Puerto Plata & Dominican Republic Wedding Photographer | Chantell & Matthew’s Enchanted Coastal Wedding
The intimate and Enchanted Coastal Wedding of Chantell & Matthew in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Wedding Team
Travel and Wedding Planning:
Venue, Wedding Planner, Lights, Sound & Cake:
Makeup:
Kaylee Scott MUA | @kayleescottmua
Hair:
Samantha McAuley | @mcauley_wellness_group
Dress Boutique:
Bridal Boutique Formalwear | @bridalboutiqueformalwear (Dress by Morilee New York)
Dress Seamstress:
From our very first video call, I knew documenting Chantell and Matthew’s day would be a special experience. We talked about them recently buying their first home, their eight years together, and their aesthetic vision: they wanted to bring an "enchanted garden" vibe to the shores of the Caribbean. As a Puerto Plata wedding photographer, I love it when international couples—especially from the US and Canada—decide to step outside the usual tourist hubs. The northern coast of the Dominican Republic offers a dramatic geography, a unique texture, and a character that perfectly complements a nostalgic, film-inspired art direction. We left Santo Domingo before sunrise. The drive up to the northern coast was entirely worth it the moment we saw their concept come to life by the ocean.
Getting Ready
The bridal suite welcomed us with absolute calm. Chantell’s gentle and sweet personality set the tone as she shared laughs and popped a bottle of champagne with her sister, mother, and aunts. As a Dominican Republic wedding photographer, my first approach is always to observe the light. We used the deep contrasts and shadows of the resort to curate her details: a golden Ginkgo leaf tray, minimal Aldo sandals, pearl earrings, and a stunning Morilee New York dress featuring 3D botanical lace sleeves. Everything maintained a flawless cohesion with her palette of sage green, ivory, and champagne.
Just a few steps away, Matthew’s morning had a more energetic but deeply grounded tone. The most powerful moment before the ceremony happened when he watched a video on his phone: a memory recorded at a Leon Bridges concert, an artist whose music has been the soundtrack to their relationship. Shortly after, he opened a box containing a watch Chantell had sent him as a surprise gift. Documenting those reactions quietly, without intervening, is the very essence of emotions over posing.
The Ceremony
The mid-afternoon Caribbean sun demands attention, but the constant ocean breeze balanced the atmosphere beautifully. Standing on the crisp white sand was an asymmetrical square arch, covered in white roses and deep green foliage that anchored the enchanted garden theme right on the beach, creating the perfect setting for a destination wedding in Puerto Plata. It was a short, incredibly aesthetic ceremony. The 25 guests, equipped with paper fans and dark sunglasses, witnessed the vows with a very relaxed, cool vibe. As they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, they gave us the triumphant dip kiss at the end of the aisle.
Portrait Session
This is always our favorite part of the day. We utilized the architectural scale and nature of the Senator Spa and Resort. The porous stone walls of the hotel served as a neutral, textured canvas for their editorial portraits. We simply asked them to walk, connect, and breathe in the moment. As the afternoon progressed, the harsh directional light softened, bathing the coastline, the cliffs, and the distant gazebo in a nostalgic golden hue. They gave us one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever witnessed in Puerto Plata, as a Dominican Republic wedding photographer.
Reception & Special Moments
True luxury lies in intimacy. Having only twenty-five of their closest people seated around the dance floor allowed the speeches and glances to feel dense, real, and undivided. There were honest tears during the parent dances. They poured a champagne tower with tremendous visual elegance, and as night fell, we turned on the direct flash. The aesthetic shifted from a romantic golden hour to nocturnal editorial party that was raw and electric, with Matthew lifted into the air by his groomsmen and Chantell owning the dance floor with a margarita in hand.
The visual cohesion of an event isn't just about the flowers; it's about the attitude. The contrast between the introspection of their vows and the wild release of the party was the true triumph of this wedding. Capturing that transition on 35mm film and digital, feeling like we were just another part of their friend group, is the sincere experience I always strive to provide as a Puerto Plata wedding photographer.
A Note for Couples Getting Married in Puerto Plata or the Dominican Republic
If you are planning your destination wedding in the Dominican Republic, remember that the location is merely the stage; the true masterpiece is the two of you. Don't be afraid to step off the beaten path, explore coastlines like Puerto Plata, Rio San Juan or Samaná, or choose a palette that breaks away from tropical clichés. The most important thing when hiring a wedding photographer isn't having someone pose your every move, but finding a team that gives you the peace of mind and freedom to be utterly authentic and romantic. That is the only secret to getting photographs that, decades later, still feel genuine.
Are you looking for a Puerto Plata wedding photographer or a Dominican Republic wedding photographer with an editorial, analog, and emotional approach? I would love to hear about your vision.