February 8, 2024 | Riviera Maya, Mexico
Elena + Matt’s Romantic Oceanfront Elopement in Riviera Maya
As a Milwaukee wedding photographer with over 200 weddings under my belt, I love capturing love stories in every setting, whether that’s in the heart of Wisconsin or at stunning destination locations around the world. Elena and Matt’s dreamy oceanfront elopement at Dreams Riviera Maya was the perfect example of how intimate, joy-filled, and breathtaking a destination wedding can be.
A Tropical Wedding Day
Elena and Matt chose to celebrate their love with an intimate seaside ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. The crystal-clear water, golden sunlight, and warm ocean breeze created the most picturesque backdrop for their vows.
Elena looked radiant in her Lace & Grace Boutique gown, its delicate details catching the light as she walked along the sandy aisle. Her bridesmaids added a bold pop of color in burgundy Azazie dresses, while Matt and his groomsmen embraced a relaxed, coastal look in tan pants and crisp white shirts. The entire wedding party looked effortlessly chic against the tropical backdrop.
A Golden-Hour Ceremony
With the waves gently crashing behind them, Elena and Matt exchanged their vows during a touching officiant-led ceremony. As the golden sun dipped lower, the light wrapped beautifully around the couple, which was a photographer’s dream. I guided them into natural poses that highlighted both their connection and the breathtaking scenery, which resulted in photos that radiated warmth and intimacy.
Seaside Portraits + Family Moments
After the ceremony, we took advantage of the incredible location for portraits. Elena’s gown trailed elegantly across the white sand as the couple embraced along the shoreline. These romantic seaside portraits perfectly captured their joy and the magic of the day.
Family portraits were also a priority, and the beach setting gave us a relaxed and timeless backdrop. I always work to make family portraits smooth and stress-free, giving couples a chance to truly enjoy those meaningful moments without feeling rushed.
A Celebration Under the Stars
The evening continued with a lively mariachi band welcoming guests to cocktail hour, filling the air with music and celebration. Later, a DJ-led dance party brought everyone to the dance floor under the stars. With the tropical air, joyful energy, and laughter filling the night, Elena and Matt’s reception was unforgettable.
Planning Your Own Destination Wedding
Dreaming of a beach wedding in Mexico? Let’s make it happen! Let’s chat!
Looking for a little more inspiration? Explore Payton + Pranaya’s stunning Milwaukee wedding at Turner Hall Ballroom and see how every couple’s love story is beautifully unique.
Wedding Coordinator // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Ceremony Venue // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Officiant // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Photographer // Allysha Noelle Photography
Wedding Dress Shop // Lace & Grace Boutique
Bridesmaids’ Dress Shop // Azazie
Florist // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Hair Stylist // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Makeup Artist // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Reception Venue // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
DJ/Musician // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Caterer // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Baker // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Hotel Accommodations // Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Hey, I'm Ali!
Your Milwaukee wedding & Senior Photographer
I’m a Milwaukee-based photographer with 8+ years of experience (200+ weddings and 500+ photo sessions) under my belt—capturing the joy in life’s biggest moments, from wedding days full of love and laughter to the personality-packed excitement of senior year.
I’m a big fan of lists, laughter, and ice cream (honestly, the dream combo). My superpower? Making you feel totally at ease in front of the camera, so your photos look natural, fun, and uniquely you. From sweet candids to jaw-dropping portraits, I’ll capture the real moments that tell your story.
What makes ANP different?
While I lead the way at ANP, I’m also lucky to work alongside a small, trusted team of talented photographers who share my style and heart for capturing genuine moments.
We believe photography isn’t just about snapping pictures—it’s about creating a joy-filled, stress-free experience from start to finish. We're your hype team, chaos-calmers, and behind-the-scenes problem solvers, here to make the whole process easy and fun.
Let’s make some unforgettable memories together. Join the ANP family—I promise it’ll be a blast!
