Tulum Destination Wedding | Akumal Mexico Elopement Photography | Beachfront Destination Wedding Inspiration

I’m so excited for you to see this destination wedding in Mexico! Kayla and Garrett reached out last summer with completely different plans, and eventually we landed on Akumal, a beach front destination right outside of Tulum. Their elopement turned destination wedding was everything you’d image a Mexico wedding to be - SO FUN! 

Okay, so let’s back track. I think Kayla and Garretts story is a great example of how it’s okay to take your day and make it exactly what you want it to be - even if that means changing your plans a few times! Their original plans were to elope, just the two of them, in North Cascades National Park in Washington. We we’re going to do some snow shoeing, there was going to be a cabin, and some snowy PNW adventures. A few weeks before, they changed their plans. We started to look into Bali, but as they got closer to deciding on that, they realized that maybe they did want a few guests there. So they wanted to move it somewhere with similar vibes to Bali, but not half way across the world, so that their family + friends could join. I suggested Tulum, and they found Akumal, which is a mini Tulum with way less tourists, just a few minutes down the road from Tulum! 

I love that Kayla + Garrett didn’t settle until they knew exactly what was going to be best for them, the best day of their lives, and the start of their marriage. And it payed off! Their wedding was an absolute blast - all of their closest friends and family, a beach front restaurant/bar, sunshine, corona, and turquoise water. Win! La Buena Vida, the restaurant/bar they got married at, was such a nice place, I ended up heading back there a few days later to enjoy their beach too!

So let’s get to the day itself! I met up with Garrett first to set him up for the first look, then went and grabbed Kayla so she could see her groom! After their first look, we had some time to wander around the area for some portraits. They were really after some more “junglesque” type photos, since we were going to shoot on the beach the rest of the day, and Tulum is known for it’s jungle! We didn’t have to go far to find some gorgeous palms and greenery, and even a few critters! 

Next, we headed for their ceremony. They had 30-40 guests that had all flown their booties down to Mexico for them - so sweet, right!? They were all in their chairs, maracas in hand for post ceremony, ready to go. Kayla and Garrett walked down the aisle together, which was one of my favorite parts of their day! I’ve yet to see a couple do that and it was really special. Their ceremony was filled with tears, laughs, wind, sand and lots of love. 

After some family photos and a bit of cocktail hour, I took them on the beach for a few sunset portraits. We had a KILLER sunset that night, and you know I love a good golden hour! Kayla + Garrett knew they wanted to hop in the water, so we grabbed a bottle of champagne for them to pop (also my favorite), took a swig, and we all hopped in the water! Kudos to these two for totally being up for the adventure! We had a fairly relaxed timeline on their day which is so so nice, and something I can’t recommend more to couples. It allows wiggle room + plenty of time to detour, take your time, slow down and really enjoy your day. 

Take a peek through these wedding photos and soak up alllll the sunshine, love and happiness that they radiate! If you’re feeling like an elopement or destination wedding in Tulum, Akumal, or somewhere else in the Caribbean might be something up your alley, get in touch and let’s chat it out! 

Hair + Make Up: Besos Brides

Dress: BlimeyHarryCrafts Etsy shop

Venue: La Buena Vida

Did this collection of photos get you stoked to have a destination wedding of your own?! Get in touch and let me help you through it and chat about how we can make some photos as gorgeous as these of you and your lover!

Digging the Caribbean beach vibe? Check out Kelly and Eddie’s destination wedding at Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia, here!