Some weddings are one day stories. This one?
A five-act experience: each day more daring, more detailed, and more visually rich than the last. Set across the volcanic landscapes of Hacienda San Antonio and the lush, bohemian coast of Careyes, Marina and Yaniv’s 5 day celebration unfolded like a cinematic series: maximalist fashion, bold cultural nods, and design rooted in both heritage and high art.
Photographer: Pablo Laguia
The Visual Strategy
Gear Used:
Canon R5 | RF 50mm 1.2 | RF 28-70mm 2.0 | TS-E 24mm Tilt-Shift | Profoto A10
Coverage:
30 hours over 5 days
Two photographers + one lighting assistant
Creative Risks That Paid Off:
Shooting high compression, shallow depth in crowded spaces
Using reflective surfaces to create layering and surreal compositions
Blending film and digital throughout
Fill flash + overexposure for angelic glow in time-crunch portraits
Since the wedding happened across various days and locations, we created detailed mood boards to decide what lenses and light to use in each space. We planned each set and location around the colour brief we had for each day. Planning the gear was key to move quickly across so many settings.
How I Shot This:
This shot of Marina with her bare back, projecting images of roses that form a face. I chose a wide-open 50mm to capture the texture of the flowers blending with her skin, creating an almost painterly image.
Day One - Miracles & Flowers
The celebration began with a bold red visual theme at the foot of a volcano in western Mexico. Inspired by Frida Kahlo, it was a vibrant dinner filled with color, art, and culture, where Marina looked amazing in a red fringe gown with a scarlet cape by Ashi Studio Couture Paris. Yaniv complemented her with an all-red look featuring pieces by Tom Ford, Michael Schmidt, and Camilla. Local artisans crafted details like Otomí runners and surreal accessories. The dress code was maximalist, and the energy, unforgettable.
Day Two - Romantic Ranch
A new day and a new theme. This time an opulent ranch-inspired picnic surrounded by green hills under a radiant sun. Marina wore a couture mini dress with a cape by Berta and a gaucho hat embroidered with vintage Swarovski crystals and Japanese pearls. Yaniv chose a laid-back look with a custom denim Rockmount shirt and white John Varvatos jeans. The setting combined earthy elegance with high fashion, featuring sculptural flowers, Mexican blown glassware, snakeskin boots, and oversized sunglasses.
We scouted and explored every corner of the hacienda beforehand to get a good feel for the location. I worked with gentle directions, once we have the location locked down, inviting them to move and breathe together without looking at the camera, mixing these with more static fashion portraits with direct gazes. I love the mix!
Day 3 — Artisanal Ivories
The night before the wedding, another magical event! An all-white evening at the hacienda, lit by candles and hanging tin star lanterns. Marina wore a lace couture gown with feathers by Ashi Studio, while Yaniv opted for a sand-colored suit by Tom Ford. Every detail was dreamy, from sculptural florals to the gentle flicker of candlelight.
Day 4 – Enchanted Ceremony & Reception
Ok so now finally onto the main wedding day. Down a mirrored aisle surrounded by white flowers, jungle greenery, and a golden sunset, Marina and Yaniv said “I do” in an intimate yet spectacular ceremony. Marina wore a layered tulle gown by Lihi Hod, a Berta veil, and a pearl necklace by Michael Schmidt Studios. Yaniv made an impression in a white Isaia tuxedo with Tom Ford and Tiffany details.
During getting ready, I focused on small gestures, the texture of fabrics, hands adjusting details, and knowing looks. I usually hone in on close-ups to isolate emotion, leaving the context for wider shots.
‘A Favorite Image’
I used an ultra-wide lens to play with floor reflections and the sunset light, making it appear as if the flowers and sky were floating around the couple.
The sunset light was absolutely magical, wrapping the mirrored aisle. We used continuous LED lights to balance shadows. A drone at the start showcased the jungle surroundings and the sun’s reflection on the aisle.
‘Behind the Lens’
Some improvised shots as we didn’t have much time. I used slightly overexposed fill flash to give a nearly celestial glow.
Later, the hacienda transformed into an enchanted garden with chandeliers, where 200 guests —including tech pioneers, artists, fashion icons, and visionaries— celebrated under the stars.
‘How I Shot This’
A high ISO image to capture only the candle and chandelier light with minimal intervention, preserving the intimate atmosphere. And getting a sneaky balance with the last colours of the sunset.
Day Five - Vintage Splashes
The finale was ‘Mexico Fantasy.’ A retro-glam pool party overlooking the incredible ocean. Marina looked so cool in a dusty pink swimsuit, matching cape, and cap designed by Michael Schmidt Studios, evoking old Hollywood. Yaniv stood out in a graphic ensemble by Casablanca Paris and a Meshika hat.
Wavy umbrellas, vintage music, golden hour light, and chic swimwear wrapped up this fairytale week.
How I Shot This:
Used the 50mm 1.2 to isolate Marina in her retro look. Since it was pink, we sought complementary colors and used the villa walls to enhance the palette, emphasizing the nostalgic vibe.
We really focussed in on the guests, the outfits and the colour of the event. When curating it together these collages felt like the right way to shot it all off.
Closing Thoughts
This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a five-day adventure. Each day a different visual language and we really planned and leaned into the theme of each day in the photos. The goal was never just to document, but to elevate: to create work that felt sculptural, painterly, and alive.
by Pablo Laguia
Vendor Credits
Styling: @ravenkauffman
Video: @socialartcinema
Design, Concept, & Planning: @jeronimogaxiola
Venues: @haciendadesanantonio, @lilo.beachclub,
