Isla Mujeres LGBTQ+ Vow Renewal | Ashlyn and Mara
When Ashlyn first reached out to me, they shared a heartfelt story about their wedding day. Due to illness, Mara wasn’t able to fully enjoy the celebration, and they both felt like they missed out on some of the special moments, especially their couples photos. Ashlyn wanted to make it up to Mara and surprise her with a “re-do” of their wedding photos as a Christmas present, planning to capture these moments during their vacation a few months later on Isla Mujeres.
I was so honored to be chosen as the photographer for this meaningful session!
On the day of our shoot, I met Ashlyn and Mara at their charming hotel, Ikal Island Garden. Ashlyn wore the outfit they had on their wedding day, while Mara chose a gorgeous new dress that perfectly complemented her style. We hopped in a taxi and headed straight to Punta Sur, the southernmost point of Isla Mujeres, for a scenic pre-ceremony session around the dramatic cliffs.
We started at the iconic lighthouse. From there, we explored the new sculptures recently installed in the area, before walking along the sea walk with the waves crashing below us. Punta Sur is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking spots on the island, offering a stunning backdrop for this re-do session.
After soaking in the beauty of the cliffs, we hopped back into the taxi and drove north along the Caribbean side of the island, where I had the driver slow down so I could find the perfect quiet stretch of beach for their vow renewal. It was important to me that this location be secluded and offer a beautiful, serene backdrop. I found the ideal spot, a peaceful area near the cliffs with soft golden light filtering through the late afternoon.
With the sound of the waves in the background, Ashlyn and Mara stood by the water’s edge and exchanged their heartfelt vows once again. The moment was nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, love, and so much joy. It was so clear from their smiles and energy that their bond was stronger than ever. I was deeply moved by the sincerity and emotion of their words, and it was such a privilege to capture those intimate moments.
After their vow renewal, we ventured into the heart of Isla Mujeres’ charming centro for some quick photos in front of the colorful, historic homes that line the streets. Then, we headed to another beach for sunset photos. The sky turned a deep orange with moody clouds, creating the perfect dramatic finish to a beautiful day.
This session was an unforgettable experience, and I’m so thankful to have been part of Ashlyn and Mara’s journey to recapture the magic of their love and commitment to each other. These photos will undoubtedly be a treasured reminder of their bond for years to come!
