What a gorgeous Ocean Riviera Paradise Wedding with Michelle and Grant!
Today, I am SUPER STOKED to present to you my 300TH WEDDING!!!! WOOHOO!!!!
Boy, to reach this point in my career is such an honor. All of the couples I’ve photographed, all the places I’ve been. Iceland, Ireland, Denver, Paris, Connecticut, and so many other places! Not even counting the five years shooting in Hawaii, that made such a huge impact on me and my career.
When I started this career, I had zero doubt I would become the best photographer I’m capable of becoming. Lots of people doubted me, so fuck you guys, but I persevered. I hunkered down and got shit down. I slaved over this business, agonized on the direction it would take, almost killed myself to perfect my brand/clientele. So thank you Universe, for making my 300th wedding IN FREAKIN’ MEXICO!!!!!!!
And this couldn’t have happened without Kristal, who eloped in Jamaica, telling Michelle to hire me!
Michelle and Gabe have known one another since the third grade. In fact, a LOT of their friends have also known one another since then. How incredible is that? Marrying your childhood best friend?
The wedding day was WINDY and RAINY. It was over 90 degrees and felt like over 100. It was a difficult day, but as I always tell all of my clients, attitude makes up 98% of the wedding day. Even when it rained, Michelle sprinted into the storm with a whoop and danced with Grant. It actually took me a second to get them focused for the shot because they were just entirely in the moment. These are my clients, adventurous good-natured kind humans.
I would say the only real downside to the whole experience is the damn seaweed. Mexico is apparently dealing with a horrific seaweed issue and I found out last week it’s because all the rain we’ve been getting in the states washes the fertilizers into the ocean, creating massive seaweed blooms. So the beach off the resort was disgusting. Six or seven feet across from the shoreline, all the way to the bottom. You simply could not get past it. Hence, no real beach shots.
The reception wasn’t under stars and palm trees, as hoped, thanks to the storm. But again, attitude is everything. What I also loved about this whole wedding was how even the guests were incredible. Everyone was so nice and you could tell there were so many close bonds. It was a truly unforgettable experience!
We did okay though! I’m so stoked to share this wedding with you. What an amazing experience!!!!
