Simple, Easy, Fun St. Croix Destination Elopement Wedding Photography

How To Nail The Beach Bride Look!

Thursday, December 13, 2018

These days, more and more couples are bucking tradition and getting married in their own way. We love seeing newlyweds express themselves with unique ceremony ideas, but our absolute favorite is the beach wedding. The relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful scenery make the beach (particularly our beaches here in the US Virgin Islands) a perfect spot to celebrate the love of your life!

But if you decide to get married at the beach, you need to dress for the occasion. How should a “beach bride” look? Here are a few tips to help you master this stunning bridal style:

Get That “Beach Body”

First of all, let us make one thing clear: any body can be a “beach body.” It doesn’t matter if you’re slim, curvy, or anything in between — if you have a body, and it’s at the beach, you’re perfect! That said, there are a few things you can do to make sure your bod is ready for St. Croix.

The first thing you should do to prepare for your St. Croix nuptials is drink lots and lots of water. Half your bodyweight in ounces daily, in fact. If weight loss is your goal keep in mind dehydration is often disguised as sugar cravings. Drink a glass of water before you indulge in a treat, then see how you feel. If the treat wins don’t beat yourself up. Healthy, hydrated skin is the point and is essential if you want to look dewy and fresh-faced on your wedding day.

Additionally, you will also want to have a sun-kissed glow as you walk down the aisle.

If you have a day or two to spare before your elopement take an opportunity to enjoy some Caribbean sunshine. Make sure to continually apply sunscreen, and brides be sure to pack a strapless swimsuit or bikini top. Tan lines are unflattering in a wedding dress, not to mention expensive to photoshop. If you don’t have time to get a pre-wedding tan on island, visit your favorite salon for a spray tan before you fly out.

Find a Short, Light, or Flowy Dress

Your wedding gown is a very important part of your big day. After all, it’s much more than your average white dress; this is the dress that you are wearing for one of the most memorable days of your life. This is one piece of clothing that should make you feel gorgeous, express your personality, and complement the vibe of your wedding day.

If you’re eloping on the beaches of St. Croix, you’ll need a dress that reflects that carefree “beach goddess” style. Look for a tea length, short, high low, or sheath dress in a breathable fabric (think silk or chiffon, the right lace can work as well) so you can keep cool throughout the ceremony. Also, try to find a dress with lots of flow and movement — they make for great pictures when that ocean breeze rolls in!

Keep Your Look Natural

One of the best things about the beach bride look is how low-maintenance it is. Beach babes tend to go au natural when it comes to hair and makeup, and that minimalist style can even work on your wedding day. In fact, it might look even better (too much blush or contour can look ultra-harsh in natural lighting).

When it comes to makeup, stick with natural-looking shades and light application. And as for your hair, this is the time to set those tresses free! A relaxed chignon or messy bun will look understated, yet elegant while keeping your hair out of your face, or you can simply wear your hair down. Between the humidity and the breezes, you’ll get beachy waves that are to die for.

Be Barefoot in the Sand

As far as we’re concerned, one of the best things about having a beach wedding is walking barefoot in the sand! There’s something so freeing about kicking off your shoes (especially if you wear heels often) and dipping your toes in the Caribbean while you say “I do.” So, if you’re going for that beach bride look, we say skip the shoes altogether!

Of course, if you do want some footwear to complete your look, there are plenty of stylish options that suit your beachy theme. Try a pair of strappy sandals, or even some jeweled anklets for a little extra sparkle. You’ll be looking like a true sun goddess with every step.

Are you planning to bring your beach bride look to the US Virgin Islands? We’d love to capture every beautiful moment for you. Contact us today to learn about our packages for elopements, engagements, or proposals in St. Croix!

Bailey + Jason

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Bailey, Jason, their sweet daughter Sunshine, and baby boy (on the way) had a beautiful seaside wedding on Buccaneer’s Whistle Beach.

Carol + Jarred

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Elopement Myths

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Elopements are on the rise (particularly amongst millennials) yet sadly there’s still a lot of misunderstanding about what it means to elope. Choosing to elope can be a great way to have an intimate, romantic day with your partner and the people closest to you — and yet, there are so many common elopement myths that paint them as something they are not. The only way you can truly know if choosing whether a romantic elope is right for you is to see past the myths and figure out what it really means to elope!

Here are the common elopement myths you should look out for, so you can understand how a wedding in St. Croix could be the most special day of your life:

Myth #1. Elopements Are Last Minute

This is such a common elopement myth — and it’s so wrong. Elopements aren’t some hastily-planned, last-minute panic when you decide you don’t want a regular wedding. Elopements, like any great holiday, can be planned months in advance, so you can make sure every detail is picture-perfect! We get couples in St. Croix who have been planning and dreaming for as long as they can remember. It’s a conscious choice and a huge decision for many couples, so there’s often a lot of planning that goes into it.

Myth #2. Elopements Mean Just The Two of You

Sure, if you want it to be that way, your elopement can just be you and your partner and an officiant — and if that sounds great, go for it! But elopements can also include your nearest and dearest. We regularly see couples bring their parents or a few close friends along. It’s your day — so you can make it exactly how you want it.

Myth #3. Elopements Are Hard To Plan

Because there’s this idea that elopements suddenly just happen, many couples feel like they need to put in all of the effort themselves — which simply isn’t the case. We help couples plan their elopement — and provide everything right on our website. From all of your questions about marriage licenses to vendors to trivial questions, we’ve got you covered so your wedding in St. Croix can be a breeze.

Myth #4. Elopements Are Not As Special

The idea that elopements aren’t special or are somehow less than a wedding is probably the worst elopement myth out there — for some couples, their elopement is the most special day of their lives! A wedding should be about what’s special to you, not about society’s expectation of what’s special. Plus, what could be more romantic and monumental than being in paradise with the person you love?

Myth #5. Elopements Are Selfish

Some people have the idea that eloping isn’t fair to your friends or your family — but getting married is about you and your partner. Everyone’s relationship with their friends and family is different — and, as we mentioned, they can easily be included. But ultimately, it’s about the two of you — and the people in your lives should understand that you want to start your new life together in a way that feels right to you.

Myth #6. Elopements Mean No Bridal Shower Or Bachelorette Party

Finally, just because you’re deciding to elope doesn’t mean you can’t have all of the fun that happens around a traditional wedding. A common elopement myth is that you can’t have a wedding shower or a bachelorette party — but why not? You’re still having a wedding, after all! And there’s no rule book that says how you can or can’t do it. In fact, a lot of people find these celebrations a perfect way to include their friends and family if they’re choosing to elope.

Myth #7: Elopements Are Too Small To Have A Theme

Many people think that elopements are limited to a couple of people and a beach or a registrar — totally untrue. We’ve seen every theme under the sun here in St. Croix — the sky really is the limit! In fact, the amazingly diverse landscape we have in St. Croix makes it perfect for a theme wedding. From a jungle to a desert to a gorgeous beach, it’s all here!

Choosing an elopement is a huge decision – and one that you shouldn’t take lightly, but don’t be fooled by all of the common elopement myths out there. Eloping is a magical experience, often planned in advance with your friends and family. If you want to find out more, check out our website and get in touch to find out more about your perfect elopement — and how you can claim your own little slice of paradise!

Emily + Greg

Thursday, September 20, 2018