5 Lessons I Learned Getting Married: Our Wedding Story

5 Lessons I Learned Getting Married: Our Wedding Story

When Jacky and I got married in February 2023, we found ourselves facing the same choices many of my couples go through. Where should we get married? Who should we trust with our food, music, photos, and video? And should we stretch the budget to cover everything we dreamed of?

As a wedding photographer myself, I thought I had most of the answers. But the truth is, planning your own wedding teaches you so much more than working in the industry ever could.

Here are the lessons we learned from our own wedding day — lessons I now share with my couples as they plan their celebrations in Cancún and the Riviera Maya.

Lesson 1: Choose the Venue That Matches Your Vision

You only get married once, so you need to understand what’s most important to you. For us, it came down to two things: the venue and the food.

We wanted a specific venue on the beach to give our guests the best beach party of their lives, so we chose Secret Jewel @Playa Del Secreto, a private venue tucked between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.

Why we chose it:

• Privacy — secluded between jungle and beach, no tourists, no interruptions.

• Freedom — we could celebrate until 3am (resorts cut music at 11pm).

• Flexibility — we could bring in all our own vendors without paying outside vendor fees (read more about those here).

The trade-off:
Unlike a resort, Secret Jewel is basically a private beach with a palapa, bride’s room, restrooms, and an office. Everything else — tables, chairs, catering, lighting — we had to bring in ourselves. Resorts provide everything, but at the cost of vendor restrictions and high fees. A private venue gives you a blank canvas to create your vision.

For us, the blank canvas was worth it.

Lesson 2: Food Brings Everyone Together

We hired Icaza Creativos Catering, a Cancún family-run business I’d worked alongside for years. I already knew they were reliable, but most importantly, I knew how they cooked.

Our guests still talk about the steak with a coffee rub, and during cocktail hour the finger foods disappeared instantly. Great food created the atmosphere we wanted — a night that felt festive, generous, and authentically Mexican.

Lesson 3: Plan Logistics Early

We had exactly 100 guests. Since we weren’t at a resort, everyone needed accommodations. The solution? Around 30 Airbnbs in Puerto Morelos downtown. It was tricky to coordinate, but it gave our friends and family freedom to choose a place they loved at a budget that worked for them.

The weather was another gamble. February in Riviera Maya is usually past rainy season, so we didn’t rent the $6k tent. Our backup plan was to move dinner under the palapa, but the tables wouldn’t have all fit. We crossed our fingers and hoped for the best. And thankfully, the skies held out.

Lesson 4: Make the Party Your Own

The party was unforgettable. Seeing my Italian friends dancing salsa and reggaetón with my Mexican friends was surreal. We brought in a mariachi band and even a taco stand late at night. When the mariachi came out, my Italian friends completely lost it — it was a moment I’ll never forget.

Music was a huge priority for us. We worked with a DJ recommended by our planner. He communicated clearly, respected our playlist and “do not play” list, and kept the energy alive until 3am.

For flowers and décor, we went tropical with Mandarinna Studio. I had worked with her on countless weddings before, so I trusted her fully. She brought our vision to life beautifully.

Lesson 5: Photos & Video Are Worth the Investment

And finally, the biggest lesson: photography and videography are not the place to cut corners.

At the time, Jacky was working for a videography company in Cancún that offered to film our wedding for free. But we didn’t connect with their style or storytelling. Instead, we flew in a videographer from Mexico City and paid $4,000 — well over our budget.

Our wedding video? It’s one of the best investments we made. It captures the emotion, the movement, and the voices of our loved ones.

We worked with The Cinelums for our wedding video, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everything they did — not only for their incredible work, but also for the amazing energy and good vibes they brought to our day.

Luke & Jacky’s wedding video by The Cinelums.

Final Advice for Couples

If you’re deciding between a resort and a private venue, think carefully about the experience you want to give your guests and the kind of memories you want to create.

• Resorts are convenient and all-inclusive, but more restrictive.

• Private venues offer freedom, privacy, and customization — but require more planning and logistics.

Either way, sit down as a couple and ask:

• What are three things you’ve loved at weddings you’ve attended?

• What didn’t you enjoy?

• What’s truly important to you?

And when it comes to photo and video: look for a team whose work makes you feel something. Forget awards or titles — if their storytelling moves you, that’s who you should trust.

Why Legacy Matters

For me, photography has always been about legacy. Growing up, I watched slides of my dad’s photos — thousands of images he took over 30 years. Those photos told our family story.

Now, as a wedding photographer, that’s what I aim to do for my couples: preserve their love and legacy for generations. At the end of the day, your dress, your rings, and your memories will remain. Make sure those memories are captured beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of choosing a private venue over an all-inclusive resort in Cancún?
A: A private venue gives you privacy, flexibility with your vendors, and the freedom to celebrate late into the night (ours went until 3am). Resorts are more convenient since everything is included, but they often charge high vendor fees and have music restrictions after 11pm.

Q: How do I handle accommodations for guests if I don’t get married at a resort?
A: We recommended Airbnbs in Puerto Morelos for our 100 guests, and it worked beautifully. Each guest chose a space that fit their budget and style, and everyone loved being in the same town. A little extra planning goes a long way.

Q: Is it worth investing in both photography and videography for a wedding?
A: Absolutely. Photos capture timeless moments, while video brings voices, movement, and emotions back to life. Two years later, we’re so glad we went over budget for a videographer we loved. Our film is one of our most treasured keepsakes.

Q: What advice do you have for couples choosing wedding vendors in Mexico?
A: Hire vendors whose work truly resonates with you. Don’t just go by awards or prices — go by connection. Ask yourself: does their work move you? Can you communicate easily with them? You’ll be spending one of the most important days of your life with these people, so choose wisely.