Jessica has been recognized as a preferred vendor to work with by her industry peers, earned TheKnot.com’s Best of Weddings award 9 times, and been inducted into TheKnot.com Hall of Fame. Jessica is a multi-award-winning photographer, a leader in her industry, and an educator to up-and-coming photographers through her Embark Retreat.
Congratulations Kali & Joe on an absolute dream of a destination wedding! This beautiful, classically inspired wedding took place in Cancun, Mexico at Dreams Natura Resort & Spa.
Not only did I get the chance to photograph Kali and Joe’s destination wedding day at Dreams Natura Resort, but we also did a post-wedding photo shoot on the neighboring beach! On that day, something a little unexpected came our way, but thanks to Kali and Joe’s adventurousness and trust in me, those photos turned out to be pure magic! They are some of my favorite recent photos, so make sure to read to the end to see why!
Dreams Natura Resort is an all-inclusive luxury resort situated in the heart of Cancun! Featuring opulent accommodations, multiple pools, a waterpark, zipline, and full-service spa, Dreams Natura Resort was the ultimate destination for Kali and Joe’s wedding weekend! The couple and their guests stayed at the resort for the duration of their trip, which meant they got to spend quality time together in the days leading up to the wedding. They got to relax, unwind, and catch up with each other in the most beautiful of vacation locales, which is one of the biggest advantages to having a destination wedding!
Dreams Natura Resort was also able to give Kali and Joe a beach wedding without having everyone’s toes in the sand. Their ceremony pavilion offers varnished wood flooring throughout the entire structure and an open-air canopy that provides sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico. The ceremony canopy is made up of natural wood, crisscrossing twigs, and ivory fabric draping. It is the perfect place to have a beach wedding ceremony minus any bare feet or Hawaiian shirts!
On the morning of the big day, Kali and Joe got ready with their bridesmaids and groomsmen respectively in their rooms at Dreams Natura Resort. Joe and his guys were such a blast to be around! Not only did they have the coolest suit jackets with colorful floral interiors, but they were up for any pose and just had fun with all their photos! They brought sunglasses for all the guys to wear too. Simple props like these can make all the difference!
Kali and her girls were a joy to hang out with as well! They all looked incredibly beautiful with the bridesmaid in champagne dresses and Kali in her strapless floral wedding gown by Ivory & Eden. They even had the most adorable little flower girl as part of the bride tribe! She was a little princess in her fluffy white dress and flower crown.
There were subtle tropical details woven throughout Kali and Joe’s destination wedding at Dreams Natura Resort. I loved how this was a beach wedding, but there wasn’t an overt beach theme to the wedding. The overall wedding design was classic and timeless with its neutral color palette and elegant decor details. Kali and Joe incorporated palm leaves and fronds into their floral throughout the wedding, from Kali’s bridal bouquet to the reception table arrangements. This was their subtle nod to the tropical landscape that surrounded them, and it couldn’t have been more lovely!
After capturing detail and pre-ceremony photos, it was time for Kali and Joe to get married! Everyone gathered at the ceremony pavilion at Dreams Natura Resort and when the music started, the processional began.
Kali and Joe opted to forgo a first look and see one another for the first time as Kali walked down the aisle. It was such a touching moment to witness Joe’s reaction to seeing Kali as a bride for the first time. He teared up and then broke into a huge smile, similar to Kali’s own reaction in walking up to her soon-to-be husband.
During the ceremony, Kali and Joe chose to have a wine unity ceremony. They each took a glass of two different wines and blended them together into one main wine glass to create a unique blend. They then took turns drinking the new wine, symbolizing the two of them coming together in marriage to create a life that is entirely new and uniquely them.
Before we knew it, they were husband and wife! Kali’s veil floated in the breeze as she kissed her new husband for the first time and their guests showered them in flower petals as they walked back up the aisle. It was a joyous moment!
Kali and Joe’s cocktail hour and reception spaces at Dreams Natura Resort were outdoors with a stunning view of the coastline. They dressed their tables in white linens and repurposed their ceremony floral to be the reception centerpieces. Market lighting twinkled overhead and a custom neon blue sign aptly read, “Let’s Party.”
As the sun went down, the party turned up! Kali and Joe had their first dance followed by dances with each of their parents. Then, Kali tossed the bouquet to her eagerly awaiting bridesmaids, and one of them literally jumped in the air with excitement to catch it!
This was just the beginning of the night! After a delicious dinner and the cake cutting, Kali and Joe danced the night away with their friends and family. Between candid photos of everyone having a blast, I also found a moment or two to dance alongside them! The party vibe was completely infectious and you couldn’t help but join right in the fun!
The day after all the wedding fun, Kali, Joe, and I headed back out to the beach at Dreams Natura Resort for a post-wedding photo shoot! I love scheduling a separate photo shoot like this for couples’ portraits because the time restraints of the wedding day are eliminated. Plus, the couple no longer has the nerves from the day-of and can completely relax and just have fun with the pictures!
And that’s exactly what we did! I captured photos of this gorgeous couple along the beach at Dreams Natura Resort. As we were wrapping up, an unexpected rain shower came our way! I never let rain get me down though! I had a flash of inspiration to capture photos of Kali and Joe in the rain, “The Notebook” style!
Being the adventurous people that they are, Kali and Joe got on board with the idea right away. They were troopers and posed in the rain. Take a look at the final images and you’ll see why these are some of my favorite photos I’ve taken in recent years!
Kali & Joe, I had the most fun with you guys! Thank you for placing your trust in me to capture your wedding photos. I hope that every time you look at them, you are reminded of all the love, joy, and fun from the day-of. Congratulations!
Huge thank you to all the vendors who made this incredible destination wedding at Dreams Natura Resort & Spa possible!
Coordinator: Liliana Cruz
Photographer: Jessica Frey Photography
Catering: Dreams Natura Resort & Spa
Cake: Dreams Natura Resort & Spa
DJ: Dreams Natura Resort & Spa
Flowers: Natural Flowers
Dress Designer: Ivory & Eden -Fargo
Dress Store: Signature Bridal
Bridesmaids Dress Designer: Revelry
Groom Tux & Groomsmen Suits: Indochino
Stationary: Minted
Jessica Frey is an award-winning, Texas Hill Country-based international wedding photographer committed to delivering a high-quality experience complete with stunning and joyful images. Jessica delivers a classic and timeless photography style that guarantees you images that are authentic in nature, elegant by design, minimally edited, and enjoyed by each generation. With 14 years experience photographing couples all over the globe, you know you’re in good hands with a capable, fun team player for your wedding day!
If you need a destination wedding photographer, Jessica would be thrilled to speak with you! Simply hit the button below. She can’t wait to meet you!
Jessica Frey is an award-winning, Texas Hill Country-based international wedding and event photographer committed to delivering a high-quality experience complete with stunning and joyful images.