You know what I love almost more than shooting exotic Cafiero destination weddings?  I love when my photographer friends shoot me a text, asking me if I want to go shoot destination weddings with them, too.  All the pleasure of travel and photography, and none of the administrative stuff.  I just go and shoot.  That was the case with this last destination wedding at the Dreams Resort in Cabo.

My friend Jim booked this one in particular.  We have been friends for a long time.  He operates out of Orange Country and I am of course out of Denver and Scottsdale.  There have been many times we’ve worked together.  Always a lot of fun.

Disclaimer:  YES, all of these photos are mine.  (I have to say that to the brides who are considering me as their wedding photographer).  Jim took some killer images too, but everything you see here are my photos.

Pretty much the only time I’ll work as a second shooter is if it will bring me somewhere cool like Cabo Mexico, or if a good friend is dying for some help and I’m not already shooting something myself.  But when it works out, I love it.  I can pretty much just cruise around and shoot whatever the heck looks interesting to me.

The first thing I noticed were these cool hangers.  It definitely helps for photography sake, to have nice hangers for your dress.  Jim says these custom hangers are all the rage out in Southern California.  I’m yet to see one in Colorado.

 

Then I saw this baby.

Flower girls are feeling good and confident about their upcoming performance.

Meet the bride!  She’s pumped, naturally!

You’ll see more of this baby down the post.  See how girls are born with a love for sparkly things?  (sigh)  🙂

I love catching random moments.  I predict this girl will grow up to become a Dentist.

Everyone have your passport?  Very clever wedding invitations.

The setup is looking great for a killer reception!

Ceremony site.  Not a bad day for a wedding!  Not a bad backdrop, too.  We need to get an ocean out here to Denver and one in Scottsdale, too.

 

Groom is ready.  Bring it on.

PHEWWW… always a huge relief when the toddlers are up for their task of looking cute and happy!

Here’s my friend Jim, looking pretty cool on a rock with a cool resort behind him.

Some very cool party gifts!

Mariachi bands at weddings are the best ever.

These guys were good!  It was almost like we were in Mexico… Oh, Wait!  Nevermind.

I love candid guest photos.  Its all about the people who come to watch you get married!

Uh ma’am, you might want to wipe your… oh, nevermind.

Groom’s parents enjoying themselves.

Bride’s mom.  She was incredibly nice.

The other nice thing about shooting beach weddings is that you can dress nice and comfy in linen clothing.  Jim again, modeling a destination wedding photographer’s duds.  Complete with his stylish man-bag-lens-thing.

While Jim was working hard, I got distracted with the sunset.  These caballeros were riding along the beaches all day.  Looked like a lot of fun.

Moon was full, too!  Dang!

 

Practicing their moves before getting on stage…

Some guy was out flying his ultra light.  Very cool.  I want one.

I love candy.

No Mexican wedding reception is complete without  tequila.  Jim and I discovered a new cocktail, too called a Charro Negro:  Like a rum and coke with lime, but substitute rum with tequila.   You should try it if you ever want to feel like  you’re on the beach.

Toasts.  Father of the bride.

Uh, ma’am.  You have something on your…. oh, nevermind!

Cigar bar with a Marilyn Monroe lighter.  I approve!

This band was awesome!  With a thick Mexican accent while talking, he sang with no accent at all while singing.   I really loved the band.

People were really taking it easy on the fruity cocktails.  😉

Then we all went out and they lit these cool mini-hot air balloons and set them off above the ocean!  I made one of these once when I was a kid.  It flew out of our back yard and over my dad’s shoulder who was mowing the front yard.  10 minutes later I was staring into a corner of my bedroom.   But anyway, I like to think I invented these.

Then, why not….

Anyway, awesome wedding and thanks Jim, for having me out to be your photo-wing man.