Nicole & Thomas’ Wedding Day Highlights

They kissed for the first time as husband and wife… and there were sparks! No, literally, there were sparklers set off behind the newlyweds as they kissed for the first time after saying I-Do at their beachside destination wedding ceremony in Riviera Maya!

Warm tropic breezes filtered in through the windows in the bridal suite at the Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya. Nicole sat calmly in her chair as Divya dolled her up for the wedding day. This hotel is described as, “where paradise comes to play,” and it is so true! The view from their 2-story Sky Terrence balcony suite peeked out over the ocean and made it the most perfect room to celebrate their destination wedding and honeymoon.

Nicole’s Maggie Sottero “Radella” gown hung over the bed from the second story stairway watching over the bustling activity in the suite. Swarovski crystals and opalescent pearls makes the pattern of this dress a complete show-stopper. In true destination wedding style, Nicole had a blingly pair of Badgley Mischka bridal sandals to wear for the day around the Hard Rock resort.

If you are going to get ready of your wedding, there aren’t many better places than a hotel room in Mexico overlooking an immaculately maintained tropical garden. Tommy had a cool and calm demeanor, but underneath you could sense the excitement. With the help of his brother, Tommy was laughing the whole time as he put on his elegant, but laid back, Lord & Taylor suit. After presenting himself to his father, who gave I’m a reassuring hug, Tommy was ready to read the note from his future. Pulling a chair over the window, Tommy slowly opened the the letter and began to read. Granted, I never see the contents of the letter, but the from the look in his eye it was clear he could hear Nicole’s voice as he absorbed the contents of the note. With a few words of advice from this father (and a few shots with his brother), Tommy was ready to go and headed down the bluff.

Starlight Beach was the location of their romantic intimate ceremony. Of course this duo decided to have their ceremony just before sunset so the golden rays of the sun were skipping across the ocean waves in the background of their ceremony. There were 25 people in attendance (23 guests plus Travis and Jen!) as Nicole made her way down the Hard Rock Resort pathways to the sandy beach to see her groom on the wedding day for the first time. Tommy smiled as his almost-wife walked towards him escorted by her Mom. He took her hands and the ceremony began.

The ceremony was short and sweet as the two read self-written vows from their little pink and blue (hers & his) books. They also did a sand ceremony together and exchanged rings before their shared their first kiss as newlyweds! The sparklers went off in the background of their ceremony and the two laughed and smiled while their shared a glass of champagne with their guests on the beach. After a group photo of all their destination wedding travelers, we enjoyed a quick island misty rain before capturing some sunset portraits of the newlyweds around the Hard Rock resort.

Did somebody say party? The Tulum Gazebo was the place to be for this off-the-hook reception for Nicole and Tommy. If you want to party, holding your reception at an all-inclusive resort is the way to go! DJ PSAV had the crowd up and shaking maracas for the grand entrance of the bride and groom. The newlyweds danced their first dance, cut their cake, and listened to kind sentiments from their mothers for the speeches. Guests ate, drank, and danced the night away inside and outside the gazebo at the Heaven side of the Hard Rock Riviera Maya.

What an amazing whirlwind of a few days with you guys! Thank you so much for inviting us to be the photographers at your destination wedding in Mexico! You and your family certainly know how to celebrate and have a grand time! Cheers!

I do, do you need more wedding in your life? – click here!!!