I was lucky enough to be hired from these two amazing people to take their engagement photos in Madison Wisconsin. At the time they did not have their plans for their destination wedding (or they were not talking about it then) but they wanted to have photos taken together. It was a great session and quickly we all liked each other. A few months later Emily said they were getting married in Jamaica and were considering taking me! I was instantly game! I personally LOVE travel and new adventures and really liked them as a couple. Soon we are were all set to head to Jamaica leaving Wisconsin’s winter behind us. I had only done one other destination wedding in India the year before. Maybe I am too quick to say this with only doing 2 destination weddings but it is different and a bit more intimate. It is awesome to see a small group of people getting to know each other over several days and having adventures and good times. Then when the wedding happens there is such a flood of celebration, meaning and love. It was a great wedding and I am so thankful for the awesome adventure it was!

The Magic of Destination Weddings

This wasn’t my first destination wedding—I had photographed an incredible celebration in India the year before—but I’ll say it again: destination weddings hit differently. There’s something so intimate about being part of a multi-day experience, where guests become family, laughter echoes across pool decks, and every moment feels like a celebration.

In Jamaica, everyone arrived with relaxed energy and open hearts. There were welcome dinners, beach hangs, and late-night chats under the stars. By the time the wedding day arrived, the vibe was pure joy. Everyone knew each other. Everyone felt the love.

And the backdrop? Absolutely stunning. Golden light, turquoise water, palm trees swaying in the breeze. Jamaica brought a richness of color and warmth that made every photo come alive.

The Wedding Day

Emily and Matt’s wedding day was filled with love and effortless beauty. They were surrounded by their closest people, all of whom brought their own sparkle to the day. From the first look to the last dance, it was emotional, fun, and full of those in-between moments I love most—the hugs, the laughter, the quiet glances when no one else is watching.

We snuck away for golden hour portraits with the ocean behind us and soft sand under our feet. The sunset was everything you'd hope for—warm, glowing, like the island itself was celebrating along with us.

Grateful for the Adventure

Photographing this wedding in Jamaica reminded me why I do what I do. It's not just about the photos—it’s about the connection, the trust, the shared experience. It’s about being invited into a once-in-a-lifetime moment and helping people relive it for years to come.

Emily and Matt, thank you for taking me with you. Thank you for trusting me to capture your story in paradise. It was beautiful, unforgettable, and such an honor to be part of your journey.

And to anyone considering a destination wedding—do it. Make the memories. Bring the people you love. And if you need someone to capture it all, I’ve got my passport ready.