A Surprise Vow Renewal by the Wild Waves of Akumal

P + J are romantic souls—travelers, beauty seekers, and thoughtful dreamers. They’re the kind of couple who prioritize shared moments over grand gestures, and their connection runs deep. J contacted me saying he wanted to surprise his wife with something while they visit Playa del Carmen. He thought a “renewal of vows” on the beach would be great. His idea was to re-write his marriage vows and read them to his wife, just as he did on their wedding day. He told P to write her own vows and wear a nice dress but didn’t tell her anything else.

For a couple as heartfelt as P + J, I knew I wanted a location that felt wild, untamed, and intimate—a place where the power of the elements could match the strength of their emotions. I suggested one of my favorite hidden beaches in Akumal, with rugged rocky outcrops and crashing waves. While many imagine the Mexican Caribbean as endless white sand, much of the coastline from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is sharp limestone rock—ancient reef formations dotted with fossils of shells and coral. When J embraced the raw beauty of this spot, I knew it would create the perfect backdrop.

To add another meaningful element to their ceremony, I suggested a flower blessing— inspired by Mayan wedding ceremonies, mine I have borrowed from the fabulous shaman and beautiful human La Santa Sofia. It’s a unity ritual where the couple selects flowers to represent themselves, pulls them apart, and blends the petals, symbolizing their hopes, dreams, and the things they wish to let go. The petals are then released into the wind and ocean — It’s so simple, but creates a beautiful moment of reflection, and cathartic release to let the petals fly, I love it.

On the day, I hid my cameras and met P + J in the carpark by the beach. We walked to the rocks and I asked: “has he told you what we’re going to do today?” He told her of his plans for the vow renewal, that I would photograph them, and the tears started right away. It’s a delicate space to step into as a photographer—present for such intimate moments yet careful not to disrupt their connection. I want to be invisible, and let them immerse themselves fully, but I’m aware that I am also somewhat guiding the experience.  It is though important to me that I back the hell up and let them have their space, and photograph them surrounded by nature in the moment.

After the vows, petals to the wind, then portraits. There was so much playfulness unlocked, authentic joy and moments of tenderness. P in her pretty dress, that she made herself, running in the waves. J laughing out load, and both their joy in collecting rocks to remember this day, this place, this moment.

Thank you, P + J, for trusting me with your story. I can’t wait to see where in the world your journey takes you next.