Where do I even begin with this post? I was asked to photograph the wedding of Keila+Sharay whom were college schoolmates of mine some time ago. The request in itself was not so odd, however the location was definitely something to remember. This couple would be wed on the aisle of Jamaica! I actually had the opportunity to photograph a destination wedding outside the country and until now, had traveled as far as the east coast, but nothing of this sort. Excitement is an understatement when it comes to this type of opportunity so the first thing I did was to research all I could about destination weddings abroad and in Jamaica, in particular.
So are you planning a destination wedding? These are the possibilities…
The preceding image was actually taken on the 2nd day of my stay, but would be an example of the type of wedding this would be. -Absolutely amazing!
The following image was taken a day prior to the actual wedding day as I scouted locations to use when the time was right.
Later in the evening, sushi was in the menu!
Have you ever seen a Jamaican sushi chef?
The big day was here and it was time for hair and makeup for the bride and her daughter at the hotel salon and spa.
I thought I’d get a quick grab just before it was time for makeup.
Now that hair and makeup was done, I headed over to see what progress Sharay was making in preparation for the big day. This image was the view from the room’s balcony.
Here was another that shows the hotel’s Iberostar logo.
OK, so now that my fascination with the amazing view had subsided, it was time to get back to the task at hand, which was to capture the groom preparing for the ceremony.
I suppose it’s always a good idea to grab a piece of gum before you salute your bride.
I headed back to see how Keila was progressing and it seemed like she was well on target to be ready by the start time of 5 o’clock. It was just a matter of putting the final touches on everything.
I grabbed a few quick images while we all anxiously waited for the bride to walk down the aisle.
And there she was in all her beauty as she’s escorted by her father.
…the sand ceremony and the salute.
What way to finish off a traditional ceremony with the jumping of the broom.
A view from the balcony of the Iberostar.
I‘ve included just a very small selection of some of my favorite images here. There were just so many that I simply selected them at random.
It was a long and exciting day and well worth the trip.
Congrats to Keila+Sharay for allowing me to be a part of your special day(week) 🙂 I had a great time making these images for you and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
First of all let me take a moment to thank you for being there not as our awesome photographer but as a friend. We are so grateful that you were able to be there and share the day / week with us. Jamaica is such a surreal place and simply just to be able to visit a place as such is a spectacular experience. However, for you to be there to capture our special moment(s) on camera …… Priceless! So thank you for your love of natural light and capturing such beauty with your eye. We love you.
Thanks a thousand times over for such heart felt words. Your ceremony couldn’t have been scripted even in Hollywood and the greatest location supervisor couldn’t have chosen a more romantic place for a wedding ceremony. Thank you for allowing me to be there and share those moments with you!
Anytime… See ya there next year baby boy .. have your cameras ready
Keila and Sharay, I am almost breathless. Definitely I am wiping tears. This was so touching. You were so beautiful. Marissa was beautiful. Girl, I really miss you all. I have gone through the pictures several times (lol). May God blessings of unity and love be with you always. Sharay, I feel like I know you, you both, along with Marissa are truly blessed. Let nothing or no human being come between you all. “A FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER.” Much love, Effie