Okay, so when I set a February goal of wanting to drink a fruity beverage on a tropical beach, I admit it wasn’t all daydreaming on my part. That’s because I already knew that Nicky + Chris (engagement session) would be getting married on February 1st in Montego Bay, Jamaica. And I also already knew that they wanted me to photograph it. What can I say? I like a sure thing. :)
I’ll keep the yap-yapping short on this one, because I had one heck of a time narrowing down the photos, so there’s plenty enough to look at without my typing away. But allow me to say these two things: 1) With a gorgeous couple and an idyllic backdrop, my job has never been easier, and 2) We left freezing blizzards and ended up here:
Enough said! Enjoy!
I’ll start off with what may be the most awesome beach wedding ring shot OF. ALL. TIME. I promise no harm came to this hermit crab, aside from maybe annoyance whilst we attempted to herd him into the right spot. He actually walked over the rings on the first try. PERFECTO!
After a morning on the beach, Nicky started her afternoon with hair and makeup.
HELLO! This was actually surprisingly difficult to do. First, I’m short and needed assistance to get that dress up there. Second, that assistant is standing directly off camera right because, though that hanger is hooked in tight, it was INSANELY windy that day. My assistant had a bit of a heart attack, but I assure you, the dress was safe.
Chris had it pretty easy; he spent most of his afternoon getting a massage. Then he and the boys converged upon our hotel room to begin the arduous task of… rolling up their sleeves. :)
To the ceremony! I LOVE this shot of Nicky and her mom walking down the “aisle.” If that isn’t a look of genuine happiness, I don’t know what is.
Chris seeing his bride. :)
Bridal party photos are all well and good, certainly. But once they’re done, why not have some fun?
First dance.
I’m not sure what it is about this one, but I find it beautiful.
Tip to brides considering a destination wedding: FAKE FLOWERS! Nicky went out to a local craft store before she left, bought a mix of roses and calla lilies and had a florist-friend help her turn them into bouquets. She packed them in her suitcase and then forgot about them. They looked great, and if I didn’t know they were fake, I wouldn’t have guessed it! Great idea.
Because their wedding was late in the afternoon, Nicky + Chris opted for a “Day After” session, so most of their portraits were taken later. In fact, the night after their wedding, I convinced them to take advantage of this gorgeously lighted tree on the resort’s beach. I’m glad we did, because this series is freaking awesome. I shall do this with a tree I own, if one day I’m lucky enough to own a whole tree!
Favorite!
The next morning, we woke up bright and early and took advantage of the beautiful Jamaican surf and sun. Day After sessions are such a great idea — especially if you’re camera shy and want to be relaxed. They take the pressure off, AND they let you get stunning shots, like this:
AND THIS!
AND THIS!
AND OMG THIS!
AND HOLY MOLY THIIIIIS! (You get my point. This one is definitely a favorite.)
Me: “Make a face that represents how you feel about the fact that you just got married in Jamaica!” Chris: “…”
GQ.
This might be one of my most favorite photos I’ve ever taken.
Nicky, you’re stunning. No kidding.
And last but not least:
A huge thank you to Nicky + Chris for giving me the awesome opportunity to photograph their destination wedding. It was an honor and a very serious pleasure. I mean, it’s not every day that I get to mix work with five days of snorkeling and lounging on the beach! I hope you love your photos because they are going to be ALL OVER MY STUDIO. :)
by Molly
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