I met Melanie and Max...

last year during the summer for their engagement session in Gulf Shores, Alabama. We talked on the phone, met for the first time a few hours later to quickly capture their engagement session before the rain caught us, and then we said goodbye. A year later I headed back from India to Cancun, Mexico for their destination wedding!

Melanie and Max were already legally married, but they wanted an opportunity to celebrate somewhere on a beach with their family and friends. After they extended an invitation to me to join them by photographing their wedding, how could I say no? The weather forecast predicted rain, but it held off all day long which left us with a warm, overcast, empty beachfront to celebrate.

Destination weddings are usually a whirlwind, and theirs was no exception. They were so relaxed about the whole day, took every twist and turn with grace, and it was an added treat to hear the heartfelt toasts from their friends and family all day long. At the end of the evening, my second shooter and I had dinner with the rest of the guests and they each took turns sharing how they knew Melanie and Max. We all agreed that they were the most kind, genuine, GORGEOUS, couple we had ever met.

Melanie's first look with her dad was so sweet! She positioned herself in the corner as her bridesmaids walked him into the room with his eyes closed. Once he was in position Melanie told him to open his eyes and as he opened them the tears began to flow freely. She gave him a gift and after he opened it they held tightly to each other in a fierce hug. The rest of the room was quiet except for the occasional sniffles as the emotion took hold of her family and friends gathered around. Needless to say my camera screen was a little foggy after it was all said and done.

We all know I love a multicultural situation. Not only were we in Mexico with Hispanic culture swirling around us, but Melanie is from the USA and Max's family is from Germany and spoke German to each other the whole time! To top it all of the emcee for the reception also spoke a little German and incorporated it into the evening. WHAT EVEN?! It was so cool and seemed to knock Max off of his feet for a second. Only for a second though because the party was just getting started! Their first dance included sparklers and was followed by sparkling champagne as the toasts began. After cutting into their cake and kissing for "5 Mexican seconds" which basically means forever (lol), Melanie did a quick dress change and dazzled us with another amazing look. They both danced the night away with their guests, kicked up sand, and sang at the top of their lungs until they concluded the night under the stars with the sound of ocean waves lapping the shore.