Stephen & Louise’s Dominican Republic Beach Wedding

Stephen and Louise were married on a wooden pier over the turquoise Caribbean sea in the Dominican Republic. I was honoured to travel there and photograph it. If you’re planning a destination wedding abroad, or you’d love a wedding photographer who travels from the UK, here’s how their day looked.

The setting was simple and breathtaking. A long wooden pier stretched out over clear turquoise water, with rope railings, palm trees along the shore and a soft, cloudy sky. There was no need for anything extra. Stephen and Louise dressed in white, in a linen shirt and a short, simple dress, which suited the beach perfectly. I loved the relaxed, barefoot feeling of the whole day.

Louise walked along the pier to meet Stephen, and they said their vows at the end, with the sea behind them and a celebrant guiding them through. It was intimate and calm, and every moment felt genuine. The soft light and the water made it a wonderful setting for photographs.

The ring exchange and a glass of champagne, poured by one of the staff, are some of my favourite details from the day.

They cut a small cake decorated with white flowers on a wooden table, right on the pier. I always love photographing this moment, and here, with the clear water behind them and the smiles on their faces, it was especially lovely.

After the ceremony we walked down to the beach for a few relaxed portraits. The sand was soft and pale, the palm trees framed the shoreline, and Stephen dipped Louise for a kiss, which became one of my favourite photographs.

Getting married abroad is such a special thing to do, and it deserves photographs that capture every moment. I’m based in Stoke-on-Trent and photograph weddings across Staffordshire and the Midlands, and I’d love to hear about your plans if you’re getting married abroad. You can also read more about wedding photography in Staffordshire or see more of my real weddings.