Zafiro and Laura’s LGBT wedding in Mexico is, above all, a story of courage. It is the story of two extraordinary women who chose to celebrate their love in their own country, freely and surrounded by the most important people in their lives.

It is also a story of friendship. During the months leading up to their wedding, a very special connection developed between us. Gradually, that professional relationship became a friendship for which I still feel profoundly happy and fortunate.

Moreover, this wedding gave me the opportunity to travel to Mexico for the first time. I discovered part of its culture, landscapes, people and, of course, its wonderful food. Thank you, Zafiro and Laura, for that adventure and for giving me such a beautiful experience.

Above everything else, however, this is a love story. Their eyes did not simply reveal that love; they seemed to speak about it and proclaim it to the world. I will never forget those looks or the emotions that filled every moment.

Photographs can preserve only a small part of something like this. Their love was present in the atmosphere and could be felt all around them.

An LGBT wedding in Mexico between Guadalajara and Punta Monterrey

Stories like Zafiro and Laura’s remind us why everyone should be able to love freely. Without fear, reservations or conditions. Hopefully, one day that freedom will be felt everywhere in the world.

Their story unfolded over several days and in two different settings. The legal ceremony took place in Guadalajara. Afterwards, the ceremony and celebration continued at Punta Monterrey, a remote retreat on Mexico’s Pacific coast surrounded by jungle and sea.

There, we shared an intense and emotional celebration filled with life. The party continued until sunrise and, by then, I already felt like another guest. These photographs are only a small summary of everything I had the opportunity to experience and document.

Before the wedding, we also created a couple’s session on the same beach. That experience helped us get to know each other and became the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

When I asked whether they wanted to share a few words in this story, they sent me the following letter. It left me speechless and deeply moved.

Thank you for everything, girls. Most importantly, thank you for opening your hearts to me.

When words are not enough to express so much gratitude

“For all those couples who were ever afraid they would not find the most wonderful photographer in this life…

Talking about how we met Dani means talking about those magical things that happen in life. It was the only thing Lau and I arranged with plenty of time, because we truly wanted the person capturing the memories of our wedding to be someone who could do it from the heart. When you marry the love of your life, the memories of that day are far too important not to relive them again and again.

From the first time Dani wrote to us, we felt in our hearts that he was the person for our wedding. Dani is someone who cares about details, who goes further, who tells stories and writes incredibly long emails—just like us—and that said everything. It was easy, almost too easy. However, like those things in life that are already destined to happen, you simply have to let yourself go.

Without a doubt, Dani brought the magic and calm that helped us throughout the wedding process. Our communication was always easy and honest. He even helped us with things that had nothing to do with photography. He was that little ray of light amid the madness that planning a wedding can sometimes become. Gradually, we built a friendship that lasted almost six months before the wedding.

Same-sex marriage in Jalisco

Because of our travelling souls and the legal situation in our country regarding same-sex marriage, we decided that the legal part would take place in Guadalajara and the ceremony on a beach in Nayarit.

When we told Dani about the idea and our plan, he was not only incredibly excited about discovering our country. He also suggested documenting that entire week and all those moments, which we could hardly believe.

The days passed and the time finally came for Dani to arrive in Mexico. When we went to meet him, it felt like being reunited with a friend we had known for many years. We went to eat birria from Guadalajara and that was where the adventure began. Dani did not leave our side for the following five days. At first, we felt a little nervous because we had never taken photographs of ourselves kissing in public. However, with Dani’s affection, we gradually became completely comfortable. That is something you do not know, Dani, but you also helped us continue growing as a couple and let go of pointless fears that should never have been there. Thank you—truly, thank you from our hearts!

Civil ceremony

On the day of the civil wedding, we could not believe how many things still needed to be done. Like a true friend, Dani even helped us collect our shoes. He got soaked beneath the rain in the Pearl of Guadalajara so our hairstyles would not be ruined. I do not know what photographer in the world does that…but I know Dani does. Spending all those days with our family also created an atmosphere in which most people felt as though they had known him before. They even felt he was another member of the family.

The following day, we left for the beach. It was a long journey filled with friends and unexpected events. Shortly after midday, we reached the place where the big celebration would take place. That afternoon, we had another photography session to continue letting go of our fears. It was simply beautiful. Once again, it felt as though one of our best friends was helping us reveal the best of ourselves. He helped us escape the shell that society sometimes places around us, and Dani made everything feel so easy.

And finally, the most eagerly awaited day…

The following day began early and, one by one, all those moments that make your heart race arrived. Bouquets, flowers, decorations, tiny details and all kinds of things. Then came the make-up, which I never imagined I would enjoy so much. It was truly very, very, very special: the music, the people we loved, the atmosphere and you, Dani, capturing our glances. Afterwards came a whirlwind of emotions. There were moments alone and others spent together, vows, rings, embraces, tears, laughter and smiles. Then we left again for another simply wonderful session in the middle of the jungle.

When we returned, the speeches, toasts and dancing continued. We could only see you drenched in sweat, changing memory card after memory card. It was something like twelve continuous hours, Dani!!!!!!!! Phew!! There are no words. We simply watched you carrying on without stopping. When someone shows such passion for what they do, there is nothing left to do except keep dancing. So we continued until five in the morning.

When saying goodbye feels like meeting again

The following day, it was time to leave. I will not go into details, but what photographer in the world walks two kilometres beneath the sun through the jungle? Only you, Dani…only you and your passion for life.

At the end, it felt strange that the time had come to say goodbye. That was because we had shared with you one of the most intimate events that two people can experience in their lives. However, we knew it was not goodbye. It was simply, ‘See you later, dear friend. We will see you soon.’

And you know…I always remember that moment, Dani. We will always remember it. There on the beach, the three of us holding hands and simply giving thanks to the universe and the world for those things in life that were always meant to be. ‘It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.’ We love you so much, always. Thank you…”

Zaf and Lau