Leanne and Bryan had us snap away as their wedding photographers, and they went with the 5-hour photo session – talk about keeping it chill! Their big day went down in May, and let me tell you, it was a real blast. We got the party started with the pre-wedding shenanigans at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun. Those two were all smiles, and it was like photographing pure joy.
Then, it was off to the main event at this super romantic, Lady of Guadalupe’s Chapel, ideal for Catholic ceremonies overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Leanne looked like a goddess, and Bryan? Well, he looked pretty darn dapper, too. The vows were heartfelt, the kisses were passionate, and the love was just oozing out of those two.
But the fun didn’t stop there. After the “I do’s,” we all hightailed it to the same resort for a private dinner bash in one of the swank lounges. The vibe was relaxed, the drinks were flowing, and the couple’s laughter was infectious. It was one of those nights where you couldn’t help but join in on the celebration.
We’re not kidding when we say it was tough to pick just a few shots to share with you, but here they are – a small batch of the absolute best moments from Leanne and Bryan’s unforgettable day. Cheers to the happy couple, and here’s to capturing the kind of love that makes our job a blast!
If you’re looking for stunning Cancun wedding shoots, click here to see more of our work and get inspired for your big day!
Wedding Photographer FAQ’S
Can I bring my own external photographer to Hyatt Zilara Cancun?
Yes! You are absolutely welcome to bring me in as an outside vendor. The resort does require an outside vendor fee, but if you book me as a guest for a minimum of 3 nights, that fee is usually waived. I highly recommend hiring a dedicated photographer because I am already familiar with the specific vendor policies here and know how to navigate the resort’s logistics—especially the coordination required for ceremonies at Guadalupe’s Chapel—to ensure a seamless experience on your big day.
What are the best locations for wedding photos at the resort?
The resort is architecturally stunning—famous for its massive open-air atrium and beachfront views—but I know exactly where to take you for the most cinematic backdrops. Whether it’s the floor-to-ceiling glass views inside Guadalupe’s Chapel, the pristine white sands of the Caribbean beach, or the elegant colonial-style pillars in the main lobby, I know where the hidden gems are. This ensures we get a huge variety of looks without wasting your precious time wandering the property.
Does the resort package include photography services?
While some Hyatt Zilara packages include basic photography, it is often limited regarding hours and image count. My clients usually prefer hiring me independently to ensure full-day coverage—capturing everything from your getting-ready moments in the suite to the late-night reception party. When you work with me, I guarantee a consistent artistic style and a personal connection that goes far beyond the standard resort offerings.
How do we handle logistics for photos between the chapel and the resort?
Because Guadalupe’s Chapel is a specific venue that requires movement from your suite or the reception area, timing is everything. I prioritize your comfort by coordinating our movements to avoid the heat and unnecessary walking in wedding attire. My logistical experience here allows us to transition smoothly between the glass chapel ceremony and the beach portraits, maximizing your time celebrating with guests while I still capture those cinematic portraits.
When is the best time for wedding photos in Cancun?
Lighting is everything in the Caribbean, especially when dealing with a glass venue like Guadalupe’s Chapel. The mid-day sun can be incredibly harsh and heat up the glass, so I always recommend we schedule your romantic portraits during “Golden Hour,” roughly an hour before sunset. I will help you build your wedding timeline to take full advantage of this soft light, ensuring your oceanfront photos look dreamy rather than overexposed, while perfectly timing the transition from your ceremony to the reception.
Can we get sunset photos over the ocean at Hyatt Zilara?
It is important to remember that in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the sun rises over the ocean (behind the Chapel) and sets over the lagoon side. I will schedule our couple’s session to capture the stunning soft light of the “Golden Hour” on the beach, but if you truly want the sun coming up directly over the water, I might suggest a “First Look” session at sunrise right by the glass walls of the chapel. For the evening, I will position you to catch the beautiful twilight colors reflecting off the ocean and the resort’s colonial architecture.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Guadalupe’s Chapel is that it provides a fully enclosed, climate-controlled ceremony space that still offers floor-to-ceiling ocean views. If tropical rain occurs during portraits, the resort features a magnificent main atrium with a stained-glass ceiling and elegant colonial pillars. These covered locations offer abundant natural light and a sophisticated backdrop, ensuring your gallery remains elegant regardless of the weather.
Is Guadalupe’s Chapel suitable for religious ceremonies?
Absolutely. Guadalupe’s Chapel is one of the very few consecrated Catholic chapels located directly on the beach in Cancun, making it a premier destination for couples seeking a recognized Catholic marriage rite with an ocean view. I am well-versed in the protocols of religious ceremonies here, understanding the restrictions on movement near the altar and how to capture the solemnity of the mass while utilizing the natural light flooding through the glass walls.
Where are the best spots for a “First Look” away from guests?
Because Hyatt Zilara is a compact, adults-only luxury resort, the main pool area can be active during the day. However, I know several quiet corridors lined with stone arches, as well as secluded corners of the garden near the spa, that offer privacy. As your photographer, I scout these locations to find the best light and isolation, ensuring your intimate first look remains private and free of vacationers in the background.
Do we need a second shooter for a Hyatt Zilara wedding?
Unlike larger resorts, Hyatt Zilara is very walkable, so we don’t need golf carts to get around. However, I still recommend a second shooter specifically for the ceremony at Guadalupe’s Chapel. Because the venue is glass, having one photographer inside capturing the vows and another outside capturing the dramatic wide shots of the chapel against the ocean provides a much richer story. It also ensures comprehensive coverage of the groom’s reaction while I am focusing on the bride’s entrance.