A Historic Santo Domingo Destination Wedding | Matilde & David
The intersection of colonial architecture, authentic connection, and 35mm film | Matilde & David
Sometimes, the best love stories start with a simple text message. Matilde and David's journey began exactly like that, him in Virginia, her in the heart of Santo Domingo, and an older sister playing the perfect matchmaker. From that first long distance message to a surprise proposal here in the Dominican Republic, their relationship has been all about balance. Matilde is the vibrant spark that brings David out of his shell, and together, they’ve built a life around the things that actually matter: cooking together, spending time outdoors, and the rare luxury of leaving their phones behind to just be present. When it came to their wedding day, they brought that same intentional, unhurried energy. They didn't want stiff poses or a rigid timeline. They just wanted to experience it.
Morning Light and Botanical Greens
We skipped the chaotic hotel rooms and traditional "getting ready" timelines. Instead, we started the day at 8:00 AM in the quiet, damp greenery of the Jardín Botánico. For Matilde and David, it was essential to have a private, intimate moment together before the rush of the wedding took over.
The Caribbean morning light was low and golden, filtering through the thick canopy of leaves. We shot this walk on 35mm film, specifically Cinestill 400D, to embrace those soft, organic light leaks that make analog photography so special. There was no posing, just the warmth of the sun, the rustle of the trees, and two people taking a deep breath together before saying "I do."
A Historic Backdrop for The Wedding: Microteatro
For the main event, the heart of the Zona Colonial was the only choice. They gathered their closest family and friends at Microteatro, a beautifully evolving colonial property that breathes history. The day held a beautiful duality. First, a quiet legal ceremony to sign the papers. Immediately after, an incredibly moving Christian ceremony officiated by their pastor. We didn't need elaborate floral arches or excessive decor; the weathered stone walls and the open courtyards provided a deeply textured, timeless setting. It was raw, spiritual, and perfectly them.
Wandering the First City in 35mm
As the afternoon shifted, the cobblestone streets of the Colonial City took on that rich, golden hue you only find in the Caribbean. We stepped out for a walk, treating the city as our canvas. The contrast was stunning: Matilde’s fluid, minimalist dress against the centuries-old stucco, and David’s classic suit under the bright pop of fuchsia bougainvillea.
To capture the honest warmth of these streets, I loaded my cameras with one of my fav film stocks: Kodak Ultramax 400. We documented their laughter, the movement of her dress, and the joy of simply walking hand-in-hand through the alleys. It wasn't about looking at the camera; it was about experiencing the city.
Minimalist Elegance and a Night to Remember
The reception back at Microteatro was a masterclass in restrained elegance. The minimalist decor let the historic architecture and the warmth of the guests fill the room.
The night flowed exactly as they wanted, effortlessly. They cut the cake, shared stories, and spent the evening completely disconnected from screens and totally dialed into their people.
Notes for a Zona Colonial Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Santo Domingo, here’s what Matilde and David’s day can teach us: Protect your peace: Starting the day outdoors instead of in a cramped room changes the entire emotional tone of your wedding, for your getting ready or photoshoot choose the things that matters the most to you. Let the venue speak: When you choose a location with as much character as the Zona Colonial, lean into minimalism. Let the textures of the city do the heavy lifting. Disconnect to connect: Leave the phones away. The best, most candid photos happen when you forget you're being photographed.
Wedding days are incredibly special, but they pass by in a flash. Knowing that Matilde and David felt completely transported back to the exact emotions of their day when they saw their gallery is the greatest reward. My goal is always to bring a kind, dedicated, and curated philosophy to capture your celebration, making sure every little detail is preserved with care so you can hold onto those feelings forever.
If the idea of an unhurried, documentary, but aesthethic approach to your wedding day feels right, I’d love to hear what you’re planning. Let’s connect and talk about how we can turn your fleeting moments into memories you can step back into forever.