Isla Mujeres LGBTQ Couple’s Session | Vow Exchange

When Ashlyn first contacted me, they explained that their wife, Mara, had been sick on their actual wedding day and wasn’t able to enjoy it to the fullest. They both felt that they missed out on some special moments, including the couples photos. Ashlyn wanted to surprise Mara with a re-due as a Christmas present and reached out to me to set the plan in motion for when they were vacationing a few months later on Isla Mujeres.

I was thrilled to be the photographer for this special session!

On the day of our session, I picked up Ashlyn and Mara at their hotel, Ikal Island Garden. Ashlyn was wearing the outfit they wore on their wedding day and Mara choose a new dress that was absolutely stunning on her! We jumped in the taxi together and headed to Punta Sur, the south point of the island, for some photos around the cliffs before heading to the beach to re-read their vows. We started the shoot at the lighthouse and then walked around to some of the new sculptures that were recently installed and then down the sea-walk closer to the crashing waves. Punta Sur is, in my opinion, the most breathtaking spot on Isla Mujeres and is the perfect backdrop for photographs!

After our time at Punta Sur, we jumped back in the taxi and headed north along the Caribbean side of the island. I had the driver slow down so I could scope out the perfect location for them to redo their wedding vows. I was looking for a quiet stretch of beach with no people and a beautiful backdrop for their ceremony which I found not too far from the cliffs of Punta Sur. We walked out to the water and down the beach a bit until I found the perfect spot. It was late afternoon and the light was soft and warm, casting a dreamy glow on everything in sight.

The couple stood by the water’s edge and shared their heartfelt vows. It was a beautiful moment that was both touching and emotional as they shared intimate moments, laughter and joy. I was particularly struck by how much fun they were having, which made my heart skip a beat for these two incredible people. The connection they shared was so palatable, even through my camera lens, and it was clear that they were committed to spending the rest of their lives together.

Once they exchanged their vows, we hopped back in the taxi and headed to centro, the north part of the island. We stopped at a few of the historic and colorful homes in town for some quick photos and then headed to a different beach location for sunset photos.

The sunset that day was spectacular and the clouds gave way to a moody, orange sky that was so striking!

Overall, the shoot was an incredible experience. The couple was fantastic to work with, and I was so happy to have been a part of this special moment in their lives. It was an honor to help them re-capture their love and commitment to each other in photographs that they can treasure for years to come.

If you are looking to elope or renew your vows on Isla Mujeres, let’s chat! If you are looking for a bit more like a spiritual celebrant, arch and bouquet, I have a separate business called Isla Mujeres Elopements that can help!

Photography: Susan Pacek Photography | Accommodations: Ikal Isla Garden