Emily & Jon’s Day After Session in Costa Careyes

After an intimate wedding in Careyes, Mexico, Emily and Jon joined me for a relaxed Copa del Sol photoshoot. This stunning architectural piece is, without a doubt, the most iconic spot in Costa Careyes for a day-after session (You can see their wedding day here.)

And honestly, it was the perfect way to close an unforgettable wedding weekend in this incredible corner of Mexico.

A Sunset Photoshoot at Copa del Sol in Careyes

If you’ve ever been to Costa Careyes, you know the landscape feels almost surreal. Dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, vibrant architecture, and a unique artistic spirit that makes this place unlike anywhere else in Mexico.

One of the most iconic landmarks here is Copa del Sol.

This striking sculptural structure sits on top of the cliffs facing the ocean and was designed to frame the sun as it sets over the Pacific. Part architectural monument and part art installation, Copa del Sol in Careyes has become one of the most recognizable spots in the region.

For photography, it’s simply incredible.

We carefully planned the timing so we could arrive just before sunset, my forever favorite moment for photos. The golden light in Careyes during this time of day is soft, warm, and cinematic, especially when it reflects off the ocean and the curved concrete forms of the sculpture.

When we arrived, we had the entire place to ourselves.

Emily and Jon walked around the monument, exploring the space together while I photographed them from different perspectives around this incredible architectural piece. The scale of Copa del Sol combined with the endless ocean views creates images that feel both intimate and epic at the same time.

And the best part? There was absolutely no rush. Their wedding had already happened, everything had gone beautifully, and there was no timeline to follow,  just the two of them enjoying the sunset during their photoshoot in Careyes.

From Copa del Sol to a Hidden Beach in Careyes

After spending time photographing around Copa del Sol, we decided to continue the session and drove to the beach nearby.

When we arrived, the beach was completely empty, no crowds, no noise, just the sound of the waves and the last colors of sunset fading into the horizon.

Having all that space just for us made the session feel even more special. Emily and Jon walked along the shoreline, enjoying the moment while we created some of my favorite images from the entire weekend.

Destination weddings in places like Careyes often feel magical because of these quiet moments, the ones that happen in between the big celebrations.

The Perfect Way to End a Wedding Weekend in Careyes

Toward the end of the session, as the light softened even more, I stepped back and stopped giving them direction for a few minutes.

Sometimes the best photos happen when couples simply have a moment to themselves.

Emily and Jon stood together looking out over the Pacific Ocean, taking in the view and reflecting on the incredible weekend they had just experienced with their closest friends and family.

It felt like the perfect way to close their time in Careyes, a place that still feels like one of Mexico’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Why a Day After Session Is Always a Great Idea

A day after session is something I always recommend whenever possible, especially for destination weddings.

On the wedding day itself, there’s often a lot happening, timelines, guests, family photos, and of course the celebration. Even with the best planning, couples usually have limited time for portraits.

A day after session changes everything.

Because the wedding is already over, there’s no pressure and no schedule to follow. Couples can relax, move naturally, and truly enjoy the experience together.

It also allows us to plan the session around the best locations and the best light of the day. Instead of rushing between events, we can explore iconic spots like Copa del Sol, hidden beaches, or dramatic viewpoints along the cliffs of Costa Careyes.

The result is a completely different kind of photography, more relaxed, more creative, and often some of the most memorable images from the entire wedding weekend.

And as Emily and Jon’s Copa del Sol photoshoot proved, it’s also one of the most beautiful ways to end an unforgettable destination wedding in Mexico.

Best Time for a Photoshoot at Copa del Sol in Careyes

Copa del Sol was designed to frame the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, which makes golden hour the most spectacular time for a photoshoot here.

The warm light reflects beautifully off the ocean and the curves of the sculpture, creating dramatic and cinematic images. Because the monument sits high on the cliffs in Costa Careyes, the light changes quickly as the sun sets.

Arriving about 30–40 minutes before sunset usually provides the perfect window for photos.

For couples planning a destination wedding in Careyes, scheduling a relaxed day after session at Copa del Sol is one of the best ways to capture the incredible scenery without the time pressure of the wedding day.

If you’re already falling in love with Careyes, you’re not alone. This incredible destination has a way of capturing hearts with its dramatic cliffs, colorful architecture, and breathtaking ocean views.

Below you can explore two more Careyes weddings that show just how magical this place can be.

Intimate wedding in Careyes at Sol de Oriente
A colorful Careyes wedding