Morgan and Joel Walsh said “I do” at the gorgeous Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana just ONE week ago. Surrounded by FIFTY of their closest family and friends, this wedding day was nothing shy of perfect. I still am in awe of how amazing this trip was.

To give you a back story…

Morgan Monahan, a perfect stranger, reached out to me on October 25, 2017, about having engagement photos done. She was planning a destination wedding for Spring of 2019 and just needed images for save-the-dates. Little did I know, I’d be in for one heck of a planning adventure with her. I gave her a little spiel all about my photography that went something like this:

“I truly believe it is SO important to be able to capture engagement photos with the same photographer who shoots your wedding, for a few different reasons. (I could really go on for days about this!) To give you a semi-abridged version: my personal philosophy as a wedding photographer revolves heavily around relationships. I adore my couples and am borderline obsessed with each and every one of them. I value the friendships we create and truly feel that part of being comfortable while having your pictures taken is knowing and trusting the person taking them! This is what creates the BEST pictures, and I pride myself on producing genuine, joyful and natural imagery, all while building the sweetest friendships!”

Needless to say, I still stand behind this philosophy whole-heartedly today. And I am SO thankful Morgan trusted me all those months ago. The 18-month journey of planning was anything but easy… but this bride, groom & their families handled it with poise and grace.

I knew it was going to be a good, good trip when we arrived on Saturday at the resort. Joel said to me, “Someone just mentioned that they’d met our photographer when you arrived! I honestly forgot you and Jesse were here for that reason. We only look at you guys as our friends!” Is there anything that could make this photographer’s heart swell more with joy? No. No there isn’t.

Truthfully, I never imagined I’d gain so many sweet friendships from one wedding alone. Morgan and Joel’s family, friends, and entire bridal party welcomed my husband and I with open arms. They treated us as their own the entire trip. And because of that, it’s safe to say that this wedding will go down as one of my favorites of all time.

If you scroll through this blog post and don’t feel the incredible, overwhelming joy of this day… I’m thinking you may need to check yourself for a pulse! While unconventional at times, the love of this group is undeniable. I am so endlessly thankful I was chosen to be part of this day (and my heart even hurts a little bit knowing this group is back to work all across the country and world right now!) Someday we should do this again… but, for now, we can relive it through these memories. Because what happens on the island, stays on the island. Right, y’all?

I really contemplated whether or not to add the next photo into this blog post. But this man in the red speedo made the decision to walk THIS close to Morgan and Joel on the beach (while we were very obviously taking their portraits) So for that, good sir, you earned your spot on the Internet forever. Thanks for the photobomb. We will always remember you…






































Mo & Joel- Thank you for allowing me to capture this incredible celebration. Your day could not have been more perfect! I love you (and your crazy tribe) so stinkin’ much!!!

Venue/Resort: Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana

Hair & Makeup: Brittany Reitz (Cut Loose Hair Salon) & Polly Prusak (A Cut Above)

Wedding Gown: Hayley Paige from M.A. Carr Bridal