Are you thinking about having a destination wedding at Sandals Ocho Rios in Jamaica? Lauren and Tate travelled from the United States to celebrate their wedding surrounded by their closest family and friends, choosing an intimate destination wedding at one of Jamaica’s beautiful Sandals resorts. I had the pleasure of capturing their full wedding day as their Sandals Ocho Rios wedding photographer, documenting everything from the getting-ready moments through to their beach ceremony, private vows, portraits and evening celebrations.
Lauren was one of the calmest brides I have ever photographed. Even when her makeup needed to be redone, she remained completely relaxed and sweet throughout the morning. There was something really lovely about her approach to the day, and it set the tone for a beautiful and intimate wedding in Jamaica.
A Relaxed Destination Wedding at Sandals Ocho Rios
Lauren and Tate travelled from the United States to Jamaica because they wanted an intimate wedding that allowed them to spend meaningful time with the people closest to them. With around 20 guests, their celebration felt personal, relaxed and incredibly welcoming. They wanted a beach-inspired wedding with a laid-back Jamaican feel, and Sandals Ocho Rios provided a beautiful setting for it.
One of the things I immediately noticed was how attentive the Sandals team were throughout the day. The wedding planner kept everything moving, while making sure Lauren and Tate were comfortable, hydrated and looked after.
For couples planning a destination wedding in Jamaica, having a team that understands the importance of timing can make such a difference. There are so many moving parts on a wedding day, particularly at a resort where the ceremony, portraits, cocktail hour and reception all need to work together.
The groom got ready in one of the resort’s beautiful villas, complete with its own pool. I photographed some relaxed portraits of him on the balcony before heading back to photograph Lauren getting ready with her parents. Going back and forth between the bride and groom allowed me to document both sides of the morning while making sure neither felt forgotten.
And yes, the groom was kind enough to let me investigate the minibar. 😂
Why Lauren & Tate Chose Me as Their Wedding Photographer
Lauren and Tate told me that they originally chose me because they loved my work. They had seen my website and Instagram and connected with the way I photograph weddings. They loved the elegance of my images, but more importantly, they loved the way I captured real emotion and natural moments. They also appreciated how involved I was during the planning process. Although they had originally created their own Pinterest folder of ideas, they eventually told me that they trusted me enough to use my suggestions instead. That means a lot to me.
When a couple tells me, “I trust you,” that is one of the biggest compliments I can receive as a photographer. My approach to wedding photography is relaxed and natural. I will absolutely give you direction when you need it, particularly during portraits, but I don’t want you spending your entire wedding day being posed. I want you to enjoy your wedding. I want you to spend time with your family and friends, laugh, have a drink, dance, eat, enjoy the Jamaican sunshine and actually experience the day you’ve spent so much time planning. That’s the kind of destination wedding photography I love creating.
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A Beautiful Wedding Ceremony at Sandals Ocho Rios
Lauren and Tate chose the Over-the-Water Wedding Chapel at Sandals Ocho Rios for their ceremony. The white chapel, glass floor and views across the water created such a beautiful setting for an intimate Jamaica wedding.
After photographing their ceremony and portraits around the chapel, the couple also chose to exchange private vows away from their guests. That was one of the most emotional parts of the day. They wanted those words to be just for the two of them, and I was honoured that they trusted me to document such an intimate moment. It is moments like these that remind me why I love being a wedding photographer. The big moments are wonderful, but sometimes the quiet ones between two people are the ones that stay with you.
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests moved towards the beach for cocktail hour and the reception. The location felt secluded and intimate, surrounded by the natural beauty of the resort. Sandals also arranged transportation between the different parts of the celebration, which helped keep everything moving smoothly without taking the couple away from their guests for too long.
An Intimate Sandals Wedding Reception
Lauren and Tate wanted their reception to feel relaxed rather than overly formal, and I loved that. They even incorporated a little wedding puzzle game for their guests, which was such a cute idea for an intimate celebration.
And then there was the food. Honestly, the reception meal was delicious. There were deep fried prawns, fresh fruit, steak and plenty of choice, along with drinks from the bar. The staff were friendly and genuinely seemed to enjoy being part of the celebrations.
For a destination wedding photographer, those little details are part of the story too. It’s not just about the first kiss or the formal portraits. It’s the food, the drinks, the laughter, the people around the table and those little interactions that bring the whole day back when you look through your photographs years later.
Favourite Moments from Lauren & Tate’s Wedding Day
There were so many moments from Lauren and Tate’s wedding day that I loved capturing, but one of my favourites was how calm Lauren remained throughout the morning. Even when things didn’t go exactly according to plan, she never allowed the little hiccups to take over the day. It was genuinely inspiring to watch.
There was also an unexpected little guest during the wedding ceremony. A pigeon casually appeared in one of the photographs as Lauren and her father walked down the pier. It was just standing there as though someone had deliberately placed it in the perfect position. I couldn’t have planned that if I tried. Naturally, I kept the photograph.
Another moment that stayed with me was when Lauren’s mum heard the song “You Are My Sunshine.” She kept looking at her daughter and crying, and eventually the emotion was simply too much for her to dance. Instead, she held Lauren. I was crying too. Those are the moments I look for as a wedding photographer. The moments that aren’t planned, posed or directed, but happen naturally because the people you love are standing right there in front of you.
