Photographer’s Comments: “When Helene reached out to us regarding her plans for an intimate wedding in one of our favorite Caribbean island nations, it was an immediate “YES!!!!” My husband Nathan and I have traveled many times with our wedding photography/videography business, so we are no strangers to the fun of traveling to the prettiest of places with our awesome clients! Jamaica has an extra special place in our hearts as we honeymooned there several years prior!
“After coordinating everything with Helene and Garret via e-mail months in advance, we boarded our flights out of Baltimore and headed off to the land of sand, sunshine, and smiling faces! Upon our arrival, we immediately took advantage of one of our favorite Jamaica perks, Club Mobay! Not only does it give you access to the front of the customs line, but you get to relax in a cool lounge with free drinks and snacks while your transportation to the resort is informed of your arrival. It’s the ultimate way to start any tropical vacation in our opinion!
“Helene and Garret chose the pretty RIU resort in the town of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to host their intimate wedding. Inviting only their nearest and dearest, they arrived in Jamaica several days before we did to start several days of relaxation leading up to their Friday celebration. We met Helene for the first time in person once we arrived at the resort to go over those last minute details and take a look at the places chosen for their ceremony and reception dinner.
“The RIU is an absolutely stunning resort. Offering two distinct ceremony locations, several great restaurant choices, and lots of fun for both adults and children alike, it’s a great family-friendly choice all-around. Our room was spacious and clean, and an easy walk from the elevators. Pools located on both ends of the resort offer a variety of relaxation and entertainment options throughout the day!
“On the morning of the wedding, Nathan and I grabbed our cameras and started working on the many detail shots we like to capture for our couples! The views from some of the RIU’s upper floors was absolutely breathtaking, and spiral staircases made for the perfect place to hang Helene’s wedding gown. We LOVE finding unique places for photo/video, and the RIU certainly had it’s fair share. Even the fire alarm that went off right in the middle of the “getting ready” portion couldn’t spoil our fun!
“Helene and Garret opted for the ceremony time closest to sunset, and in November, that’s right at sunset! Since there wouldn’t be much daylight left after the ceremony for portraits, they opted for a sweet “first look” giving them optimal time for portraits of the two of them, their bridal party, and the family who had traveled so far to celebrate with them! We often strongly encourage our clients to utilize the option of a first look as it can be essential during the winter months due to the early sunset, and also because it can alleviate some of those pre-wedding jitters!
“When it came time for their ceremony, we struck pure gold in that one of Helene and Garret’s relatives had been placed in a suite overlooking the ceremony site. After the emotional “walk down the aisle”, Nathan ran up to the suite’s balcony to capture some really pretty overview shots that remain some of our favorite photos from the day! Their short ceremony was both heartfelt and incredibly sweet. While guests enjoyed some post-ceremony drinks, we grabbed our newly married couple for just a few more beach shots before the daylight was gone at last. At this point the beach was almost empty, as most guests had already headed off to prepare for dinner, so we were blessed with clear waters and quiet sands.
“Helene had the forethought to bring along some really pretty decorations for their reception dinner which was held inside one of the resort’s many restaurants. We really loved her attention to detail, especially the carved wooden name pieces set at each guest’s plate. The restaurant’s staff joined our bride and groom in the celebratory mood, and the dinner was both delicious and really fun!
“The day after the wedding, Nathan and I took advantage of some of the awesome amenities the resort had to offer, after making sure our bride had some sneak peek photos of course! It was a fun, relaxing way to spend the last day before our flight back home to the chilly mountains of Pennsylvania where we live!
“It’s safe to say we’ve fallen in love with traveling for our weddings, and we are so thankful to Garret and Helene for choosing us to join them for all that tropical wedding day magic! Next up on our wedding travels? St. Maartin, we will see you in April!!!”
