Stephanie + Drew // Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Wedding
I had dreamt of photographing a destination wedding for years. It was something I never thought I’d have the privilege of doing, or at least not any time soon. I’d see other photographers photograph overseas and think to myself “clients fly you out to another country to take their photo? HOW?”
Sure enough, when I met Steph & Drew at their engagement session, they mentioned they were getting married in Punta Cana. Me, not thinking anything of it, continued on as I normally would. I delivered their engagement photos and they loved them enough to ask me to come along and photograph their wedding.
D-d-did I just book my first ever destination wedding? Was all I could think about for days. This one will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Since then, I’ve had 4 others as well, and many more in the books. But your first destination wedding is KINDA like your first love. It just hits differently. It’s definitely an adventure I’ll never forget. I flew out with my assistant, Kyle, and we got to hang with Steph, Drew & their INCREDIBLE family and friends for 7 full days.
I remember being on the bus that picked us up from the airport to take us to the resort. All the guys were OVERLY excited (rightfully so), and Kyle and I looked at each other like “uh-oh, are we going to fit in?” … when I tell you I have never gotten more close with 30 complete strangers than I did this week, please believe that. I cried so many tears in the airport when we had to say goodbye and go home. It felt like I had just said goodbye to 30 of my best friends. I can’t even put the feeling into words.
I gained two new moms, Mama Mary and Mama Viv, whom I still talk to regularly - even a year later. Kyle and I would go for dinner and drinks with the whole party crew when we were off the clock, and would relax with them on the beach all week. It’s incredible how one trip can change your entire life - and how fast you can get attached to complete strangers. They made us feel like part of the group, and for that - we are so thankful.
Steph, Drew, and the Punta Crew… I will NEVER forget this experience. Thank you, for the trip of a lifetime. I still can’t look at these photos without crying.
Here’s a little video I threw together with some random clips taken throughout the wedding. It’s not a full wedding video in the slightest, but I wanted to gift them something special in addition to the photos, just as a thank you for bringing me along for this incredible ride.
