detroit smd chicago — destinations world wide

Kailee Marie Photography is a luxury wedding photographer specializing in refined editorial storytelling, captured on both film and digital.

Serving couples in Detroit, Chicago, and destinations worldwide.

GUIDES

SESSIONS

WEDDINGS

I firmly believe that the essence of every wedding lies in the unique love story of the couple at its heart. 

FILM INSPIRED
Documentary approach
with an Editorial flare

hi, im kailee marie

DESTINATIONS

Garden Party Destination Wedding at Excellence Coral Mexico

Destinations, Weddings

There’s something about destination weddings in Mexico that instantly feels like a vacation for everyone involved, but Julieann and Brandon’s wedding at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres brought an entirely different energy. It felt colorful, elevated, and intentional from the very beginning. Julieann’s vision was to bring a romantic garden party aesthetic to Mexico and somehow she made it feel both editorial and effortlessly fun all at once.

From oceanfront celebrations to rooftop dancing under disco balls, every part of this wedding weekend felt unforgettable.

A Rehearsal Dinner in Paradise

The wedding festivities began the night before with an intimate rehearsal dinner surrounded by their closest family and friends. One of my favorite things about destination weddings in Mexico is how much extra time everyone gets together. It turns a wedding day into an entire experience. After dinner, everyone ended the evening exactly how you should in Mexico: dancing in the ocean under the warm night sky.

Getting Ready Overlooking the Ocean

The morning of the wedding, both Julieann and Brandon got ready separately on terraces overlooking the ocean at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres. The light pouring into their suites was unreal, soft, airy, and perfect for photographing every thoughtful detail Julieann had curated.

Her entire design vision centered around colorful garden party inspiration, and every piece reflected that beautifully. From florals to fashion to stationery, every detail added personality and vibrance against the tropical backdrop of Playa Mujeres.

You could feel the anticipation building throughout the morning leading up to their first look. And the second they saw each other, it was like an instant sigh of relief. One of my favorite things about photographing weddings is witnessing that moment when nerves completely disappear and everything suddenly feels real.

An Oasis Gazebo Ceremony at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres

Julieann and Brandon exchanged vows beneath the Oasis Gazebo at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres, surrounded by lush florals and the people who matter most to them.

The ceremony decor perfectly blended tropical Mexico wedding vibes with an elevated garden inspired design. The colors popped beautifully against the neutral architecture and ocean views, creating a setting that felt both luxurious and welcoming.

One thing I especially loved about this wedding was how intimate it felt. Smaller destination weddings always create such a unique atmosphere because you truly get to know everyone there. By the end of the weekend, it genuinely felt like I had met and connected with every single guest.

Rooftop Cocktail Hour and Reception at X Lounge

After the ceremony, guests headed to the cocktail hour and the reception at the X Lounge rooftop area beside the pool. The atmosphere there during sunset was absolutely unreal.

The sky turned every shade of pink, orange, and gold while guests mingled poolside overlooking the ocean. It was the kind of sunset that makes destination weddings in Playa Mujeres feel magical.

As night fell, the rooftop transformed into the dreamiest reception space. Disco balls reflected across the dance floor while everyone celebrated beneath the night sky. It felt modern, playful, romantic, and completely true to Julieann and Brandon.

The Haircut Surprise

One of the most iconic moments of the entire night happened when Julieann secretly snuck away during the reception to cut her hair and surprise Brandon.

When she came back with the dramatic new look, the reactions were priceless. It was spontaneous, bold, and honestly the perfect reflection of the energy of their entire wedding weekend.

Planning a Destination Wedding at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres

If you’re planning a destination wedding at Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres, this resort is truly such a beautiful option for couples wanting a luxury Mexico wedding experience. Between the oceanfront views, rooftop reception spaces, tropical scenery, and intimate atmosphere, it creates the perfect setting for a wedding weekend that feels both relaxed and elevated.

From dancing in the ocean the night before to rooftop celebrations under disco balls and a surpirse 7 foot tall robot, every moment felt intentional, emotional, and unforgettable. Julieann and Brandon’s wedding was the perfect example of how a destination wedding in Mexico can feel intimate while still being incredibly stylish and editorial.

Resort/Venue | Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres

Florist | @velveteventsdesign

Dress | @jennainwhite

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