Destination Wedding Photography in Jamaica
You know those once-in-a-lifetime events that align perfectly with milestone moments, reminding you that some things are simply meant to be? That’s exactly how I’d describe Ashley & Philip’s wedding and love story!
Ashley shared a cherished memory in her wedding questionnaire that sums up the magic of their journey: “I think one of our favorite memories would be the trip we first met. He flew down from Toronto, and I flew from Calgary, and we met in Arizona for the first time ever. It was a whirlwind trip, and one of the most amazing parts was pulling over on the side of the road on our way back from the Grand Canyon. There was almost no light pollution, and we could see every single star. Maybe it was in that moment that our stars started to align and start us on this path.”
And guess what? On their wedding day, a rare planetary alignment occurred, making all the planets visible at once in the night sky. Talk about destiny!
Arriving in Montego Bay on January 20th, I was beyond excited for a week filled with sunshine, love, and the opportunity to capture incredible wedding moments. As a Calgary wedding photographer, I know that destination wedding photography is more than just showing up with a camera—it takes careful preparation, multiple photoshoots, and extensive location scouting. Luckily, my partner-in-crime, Tess Lucas, and I got to explore the resort the day after we arrived. Cameras in hand, we scouted the best spots for bridal portraits, ceremony backdrops, and dreamy sunset shots.
We stayed at the Iberostar Rose Hall, a resort that boasts three sub-hotels (Waves, Rose Hall, and Joia). It quickly became clear why it’s such a sought-after venue for destination weddings-the spacious rooms, gourmet dining, and stunning beachfront made it a dream location. The on-site coordinators and staff ensured that every detail was seamless, and their warmth and hospitality made the experience even more memorable. Oh, and if you're an animal lover, be sure to ask the front desk about the on-site cat sanctuary!
Before the wedding day, we took advantage of the golden Jamaican sun for some breathtaking flat lays. And let me tell you, if you want the best flat lay experience ever, Tess is the queen! We spent hours styling the perfect shots using local finds, such as $15 seashells from a boat vendor, a $5 palm leaf from the gardener, and the softest beach sand as our backdrop. The results? Absolute magic.
The ceremony rehearsal gave us a sneak peek into the main event. Set for 5:00 PM, the timing was perfect for avoiding the intense midday heat and allowing for dreamy night sky photos. And of course, we couldn’t resist snapping a few golden-hour shots of the couple post-rehearsal, capturing the excitement before the big day.
The morning started with the best news: The Newlywed Gazette announced the couple’s union with a hand-delivered itinerary of the day’s events. With the flat lays already done ahead of schedule, we had plenty of time to focus on the couple’s getting-ready moments without feeling rushed.
Ashley had her hair and makeup done at the resort’s spa, opting for a chic updo that perfectly complemented her Alena Leena bridal gown from Blush and Raven Boutique in Calgary. Meanwhile, Philip looked dapper in a custom-tailored suit by Eph Apparel, complete with a meaningful embroidered wedding date inside his jacket. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen, reflecting their personalities and shared love (“Live long and prosper”).
Their first look took place in a secluded gazebo overlooking the ocean-just the two of them, soaking in the moment. (Of course, I had to Photoshop out a few half-naked tourists who were a little too enthusiastic about their vacation.) We then moved to a shaded area for their bridal formals, ensuring everyone stayed cool while capturing the dreamiest portraits. Opting for a first look meant that the couple could enjoy cocktail hour with their guests without feeling rushed for post-ceremony photos-a win-win!
The ceremony was everything you could hope for-tears, laughter, heartfelt vows, and the warmth of their closest loved ones. In a touching gesture, Ashley surprised Philip and his family by including Romanian and Cree phrases in her vows, a testament to her love and respect for their cultures. The entire day was a beautiful reflection of love and care, something you can truly feel when looking through their wedding album.
After the ceremony, we whisked the couple away for a few intimate portraits, giving them a moment to breathe and soak in the joy of the day. Destination weddings can feel like a whirlwind, so I always encourage couples to take a few minutes just for themselves amidst the celebrations.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour filled with laughter and games. And then came the reception - where, let’s be real, anything can happen when unlimited liquid courage is involved! From touching speeches to hilarious dance moves, the evening was nothing short of spectacular. Special shoutout to Philip’s dad, who may secretly be a stand-up comedian, his speech had the entire room in stitches!
Gratitude & Best Wishes
If you’ve made it this far, let me take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to Ashley & Philip. Thank you for trusting me to capture your incredible day. Being your friend comes first, and it was an absolute privilege to document your love story in such a breathtaking location. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both-remember, you’re on the same team, supporting each other through every milestone with love and patience.
Cheers to your happily ever after!
If you're looking for a Calgary wedding photographer or a destination wedding photographer, I'd love to chat about capturing your special moments. Whether it’s a wedding in the heart of the Rockies or a tropical beach ceremony, I’m here to document your love story in the most meaningful way possible!