Oh Em Gee. I just can’t. This destination wedding at Dreams Punta Cana is one I hold close to my heart for many reasons. Firstly, Katherine is one of my great gal pals and I am overjoyed that I got to witness her marry the man of her dreams. It was perfection. Secondly, it was my first “official” destination wedding at the beach. I’ve done a few other out of town weddings, one in Ireland, one in Cape Cod, Manitoulin Island, etc…but this was the real deal beach kind of destination wedding. Thirdly, and selfishly, most importantly, I got to take a break on the beach for a few days. Just me, my book, a few tropical beverages, and Netflix (American Netflix!) whenever, wherever. Best. Ever. I may have watched almost the entire first season of The OC. Sorry, not sorry.

I want to point out that I am by no means complaining, but October and November were BUSY months. Twenty-four shoots in a month and a half, plus we moved, plus I co-led a yoga retreat in the Eastern Townships (the weekend after we moved). Did I mention I had to edit all 24 of these shoots? All of this seemed doable at the time, until the burnout hit and I was so done.
Entrepreneurs will rarely show you the dark and often isolating side of running a business, but when you have very few people to rely on, no coworkers or colleagues to reach out to for help, it can get really, really, exhausting. I will admit, I took on way too much and should have turned away some clients during this busy time, but I just can’t say no. It’s a fault.
All this to say…I was SO ready for some time on the beach, and boy did I soak it up.

Katherine and Colin’s wedding day was perfectly sunny, warm, and so laid back. There’s something about getting married down south that immediately puts you at ease, I think. No stress, just love.

I got to spend the morning lounging on the beach reading, and then joined the girls as they were getting ready in the bridal suite.

This is the part where Katherine gave each of her girls (including me) a beautiful thank you card and personalized rose gold bracelet. Everyone cried. Well, maybe not everyone, but I did. Too many emotions!

“I’m so overjoyed that you are here to watch as I marry the man of my dreams. Even though I wasn’t there to watch you marry yours, here’s a little something to always remember that place, because I know how much you love love”.

The coordinates on my bracelet are for Billings Estate, where Tim and I were married 4+ years ago. Jesus, Katherine! Bawled. My. Eyes. Out. And then got back to work.

 

We headed outside for a few photos before the ceremony with the gals.

I love this portrait of the bride and her mother. These two have such a special bond and I feel like this photo really captures it.

I snuck in a few photos with the groom and groomsmen before the ceremony, and then it was go time.

The ceremony was perfection. Lead by the groom’s dad, it was personal, unique and the greatest reflection of Katherine and Colin’s love.

It’s safe to say, Katherine’s had a hard time keeping it together when she saw Colin at the end of the aisle waiting for her.

Following a little champagne and some family photos, we headed to the beach as the sun was setting.

After the wedding party headed back to the wedding reception, the bride and groom took a stroll along the beach as the sun was setting and looking pretty.

If you know Katherine, this is such a “Katherine” face. I just had to include it. I love it 🙂

Onto this beautiful outdoor wedding reception at Dreams Punta Cana. The PERFECT night.

My heart is so full. Thank you Katherine and Colin, for including me in your special day. What a way to finish off the wedding season 🙂

Wedding team

Wedding dress: With Love Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid dresses: Various
Florist: Dreams Punta Cana
Hair stylist: Dreams Punta Cana
Makeup artist: Kathleen Milne