Hey, lovers! Rob & I documented this incredible Punta Cana destination wedding when I was 8 months pregnant … dying of August heat and riding magnificently intense emotional rollercoasters. This wedding, this Couple, are very, very special to us … I rarely cry this many tears of happiness at a wedding, but there were so many powerfully emotional moments!!! On top of that, I’m just a huge sucker for Brides & Grooms who have small kids – probably because Rob & I can very much relate to the craziness of navigating life as a young family. Amanda & Christian are a beautiful family of 5 (which includes twin boys who are just a bit older than Zion!)
Nati & the Huracan Cafe team did a fabulous job bringing Amanda’s vision to light! Swoon-worthy venue, truly a gem location for some of the most unique and soulful destination weddings in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Amanda, on finding love: “I was a young single mom a the time, working two jobs just to make ends meet and my girlfriend invited me on a trip to Miami. So, it was a Saturday and we ended up at a rooftop pool party at the Gansevoort. It was a very swanky chic hotel pool party! I sat at the edge of the pool alone, just enjoying the music and vibes, when Christian came over and asked if I wanted a refill of vodka lemonade from a pitcher he was carrying. I don’t know what was in it, but the next thing I knew … we were holding each other in the pool talking about life, our purpose, why we were here – really ‘out there’ convos. For the rest of the night, he took care of my girlfriend & I. Here I was, in the arms of practically a stranger who from the moment he met me concerned himself with making sure I was well taken care of. The rest is history!”
On having a destination wedding: “I just always wanted something intimate and somewhat unique, and we are beach, sand, and saltwater people! I was inspired by a Bohemian Chic style, with classy elements. Blush, Green and Gold tones.“
Wedding Gown: “I went to a bunch of boutiques in Manhattan and nothing was quite what I wanted. I was very against going to David’s Bridal and getting a dress off the rack but my mother asked me to just go and just check it out and I said “ah, what the heck” – the dress I thought I would like the least I ended up LOVING! I kept it on hold and went to a few more boutiques but nothing else was quite as right as this one.” 
On picking a venue: “I chose Huracan for its rustic look, the attention to detail the staff pays there, the fact that I was able to design the entire wedding and wasn’t getting a “cookie cutter” experience, and that it’s super intimate.”
First Look: “We were really against it at first, but after reading Katya’s blog we decided to go through with it!”
It ended up being so incredibly powerful, emotional and memorable – for us all. Some of the most precious moments, all pretty much the only time Amanda & Christian had alone on the Wedding Day!
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is literally OUR song! 
Connection Session at sunrise: Rock the Dress … MAGIC!!!! 
Our dearest Amanda & Christian, we’ll patiently await your next visit, so we can have more of those ‘out-there convos,’ this time poolside, with drinks! Okay? We loved every moment of crying happy tears with you. Beautiful souls crafting an inspired life full of joy, you are. AND raising light-filled beautiful humans. Xoxo Katya & Rob.
