Unlike the 1997 Rom Com starring Julia Roberts, my best friend is a beautiful blonde named Ashley who was getting married to charming young man called Tyler. I'll never forget the day when Ty told me he was proposing to Ash and how nervous he was..it was adorable! A year later we were packing our bags (my makeup and hair kit included) and heading to the Riviera Maya, in Mexico. We planted our things at the stunning Karisma Resort called El Dorado Royal .

Photography by Empty Cup Media — Photography by *Empty Cup Media*

The night we arrived the El Dorado had arranged a welcome cocktail party.

After a few short days in the sun, and all the fancy drinks you could ever imagine, and a bachelor/bachelorette party night in Cancun. AND NO- I will not kiss and tell ;) The big day had finally arrived!

In traditional wedding fashion, the boys got ready in one room and the girls in another. I don't know about you guys, but I love the act of 'getting ready'. The anticipation leading to the main event is what gets my heart pumping!

The boys pretending to 'get ready'.

Here I am prepping Ashley's skin.

This is what the guys were doing, meanwhile back at the girl's boudoir...

The beautiful bride admiring her beautiful dress.

This next picture always makes me laugh. About 3 seconds after this picture was taken I had a severe cramp in my leg (probably from all the drinking) and Collin (the photographer) managed to capture that moment right before I was rolling around holding my leg in sweet agony while laughing.

Also I just want to add, the greatest thing about destination weddings is that you get to do this...

Side Note: My Matt is the one in the center ;)

Before having to do this.

P.S. Does anyone else think they look like an ad for CSI: Miami?

Now for some up close detail shots. If you are anything like me, I adore these!

Photography by Empty Cup Media Dress by Maggie Sottero "Britannia" — Photography by Empty Cup Media
Dress by Maggie Sottero "Britannia"

Something 'old' but also something treasured.

Ashley's Mom, Lila made our floral bouquets. Aren't they just incredible? She did an excellent job making them look real, fresh and bright! Lila you are very talented!

This is the something 'borrowed'. This hair piece belongs to Ashley's sister Tara. She wore it on her wedding day.

Photography by Empty Cup Media Hair comb Bitter Sweet Jewllery — Photography by Empty Cup Media
Hair comb Bitter Sweet Jewllery

Ashley's foot wear for her beach ceremony.

Photography by Empty Cup MediaLace Foot Jewelry — Photography by Empty Cup Media
Lace Foot Jewelry

Kisses in the garden before it all begins.

The beach ceremony.

Tyler awaiting his bride.

Family, loved ones and friends gather to watch the intimate ceremony.

THE KISS!

The walk down the aisle as husband and wife.

Pictured below is Ashley's father, who to me looks like a security guard or FBI agent. Your choice :)

The bridal party on the beach.

Photography by Empty Cup MediaBridesmaid dresses by Henkaa — Photography by Empty Cup Media
Bridesmaid dresses by Henkaa

My favourite moments captured.

I love this picture of Ashley. She looks so stunning and it embodies so much happiness! I will never forget that day and how much love filled the air, it was magical.

Now onto their wedding in Toronto...

Xx,