Stone, River & Champagne: An Editorial Wedding Session at Altos de Chavón

From architectural drama to a direct-flash party night: Pablo & Meidy’s cinematic session in Casa de Campo.

There is a unique energy when a couple returns to you. Pablo and Meidy had already trusted me for their engagement session, so when we reunited for their wedding photos at Altos de Chavón, we skipped the warm up and went straight to creating art.

For destination couples planning a wedding in the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas offers something rare: a 16th-century Mediterranean village suspended above the Caribbean jungle. It is the perfect playground for my philosophy: emotions, timeless and film inspired photos.

Here is the visual story of how we transformed a sunny afternoon in La Romana into a cinematic night of celebration.

The Architecture: Playing with Light at the Grecian Amphitheater

We started the session with high contrast. The sun was hitting the limestone blocks of the iconic Altos de Chavón Amphitheater hard, creating sharp, dramatic shadows against the deep blue sky.

Instead of fighting the light, we played with it. Meidy arrived in a delicate lace gown that softened the rugged stone textures, while Pablo looked timeless in a black tuxedo. I asked them to move, to walk through the stands, allowing for intentional motion blur.

Iconic Views: St. Stanislaus Church & The River

You cannot visit this venue without paying homage to the landscape. We walked towards the plaza to frame the couple against the St. Stanislaus Church (Iglesia San Estanislao). The coral stone façade is legendary in the destination wedding world, but my goal was to keep it intimate, a quiet moment amidst the grandeur.

Then, the view. Overlooking the Rio Chavón, the landscape opens up into an immense green gorge. It is a humbling, breathless backdrop that reminds you of the magnitude of the commitment you are making.

The Transition: Golden Hour to "Blue Hour"

As the sun dipped behind La Romana, the stone turned a warm bronze. This was the transition point.

Meidy changed into a stunning olive green satin dress. A bold, sophisticated choice that I absolutely recommend for a "second look." Pablo relaxed into a white guayabera. The vibe shifted from solemn romance to tropical chic.

The Celebration: Direct Flash & Champagne Showers

When night falls in Altos de Chavón, the cobblestones glow under the amber streetlights. This was the moment to switch gears completely.

We brought out the direct flash to create that crisp, high-contrast, editorial aesthetic that is trending right now. No stiff poses. Just euphoria. The couple popped a bottle of champagne right in the plaza. Capturing the spray of the champagne, the genuine laughter, and the "blurred" energy of the night perfectly summarizes my mission:

To ensure every couple feels authentic, free, and present.

Planning a Wedding in Altos de Chavón? (FAQ)

Why choose Altos de Chavón for your photos? You get three distinct vibes in one location: European architecture, jungle views over the river, and luxury resort amenities. It’s ideal for couples who want variety without traveling far.

Is it LGBTQ+ Friendly? Absolutely. As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer in Punta Cana and La Romana, I ensure my couples feel safe and celebrated in every space we shoot. Casa de Campo is a welcoming venue for all love stories.

What is the best time for photos? Start 2 hours before sunset to catch the hard architectural shadows, the golden hour over the river, and the "Blue Hour" for those cinematic night shots.

Ready to create something iconic? Your story deserves more than just "nice photos." It deserves cinema. Whether you are getting married in Punta Cana, Samaná, or Casa de Campo, let's make it timeless. Get in touch by clicking here.