top 10 List of Cancun Wedding Venues in 2024!

While vacationing in St. Thomas in January, I had the opportunity to photograph Jennifer and Daniel’s intimate Virgin Islands elopement on the beach! Jeremy and I were swimming in Magens Bay when I saw someone setting up what looked like white curtains in the sand. A few minutes later it dawned on me: “Someone’s getting married here today! There’s going to be a wedding on the beach!!”

I jumped out of the water, introduced myself to the groom and officiant, and asked if they wouldn’t mind if I grabbed my Fujifilm to capture their ceremony. As I predicted, the festivities were scheduled around sunset. The light was getting softer, and the bride was on her way! To my luck, they agreed.

Daniel and Jennifer’s ceremony was brief but intimate, surrounded by a handful of their family and friends in paradise. There is something so personal and emotional about an intimate wedding ceremony. With all eyes on this couple, you could feel the support for the love that they share. Even never having met these two, I still got teary-eyed behind the lens! I have no doubt that they are meant to spend the rest of their lives together.

I captured their champagne toast and cake cutting (it was piña-colada flavored!), and then left the newlyweds to celebrate with their guests. How lucky I am to have been a part of this! Daniel & Jennifer: thank you for the opportunity to capture these moments! I wish you all the happiness in your future together.

Want to have your own Virgin Islands Elopement?

There are several companies on the islands who assist couples in their own intimate beach weddings. Packages may include a variety of perks, such as your bouquet, wedding cake, and newlywed champagne toast. Remember, even if your package includes a photographer, you can always provide your own!

For more info and inspiration, check out the following:
Island Bliss Weddings
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Flawless Weddings and Events

Vendor Team

Ceremony Location: Magens Bay Beach/Officiant: Michael Motylinski/Bouquet: Roses Too/Cake: Island Sweet Stuff

When Rachel and Jonathan asked me to photograph their Cozumel, Mexico destination wedding, I couldn’t contain my excitement! My passport was ready, I was already familiar with the island, and couldn’t think of anything I’d rather be doing the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Clearly, the answer was a resounding YES! And the result was more than I could have imagined.

One of the first things I learned about Jon and Rachel was they had a Chihuahua mut, Vincenzo. There was no question as to whether Vinny would be included in their destination wedding weekend – they had already cleared for him to fly! Even though it didn’t work exactly as planned, Rachel gave Vinny the honor of escorting her down the aisle 🙂

The Destination Wedding Experience

Yes, destination weddings are gorgeous and unforgettable – there’s no denying that. But something I didn’t expect from this experience was getting to know the couple better through their friends and family. It made me think: as photographers, we take the time to get to know our couples before their wedding day. Rarely do we have the opportunity to hear other perspectives, but when we do, how wonderful that is!

For instance, I knew that Rachel and Jon were best friends in high school. They told me they were together for 13 years before tying the knot. What I wasn’t aware of were the in-between years, and the sacrifices they made for each other early on. What I’m trying to say is: this is LOVE. What an honor it was to be a part of this wedding day!

Rachel and Jon – Thank you again for inviting me to spend this time with you and your group! I wish you nothing but more love and happiness in the years to come.

Vendor Team

Bride’s Dress: BHLDN/Bride’s Shoes: Guess/Groom’s attire: Tommy Bahama/Ceremony and Reception: Playa Azul/Vinny’s sombrero: DIY by the bride