Antonina + Brian | A Destination Wedding in the Caribbean

One year ago, today, I was recovering from an incredible wedding I photographed with my husband, Michael, down in the beautiful island of Tobago (As in Trinidad and Tobago). If you are not familiar with this country, it is the last two islands in the Caribbean closest to South America! We were honored to have been chosen to document the wedding of Toni and Brian! They are an super sweet couple from Northern Wisconsin and found out about us through my awesome cousin Barb and her husband Joel.

We had a whole group of amazing people traveling down to Sandy Point Beach Club for the big event and lucky us, we were able to stay for 5 days. Since the wedding was on the second day, we basically had a mini vacation afterwards. Even with all the stresses of travel and carrying with us thousands of dollars’ worth of camera equipment, it was still one of the most amazing trips I have ever taken in my life.

On the wedding day, I started out taking getting ready photos of Toni in her room. She had quite the in room salon going! Everyone was so friendly and talented. Anya of Mariposa Bride even helped me out with my unruly humidity ravaged mass of hair in between. The men were down in their suite on the beach hanging out! We had the best time walking around Sandy Point taking photos of everyone and the first look was priceless. The look on Brian’s face is a look of awe, love, and happiness.

The ceremony took place at the famous Pigeon Point Beach. It was a perfect day. Blue sky, puffy clouds, sunset to die for. The steel drum player was a perfect touch to a beautiful Caribbean wedding and there was so much joy and laughter. You can see how happier both Brian and Toni were on their faces and in their smiles.

The evening continued on back at Sandy Point with a beautiful reception design by Asha Mars at Perfect Weddings and Events. They did such a great job and everything looked so lovely. Once the bride and groom cut their Batman and Bride topped cake, the party was really ready to roll. Jonny James and the Hall of Fames also flew down for the wedding and played at the reception. These guys were so much fun and played so many great danceable tunes. Everyone was on the floor showing off their moves.

At the end of the trip, we were sad to go but also happy to come home to our little boy and normal life. I love the ocean and would love to do more destination weddings, or just go visit that big beautiful blue expanse of bliss just a few more times.

 

Vendors: Ceremony: Pigeon Point Beach  //  Reception: Sandy Point Beach Club  //  Hair: Mariposa Bride  //  Makeup:  Makeup by Jodi Balfour //  Wedding Planner: Asha Mars of Perfect Weddings and Events  // Caterer:Juliet Beresford of Mamasan Home Products //  Band: Jonny James and the Hall of Fames

Our final wedding of the 2016 busy season was one of the most inspiring and emotional endings I have ever had. It was my very first gay wedding and I am so happy that Heidi and I were able to be a part of this momentous event for Nick + Michael and capture every amazing detail!

When I think back to the day of the wedding, all I can remember is how joyous everyone was.  We walked into their house full of amazing friends and loved ones, all getting ready together and drinking and laughing. These people are the kind of people I want to be around every day and throughout the day, there was never-ending laughter, cheering, hugging and dancing. It was such an amazing thing to witness.

We had so much fun taking photos at the Capitol with the wedding party and family and then just a few moments alone with the Grooms over at Yahara Place Park (one of my favorite places in Madison!).  The ceremony and reception took place at Madison Turners which is a fantastic venue for dancing and fitting in close to 300 guests! I was overwhelmed with the happiness, acceptance, emotion and just plain YES!

Here are just a few of my favorite moments from the big day. There are so many more but alas, I can only fit a small sampling of the amazing day. If I had to use three words to describe this incredible wedding, it would be: Unforgettable, Emotional, and FUN. Enjoy!

Vendors: Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson  // Ceremony and Reception: Madison Turners // Officient: Diana Kessel // DJ: Midwest Sound // Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Women’s Attire: David’s Bridal // Cupcakes: Becky Huttenlocher // Catering: Hyvee

They met at the El Dorado Grill and from then on, it was love…

Robin and Ryan are the kind of couple who when you meet them, they immediately become your friend. That’s how I felt anyway. The couples I photograph usually end up feeling like family after the wedding, especially all the time we spend together. The intimate moments before the ceremony, getting ready, time together alone around sunset to get those amazing warm honey toned romantic portraits-all of which are some of my favorite moments of the day.

We arrived at the newly renovated Park Hotel (formerly called The Inn on the Park) and spent some time  with Robin, her sister and future daughter, Willow. These getting ready photos were really fun with the beautiful blue tones of the room and the incredible gem toned emerald bridesmaid dresses. Once we were ready, it was time to head on over to the Monona Terrace for a first look with Ryan. It was a pretty hot day (and I mean upper 90s humid and hot!) but everyone was mentally prepared. The walk over was so gorgeous with deep blue skies and white puffy clouds and Capitol in the background. I love downtown Madison! Robin had the biggest smile on her face when Ryan turned around and saw her! You could just feel the love and excitement. We spent the better part of the afternoon walking around the Terrace and Capitol shooting and having fun.

The ceremony took place at The Top of the Park at the Park Hotel. It was an intimate gathering and the musician was really amazing. This guy had a voice like butter! For some reason, I didn’t get his name though. I’ll have to do that. There were a lot of smiles through tears and wine and delicious cake. Willow read a speech and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place. She was amazing. These guys also had a choreographed first dance! It was twirly, spinney, smiley and dips galore. We got so many great photos of these two. It was hard to pick just a few but here goes…

Vendors: Second Shooters: Van Ganchang and Gretchen Olsen // Venue: The Park Hotel // Florist: Hy-Vee// Dress: Vera’s House of Bridals // Hair and Makeup: Insignia // Baker: Carl’s Cakes // DJ: Midwest Sound

Lauren + Mathias

When Heidi and I met up with the wedding party at the Memorial Union, we knew this day was going to be fun. Everybody had a smile and a beer. Some even had two beers! The sky was amazing and everywhere you looked, there were people out and about having a blast. After about an hour hanging out at the Union, we headed over to one of my favorite parks in Madison, Olin Turville Park. Lauren and Mathias’ family met us there for some pre-ceremony family photos and a few more wedding party shots. It was free spirited and full of fun. The Ceremony took place at Madison Turners which is a little gem just off of Stoughton Rd. It was very casual and emotional. I love weddings like this where you can tell everyone is great friends the smiles go on for days.

Here is a little showing of the day!

Vendors: Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson // Venue: Madison Turners // Caterer: Hy-vee // Florist: Hy-Vee // Dress: Flutters Bridal Boutique // Baker: Karen the Cake Lady // DJ: Midwest Sound