Jen and Patrick’s destination wedding in Punta Cana was nothing short of magical! This fall celebration took place in the breathtaking Dominican Republic at the stunning Dreams Royal Punta Cana Resort. From radiant sunshine to the ocean breezes and heartfelt moments, this sweet couple’s wedding day was truly unforgettable. 🌴

This wedding was extra special for me for a few reasons. First, it was in a warm, tropical destination (yes, please!), and second, my husband got to come along. Austin not only traveled with me, but he also assisted me on the wedding day, which made the experience even more meaningful.

Capturing this wedding was also special because I’ve known Jen and Patrick for a few years now, having met them through snowmobiling trips in Michigan. If you didn’t already know, my husband is an avid snowmobiler, and that’s how our paths crossed. They tagged along with friends of friends on one trip, and from that point on, we stayed connected. ❤️

When Jen reached out to ask if I’d consider photographing her destination wedding, she wasn’t sure I’d commit to something so far away. I told her I was ALL IN!! When I knew shooting their wedding involved a warm and tropical location, I was ready to grab my camera with no hesitation whatsoever. 😍

Perfect Weather in Paradise

If you’re familiar with the Caribbean, you know rain is always a possibility. During our entire stay in Punta Cana, it rained at least once every single day, except for the wedding day! 🙌🏼 The sun shone all day long, and it didn’t start raining until shortly after cocktail hour began, right before the reception. The timing honestly could not have been more perfect. 👌🏼

The First Look Was a Game-Changer

Jen and Patrick were initially hesitant about doing a first look, but there was one the couple was clear on….they did not want guests waiting around for hours between the ceremony and reception. I explained how doing a first look would EASILY eliminate that factor! It would also help keep the day flowing smoothly and allow them to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests. Once they decided to go for it, I don’t think either of them looked back. ❤️

One of the best things about a first look is that it happens when the bride looks her absolute best. Everything from the hair being perfect, fresh makeup, and a flawless dress really completes the entire bridal vision. As soon as Jen sprayed her perfume, we headed outside to a private green area for their first look and portraits. While it was hot and humid (and not near the ocean at this point in the day), the emotions and images were worth it. 🥹

Ceremony by the Ocean

After portraits with the wedding party, we headed down to the beach for the ceremony. The breeze by the water was exactly what we needed, and the ceremony itself was beautiful. Sunshine, ocean views, and just the right amount of wind made it feel like a dream. The celebration ended with a champagne toast, which was the perfect touch.

Because this was a smaller destination wedding, Jen and Patrick wanted a photo with every family or couple in attendance, and I absolutely loved that idea. After family photos, we captured a few romantic walking-along-the-beach portraits before they headed off to cocktail hour.

A Beachside Reception to Remember

The reception was held at one of the resort’s beachfront restaurants, right next to the cocktail hour space in the sand. The atmosphere was everything you’d want for a beach wedding: authentic, relaxed, and perfectly themed. While the couple enjoyed cocktail hour, I set up lighting and captured reception details before the night really began.

The reception flowed beautifully with entrances, fun bridal party dances, dinner, toasts, first dances, cake cutting, and garter removal.

Ending the Night in the Ocean

One of my favorite parts of the entire day? Ending the night with running-into-the-ocean photos, wedding dress and all. We had to wait about 20 minutes for the heavy rain to pass, but once it slowed to a light sprinkle, we WENT FOR IT! 🏃🏼‍♀️ The rain added drama and made the night photos absolutely incredible! (Be sure to check them out below!! 👇🏼)

Austin and a helpful wedding guest assisted by holding flashes (no stands, as it was way too windy!), and the result was pure magic. Even though not the entire bridal party stayed in their formal attire, the images of just Jen and Patrick splashing in the ocean were worth it. These types of portraits are what wedding photographers like me dream about! 🤤

This fall destination wedding in Punta Cana at the Dreams Royal Punta Cana Resort was truly one for the books. I’m so honored that Jen and Patrick trusted me to capture their love story on such a beautiful tropical island. It was an incredible celebration, and a day I’ll always remember! And one more shout-out to my wonderful husband, Austin, for coming on the trip and being my right-hand assistant! 😘

If you’re dreaming about a destination wedding in the Caribbean for 2026, reach out now, as my schedule is going to get busy after the first of the year!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Diana Podach, Perfect Pixels Design

Ceremony and Reception Venue, Cake, Catering, Hotel, Decorations, DJ, Planning: Dreams Royal Punta Cana Resort