Lauren and Tate also received some beautiful words from Lauren’s dad, who spoke about how proud he was of them and everything they had achieved. It was such a lovely moment for their family and another reminder that a wedding isn’t just about two people getting married. It’s about celebrating the people who helped you get there too.
And then, of course, came the fireworks. Lauren absolutely loved them. At one point, she was shouting “Yeah man! Yeah man! Yeah man!” while dancing and enjoying herself, and I couldn’t help but laugh. She may not be fluent in Jamaican Patois just yet, but she certainly knows how to embrace the Jamaican spirit. 😂 She was having the time of her life, and I made sure I captured it.
Their Private Vows
One of my favourite parts of the day was photographing Lauren and Tate as they exchanged their private vows. There was something incredibly intimate about watching them speak to each other away from the rest of their guests. They talked about their love, how proud they were of each other and how happy they were to be married. I won’t share the private details of what they said, because those words belonged to them. But I will say this: I cried. It was one of those moments where you stop thinking about taking photographs for a second and simply feel what is happening in front of you.
If you’re planning an intimate destination wedding in Jamaica, I think there is something really special about creating a private moment like this for just the two of you.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
One thing I pride myself on as a Jamaica destination wedding photographer is being able to adapt when the schedule changes. During Lauren and Tate’s wedding day, there was a delay in the afternoon that meant we were suddenly working against the clock. So I did what I had to do. We moved quickly, and I photographed their portraits in around ten minutes before getting them back to their cocktail hour. And honestly? I was proud of myself.
I don’t believe couples should spend their entire wedding day running around taking photographs. Of course, I want to create beautiful portraits and make sure you have all the photographs you’ve dreamed about, but I also want you to actually enjoy your wedding. Your family and friends have travelled to Jamaica to celebrate with you. You should be able to sit down with them, have a drink, laugh, eat and enjoy the experience. That’s always going to be important to me.
And then there was the fire show. Bob did an incredible job entertaining everyone, and at one point he blew the fire in my direction. Unfortunately, I was standing a little too close. I felt the heat hit me and immediately realised that perhaps being that close to the fire wasn’t my brightest idea. 😂 I laughed so hard afterwards. Lesson learned: when Bob is doing his thing, Vanessa needs to stand further back. 😅
The Tiny Photographer Problem
And finally, there is one thing I occasionally forget about myself. I’m tiny. During the day, there were moments when I was running after Lauren and Tate trying to keep up with them, while my assistant was laughing at me. My legs may be short, but apparently they can still move when there’s a wedding to photograph. 😂
And honestly, that’s the thing. I’ll run, move, crouch, climb, squeeze into little spaces and do whatever I need to do to get the photograph. Height isn’t going to stop me.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Sandals Ocho Rios
Sandals Ocho Rios is a beautiful setting for a destination wedding in Jamaica. The resort feels calm, elegant and sophisticated, while still giving couples the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Jamaica. One of my favourite locations is the Over-the-Water Wedding Chapel.
The all-white design, glass floor and views across the water make it particularly beautiful for intimate wedding ceremonies. You can see the ocean beneath you while listening to the waves during the ceremony, which creates such a peaceful atmosphere. I also love the simplicity of the design. For couples who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, the chapel provides a beautiful backdrop without needing lots of additional decoration.
The resort team were also wonderful throughout Lauren and Tate’s wedding day. The wedding planner kept everything moving, checked on the couple regularly and made sure they had water and stayed hydrated throughout the day. Those things might sound small, but when you’re getting married in Jamaica, they matter. It’s hot, the schedule can be busy and there are plenty of moving parts. Having a team that is attentive and organised can make your experience so much more enjoyable.
After photographing this wedding, I would absolutely love to return to Sandals Ocho Rios. It is a beautiful option for couples looking for an intimate Jamaica destination wedding with a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
Planning Your Destination Wedding in Jamaica?
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Jamaica, I would love to capture it for you. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration at Sandals Ocho Rios or getting married at another beautiful Jamaican resort, my approach is always the same: relaxed, natural and focused on creating photographs that allow you to feel your wedding day all over again.
I want you to feel comfortable in front of my camera, enjoy your time with your guests and trust me to capture the moments that happen naturally. And yes, if you have a Pinterest folder, send it my way. 😂 I love knowing what inspires you, and I’ll happily bring some of those ideas into your wedding portraits while still making sure the photographs feel like you.
A Few Tips for Your Jamaica Destination Wedding
If you’re getting married in Jamaica, there are a few practical things I always recommend. Check your hair and makeup artist’s portfolio before booking. Whether you’re using the resort’s team or bringing in an external artist, make sure you’ve seen their work and read reviews. If you have specific requirements for your hair or makeup, make sure they have experience creating the look you want.
Stay hydrated. Jamaica is hot, especially when you’re wearing a wedding dress and spending time outdoors. Keep water nearby throughout the day. Have a small fan. Your future self will thank you. 😂
And most importantly, choose a wedding photographer whose work you genuinely love. I’ve had couples tell me that they booked me because they loved my work and trusted me to capture their day. That’s exactly how you should feel when you’ve found your photographer. You should look at their photographs and think: “Yes. That’s how I want my wedding to feel.”
If you’re currently planning your destination wedding in Jamaica, I’d love to hear about it. Whether you’re celebrating at Sandals Ocho Rios or another beautiful Jamaican wedding venue, get in touch to find out more about my Jamaica wedding photography and wedding content creation services.
Your wedding day will go by incredibly quickly. Let’s make sure you have photographs that bring you right back to it. 🩶