Destination Wedding: Cabo Azul. Kristin and Brian Tovtin

When I met with Kristin in November of last year and we began to chat about her destination wedding in Cabo, I remember her leaving after we sipped glasses of Sophia Coppala Rose and grazed on chocolate covered strawberries in my living room and thinking- I really really really want to shoot her wedding! Kristin has impeccable taste and style. She told me about the venue and what she had planned, and I was hooked! A few weeks later, thinking I was off their radar, Kristin’s dad Leonard called and grilled me on my stuff; trying to decide if I was the right fit for Team Cabo..  I’m very happy to say I passed the test!

So, on May 28, and joined by {in my opinion the most talented second shooter in the world, who also just so happens to be one of my very best friends} Amber Fox, I spent the morning after our arrival in Cabo San Lucs Mexico relaxing by the most gorgeous infiniti pool that overlooks the ocean and dialoging about the plan of action for this incredible wedding in no doubt, one of the most posh and chic venues I’ve ever seen. A huge huge thank you to my friend for her incredible talent on this wedding!

Later in the afternoon, I walked through the doors of the Presidential suite at the Cabo Azul Resort in Cabo, and was greeted by the overwhelming smell of lilys; bouquets of the flowers on nearly every surface not being used for hairspray and curling irons and makeup and all the other miscellaneous necessities. All of the girls were in cute little blue wrap up terry bath towels, with the Maid of Honor’s in white with a yellow bow, and Kristin’s in white with little rhinestones spelling out BRIDE. Kristin was secluded in the master bathroom with her amazing hair and makeup stylist and good friend Alisa, and the two were enjoying a peaceful, quiet time of getting Kristin ready to meet the man of her dreams at the alter in a few short hours.

Back in the men’s penthouse suite, we heard the guys were ready nearly an hour and a half early; eager much? Amber went off to shoot the guys messing around.. err.. drinking beer err.. being guys… getting ready and slipping on their Rainbow Flipflops and aviator shades.  I stayed behind to shoot our gorgeous girl. A thoughtful present by mom left us all dabbing our faces, and then the veil being set in place just compounded the tissue need. A few minutes later Kristin pulled on her gorgeous flowy bridal gown and rhinestone sandals and we exited the master bedroom to meet the rest of the girls. Their reaction to Kristin was priceless, as hugs and big smiles abounded.

A few formal portraits of the bride (first one is my favorite shot of Kristin… I die. Seriously!)…

…and then “the first look”. As I met Brian standing in the back of the chapel where the two would say forever, I let him know the plan… “Wait here until I tell you she is ready, and then do whatever you want..”… Kristin saw Brian first as I prepped her train and then stepping away, camera ready, Brian turned and saw Kristin. They reached out to each other and grabbed hands and then embraced, kissed, huge smiles on their faces. It was a precious, intimate moment. Kisses and caresses, and just beautiful beautiful love.

A little getting arty time before the ceremony… some of my favorites… {and if you have seen this couples engagement shoot, then this first one should look familiar…}

The wedding proceeded flawlessly. The ceremony was officiated by Kristin’s father, and one of the best parts was near the end of the ceremony when Leonard had us all gather hands in a circle around the bride and groom. This was a symbol of the care and love and support of the most important people in the couples lives, embracing them, encircling them, as they start their lives together. These were the people who would be there!! It was really really beautiful. Vows, a ring exchange, a long kiss (whoot!!), and then a very adorable dance back down the aisle to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. Guests blew bubbles at the end of the aisle as the couple embraced and celebrated their I do’s.

The reception was held at Javier’s on the Beach, and for those of you from Orange County- yes! It is the same as the Javier’s we frequent at Crystal Cove or Irvine Spectrum. In fact, the entire Cabo Azul Resort was built by the same designer and builders. It was a fantastic blend of contemporary Spanish mission style with modern tropical details, and the reception décor was perfect. I loved how Kristin chose bright yellow, orange and pink for her colors, and had the girls in bright yellow sarongs and bikinis- such a standout against the white and chocolate brown of the resort! The tables were dressed with large dark branches, and signs for each table were labeled with mirror jeweled names of locations the couple had traveled to together. For me, the highlight of the reception was the Father Daughter dance. As I watched Leonard gliding Kristin around the dance floor, and saw Sarah, Kristin’s mom watching adoringly, her sisters arms wrapped around her, tears were welling up in Kristen’s eyes. This wedding.. Team Cabo… was a huge family production, and was only possible because of the amazing love and care and thoughtfulness and attention to detail of the family with which it was dreamt up and carried out.

I was so incredibly blessed to be a part of the team! Thank you so much for your trust and support! Every blessing my friends! It was a beautiful weekend!

And here’s the video…