Vanessa + Javier

When a Bride Makes Time for Herself: at Hacienda Xcanatun

There are weddings where every frame feels personal—this was one of them. Vanessa and Javier chose to celebrate their love in the timeless beauty of Hacienda Xcanatún, one of Mérida’s most iconic wedding venues. While Vanessa initially booked her photography with Gaber Studio, a few weeks before the wedding she reached out personally and asked if I could photograph it myself. “I want to give you full creative freedom,” she said. It was one of those rare moments when a bride doesn’t just trust your vision—she invites you to be a part of it.

What made this wedding feel so special wasn’t just the venue or the golden Yucatán light—it was the space Vanessa created for herself. Together, we carved out a quiet moment in the timeline, just for her. No rush, no expectations—just a bride, radiant and present, claiming her moment before stepping into the ceremony. The portraits we captured during that time are some of my favorites I’ve taken as a wedding photographer in Mérida.

If you're planning your wedding in Yucatán, I always encourage brides to give themselves that sacred pause. Hacienda Xcanatún wedding photography is full of history and beauty—but when a bride shows up for herself, that’s when the magic truly happens.