Celebrating 35 Years of Love: Alan and Bridget’s Heartfelt Re-Proposal and Vow Renewal at Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres

Love has a way of evolving and deepening over time, and for Alan and Bridget, their 35-year journey together reached a beautiful milestone. When Alan first proposed to Bridget, it was in front of his platoon while he was in the Army. He described it as not the most romantic setting—after all, it was at a party, and the beer may have been a little too much of a presence in the moment! Bridget, ever the good sport, didn’t hold it against him, but Alan always knew that one day he would want to show her just how much he truly cherished her.

Fast forward three and a half decades, and Alan’s love for Bridget has only grown stronger, even as the years have passed. They’ve raised four children together, weathered the ups and downs of life, and, as Alan said, he was still just as in love with her as he was the day he first asked her to marry him. That’s when Alan decided it was time to do something truly special—a re-proposal, a moment that would reflect the depth of his feelings and the love they’ve nurtured together.

Alan reached out to me, asking if I would photograph this meaningful moment. I could feel the excitement in his voice as we chatted about the plan. It was clear that he wanted this moment to be different—a true reflection of the love they shared. At some point during our conversation, the idea of renewing their vows came up, and Alan was absolutely thrilled. This would be a celebration of their entire journey, and I was honored to be asked to capture it.

The plan was simple but deeply meaningful: Alan would present Bridget with a beautiful anniversary band as a symbol of their enduring love. But this time, he would do it right—getting down on one knee, something he hadn’t done the first time around. It was a gesture that would mark the 35 years of commitment, growth, and love they’d shared. When the moment came, Bridget’s reaction was priceless—her joy, her surprise, and the warmth in her heart were all visible in her beaming smile.

After the re-proposal and Bridget’s joyful “I do…again,” we took to the stunning cliffs of Punta Sur for a photo session. The dramatic landscape made for the perfect backdrop to their love story—vast, timeless, and full of beauty. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the colors of the cliffs and ocean framed the couple’s journey, immortalizing their bond in every shot.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. About an hour later, we made our way to a secluded part of the park, where Sabina, their spiritual officiant, was waiting. Alan told Bridget that there was one more surprise in store—a vow renewal ceremony. The look of shock and love on Bridget’s face was a memory I won’t soon forget. It was a moment filled with emotion, and as Sabina handed her a bouquet of pale pink and white flowers—matching the ones she carried on her wedding day 35 years ago—the scene was nothing short of magical.

The words spoken by Sabina were deeply personal, crafted from the thoughts and feelings Alan had shared with us, making the ceremony all the more special. As I stood there, photographing their vow renewal, I was reminded why I do what I do. Capturing moments like these—where love, joy, and genuine emotion shine through—is a privilege that fills me with gratitude.

Alan and Bridget’s 35th anniversary celebration was more than just a re-proposal and vow renewal; it was a testament to their enduring love. It was a beautiful reminder that love isn’t just about the big moments—it’s about the little ones, too, the quiet gestures that deepen and strengthen the bond over the years. Here's to many more years of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories for Alan and Bridget!