Real Weddings: Elena + AJ

Today’s wedding is just so full of love — and of gorgeous images.  Jared Wilson, one of the nicest guys and most talented people that I know, photographed the simple and lovely destination wedding of Elena and AJ at the El Careyes Resort in Jalisco Mexico.

The images are so fantastic that it’s useless for me to pick favorites, because otherwise I’d say that every other image was my favorite!

Aren’t Elena and AJ just stunning?  And not only that, but just look at the look of contentment and happiness on their faces.  And the protective way they hold each other.  This is what marriage is all about.

elenaaj1

el-careyes-resort-jalisco

Here’s how AJ got ready for the big day ahead!

groom-surfing

Elena chose to relax and be pampered.  :)

el-careyes-resort-wedding

elenaaj2

elenaaj3

elenaaj4

Olivia talked yesterday about first look photos – Elena and AJ encapsulate in these two images why I love these.

first-look-bride-and-groom-1

first-look-bride-and-groom-2

Some ridiculously cute photos of the wedding party.  The bright purple of Elena’s bridesmaids is a perfect color for a beach wedding!

elenaaj5

navy-jacket-and-khakis-groom

strapless-purple-chiffon-bridesmaids-dresses

purple-bridesmaids-dresses

purple-and-white-bridal-party

calla-lilly-bouquet

groom-portrait

el-careyes-resort-wedding-2

el-careyes-resort-wedding-1

The ceremony took place under this beautiful wooden arch by the ocean.

beachside-wedding-ceremony-arch

trumpet-players-wedding-ceremony

el-careyes-resort-wedding-3

el-careyes-resort-wedding-4

elenaaj7

elenaaj8

elenaaj9

elenaaj10

elenaaj11

beachside-wedding-in-jalisco-mexico

elenaaj12

mexico-beachside-wedding-ceremony

elenaaj14

el-careyes-jalisco-mexico-wedding

calla-lilly-bouquet-2

And then it was time to party!

starfish-escort-cards

elenaaj15

elenaaj13

destination-wedding-in-mexico

fuschia-linens-outdoor-wedding-reception

I said I wouldn’t gush over every photo, but this picture is truly phenomenal.  Elena is absolutely radiant.

elenaaj16

elenaaj17

elenaaj18

The next morning Jared, Elena, and AJ headed to the beach (with a horse no less!) for these absolutely amazing photos.  The early morning light is perfect, and the beach is so peaceful.  Sigh.

bride-and-groom-horseback-on-the-beach-3

bride-and-groom-horseback-on-the-beach-2

bride-and-groom-horseback-on-the-beach-1

And OK, I lied, here is a favorite!

jalisco-mexico-wedding-portraits-jared-wilson

Jared has even more photos (and a slideshow!) of this amazing wedding on his blog {here} and {here}.  And you definitely need to add his blog to your reader – it’s full of amazing weddings, both of the destination variety and from his home state of Colorado!

Are you having a destination wedding, as Elena and AJ did?  What made you decide to celebrate away from home?

E.

we heart your comments!
  1. Oh my, this is unbelievably dreamy. The perfect mellow destination feel, and everyone styled perfectly. Sigh…

  2. I love the relaxed look and feel of this celebration.

  3. Beautiful pictures!!! Those purple bridesmaid dress were hot!!!

  4. I love these words – dreamy, perfect, mellow, relaxed, celebration, beautiful, and hot! I guess the photos really DO tell the story because that’s exactly it. :)

  5. Wow, what a day for them so relaxed so natural I can’t wait for my day. Not that we have set a date but I hope its as natural as this one was.

  6. [...] Elena and AJ via Elizabeth Anne Designs [...]

  7. Alejandra writes... {April 17, 2010 at 3:30 am}

    Hi, I am getting married next may and I love the purple your bridemaids wore. what is the name of the color? what store did you purchased them from? thank you for your time.

  8. Hi there,

    My best friend is getting married and absolutely loves these dresses. I’ve looked on the JCrew website but can’t quite place the color with the swatches shown. What shade is it called?? I really appreciate it!

    Erin

    • Ami Elizabeth writes... {July 19, 2010 at 3:46 pm}

      hi erin! the dresses, as best elena can remember, were “grape”. i don’t believe j crew sells that exact shade any longer.

      good luck and let us know if you find the exact dresses!

  9. Where did you get your bridesmaids dresses!! I love this color, and it is so hard to find.

  10. Hi, thanks for sharing this gorgeous wedding. I loved the bride’s dress. Any info on that would be appreciated. Thanks!

Leave a Comment