When my husband and I decided to move to Sayulita, Mexico to live a life less ordinary, I didn’t expect life to become extraordinary. We live in paradise and I am honored to photograph people on one of the happiest days of their lives. Erin Parker Photography is me, and I pinch myself on the daily because I’m living a dream. I'm a Sayulita wedding photographer and it's awesome.
The lovely bride and groom steal a smooch and stop traffic on the street in Sayulita, MexicoI’m also a photojournalist, a story teller, a chaser of light and a patient purist waiting for the decisive moment. Couples trust me to tell the story of their day - a day they've been dreaming of for months. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Despite having the same elements - a couple, the vows, the kiss and a great party - no two weddings are alike. The variety in personalities and flare keep my job as a Sayulita wedding photographer entertaining and my reflexes sharp. I know the beats of the day but I really never know what to expect.
One of the best weddings I photographed in Sayulita almost didn’t happen. The bride with the greatest smile is Lindsay. She tried her best, but was too sick to go to her wedding. She got ready, we went into town with her fiancé, Sean, and took pictures, and then I told her I'd see her in 10 minutes. Thirty minutes later Sean got the call she would be late. It was a brutal choice, but she couldn't muster her best self.
The ceremony was postponed. Cocktail hour started.
She didn't improve. The ceremony was pushed back again. Dinner was served. The moon was full. Hundreds of candles. The bride went to urgent care. Everyone held onto hope. She'd mentioned dreaming of a moonlit ceremony.
The ceremony was canceled.
Sean drove her up in a golf cart so she could see her wedding come to life. Everyone stood and cheered when they walked in.
She cried and laughed. I got the photo of them standing where they were supposed to marry, illuminated by candles held up by their brothers. The reception was lit up behind them.
After hugs and more tears, they left and their friends partied on. A college buddy split his pants dancing. Sombreros came out. A barefooted drunk girl broke a glass. Everyone had a great time.
They got married the next morning. She was back to her normal self. Her hair wasn't in an updo. Her make-up was subdued. His boutonniere had not survived the night. It was intimate. It was on the beach. They laughed. Guests cried. It was sweet.
I took photos of them on the beach after the ceremony, full of energy and joy. The wedding didn't go as planned, but it did go.
This isn't a typical wedding story - but it was their story. As a Sayulita wedding photographer, I photograph dream weddings year-round in paradise (and beyond!) and love that it's never the same story twice. You can see a collection of my work on my website and read my blog about This Mexican Life. Instagram is a fantastic way to get to know me - I pepper my feed with photos from weddings and our family.