Punta Cana Wedding by Urban Safari Photography

Danielle and Michael celebrated their union in a non-traditional sort of way. Danielle wore a gorgeous two piece blush gown, they read their vows privately prior to the ceremony and for a destination wedding the ceremony wasn’t on the beach. What’s more glorious than a union that is just so personalized that is perfect for the couple? A celebration of love surrounded by an intimate group of your closest family and friends. That’s what!
From the photographer: Danielle and Michael married in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and I am so thrilled to have been part of their celebration! Their wedding was different than other destination weddings I’ve photographed. Although, it was a marriage that brought them, their close friends and family to the Caribbean, it felt more like one big family vacation. Danielle and Michael spent a large part of their trip with their closest friends and family members; there were about 25-30 people in total. They dined together as much as possible and spent time on the beach and attending events at the resort. For the wedding day itself, Danielle got ready with her girlfriends, family members, and a fellow hairstylist and best friend from back home who did her hair. Michael got ready with his friends next door and spent time poolside with his buddies before the ceremony.

Danielle wore a stunning two-piece blush mermaid gown and Michael in a full navy suit. Once they were ready for the first look, we snuck away to a beautiful back alleyway of the resort. Instead of reading their vows in front of everyone at the ceremony, they opted to read their vows {written in individual notebooks for each other} during the first look. They wanted to keep their vows private, so it was only the three of us. Afterwards, we wandered the resort taking photos.

The ceremony was nontraditional for a destination wedding, as they opted for a nighttime gazebo affair lit only by candles and ambient light. Their guests surrounded them at the base of the ceremony, which lasted mere minutes as the couple wanted to get back to spending time with everyone who came. For the reception, guests dined on surf and turf on an outdoor patio with the waves crashing up on the sides. Once the dinner service concluded, the group retreated to the resort’s piano bar for some late-night drinks and fun.