FIRST DESTINATION WEDDING


Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to photograph my very first destination wedding at Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. From oceanfront views and beautiful weather to a weekend spent celebrating alongside family and friends, it was an experience I'll never forget.

If you're considering a destination wedding in Mexico, Dreams Bahia Mita offers the perfect combination of luxury, relaxation, and stunning scenery. Here are a few of my favourite moments from this beautiful wedding day.

Getting Ready


One of my favourite parts of any wedding day is the excitement that comes with getting ready. The morning was filled with anticipation, laughter, and special moments shared between family and friends before the celebrations began. With natural light pouring into the suites and the ocean just steps away, it was the perfect start to the day.

First Look


Before the ceremony, the couple shared a private first look together. These moments are always wonderful to photograph as they offer a chance to slow down and take everything in before the celebrations begin.

We chose a beautiful area of the resort featuring elegant architecture, this allowed for a first look between the bride and groom and also a first look for the bridal party and family. We then headed over to the grand staircase, to take a few portraits.



Ceremony Space


Set against the stunning backdrop of Puerto Vallarta's coastline, the ceremony was both emotional and intimate. As family and friends gathered overlooking the Pacific Ocean, there was an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. The sound of the waves, the ocean breeze, and the breathtaking views created a setting that felt truly unforgettable.

While the Mexican sun certainly made its presence known, the beauty of the location made it all worthwhile. The ceremony space offered panoramic ocean views that stretched as far as the eye could see, creating a natural backdrop that hardly needed any additional decoration. It was one of those locations that immediately makes you stop and take it all in.

Portraits

Following the ceremony, we explored a few different areas throughout the resort for portraits. Of course, we had to spend some time on the beach, taking advantage of the stunning ocean views and iconic destination wedding scenery.

While the beach was beautiful, one of my favourite portrait locations was an area filled with greenery and cacti. It added a unique twist to the classic beachside wedding photos and gave the gallery a little more variety. The combination of lush tropical plants and desert-inspired textures felt distinctly Mexican and helped create images that were both timeless and unique to the location.


Cocktail Hour


Following the ceremony, guests gathered for cocktail hour while enjoying ocean views, refreshments, and live entertainment. One of the highlights was the mariachi band, which added an authentic and memorable touch to the celebration.

The music brought incredible energy to the afternoon and perfectly complemented the destination wedding experience. Guests mingled, enjoyed cocktails, and soaked in the atmosphere while the newlyweds took a few moments to celebrate with family and friends before the reception began.

Reception & Decor


One thing I really appreciated about Dreams Bahia Mita was how seamlessly the day flowed from one event to the next. The ceremony took place overlooking the ocean, while the reception was held just a short walk away on a beautiful deck space. Everything felt conveniently located for guests, allowing everyone to enjoy the celebration without having to travel between multiple areas of the resort.

As guests transitioned from cocktail hour to dinner, the space came to life with soft twinkling lights and stunning views of the coastline. The decor was simple yet elegant, allowing the natural beauty of the venue to shine while still creating a luxurious destination wedding atmosphere.

From the reception space itself to the thoughtful layout of the venue, every detail felt designed with both beauty and guest experience in mind. It created a relaxed and welcoming environment where everyone could fully enjoy the evening's celebrations.

Evening Celebration


As the sun set and the twinkle lights began to glow, the celebration continued well into the evening. The reception was filled with heartfelt speeches, laughter, plenty of dancing, and memorable moments shared between family and friends.

One of my favourite parts of the night was seeing guests participate in the popular sunglasses photo trend, creating fun and candid memories throughout the reception. It was the perfect mix of elegance and celebration, allowing everyone to relax and truly enjoy the evening together.

While the music wrapped up later in the evening to be respectful of other resort guests, the energy and excitement never faded. It was the perfect ending to an incredible destination wedding day.

Why I Loved Dreams Bahia Mita


As my first destination wedding, Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort will always hold a special place in my heart.

Beyond the beautiful ceremony and reception spaces, one of the things that stood out most was the overall guest experience. Everything was conveniently located throughout the resort, making it easy for guests to move between events while still enjoying everything the property had to offer.

The resort offered a fantastic variety of dining options, delicious buffet selections, beautiful beach and pools, and countless opportunities for guests to relax and enjoy their vacation outside of the wedding festivities. Throughout the entire experience, the staff were welcoming, attentive, and genuinely invested in making the celebration feel special.

For couples considering a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Dreams Bahia Mita offers the perfect balance of luxury, convenience, and breathtaking scenery. It's a venue that not only photographs beautifully, but also creates an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

And finally, no destination wedding blog would be complete without including my own contribution to the sunglasses trend. ✌️🤍