Earlier this week I returned to Baltimore from sunny beautiful Jamaica, where for four days I celebrated the love and marriage of two incredible people at the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Hotel. Jessie and Mike are more wonderful than words can say. Their wedding weekend was the perfect testament to that. How many people can plan a wedding 1500 miles from home and have 70+ of their closest friends and family members jump at the opportunity to join them? Our travel agent said that this was the biggest destination wedding she had ever seen. How amazing is that? This was my second wedding for this group of friends and by the end of the weekend it felt like they were all family. It was such an honor to be a part of their big day.
I just love their story! Jessie shared it with me and it was so cute I just included it here in her own words: “We met through friends and were friends for a few years before dating. On Mike’s birthday one year he actually pulled my chair next to his and told me he was going to marry me one day. Years later we starting dating – Mike asked me to be his girlfriend on Halloween when he was dressed up as a gorilla and I was dressed as the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. We moved in together after 6 months and then 3 and 1/2 years later, Mike proposed. He set up a runway with flowers and candles and music at Melissa and James’ house. I thought that Mike was at work and had no idea. When I got to the house, thinking that I was meeting up with everyone to go out for a friend’s birthday, Mike was waiting at the end of the runway on one knee. I got in trouble because I didn’t put my snack down and took another bite before walking over to him. I also put the ring on my own finger because I was so excited!”
The wedding day was absolutely perfect. Every little detail was just stunning, the whole day was filled with beautiful emotional moments. I’m so excited to share these on the blog today!
Jessie’s dress was absolutely stunning. I love the jeweled top, and the best part is that it was removable so she was able to change up her look after the ceremony!
Jessie and the girls carried bouquets made by a friend’s mom! Jessie’s was a gorgeous seashell and brooch bouquet and the bridesmaids’ featured a starfish and flowers! They were the perfect backdrop for her bridal jewelry and their rings! 
Jessie and Mike not only traveled their photographer for the wedding but also their hair and makeup stylists! Brittany and Kim did an amazing job making the girls look stunning!
Meanwhile at the boys’ room, Luca and Trae were knocked out. Haha. 
Their first look was one of my absolute favorite wedding moments. So beautiful. 
Jessie, you are just stunning.
I love their laughter in this one! We were being heckled by a Jamaican, it was hilarious.
That wind!!
Such an awesome group! How amazing is this? I’m still in awe at how many people made it to Jamaica to celebrate their love.
How awesome are these bouquets? Perfect for a beach wedding!
These guys were a riot.
The ceremony took place right before sunset and it was gorgeous.
After the ceremony we had the perfect mix of daylight, sunset, and night shots in about 30 minutes. It was perfect.
Seriously, just gorgeous.
Mike looked so handsome. I love that you couldn’t get that smile off of his face all day.
I’m so glad we had such a beautiful sunset to end the day, these are some of my absolute favorites.
Their dinner reception took place at Uncle Tony’s, the resort steak house restaurant, and the dinner was delicious!
Before our meal we had a short but sweet toast from Best Man Jose, and a hilarious speech by Maid of Honor and former Photography by Brea bride Ashley!
After dinner, we celebrated with a bonfire dance party on the beach! Such a blast!
Jessie danced with Ashley’s dad (which I’m not going to lie, I cried quite a bit during that), and Mike danced with his beautiful momma.
The guys got cigars and we had a little fun with some night shots before getting back to the party.
And party they did!
Jessie and Mike, it was truly an honor to join you in Jamaica for your beautiful wedding. Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your big day. It was truly special and I’m so grateful for the relationship we now have! I can’t wait to see you soon and hear all about the rest of your awesome trip!
xoxo,
Brea
Vendors
Venue: Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Hotel
Photographer: Breanna Shaw, Photography by Brea
Photography Assistant: Jeana Lombard
Hair and Makeup Stylists: Brittany Stevens and Kimberly Guy
Bouquets: Carol Onorato
Bridal Gown: Elegant Touch
Invitations: Hearts and Twine
Wow, these are all so beautiful! It looks like Jessie and Mike had the perfect day and now they have the perfect wedding photos to remember it by! These are simply fantastic. Hooray for weddings in Jamaica!
These are incredible, Brea!! Ah!! Take me to Jamaica right now!! I love their portraits together… so sweet and intimate!
I needed this tropical post so bad today! So beautiful + way to go on getting these images up so fast! You rock!
What a gorgeous wedding day! Love how you captured the details!!! Wonderfully photographed, friend!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Brea!!! Way to rock a crazy mix of light. All of these are stunning!
This is awesome. Looks like you and Jeana had a BLAST! What a beautiful event and awesome opportunity. :)
Their first look was so sweet! Love these!
Brea these are stunning!! Their day looks perfect! Obsessed with your wide OCF shots!
ooh my gosh, so jealous!! these are amazing! the first look, the sunset, the party! beautiful!
[…] London, Vancouver, Rio de Janiero, and all over the U.S. – most for work. I’ve been to Jamaica, Ireland and Iceland, also all over the U.S., and recently we both took separate trips about a […]