Lindsey and Todd | Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer

“Happiness is a journey, not a destination” – Let’s rephrase that, because in the case of destination weddings… Happiness is a journey AND a destination.

Lindsey and Todd’s wedding was every bride’s dream turned into a reality. Held at the Playa Mita Iberostar Resort in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico with their closest family and friends, they had a stunning rooftop ceremony with the beach breeze and ocean overlook, followed by a sunset oceanside dinner and outdoor reception. I’ve never seen a bride so genuinely happy and excited, or a couple that is so sincere when they say they are best friends and soul mates. Not only did they have a first look on a grand spiral staircase, we pushed family photos to after the ceremony so we could explore the resort for portraits (which did not disappoint) AND were able to have the perfect golden hour on the beach! This made my little destination wedding photographer heart almost burst!

Scroll to the bottom to see the TOP 5 REASONS TO HAVE A DESTINATION WEDDING!

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Top 5 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding

Guest List– weddings in your hometown all have one thing in common..growing guest lists. It’s easy for the guest list to get out of hand once you add in everyone that might get their feelings hurt if not invited. (at over $50 a plate, feeding your parents’ old coworkers and their families you’ve never met isn’t as fun as you thought) Destination weddings give a polite excuse to only invite your family and closest friends, while cutting costs!

ings hurt if not invited. (at over $50 a plate, feeding your parents’ old coworkers and their families you’ve never met isn’t as fun as you thought) Destination weddings give a polite excuse to only invite your family and closest friends, while cutting costs!

The guest experience – When I ask couples what their favorite part of their wedding was, 9 times out of 10 it’s something along the lines of “having all of the people we love in the same place”. For one day, it IS such a blessing having everyone there. But wouldn’t it be great to get to see your guests more than a handshake and hug during the receiving line? What if you could have a few days to enjoy TOGETHER? If those days happen to be in paradise with perfect weather, it’s just an added bonus/excuse for everyone to take a vacation. Not only a wedding experience, you are creating lifetime experiences for your guests to remember forever.

Honeymoon included- Some resorts offer discounts to the couple when your guests stay for your wedding. This means your honeymoon could be heavily discounted or free, AND you have the convenience of already being there. Last I checked, that isn’t a perk of any Nashville venues.

Leave the seasons at home- Want to have a December or February wedding but without the snow and heat lamps? Head to where it’s sunny and warm. Just be sure to research your destination’s rainy seasons and peak travel times.

The PHOTOS- Don’t get me wrong, I love barns and fields as much as any other Nashville wedding photographer. But you just can’t beat a rooftop sunset ceremony overlooking the beach, or an Italian coast boat cruise in your wedding dress (I’m looking at you, Stephanie and Doug)