Sam and Addison’s Riviera Nayarit Mexico Wedding
Sam and Addision’s Riviera Nayarit, Mexico wedding, was honestly one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of being part of. It was also one of the longest trips I’ve taken for a wedding, which instantly made it feel like so much more than just a usual shoot. From the moment I set off, I knew this one was going to be something special — the kind of wedding that stays with you long after the cameras are packed away and the bags are back in the cupboard.
There’s something about destination weddings that hits differently. You don’t just turn up, document a day, and head home — you become part of a whole experience. The build-up, the travel, the atmosphere, the people, the setting… it all blends into one unforgettable story. And Riviera Nayarit delivered all of that and more. The heat, the colours, the ocean air, and the laid-back energy of the place created the perfect backdrop for what turned out to be an emotional, wild, and beautifully joyful celebration.
Sam and Addision are the kind of couple who make everything feel effortless. From the very start, there was such an easy energy around them — relaxed, full of excitement, and completely wrapped up in each other. Being there to document such a huge moment in their lives, so far from home, felt incredibly special and a real privilege. Add in amazing guests, emotional moments, big laughter, and a dance floor that didn’t hold back, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a wedding I’ll remember forever.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico Wedding Photographer
Being Sam and Addision’s Riviera Nayarit, Mexico wedding photographer was something special right from the very start. We had a video call with them a few months before the wedding, and instantly the energy was just there. So much excitement, so many plans, and that infectious feeling that their day was going to be something seriously good. By the time we ended the call, I was already over the moon to be heading out to such a beautiful part of the world to be part of their story.
Being on the Pacific side of Mexico had always been a dream of mine, so when Riviera Nayarit became the destination, that feeling only grew. The journey itself was a proper one — flying from Heathrow to Mexico City and then catching a direct flight over to Puerto Vallarta. With long-haul flights and travel rolled into one, it was definitely one of those trips where you feel it in your bones by the time you arrive. Around 14 hours in the air, plus transfers, but every single bit of it was worth it the moment we stepped out into that warm Mexican air.
As always, we arrived a few days before the wedding to give ourselves time to settle in, adjust to the heat, and really soak up the surroundings. The weather was absolutely perfect — around 28°C most days — warm but comfortable, with that constant ocean breeze in the air. Those few pre-wedding days are so important on destination weddings. They give you time to slow down, tune into the place, and properly connect with everyone before the big day arrives.
We met up with Sam and Addision, along with their family, explored the venue together, and walked through how the wedding day was going to flow. It’s always such a special part of the experience — seeing everything come together in person, getting a real feel for the space, and sharing that anticipation with the couple as the plans start to feel real.
Addison and Sam organised a pre-wedding party with their guests and family in San Pancho, Nayarit — a place that instantly stole my heart. San Pancho is one of those small coastal towns that feels effortlessly cool. Colourful streets, surfy energy, friendly locals, incredible food, and a beach that glows at sunset… it’s got that perfect mix of laid-back charm and vibrant Mexican culture. It was the ideal spot for everyone to settle in, relax, and kick off the celebrations.
Pre-wedding get-togethers like this are such a big part of destination weddings. American couples especially love to start the weekend with drinks or a welcome party, followed by a few speeches, plenty of laughter, and a warm-up on the dance floor — and that’s exactly how it went for A + D. The atmosphere was amazing, and you could feel how excited everyone was for what was coming the next day.
We also made the most of the beautiful evening light and took Addison and Sam for a short stroll around San Pancho. Wandering through the town’s colourful streets and down to the beach as the sun dipped was the perfect chance to capture a handful of relaxed portraits. Nothing posed, nothing forced — just the two of them soaking in the moment before the big day officially began.
The morning preparations kicked off at a stunning villa perched right on the ocean’s cliffs — the kind of place where you wake up, look out the window, and have to take a moment to appreciate just how lucky you are to be there. It was the perfect setting for a calm, easy start to the day. Sam and the boys had one villa, and Addison and the girls were getting ready just a short walk away, which made the whole morning feel connected without ever being rushed.
I absolutely loved photographing the relaxed, laid-back morning vibes. There was no stress, no rushing around — just everyone enjoying themselves, taking it slow, and soaking in the excitement. Because the two houses were so close, we were able to split up and spend proper time with each party. And having my partner in crime — my wife — with me made everything even smoother. We work so naturally together, and it meant we could document every important moment as it happened without missing a thing.
Addison and Sam had gone for an outdoor ceremony, and honestly, it was such a good shout. The whole place had this laid-back, sun-kissed vibe to it — greenery everywhere, great light, and that warm Mexican atmosphere that instantly puts everyone in a good mood.
And the weather gods? Fully on our side. Blue skies, perfect temperature, not a single hint of drama from the clouds. It all lined up beautifully and set the stage for a ceremony that was emotional in all the right ways but also full of laughs, big reactions, and those little moments you only get at destination weddings.
The ceremony was followed by an absolutely incredible drinks reception at La Patrona Polo Club. It was one of those classic Mexico wedding moments — the kind where you arrive and immediately think, “Okay… this is pretty amazing.” It was the ideal spot for guests to unwind, celebrate, and fully lean into the whole destination-wedding energy. And for us, it was a dream to photograph — stunning light, beautiful surroundings, and so many genuine moments happening all at once.
The couple decided to split the speeches, which I absolutely loved. They had a handful of them during the drinks reception — the perfect time, really, with everyone feeling relaxed, cocktail in hand, and still buzzing from the ceremony. Then they saved a few more for the meal later on, which kept the energy flowing throughout the day and made each part of the celebration feel a bit more personal and spontaneous.
We don’t spend too much time on couple’s portraits — it’s just not our approach. We’d much rather they enjoy their wedding day with their family and friends instead of being pulled away for ages. If possible, though, we always make the most of golden hour, and that’s exactly what we did with Addison and Sam. We stole them away for literally five minutes, and it turned into the most magical moment. The photos honestly speak for themselves. One thing to remember with a Riviera Nayarit Mexico wedding is that golden hour doesn’t hang around for long. You really need to hit that perfect little window to get the magic light, which makes those quick, stolen moments with the couple even more special. Timing is everything, and when it all comes together, it’s absolutely worth it.
I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t mention just how much I loved being on the dance floor at this Riviera Nayarit Mexico wedding with all these amazing people. I have a soft spot for party animals, and it’s such a joy seeing everyone let loose as the night unfolds. I always make sure to capture all those special, chaotic, laugh-out-loud dance floor moments — the energy, the fun, and the absolute mayhem that make each Riviera Nayarit Mexico wedding unique.
If you’re looking for an experienced destination wedding photographer for your own Riviera Nayarit Mexico wedding, I would be over the moon to be considered. I absolutely loved being Sam and Addison’s Mexico wedding photographer, and I can’t wait for the chance to return to this incredible part of the world to capture more unforgettable love stories.
