This February, Aurora called me up on a snowy and super cold night (it had been -20 the last 2 weeks) and told me they needed a photographer for their elopement in The Bahamas. They were going on a family vacation to Green Turtle Cay and wanted to surprise their parents with a wedding. Obviously, I was super into this for a number of reasons. While I was totally excited to get out of the snow and spend some time on the beach, I was mostly excited because I LOVE surprises. A surprise wedding is probably my favorite kind of surprise.

6 weeks later I was on a plane (rather, 4 different planes) to The Bahamas! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with Aurora, Bo, and their families. They were so open and welcoming to us (my husband came along for this trip). We met them out on Green Turtle Cay the day before the ceremony and spent an afternoon riding around in the golf cart and had a mini-engagement session on the beach!

On the wedding day, I got up early, had a cinnamon roll at the bakery down the road, and hopped on a tiny ferry boat over to Green Turtle Cay. We were looking at the most perfect day – sunny with a slight breeze. Their family had rented out the cutest little house on the Cay and spent most of the week prior diving for conch and starfish. Everyone got ready at the house, and while I was upstairs with Aurora, her mom, and future mother-in-law, the boys were downstairs watching Bahamanian TV. Bo’s mom put together a small bouquet of flowers from around the island for Aurora to carry. Once everyone was ready, we jumped on a golf cart and headed to the beach for the ceremony.

Aurora and Bo’s wedding day was absolutely perfect and absolutely true to who they are. I love how they were able to commit themselves to each other in front of the people who meant the very most to them. It was intimate, authentic, and family-centered. Aurora and Bo, thanks so much for letting us be there during this experience.

A Quick Note About Hurricane Dorian Recovery Efforts

I’m so thrilled to have my first international elopement in The Bahamas! If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ll know they got hammered by Hurricane Dorian. The island we stayed on, Abaco, has a long road ahead of it recovery-wise. The people who live there are going to need a lot of help. If you feel inclined to give, my preferred charity is the HeadKnowles Foundation. If you want to get more info on charities working in The Bahamas, read about them here. The people of the Bahamas rely on tourism as a large part of their income, so if you’re planning a vacation, keep them in mind!

You might also love this Intimate In-Home Couples Photoshoot I did in Breckenridge, Colorado!