Marissa & David’s Jamaica Elopement

Marissa and David planned a beautiful day, with both relaxing and fun filled moments for their adventure elopement in Negril, Jamaica. They chose to elope, with just the two of them, at a Sandals resort so that they could combine their honeymoon with their wedding.

When Marissa reached out to me about photographing their elopement, she stressed to me how important their photos were to them, especially since they had decided to elope without their family and friends present. While Sandals includes photography coverage with their wedding packages, the photos aren’t necessarily customized to couples’ preferences. Marissa and David wanted swoon-worthy, all-day elopement photo coverage of their day so that they could share them with their loved ones.

Their Timeline

5:45 Sunrise vows

8:00 Breakfast together

11:00 Hair appointment

12:00 Getting ready together

1:00 Ceremony

1:15 Cake

1:30 First Dance

2:00 Portraits in the gardens of the resort

2:30 Midday rest

5:30 Sunset Photos

6:00 Dinner on the beach

Last Minute Change of Plans

This wasn’t a spur of the moment elopement. Marissa and David had been planning their wedding for several years, so it was a huge surprise to them when they met with their wedding planner the afternoon before their wedding and were told that they could no longer use the gazebo at 4 PM that they booked. Sandals had given that time slot to someone else who had also rented out a section of the beach.

Thankfully they decided to still let them use the space, but at 1 PM, as long as we didn’t stay in the area too long after their ceremony. One thing about elopements, is that you should always have a plan B (and maybe even a C or D) and be willing to adjust on the fly. You just never know what can happen, but with the right mindset, it’s really all just part of the adventure.

Sunrise Vows

As their elopement day broke with the first rays of the sun, Marissa and David stood on the sandy shores of Jamaica, in matching pajamas (complete with adorned crocs) and exchanged private vows. With the gentle sound of ocean waves as their witness, they promised each other forever. Not a soul was in sight.

Breakfast on the Beach

Over a cozy beachside breakfast, they exchanged gifts- tokens of their love, treasures to remind them of this day. I left them to relax and and just enjoy being with each other until it was time to get ready for the ceremony.

Getting Ready Together

Marissa and David really wanted to get ready together, but they also wanted his first glimpse of her to be while she was walking down the aisle. Always wanting to make my couples dreams come true, I came up with a crazy idea and Marissa searched their room for a sash or anything like one.

David didn’t hesitate when she told him that he’d need to close his eyes so she could blindfold him. He did an amazing job at securing all of the little buttons on the back of her dress while Marissa giggled at the sight of him.

The Elopement Ceremony

David’s first glimpse of Marissa was everything that they’d both hoped it would be, and both of them had happy tears in their eyes as she walked down the beach towards him.

Their family and friends, scattered across the globe, watched via live streaming, thanks to a cell phone and a tripod, as Marissa and David stood beneath a tropical gazebo and said their I do’s.

Jutting out onto some rocks where the waves gently rolled in and out, this gazebo was the most scenic (and obviously coveted) spot on the resort property. It was easy to see why Marissa and David wanted to get married in this location. It also provided some very welcome shade from the incredibly hot, and I do mean HOT sun.

Sunset Photos

We meandered around the resort and took portraits in the gardens and near the stucco buildings to add some variety to their elopement portfolio. The sun would be setting soon, and sunset photos were next. Until I had another idea.

Embracing Spontaneity

At Sandals, all kinds of activities are included with your stay, including kayaks. I mean, WHY NOT go kayaking in your wedding attire?! The guy managing the rentals looked at us like we were crazy and said this was definitely a first for him. Marissa and David helped each other into bright yellow life jackets, and away they went.

During one of our phone calls before their elopement, Marissa had toyed with the idea of getting into the ocean in her wedding dress. Well, kayaking was a little bit of work, and it was still hot out so it didn’t take any convincing for them ro run hand in hand and plunge right into the Carribean. Fully clothed. To them, it signified a promise to always embrace the unknown together.

Sunset Dinner on the Beach

With front row seats to watch the sun finish it’s final descent on their perfect day, Marissa and David enjoyed a private candlelight dinner on the beach.

This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a love story painted in the colors of the Jamaican sky, where two souls embraced adventure and the uniqueness of an elopement.

Things to Consider For Your Jamaica Elopement

If you’re considering eloping at an all-inclusive, but want photos that are your own, Sandals makes it pretty easy to bring in your own photographer for your wedding. You do need to let them know beforehand though because your elopement photographer will be required to stay 3 nights at the resort.