Christie + Dan’s Destination Wedding at The Fives Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen

Jun 18

Bride and groom stand under colourful flags at the Fives Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen

Christie and Dan reached out me to photograph their destination wedding at The Fives Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It was a particularly cold winter day in Calgary and I posted on my Instagram story “This is a great day to talk to me about photographing your destination wedding”. After chatting with them I knew we were in for something truly special. These two are the kind of couple who radiate joy and they wanted their wedding day to feel like a celebration of love, travel, family, and connection. Their dream came to life in the warm Caribbean breeze, golden light, and turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya.

This wedding was a beautiful testament to the magic of destination weddings and the value of bringing your own photographer. Here’s a glimpse into their unforgettable day, and some reasons why you might consider doing the same.

Why Hire a Destination Wedding Photographer?

Most Mexico resorts have a wedding photographer on site or available for hire through their wedding planning team but of course I think it’s better to hire your own. Here’s why:

1. Consistency in Style
Christie and Dan fell in love with my photography long before their wedding date. They didn’t want to gamble on a resort-assigned photographer they hadn’t met or whose portfolio didn’t reflect their vision. By bringing me along, they guaranteed that the dreamy, emotional, and natural style they connected with would be present in every frame.

2. Personal Connection
We’d already built trust and rapport and met in person for their engagement session in Calgary, which meant they could fully relax and be themselves in front of the camera. On a day filled with emotion and nerves, having a familiar face behind the lens made all the difference. And knowing that I was on site ahead of time to location scout and make a plan for their day reassured them that they could relax and be present with their guests in the days leading up to the wedding.

3. Full Coverage, No Compromises
Resort photographers often have strict time limits and deliver a small number of edited images. By bringing their own photographer, Christie and Dan got full-day coverage from getting ready with their wedding parties to barefoot dancing under the star and a full gallery that told the complete story. they also opted for me to capture their beautiful welcome party the night before the wedding. My packages include a few different coverage options so that you can have all of your special events captured.

Highlights from the wedding day

Getting Ready

The morning of the wedding was so much fun. The resort’s layout made it very easy for me to bounce back and forth between the girls’ room and the boys’ room. The timeline was super laidback so there was lots of time for poolside mimosas and an epic dance party of the girls’ patio with the White Lotus there song playing.

The Setting
The Fives Beach Resort is a hidden gem along the Riviera Maya. With its modern architecture, swaying palm trees, and stunning beachfront ceremony locations, it was the perfect canvas for Christie and Dan’s laid-back yet elegant wedding. They wanted an all inclusive resort that felt personal and intimate enough to easily spend time with their friends and family that joined them for the week. The Fives has a boutique hotel feel with incredible dining options and entertainment. About an hour drive from Cancun, it was very easy to get to but removed enough from the city that it felt quiet and relaxed.

The Ceremony
Held just steps from the Caribbean Ocean, their ceremony was heartfelt and intimate. Christie walked down the aisle to soft guitar music played by her cousin as the sun shone overhead and the palm trees swayed in the tropical breeze. There were tears, laughter, and a moment of pure magic when the couple exchanged their vows with waves lapping behind them.

Golden Hour Portraits
One of the biggest benefits of a destination wedding? Golden hour on the beach. We snuck away just after the ceremony for portraits along the shoreline and in the beautiful mangrove forest. The sky turned shades of pink and lavender while the couple embraced, laughed, and soaked in their first moments as husband and wife.

The Reception
With fairy lights strung over the private lawn, the reception was a tropical dream. Guests toasted the couple with margaritas in hand, shook their maracas at the hilarious and emotional speeches, ate delicious food and had the most epic dance party barefoot in the grass.

Why a Destination Wedding Might Be Right for You

More than just a day, it’s a vacation. Your wedding becomes a multi-day experience with your closest friends and family.
Intimacy and Intentionality. Smaller guest lists mean more quality time with each person.
Scenic backdrops (with minimal decor required). Mother Nature provides the best setting.
Built-in honeymoon. You're already in paradise, no need to go anywhere else.

Thinking About a Destination Wedding?

Whether you’re drawn to the beaches of Mexico, the cobblestone streets of Italy, the lavender fields in the South of France, or somewhere completely unique to you bringing a photographer you know and trust ensures that your memories are captured with care, artistry, and heart.

Christie and Dan’s wedding was a reminder that love knows no borders and your wedding photos shouldn’t either.

I worked with an amazing destination wedding specialist for Christie & Dan’s perfect day in Mexico. She helped book all of the guests accommodation and travel and was a liaison between Christie, Dan and the wedding team at The Fives Beach Resort. If you’re looking for someone to help plan your destination wedding I highly recommend connection with Cassie at Liz Moore Weddings.