Stephanie and Jeffrey’s Intimate Destination Wedding at Villa Zyanya, Isla Mujeres: A Study in Black and White
Stephanie and Jeffrey’s destination wedding at Villa Zyanya on Isla Mujeres was an absolute dream. Situated on the cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, this modern, beautifully decorated villa provided a breathtaking backdrop for their special day. The villa’s sleek and elegant design, combined with the historic stone ruins nestled on the property, created a perfect blend of contemporary luxury and timeless charm. The atmosphere was serene, intimate, and full of love—exactly what Stephanie and Jeffrey envisioned for their wedding.
What made this wedding particularly special was its intimacy. Surrounded by only their closest friends and family, the couple was able to enjoy a deeply personal and emotional celebration. The smaller guest list allowed for genuine connections and heartfelt moments, making every part of the day feel incredibly meaningful.
For this wedding, I decided to capture the day in black and white. There’s something undeniably powerful about black-and-white photography. It strips away distractions, focusing entirely on the raw emotion of the moment. In weddings, where the beauty often comes from the people and the emotions they share, black and white imagery adds an element of timelessness and depth. It allows the viewer to truly connect with the subject—whether it’s a tender glance, a shared laugh, or the tear in someone’s eye—without the distraction of color. I felt that this approach would best highlight the love, joy, and authenticity of Stephanie and Jeffrey’s wedding day.
The day began with the first look in the villa’s lush gardens. Stephanie, looking absolutely stunning in her gown, walked up to Jeffrey, and the moment they saw each other for the first time was filled with such pure emotion. Their smiles said it all, and their embrace was full of excitement and anticipation for the day ahead. The intimacy of the first look set the tone for the entire wedding—it was personal, filled with love, and full of moments that would stay with them forever.
After their first look, we headed to Punta Sur, the southernmost point of Isla Mujeres, for a private pre-ceremony photo session. The cliffs at Punta Sur, with the Caribbean Sea stretching out below, provided a dramatic backdrop for their portraits. The rugged beauty of the landscape paired with their genuine connection made for some truly stunning images. As we explored the area, we were able to capture the couple’s natural chemistry against the striking views and rocky terrain. Check [here] to see highlights from their Punta Sur session.
The ceremony itself was deeply moving. Stephanie and Jeffrey’s officiant was a dear friend of theirs, which made the words spoken even more meaningful. The ceremony was filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt vows as the couple pledged their love and commitment to each other in front of their nearest and dearest. The atmosphere was serene, and the love between them was tangible—it was one of those moments you couldn’t help but feel in your heart.
After the ceremony, we took the opportunity to do a photo shoot in the historic stone ruins on the property. The ruins added a sense of mystery and history to the photos, and the juxtaposition of the couple’s modern love story with the ancient stone walls created an incredibly unique and beautiful setting for their post-ceremony portraits. The textures of the weathered stone, combined with the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean, made for some timeless, unforgettable shots.
Stephanie and Jeffrey’s wedding at Villa Zyanya was a celebration of love, intimacy, and breathtaking beauty. From the intimate moments to the sweeping views, every part of the day was magical. Capturing their story in black and white allowed me to focus on the deep emotions of the day, preserving their love in a way that feels timeless and true. Their wedding was a perfect reflection of who they are—a couple deeply connected, surrounded by love, and forever cherishing every moment together.
