Kristen & Frank – Melia Caribe Tropical in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

I shot my first destination wedding what had to be over 8 years ago. I wish I knew then what I know now about photography. But that is just the nature and journey of a creative mind. You experiment, you learn, you succeed, you fail, you shoot with your head, and you shoot with you heart. And I’m glad that now as a seasoned photographer I was able to capture the essence of this trip, Kristen and Frank’s wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Let me start by saying that my favorite aspect of Punta Cana is the people. Every single person I encountered was charismatic and genuine which set the stage for this trip. I wanted to approach photography in a more journalistic way. I wanted real, genuine moments. This leads me to who Kristen and Frank are. I can almost imagine wild stallions running free when I think of Kristen and Frank. They are free spirits that know how to have a good time and want everyone around them to have a good time too. When they approached me it was more of an invitation to hang out and take some photographs along the way, which is always a refreshing outlook to a destination wedding.

I flew to Punta Cana to find Kristen and Frank at their wedding rehearsal. Tiki torches led to a path full of vibrant people, food, drinks, and heartfelt speeches that led to a lot of crying. Another thing I love about Kristen and Frank, they evoke so much emotion and aren’t afraid to show it. But shortly after, dancing and dancing and dancing. Which validates the fact that they are genuine. Let’s feel this emotion and then celebrate it! Their wedding day was spectacular. The heat, the palm trees, the ocean. Everything fell perfectly into place as Kristen walked through the sand to Frank waiting at the alter. We were blessed with perfect weather and their closest friends and family to witness them tie the knot. The sun gently set across the ocean and a celebration was in order. Dancing all night long in the beautiful Dominican heat. It was a trip I will never forget.

Kristen & Frank Manella (video + slideshow) – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic from Janelle Bonagurio on Vimeo.

Destination weddings come with a free wedding video short to compliment a photo slideshow as well as a Day After session. These sessions are vital for destination weddings because what better way to take advantage of a beautiful place you traveled to? The day after your wedding couples can relax, enjoy their atmosphere, get creative, and have photographs to remember forever.