What a dream to have a Punta Cana Wedding! When I first met Shinetta and Jaron, I knew they were going to be special…especially when they showed up for their engagement session looking like they just stepped off of a runway! Originally, Shi just wanted an engagement session because they were planning a destination wedding at the beautiful Hard Rock Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Of course my first response was, “Have Camera, will travel!” I think we all knew about 20 minutes into their session that we just fit. See full story here: ENGAGEMENT

Planning a destination wedding is stressful, I’ll start with that. But, in the end, it was so worth it. Shinetta and Jaron had a weekend full of love and fun with their closest friends and family. It started out on Friday with the rehearsal and dinner (with plenty of free alcohol) where we ended up in the pool fully clothed. Yes, I said “we” because of course I joined in the fun! Saturday was the wedding day. Hard Rock Punta Cana is gorgeous. The grounds are beautiful and they have so many stunning locations to shoot pictures. But, it’s HUGE. I had 10,000 steps by 11:30am if that tells you anything… So, to ensure we could utilize the beauty of the grounds, golf carts were KEY! Shi and her gorgeous bridesmaids and flower girl got glammed up at the gorgeous Rock Spa Posh Beauty Salon where the mimosas were flowing!

The Ceremony

The ceremony was on the beach and it seemed like I was shooting a dream. I assumed a few other hotel guests felt the same way because I had to shoo away some that were being paparazzi while in their speedos 😉 Shi was escorted in a pimped-out golf cart, and the ceremony went off without a hitch! The reception on the beach was perfect, the dancing and drinking was off the chain and I must say, they partied like Hard Rock stars 😉

The beauty of hiring a photographer (I obviously mean me) to attend your destination wedding is that I’m there the entire weekend. I always have my camera. So, when Shi decided in lieu of wedding favors to have a group snorkeling/drinking cruise the following day, I was ready to (drink) document! It was PERFECT. Everyone was still recovering from the wedding, but, once the Mama Juana started flowing, so did the dancing and fun!

The Rock the Dress

To end the amazing trip, Shi, Jaron and I woke up a 6am on the final day to shoot a Sunrise trash the dress session on the beach. Yes, we were all exhausted, but I think we all agree, this was totally worth it. We got some of my favorite shots of all time. Yes, it helps that they are gorgeous and Shi had such an amazing dress. But, I think it was also nice that they had a second to enjoy each other. No stress, no people…just love. One of the pictures also won a WEDAWARD which is a is an international contest for wedding photography who look for photographers who combine stunning quality and style of imagery.

Shinetta and Jaron, thank you for entrusting me to document your destination wedding. I do feel as though I am part of your family for life. I can’t wait for the 10 year destination anniversary trip! 🙂 . If you’re planning a Punta Cana Wedding, or anywhere else for that matter, give me a call! Have Camera, Will Travel!