Category: Central America & Caribbean

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Costa Rica Wedding Photographer // Arlene & Francis

Intimate destination wedding | RIU Guanacaste, Costa Rica

In October, I had the opportunity to photograph Arlene & Francis’ beautiful Costa Rica wedding at the Riu Guanacaste. Francis and I worked together years ago at our local Chapters bookstore. I think he was still in high school then. It was incredible to see him after all these years and marry the love of his life. Arlene and I hadn’t met before, but as soon as she greeted me at the door to her suite, I knew it was going to be a great day. 

From Arlene: “I don’t know where to begin. Janice’s photos are amazing!! When I first saw Janice’s portfolio, I knew I wanted her to be our photographer for our destination wedding. Her photos capture once in a lifetime moments that I now can relive in pictures over and over again (moments I, myself did not know were going on around me or wouldn’t have thought could be captured in one photo). Through her pictures, I am able to feel the raw emotions from that day. I still find myself getting excited or teary looking at the same photo from a few days ago. I especially enjoyed her little ways to get to know us and capture our personalities in our photos. There is just something magical in her photos like going to Disney World as an adult.”

I have always believed that photography is a way of feeling. So if my work is able to touch someone in a way, even just for a short while, then I feel like I’ve done a good job.

Here’s how their day unfolded.

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Saba Photographer // Travels in the Caribbean

As I write this post, I’m currently sitting on a beach in Hervey Bay, Australia, which is about 3.5 hours north of Brisbane. I’m on a 3-month trip that will take me to a few more places in Australia, New Zealand, Bali and China. But first, back to the Caribbean.

I had the opportunity to visit a few Caribbean islands in October 2013 when I photographed a destination wedding on the tiny island of Nevis.  On this trip, we gained a true appreciation of “island time” and learned how to “lime”. Everything slows down in the hot and sticky climate. We visited St Maarten, St Kitts & Nevis and the teeny, tiny island of Saba. Of the three, Saba was definitely our favourite.

Why did we visit Saba of all the islands there are? Well, one, we were short on time and two, I was flipping through the Lonely Planet guidebook and the descriptions of Saba were simply too charming and hilarious. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to visit an island where there is only one road and is called “The Road”, with a village called “The Bottom” and an old sea port which can only be accessed with a series of stairs called “The Stairs”? :) You see my point.

Unlike most Caribbean islands, Saba is a mountainous island that actually doesn’t have a natural beach. But what it lacks in beaches, it more than makes up for in the stunning scenery with lush tropical plants, magnificent Mount Scenery, and sea views from almost anywhere on the island.

Getting there: Winair connects you from the St Maarten airport; the flight only takes about 20 minutes over azure Caribbean waters. Having flown with a small aircraft, I can finally see why some love to fly. You will land on one of the shortest commercial runways in the world, after thinking that you are about to fly into the side of the mountain. That experience alone is well worth the visit.

Sleeping: We stayed at The Cottage Club in the village of Windwardside (so named because it’s very windy there) and loved it. Ask for cottage #1 or #2 for the best views in my opinion.

Eating: There are quite a few amazing restaurants on such a tiny island. We had dinner one night at The Brigadoon and the meal was both delicious and did not break the bank. Killer martinis here are a plus.

Activities: Hikers will love a number of stunning hikes available and if you like water activities, the diving here is supposed to be amazing as well. Or you can just relax by your hotel pool, taking in the gorgeous views and ocean breeze.

Instead of a more traditional destination in the Caribbean, consider unspoiled and tranquil Saba! :)

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Negril Jamaica Wedding Photographer // Alaina & Denis

Near the end of November, I had the opportunity to photograph Alaina & Denis’ destination wedding in Negril, Jamaica. It’s always exciting to shoot in new places. But I’ve come to the realization that no matter how beautiful the setting, it’s the people that make it special. While a wedding is a manifestation of love and commitment between two people, it’s also a coming together of family and friends. So in truth, it’s a celebration of all kinds of love. And I think it’s so fitting because in life, there’s love, there’s also friendship, and family. Alaina and Denis met in university, so besides their closest family, their good friends were also there to celebrate their big day. Witnessing all this love, I couldn’t help but think that as a photographer, I couldn’t ask for more.

Here’s the story of Alaina and Denis’ wedding day: a celebration of love in all its forms, by the ocean with the sound of waves, in beautiful Negril.

Door games are such fun Chinese heritage wedding traditions. Often with random and crazy challenges for the boys.

Like drinking a cup of mixed sauces (consisting of something sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy).

Or doing push ups at the same time.

Or singing along to Bruno Mars’ Marry Me.

Or doing the Single Ladies routine.

You get the idea ;)

This is what happens when boys put on boutonnieres – they go on backwards :D

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Caribbean Destination Wedding // Sarah & Nate

Elegant Destination Wedding on the island of Nevis | As featured on Jet Fete

At the end of October I had the opportunity to photograph a destination wedding in the sunny Caribbean (my first!). Sarah and Nate tied the knot on the tiny island of Nevis in the Caribbean. When they decided to get married, they knew they wanted a destination wedding, but didn’t want the typical destination wedding places. So when they visited the island in January of last year, they knew that this unique and remote island was the place. Their ceremony was held at an old church in Charlestown, and the reception was held at a seaside restaurant venue of The Four Seasons Nevis.

Surrounded by their nearest & dearest and the beautiful scenery, it was a magical day. Thank you Sarah & Nate – it was amazing to be part of your day and document it all!

Before a first look with Nate, Sarah had a first look with her dad. It was really sweet.

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