FEBRUARY, 2025
Sarah styles people for a living, so it’s no surprise that every detail of her and Brian’s Cozumel wedding was carefully considered. Their palette was crisp white and fresh green with gold accents, set against the glittering turquoise waters at the InterContinental Presidente resort. It was modern and tropical, and utterly Vogue-worthy.
From a Dallas Civil Ceremony to Cozumel
I first met Brian and Sarah when I photographed their civil ceremony in Dallas, just a day shy of New Year’s Eve in 2024. We clicked right away, and between portraits we got to talking about the wedding they were planning in Cozumel. Then Sarah stopped and said, “Wait, you should fly out for our wedding. We want you to photograph it.” Two months later, I was stepping onto the grounds of InterContinental Presidente.
A Weekend Built Around Their Favorite Places
Brian and Sarah have vacationed in Cozumel for years, and instead of a generic itinerary, they shared the island the way they know it. They hosted their welcome party at Hemingway and their rehearsal dinner at Azul Madera, two places that already meant something to them. It set the tone for the entire weekend: personal, relaxed, and centered around the people who made the trip.
Sculptural Florals and Caribbean Views
The florals were a showstopper. White anthuriums, calla lilies, and soft white blooms were peared (see what I did there?) with clusters of green grapes, pearl-adorned pears, and citrus throughout. The calla lilies that lined the aisle provided a stunning sculptural, almost still-life quality. Brian wore a white dinner jacket with a black bow tie and Louis Vuitton loafers, a timeless choice that felt right at home on the island, while Sarah donned a soft mermaid gown with delicate spaghetti straps, a sweeping train, and floral appliqué. Her cathedral length ruffled veil was the real showstopper, adding a chic, fashion-forward flair to her dress.
Their ceremony overlooked the sparkling Caribbean Sea, and afterward we slipped away for golden-hour portraits along the water and through the resort’s palm-lined garden paths while the light settled into a dusky glow over the island.
A Palapa Reception with Editorial Style
Their reception took place beneath a thatched palapa, with long tables dressed in white linens, gold flatware, and low arrangements of antheriums and grapes. It was elegant, but never stiff, which matched the night itself: full of dancing, laughter, and those who had traveled to celebrate them.
Sarah’s reception look deserved a moment of its own. Her corset-style lace gown paired alongside a bold red lip, veil, and heels - a look that contrasted beautifully against the otherwise white and green palette. We shot a set of direct-flash portraits with an editorial, fashion-forward feel, a nod to the work she does every day.
In Sarah’s Words
“Your calming energy, creativity, and talent is unmatched.”
“Your pictures are nothing short of art.”
“The black and whites are insane!!!”
Planning a Cozumel Wedding?
Plan around sunset. The InterContinental Presidente sits on Cozumel’s west coast, so the sun sets over the water. Scheduling your ceremony time around this is key if you don’t want your guests staring into the sun. If we schedule your portraits sometime during the last hour of daylight, you’ll get the softest, most flattering light.
Let the setting lead your palette. A restrained palette like white and green lets the turquoise water and tropical greenery do the work, and photographs beautifully. But don’t be afraid of color either! Bright, bold colors also lend to a stunning wedding design.
Think in weekends. Welcome parties and rehearsal dinners are often where the most relaxed, honest moments happen. Full weekend coverage tells the whole story!
Destination Wedding Photography Pricing
As a Dallas/Fort Worth destination wedding photographer, I travel for couples planning weddings in Cozumel, across Mexico, and worldwide. Weekend wedding coverage begins at $7,000.
Curious about more destination details? Explore destination weddings here.
