Tori & Andrew: a "Till Death" La Barcaza Wedding Punta Cana
Tori & Andrew: a "Till Death" La Barcaza Wedding Punta Cana
An intimate destination wedding in the Dominican Republic for Tori & Andrew.
Tori wore a black wedding dress. Not to make a statement, but simply because it felt like her. Andrew stood in the walls of the resort in his traditional Filipino Barong. When they met four years ago, bonding over video games and music, they didn't just find a partner; they found a safe haven. Both dedicate their lives to caring for others in healthcare, and to built a future and a true home in each other.
Their vision for their wedding in Punta Cana wasn't about following industry rules. It was an intimate, ten-guest celebration built around a "Till Death" aesthetic.
Getting Ready & First Look
The morning started slowly at the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort. We avoided the usual chaotic timelines. Tori, an introvert who values quiet moments to recharge, got ready in a calm space with her best friend. Watching her step into her black couture mermaid gown was striking—the dark, heavy texture of the fabric contrasting beautifully against the bright, humid Caribbean light pouring through the windows.
In another room, Andrew, the extroverted balance to Tori’s calm, prepared with his father. I focus heavily on these unscripted human moments. No forced poses, just the nervous laughter, the quiet adjustments of a collar, and the deep breaths before the day truly begins.
Ceremony
We took a speedboat to a secluded beach cove managed by La Barcaza. The setup was minimal: a white canopy, the ocean breeze, and their closest chosen family.
To honor Tori’s Mexican roots and Andrew’s Filipino heritage, they incorporated the traditional cord and lasso ritual. It was a grounding, beautiful nod to where they come from. As they walked back down the aisle, their guests threw handfuls of dried flower petals. Tori had saved those petals from every single bouquet Andrew had ever given her. It’s these tiny, deeply personal layers that make a wedding unforgettable.
Portrait Session
My approach is always Emotions Over Posing. After the ceremony, we gave Tori and Andrew space to just breathe and exist together. This is often the only time a couple has alone during a resort wedding in the Dominican Republic.
We shot their portraits heavily on 35mm film. The analog format captured the organic, golden warmth of the late afternoon sun perfectly. I didn't direct them to look at the camera. We focused on the movement of Tori's black veil catching the ocean wind, the soft shadows, and the unfiltered relief of finally being married. The result is nostalgic, cinematic, and entirely true to how the moment felt.
Reception
The reception took place on the upper deck of La Barcaza, sailing along the coast. The aesthetic was fully realized here: black tablecloths, lavender napkins, and an open bar. They even set up a temporary tattoo station for their guests.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the quiet emotion of the ceremony transitioned into a loud, joyful celebration. It wasn’t a stiff ballroom dinner; it was a relaxed, moving party on the water with the people who matter most to them.
A Note for Couples Planning a Wedding in Punta Cana or the Dominican Republic
If you are traveling here from the US or Canada to get married, remember this: your wedding does not have to look like a standard resort brochure. If you want to wear an unconventional dress, curate a tiny guest list, or get married on a boat, do it.
The Caribbean environment is dynamic. Embrace the ocean wind, let the tropical humidity add texture to your hair, and allow the elements to become part of your story. Build extra time into your timeline so you don't have to rush from one event to the next. When you have the peace to simply experience your day, the art naturally follows.
If you value candid, editorial photography and want the freedom to just be yourselves on your wedding day, I would love to hear your story. Let’s connect.