John & Stef Cancun, MX June 30th, 2009

First I want to say thanks to Derek for flying all the way down to Cancun to assist me on this shoot. He made the trip better by being there, being an awesome assistant and friend.

I started this blog writing every detail that happened on this trip. I've been writing it all day. Finally now I'm realizing this just isn't working. There's just too much I want to say. I'll just say that this wasn't just an awesome wedding. It was one of the most awesome experiences of my life. I had more fun with this crowd of 60 people than I can remember in along time. I was included from the beginning. I felt a part of the family and as much a part of the wedding as anyone else. One of my favorite memories is handing my camera over to Derek for a break at the reception, only to have Stef grab my hand and take me out to the dance floor, (aka the beach). I genuinely love this crowd and am more than a little sad I won't see most of them ever again.
Wedding in a gazebo on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, reception on the beach with Shawn Johnson & The Foundation (flew in from AZ). One of my favorite live performances ever, and I've seen a lot. 40 chairs in a circle in the hotel bar at 3am singing acoustic songs with Justin Eck & Shawn Johnson, 3 level boat ride with the wedding party out on the ocean, bridals at sunset on the end of the pier, John ordering burgers and beers for everyone at 4am, just could go on and on... it was unbelievable. and that's what I keep telling everyone, it's really the only way to sum it up, I think. I am so thankful to John and Stef for trusting me with their photos and for treating me so well. Thank you! I had a blast. Here's a few pictures...

couple side notes: John dressed up like a sea captian for the boat trip, awesome, their son's name is Lennon. Coolest little kid you ever met. The bird's eye shot was done by Derek, from their room on the 9th story looking out to the gazebo and the Caribbean. He sprinted up during the ceremony. Derek took a couple other pics too (the lobby with everyone chillin, singin and let's get physical). The surgical masks, while I wish I could take credit, was Adam's (wedding party) idea. He asked me if I thought it would be offensive before he handed them out. I said, "yes, and awesome."