A Botticelli Vision by the Sea: A Barcelo Bavaro Palace Wedding
The Araujos: A Botticelli Vision by the Sea
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a clear, artistic vision meets the raw, organic energy of the ocean. For Lainy and AJ, their wedding was never about grand, stiff formalities. It was about creating an atmosphere. They brought their roots from upsate New York to the shores of Punta Cana, seeking a space where they could simply be present.
Lainy, the bride posing for a photo in the beach
Lainy is naturally creative and meticulously organized. From our very first calls, she shared a visual direction that felt incredibly refreshing: a Renaissance, Botticelli’s Venus aesthetic. She envisioned a refined, tasteful connection to the sea, incorporating tropical greens, and tone down whites. It was an intentional, elevated take on a seaside celebration, and documenting this vision on 35mm film felt like the only right way to preserve it.
Detail photo of the wedding rings
The Atmosphere at Barcelo Bavaro Palace
Drone view from Barcelo Bavaro
The day started with that unmistakable Caribbean brilliance. The sun was sharp, the sky completely clear, and the ocean a vibrant, endless turquoise. I spent time observing how the harsh sunlight filtered through the palm leaves, casting deep, cinematic shadows across the architecture of the Barcelo Bavaro Palace. We wanted the environment to feel like an active character in their story, capturing the textures of the sand, the subtle movement of the wind, and the undeniable warmth of the island.
An Honest, Barefoot Ceremony
Lainy and AJ’s ceremony was grounded in genuine emotion. They set the tone with a beautifully embroidered welcome sign gently shifting in the ocean breeze. Lainy walked down the aisle with her father, her vintage 1980s pearl-adorned satin dress flowing naturally, her hands tightly grasping a golden crucifix.
They stood completely barefoot in the sand. As a photographer, my priority here is always emotions over posing. I kept my distance, allowing them to exist in their own quiet space. They read their personal vows from custom booklets elegantly embossed with swans. I captured the exchange of their rings and their first kiss using analog film, preserving the texture and the nostalgia of a moment that felt entirely their own.
Portrait Session: Golden Light & 35mm Film
When the cocktail hour began, we slipped away for their portraits. This is where the Botticelli inspiration truly came to life. Lainy, with her effortless styling, looked like a modern, editorial interpretation of Venus herself.
We leaned heavily into a nostalgic, vintage Caribbean aesthetic. I shot these frames using Reflex Lab 400, Fujifilm 400, a touch of Cinestill 800t and Kodak 800. The result was pure art. We embraced the golden hour, letting the sun flares wash over the lens, creating images with rich, sepia-toned warmth that look more like paintings than traditional photographs. At one point, the sky shifted. A brief, passing tropical rain shower surprised us, leaving behind a subtle rainbow right on the horizon just as the sun dipped below the ocean. It was a beautiful reminder that the best moments are the ones we cannot plan.
Reception Night & Sensorial Details
The intentionality of Lainy’s design didn’t carried so seamlessly into the reception out of things not worth to mention, but even when that happen, their taste and vision was present. The tablescapes featured delicate seashells, echoing the coastal Renaissance vibe, while their wedding cake was crowned with a swan topper—a perfect, subtle nod to their vow books. After a small rain, the evening flowed with an easy, relaxed rhythm, ending with the guests enjoying hand-rolled Dominican cigars under the night sky.
A Note for Couples Getting Married in Punta Cana
Handwritten letter from the couple to the photographer
If you are planning a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic, let Lainy and AJ’s day be a reminder to trust the elements. The Caribbean sun is bold, the wind will move your hair, and sometimes, a sudden ten-minute rain shower is just the sky preparing to give you a rainbow. Embrace the natural flow of your environment. When you let go of the need for rigid perfection, you make room for real, cinematic beauty.
If you are drawn to honest, film-inspired photography and are looking for someone to direct the visual legacy of your wedding, I would love to hear your story. Let’s connect and see what we can create together. Inquire about your date here.