Briar Rose Photography: A Destination Wedding at Sandos Cancún

A Destination Wedding at Sandos Cancún

How can I describe Chantelle and Eric?

They are two of the sweetest people I have ever met, and I am overjoyed that they found each other because their love is truly a match made in heaven, and we got to celebrate that love at their destination Wedding at Sandos Cancún. Years ago, the two of them worked at The Keg, and during an annual company ski trip to Penticton, they found themselves stuck roadside due to an avalanche up ahead. With no cell reception and hours of waiting, these two turned an unexpected situation into a fun adventure—playing beer pong and volleyball on the side of the highway for nearly seven hours. That unplanned moment was where their love story began.

Fast forward to April 12, 2014: Eric proposed to Chantelle during a Vancouver Canucks game. Since then, they’ve cheered for the Canucks side by side, graduated from school, and started new careers at ATB. Yes, they still work together—Chantelle as a Financial Advisor and Eric as a Software Developer.

Exactly 10 years after their engagement, on April 12, 2024, they celebrated their milestone anniversary by saying “I do” with their friends and family at the most incredible destination wedding at Sandos Cancún.

Make Your Wedding at Sandos Cancún About You!

One of my favorite parts of photographing weddings is designing the morning photos to reflect the couple as individuals. The morning preparations are an opportunity to tell their unique story before they come together as one.

For Eric, that meant playing Magic: The Gathering—a tabletop war game—with his groomsmen while drinking beers on the patio. As expected, it was a fun and lively time with the guys! Chantelle, on the other hand, started her morning with the girls by indulging in cake and champagne before slipping into her dress and sharing emotional moments with her mom.

We capped off the morning with a private first look for Chantelle and Eric on the patio. As they exchanged vows in this intimate setting, they both teared up seeing each other for the first time that day.

The Ceremony and Reception at Sandos Cancún

The weather at Sandos Cancún couldn’t have been more perfect. The sun was shining, and a warm breeze filled the air. The ceremony was held on the rooftop terrace at Sandos Cancún, with the breathtaking ocean as the backdrop. Surrounded by stunning florals, the setting was nothing short of elegant. The ceremony itself was short and sweet, and champagne flowed immediately afterward to kick off the celebration.

Why Choose a Wedding at Sandos Cancún?

Chantelle took her time finding the perfect resort. We talked on and off for six months before she finalized her decision with a Wedding at Sandos Cancún. This five-star resort, located on a pristine beach with the most vibrant turquoise water I’ve ever seen, was nothing short of a dream.

The water perfectly matched the bridesmaids’ dresses, and the resort’s amenities were incredible. Sandos boasts several on-site restaurants, including a buffet, a steakhouse, Japanese and Italian options, and my personal favorite—a beach-facing patio serving the most amazing firestone pizza! The wedding at Sandos Cancún resort also featured three infinity pools leading to the beach, and we made the most of every wonderful detail.

Special Details

Every wedding has unique touches that stand out, and Chantelle and Eric’s day was no exception. One particularly special detail was Chantelle’s veil, handmade by her mother-in-law—a heartfelt touch that added even more meaning to the day.

Their first dance also left me in awe. They had secretly taken dance lessons, and their performance was absolutely amazing! It was clear that every part of this day had been planned with love and care from start to finish.

Behind The Lens

I always plan a call with my couples about a month before their wedding to create a solid timeline and discuss what’s most important to them. During our chat, we brainstormed so many creative ideas that I ended up doing four separate photoshoots with Chantelle and Eric!

1. Edmonton Engagement Session: A beautiful fall shoot to kick off their wedding journey.
2. Airport Fun: Matching bride-and-groom sweatsuits and swag bags during their send-off.
3. Beach Sunrise Shoot: A spicy and romantic session at sunrise.
4. Poolside Sunrise Shoot: Flirty, fun, and equally stunning.

Of course, I also spent their entire wedding day capturing every magical moment. It’s no secret that I adore clients who love photos as much as I do!

A Personal Challenge

Something not many people know is that I fractured my spine just two days before the trip. I even missed my original flight to Edmonton while in the hospital. Knowing the importance of this event, I hired Ashlee, one of my associate shooters, to come along in case I couldn’t shoot the entire wedding. In the end, Ashlee, Shawn, and I worked together to capture the most spectacular memories. Despite the setback, I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved as a team.

A Fun Finale For Our Destination Wedding at Sandos Cancún

As the night came to an end, we headed back to their honeymoon suite for a few unplanned photos. Chantelle and Eric jumped on the bed, laughed together, and popped champagne on the balcony. It was the perfect way to wrap up not only their wedding day but also their 10th anniversary—a celebration full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories at their wedding at Sandos Cancún.

Don’t hire me unless you’re planning to have the best day of your life—and the photos to prove it!

Wedding photography review from the bride and groom:

If you’re searching for a wedding photographer who will capture every moment of your special day, look no further. Our experience with Kaley was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we met, we knew we were in the hands of a true professional who genuinely cared about our vision.

The photos from our destination wedding are beyond stunning. Kaley has an incredible eye for detail, finding beauty in every angle and lighting every shot perfectly.

Not only is Kaley exceptionally talented, but she is also a joy to work with. She made us feel comfortable and at ease. Her friendly, warm personality made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free.

In terms of professionalism, Kaley exceeded our expectations. She was communicative and extremely organized throughout the entire process. She really made the whole process so much easier for us

If you’re planning a destination wedding and want a photographer who will go above and beyond to ensure your memories are preserved in the most beautiful way possible, Kaley is the one to choose. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and the stunning images we will cherish forever.