“WOW!” Wedding at Xunantunich and San Ignacio Resort Hotel (Belize)

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Olivera Rusu

When I blog about a wedding or event, I usually choose 1 word to define a wedding. And first word is coming in my mind when I’m thinking about this wedding is “WOW!” One of the most beautiful and amazing weddings I ever had the pleasure to photograph. I’m still blown away about memories. I have goosebumps while I am writing this and an amazing feeling. I am soooo happy about everything!

Jessica & Michael… guys, I heart you both! I had many emails with Jess and I get to know what she likes, I loved her personality (very much similar with mine actually) and I loved Michael, also. I was in shock when I heard (days after the wedding) that he actually avoid photos as much as he can… Well, Michael, I was convinced you love doing this… because you, guys, were one of my best models I ever had.

Wedding moments:

Start from now on, all weddings at mayan ruins will have a specific ring photo on an mayan carving calendar:

Family Photos were extremely emotional… Michael’s mom was crying,

Family Photos

Jessica’s mom was emotional as her daughter wear her veil (a 40 year old long veil with lace on the edges), the wedding dress was pure lace (a dream wedding dress).

Jessica, my gorgeous bride!

When they asked me what place from Cayo I suggest them to get married, somewhere around San Ignacio town… I did not even blink: San Ignacio Hotel Resort! I am hunting a wedding there from years now and finally, I was lucky enough to have the chance doing it here.

Bridal Portrait at San Ignacio Hotel

The Reveal of Bride and groom was at San Ignacio hotel on an amazing setting (everything is phenomenal there)

The Reveal. They see eachother before walking down the aisle

…walking down the aisle start from the hotel, until the mayan temple and was tons of fun!

Walking down the aisle from San Ignacio Hotel to Xunantunich

the Wedding ceremony was at Xunantunich, mayan temple in Belize,

…bridal photoshoot around Xunantunich, at sunset time (OH!),

Bridal Photoshoot at Xunantunich, Belize

Bridal Photoshoot at Xunantunich

..the reception at San Ignacio Hotel Resort and night bridal photos on my favourites spots from San Ignacio Hotel…

Champagne, candles & love. Bridal Photoshoot at San Ignacio Hotel.

Fairytale setting at San Ignacio hotel, Cayo

This is one of the most complete weddings I ever photographed (we start at 11 am and finished almost at 11 pm…). You can definitely tell the difference between few hours photoshoot and a full day. I could never achieved this if I would be hired for few hours only… Keep in mind that our night photoshoot start at 10 pm . I was convinced that they won’t want do it, but… “photos are REALLY important”… and yes, I hope you agree that worth every minute.

I am extremely excited to work on all those photos and design this album.

Guys, I know that after your wedding you’ll heart Belize and cherish this place forever!

Thank you, Belize Weddings for making this possible. Thank you, San Ignacio Hotel Resort, for all your efforts and amazing hospitality and thank you Jessica & Michael for making me the honour to photograph your wedding!

Bridal Portrait at San Ignacio Hotel

Also, I want to mention one more person… someone that brings me luck. I had one more wedding with her and was a total blast. Her name is Karen Diaz. She definitely bring the “personal touch” to any event and I love the way she work!

Bridal Portrait at San Ignacio Hotel

More photos coming soon…

Wedding at Maya Ruin, Cahal Pech

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Olivera Rusu

“2010 ended spectacular: a wedding at Belize Mayan Ruins, Cahal Pech.

Andreea & Brett… one of the most fantastic couples what I had the pleasure to meet. The ruins.. fit you like a glove! You, guys, were PERFECT for that place!…”

Start with the traditional “walking down the aisle” but a special aisle, until a gorgeous day with blue sky and extremely quiet… No group of tourists while we’re there… Was strange to not see anyone, but PERFECT! Was like the ruins were only for us!

This is my first wedding/event I photograph and did not use flash at all. I didn’t even take it out from my camera bag.

Like this start my blog from my page dedicated exclusively to any photos made by me at Maya Ruins. I’ll post 2-3 photos here only and if you want to know the storyline of this wedding, click here.

Belize City love story & Engagement at Altun Ha, Belize Maya Ruin

Posted on September 23, 2010 by Olivera Rusu

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams” Dr. Seuss (Samira & Mark favorite quote)

Samira & Mark, my first couple who trust me to do their photos. 3 years ago I had no clue how closed we’ll become in time and what experiences will have together. Since than they chose me as their photographer and I went back to their house for every important event they had…(thank you for that)
They told me about their wedding about 2 years ago and definitely wanted me to be the photographer. And finally… they contact me last week and told me that they’ll want an engagement session in Belize City, where they meet and fall in love. A storyline… I love it!!!
We decided to have our engagement photo shoot right before Independence Day of Belize so the town was all dress up in Belize colors! Perfect timing.

Was early morning so the streets weren’t crowded!

I’ve had few words with Mark and he told me that he want to propose, officially… how exciting?! We made a plan and went to Belize City where we recreate their time together in Belize City (their favorite places)

First Caribbean Bank, Belize City

Belize City Center

Lighthouse. View from Sea Wall Belize City

The Belize City Swing Bridge is the oldest such bridge in Central America and the only manually operated swing bridge in the world still in function.

The Swing Bridge, Belize City

Fun at BTL Park, Belize City

Fun at BTL Park, Belize City

the bus station from the school where they went together…

St. John’s College Bus Station in Belize City

Mark’s house (is abandon now, but the memories are still fresh and feel like yesterday). Is quiet & beautiful there! All of us loved it!

Traditional Family House in Belize City

Traditional House in Belize City

At Mark’s house: tall trees & green grass

Tall Trees & green gras, Belize City

On the second part of the day, we went at Altun Ha, the Maya Ruin near Belize City.

A 35-40 minutes drive until there…

Drive Safe

I always get goosebumps when I’m going to the ruins… Is my favorite place on earth. After I photograph Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, next in my list was Altun Ha!

Right before we to reach there, a rain clean the place. The grass was unbelievable! Green and fresh! The sky was really blue with white clouds… all of us feel like we’re in a fairytale.

Mark and Samira had a picnic and than…

Propose at Altun Ha, Maya Ruin, Belize

He start talking with her and I went away leaving them to enjoy this unique moment what they’ll remember for the rest of their life.
She was thrilled and emotional and I just loved her reactions. Start from laughing, giggling and crying… all in one time. Amazing!

Propose her at Maya Ruins in Belize

And than she jump and scream

Engagement at Altun Ha, Belize Maya Ruin

Altun Ha will be their maya ruin and will bring them a smile on their faces all the time when they’ll hear this name.

Proposing there, they’ll be in connection with the past, the present and the future…. All in one place, and only at maya ruins!

Fun at Maya Ruins, Belize - Altun Ha

We had a photoshoot there and after after 2 hours we went back in Belize City and Samira remind me to save the date for their wedding!

Save the Date

Thank you for this incredible experience! And of course, see you at your wedding! :)

See more photos under my Latest Sessions

Fore more details about Altun Ha, please visit MayanRuinsWeddings.com (under BLOG you’ll find all the info)