Photography: Amanda Dolly Photography
Marissa Lambert
Wedding Dress: Luli’s Bridal
Ceremony: Sky Lounge Hyatt Zilara
Reception: Ballroom Terrace Hyatt Zilara
Hair + Makeup: Chasity Artistry
DJ: Charles Westcott Entertainment
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Macy’s
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Invitations: Paper Fling
Favors: Sip Hip Hooray
Florist/Cake/Videographer/DJ: Hyatt Zilara
Colors: Blush, white, gold, pam leaves, greens
I’m truly at a loss for words with this incredible
destination wedding! I’m insanely grateful to have gotten the opportunity to photograph Amber and Chris’ wedding in Montego Bay Jamaica. This was the first time that I traveled internationally for a wedding and the first time I’d ever been to a tropical island. I was blown away by the beauty of the island and the Hyatt Zilara/Ziva Resort! Our journey began on Thursday as me and Marissa, my long time colleague and amazingly talented photographer friend, traveled with our hubbies to Jamaica! We arrived in the late afternoon and scooped out the resort. Amber & Chris had already been at the resort for several days before we arrived and they were already soaking it all in and enjoying the pool with their family and friends as they were arriving. The day before the ceremony I photographed the welcome party :) There is such an awesome excitement in the air when you have a destination wedding as you are with your closest family & friends having an amazing vacation in a gorgeous location, all for the purpose of celebrating your marriage! It’s just so special! After the welcome party the bridal party and family all went up to the Sky Lounge to have a rehearsal and there were lots of laughs! Later in the evening they all had a beautiful rehearsal dinner which I was able to snap some photos at as well.
Before we knew it the BIG DAY had arrived!
The morning of the wedding was filled with excitement and laughter as everyone got ready. I will never forget photographing Amber’s gorgeous details outside and looking around in awe about where I was! Literally the most ideal place for a wedding! The colors of the dresses and flowers, paired with the palm trees and blues from the ocean were to die for! I loved all the girl’s robes too!
Finally it was time for Amber to get in her wedding dress and she looked absolutely STUNNING!
Amber is just a natural beauty and portraits with her were a breeze! While I was with the girls, Marissa was with Chris and the guys getting ready. Chris looked so handsome with his navy pants, white shirt and tan jacket (perfect for an island wedding!) and Marissa found some awesome locations for epic groomsmen portraits :)
They had their ceremony at the Sky Lounge overlooking the beautiful blues of the ocean! Chris and Amber’s vows to each other were adorable. These two met at work and LOVE the show The Office so there were many office references which made me so happy! They are Pam & Jim :) It was quite a hot day (we were in Jamaica after all) and I think we all underestimated just how hot it would be up on the roof with the sun beating down, but everyone did an amazing job even with the heat! We had a few minutes to cool off in the AC before heading out for family & bridal party photos. Every direction we turned there was another beautiful backdrop so choosing a location was easy peasy! The walking photos with the whole bridal party are some of my favorites from the day. I’m also obsessed with ALL the portraits of Amber & Chris together! The light was amazing down by the water and they are just such a beautiful couple :) Also Amber’s veil…AMAZING!
The reception was held in the beautiful ballroom terrace which provided great natural light (which you guys know is my fav!) throughout the majority of the reception. The 1st dances super emotional, sweet and the speeches were both touching and hilarious! We waited until close to sunset to go out on the rocks to snap a few more portraits and then it was PARTY time! These two never stopped moving. I don’t know how they did it lol. Everyone was having such a blast but the party didn’t stop after that! The night ended with a bonfire on the beach with yummy desserts and of course s’mores!
CONGRATULATIONS Amber & Chris! I will be forever thankful that you chose me to photograph your destination wedding! It was an experience I will never forget!
ENJOY THE PHOTOS :)