Real Wedding | Maleigha + Gabe at Acre Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Hello, hello! Be advised that this is going to be a long one, so grab a drink, sit back, and soak up all the warmth and beauty of this gorgeous day.

Maleigha and Gabe were married on a warm, sunny Thursday in January at Acre Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. There’s a lot I want to share, so let’s get to it…

Twenty-six years ago, before I was a photographer, I started a job at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA. Within the first month of this job, I met Melissa. Not much later, I met her two year old son, Gabriel. Melissa and I became the best of friends and in the quarter-century *insert I’m so old joke here* since we met, we’ve been through a lot — births, deaths, weddings, divorce, three kids graduating high school, and then collage… and in that time, her family became my family. So when Gabe and Maleigha decided to get married, it just seemed right to be there. OK, that’s the backstory, now back to Cabo.

To be honest, I’m finding it difficult to sum up this day succinctly, so bare with me as I run my mouth for a couple minutes without any specific destination in mind (Let’s be honest, those who know me should be used to that by now)…

Maleigha and Gabe’s wedding day was warm and loving and full of laughter and SO. MUCH. JOY. The venue was incredible — I mean, the rooms are actual treehouses! I’m also obsessed with the custom drink stirs featuring their pup, Cleo. Everyone should do this. The food was amazing (OMG the ceviche!) and the cocktails (hello, Paloma) were perfect. Maleigha’s dress was a top ten fave of mine, as were her shoes. All of the family members and friends that I hadn’t met before were so incredibly lovely and welcoming.

I learned that I love a bit of pyrotechnics on the dance floor and that it’s always a good idea to appoint a designated ‘cat wrangler’ just in case a rogue feline launches into the bride’s veil. Also, never assume you won’t cry — I cried no less that three times that day and each time found myself without a tissue. Always pack tissues.

OK, that’s probably enough rambling and you’ve likely already skipped to the photos anyway (because you use your time wisely), so let me just end with a some Thank Yous:

First and foremost, Thank you to Gabe and Maleigha for being a joy to photograph and for letting me tag along on this incredible adventure of yours. I’m so excited for your next chapter together! Thank you to Maleigha’s dad, Randy, for being the life of the party, and to cousin Jeff for always being the best hype man. Thank you to Best Man Grant for always putting Gabe first throughout the entire trip, you were the best Best Man. Thank you to Maleigha’s sister, Malani, for always being wherever you were needed, you were an absolute rockstar. And finally, Thank you to my dear friend, Melissa. You raised three of the coolest humans I know, one of which is now married!! I am so honored to be a part of your amazing, growing family. Oh, and a final special thank you to Gabe’s buddies who made sure I immediately had a cold beer in hand after 10+ hours of shooting. It takes a village.

xx, Auntie Amy

Venue & Catering: Acre Resort // Planner: About A Day Events // DJ/Music: Alex DJ Cabo Events // Florals: Blush N Roses // Decor & Rentals: Del Mar Events // Hair & Makeup: Gladys Trevino // Photography: Amy Soper // Videography: Everlasting Films //Transportation: Transpeninsula