Locations:
Villa Blanca - Palmera Resort & Golf (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
Sanoa Island
Introduction:
Briana and James met in college at Hampton University, but it took some time for the two to actually start dating. James had moved to Maryland after college while Briana was in New York. One day, James decided to "slide in the DM" on social media and Briana took the bait! The couple have been madly in love ever since. James proposed using a drone in front of his parents house. The two then had their Engagement photos taken in Rock Creek Park in Washington D.C. They decided on a destination wedding at Villa Blanca in beautiful Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Getting Ready:
The wedding party was very loose with their preparations since all of the family was spread out on the compound. The ladies got ready in the master bedroom of the villa while the guys got ready in the guest house in the front of the complex. Meanwhile, in the back of the villa, the planner and her staff readied the ceremony area.
Ceremony:
Their ceremony was held in the back of the villa under a gorgeous floral archway. Accompanying the floral colors were hints of pineapples around the ceremony. It all helped to tie into the island theme. As soon as the couple started their vows, a tropical rain started. While it wasn't the best of times for the electronics and some of the cupcakes, they say it's good luck for a little rain to happen on your wedding day. The story is that if you can get through rain on your wedding day together, you can get through anything.
Formals:
For the ladies, we tried to keep things a little simple after the rain and stuck with some traditional setups. The guys, however, wanted to have a little more fun. We utilized the vast space of the golf course behind the villa to come up with some fun shots!
Reception:
As the sun faded below the horizon, the wedding party enjoyed a delicious plated dinner at an amazingly decorated grand table under a sheer canopy. The couple danced the night away into the wee hours of the morning with their guests; eventually ending up in the pool.
Day-After:
The day after the wedding most of the family and friends went on a beach day excursion to Sanoa Island. We departed from Bayahibe harbour where there were a bunch of vendors selling hats and other DR souvenirs. We departed on a speedboat toward the island, stopping at a natural pool full of starfish along the way. We soaked up the sun and enjoyed the beach before catching a fun catamaran back to the harbour to end the day.
Conclusion:
We had a blast with James and Briana as always. They have been one of our longest-standing couples, from the proposal, to the engagement session, and now the wedding. We wish them nothing but the best going forward as they continue to grow as a family! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Crowder!