Flower crowns, white sand beaches, unicorn pool floats, a thirty-something year old ring bearer, and one of my all-time favorite wedding hashtags – just the smallest sampling of what made Olivia & Sean’s day so special!

But let’s start with a little backstory. I photograph weddings because I believe the images of a couple on their first day of forever are important. Because marriage is hard and sometimes people need a reminder of the beginning, when promises were made and love might have been a little easier. Because that collection of wedding photos is a new family’s first heirloom, meant to be cherished for life. For all of these reasons (and many more) weddings are so special to me – Every. Single. One. I consider myself ESPECIALLY lucky when I get to capture historic wedding memories for friends. So, when I received an inquiry email signed, “Love, your old neighbor, Olivia,” I smiled from ear to ear. And the fact that she was getting married in paradise – cue a happy dance!

Olivia & Sean are two of the most welcoming, warm, and FUN people I’ve ever met. They planned their Jamaican destination wedding two years in advance, just to make sure all of their guests had time to plan for it too! They chose a destination wedding because they wanted to maximize quality time with their friends and family. And did I mention that they included inflatable pool floats in their welcome bags? (Mine was a giant donut with sprinkles!) I’m pretty sure they entertained an entire beach full of people when they tested out how many people they could fit on their inflatable unicorn, as the ocean waves knocked them over again and again…and again.

After adulthood had sent us in different directions, I was so completely grateful to be re-united with my childhood neighbor at her wedding. It might have been 15 years since we had seen each other, but her laugh is still the same and she’s every bit as fun as I remember. Watching Olivia marry her perfect match was an unforgettable experience. And for those of you who stuck around to read until the end… #olivianewtonsean (Best. Hashtag. Ever!)

Venue | Sandals Negril

Dress | Daalarna Couture

Flower Crowns | Love Sparkle Pretty