From Philly to Cozumel: A Connection That Traveled
I met Janelle and DJ at a wedding I shot the previous fall. We connected instantly, and after seeing me work that night, they told me—without hesitation—that they wanted me to shoot their wedding too. That led us here: to this sun-drenched island weekend in Cozumel, where every single detail was brimming with meaning, spontaneity, and so much joy.

The Welcome Party
The night before the ceremony, Janelle and DJ threw the most unforgettable welcome party on the beach—and it honestly felt like stepping back into a memory I didn’t know I was missing. So many of the guests were people I had met at Stef & Greg’s wedding the previous fall, and being reunited with them in this setting filled me with the warmest sense of nostalgia.
There’s something incredibly special about walking into a room (or in this case, a palm-lined beachfront) and instantly feeling known. The hugs, the inside jokes, the genuine excitement—everyone was so stoked to be back together, and that energy was contagious. It reminded me of how quickly connections can form when you're surrounded by people who just get it.
That night wasn’t just a party—it was a spark that set the tone for the entire weekend. The kind of evening that gave me the best sense of connection: we are all here on this earth to connect, love, and have a damn good time.






















Groom & Bridal Prep Moments That Felt Personal
We started the day with portraits. DJ was feeling the kind of nerves that are completely normal on a wedding day—but everything shifted when I showed him a few photos of himself on my camera. That moment of seeing himself as confident and grounded helped him completely relax. Those little shifts—that’s the power of honest photography.

Meanwhile, Janelle got ready with her mom and closest friends, sipping champagne on the beach and lounging in a hammock with the Caribbean breeze in her hair. Every moment was warm, sentimental, and joyfully slow.

Some weddings aren’t just beautiful—they're alive. From the moment I landed in Cozumel, Mexico for Janelle and DJ’s destination celebration, I knew this would be one of those stories I'd carry with me forever.

First Looks That Hit Different
Janelle’s first look with her dad was everything. Tender. Teary. Full of history and heart. DJ’s reaction to seeing her was just as sweet—and from that moment on, they were inseparable.

We wandered the lush pathways around the resort capturing portraits that felt soft, candid, and cinematic. Their connection was effortless.

Ceremony on the Beach
The ceremony was set under a palm-framed arch just steps from the ocean. Guests gathered barefoot in the sand as Janelle and DJ exchanged vows under overcast skies that made everything feel even more intimate. The laughter, the tears, the breeze—it all felt so real.

From Tequila to Tears: The Party Begins
After the ceremony, the cocktail hour kicked off with trays of tequila, mariachi music, and tropical flavors flowing. Their Philly-based friends (who also happen to be in an incredible band) played live music as the beach turned into one big dance floor under the stars.

Reception tables were set with earthy tropical greens, white florals, and wood textures—all barefoot-in-the-sand chic. The vibe was elegant but easy, high-end without being stiff.

Beach Portraits & Golden Hour Glow
As the sun set, we snuck away for portraits on the beach. The golden hour light hit just right—warm and cinematic, like it was made just for them. These moments were soft, silly, and slow. Exactly what you hope for at the end of a wedding day.
























Fireworks, Dancing, and One Hell of a Night
The party turned electric as the sun dipped below the horizon. Janelle and DJ shared their first dance under fireworks, then the beach exploded into celebration. Barefoot dancing, full-body laughter, hugs that lingered longer than usual.

And just when I thought the night couldn’t get any more surreal, we ended it all sitting under the stars, talking, laughing, and just being. That kind of closeness? You can’t plan it. It just happens when you're with the right people.

Yes, that is me^ on the shoulders of a guest so that I could get THE shot... LOL

And as for the rest of the weekend? Well, we'll just leave it at quadding through the jungle, swimming in a cave, and having the best time of our lives. Because what happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico.