July was an INSANE month for Rob & I. It was the last and busiest month of our 2014 season, but somehow we were finding ways to make it even busier… 🙂
Just a couple of weeks before we were to leave DR to come back to Canada, I received a lovely email from a woman named Kelly, who was reaching out to collaborate on a project. You see, her dear friends Seeley & Miguel own a GORGEOUS multi-suite villa right on the beach in Punta Cana (Uvero Alto) and have been pouring all their love, sweat & savings into making it an irresistible, magical accommodation / experience for weddings, yoga retreats and the like.
Simultaneously, I was running a contest for a lucky Couple who would be gifted a Beloved / Intimate Portraits / Rock the Dress session from Karla, one of our new amazing associate photographers. … that’s how Erica & Rich ended up with these stunning portraits!
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Erica & Rich grew up in the same town and always knew of each other, but didn’t connect until the summer after high school graduation. They both played summer softball and naturally, started hanging out after the games. Erica says, ‘he always brought his friends to my games to cheer me on. We continued to hangout all summer long; went camping, fishing, watched movies, and finally took a vacation to Hilton Head, SC where I fell in love. We dated for about a year and then made a crazy life changing decision to pack up everything we could fit into one car and move down to Charlotte, NC where we have been living the past 5 years. It was the best decision I have ever made.’
Here are a few yummy highlights from our incredible morning at The Palms Punta Cana Villa together. A couple of days later, they were married!! Erica & Rich – sweetest CONGRATS on your Big Day – you two are such a joy to be around! K+K.
Ideal day together: ‘relaxing on the beach with a beverage. Just the two of us spending time together with no worries makes my heart smile.’
Erica: ‘It’s pretty funny, my nickname for Rich is Dad. He used to call me “Ma” because I took care of his laundry all the time and was always cleaning everything, so I started to call him Dad in return. It sounds weird but for some reason it has stuck and I have been calling him that for the past 5 years, even though we don’t even have children yet!’
Most romantic memory together: ‘our wedding!! I also loved our magical morning with you & Karla at that beautiful villa. We spent so much time in paradise making memories, I will never forget a minute of it (except the one day I took full advantage of the all-inclusive abundance, haha)’
Erica’s favourite things to find in the fridge: ‘definitely ice-cream.’
Rich’s favourite thing to find in the fridge: ‘beer, cheese and pizza.’
Erica: ‘I love that Rich always brings me flowers home just to say he loves me, that always makes me melt. Sometimes if we argue he will say “lets hug it out” and squeezes me so tight I can’t breathe.’
Erica: ‘I love the way he can make me smile even when I’m feeling down, his positive mental attitude, and his ability to open the fidge, pull out random things and cook them into a full course meal.’
From Erica & Rich:
‘Our morning was absolutely magical and I cannot thank you enough! We are so grateful that we had the chance to experience a beautiful sunrise in paradise, wrapped in each other’s arms and have it all captured by you & KARLA! We will never forget the feelings of that day. I felt like I was in a dream with just my fiancé & I. The music, champagne, and scenery just took our breath away!
At first we were a little nervous since we had never done a photoshoot, we were not familiar with the area and were originally advised not to leave the resort. I don’t know why people say that! There are beautiful private beaches and villas all over and people who don’t venture out … are simply missing out! As soon as we arrived at the Palms Punta Cana villa, we felt at home and comfortable. We enjoyed every second of our time with you guys and are so very grateful to have had the chance to experience the magical morning. We cannot wait to return to the Dominican Republic next year for our anniversary and book a Rock the Dress session with you. I really wish we had done the research and found you sooner than we had. I wish we could have had booked you to captured our Wedding Day. Again, I want to thank you for being amazing at what you do and for giving Rich and I this experience to keep with us forever.’
Erica & Rich – looking forward to having you back for your anniversary! 🙂
Seeley & Miguel (and Kelly!), you are such fantastic hosts – how wonderful we get to watch your vision come to life! K & team.
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