Destination

A Luxury Destination Wedding in Jamaica: Mike & Meredith’s Royalton Negril Celebration

Why DC & Northern Virginia Couples Love Destination Weddings in Jamaica

When you think “destination wedding,” you probably picture white sand, warm salt air, palm trees waving like they’re cheering you on — but Mike & Meredith took that dream and turned it into a full-blown luxury experience at the Royalton Negril Resort in Jamaica.

These two are from Leesburg, VA, and they’re the perfect example of the kind of couple who wants romance, luxury, and a weekend-long party with 150+ of their favorite people. (Yes — you read that right. Over 150 guests. For a destination wedding. Iconic.)

For DC and NOVA couples dreaming of something unforgettable, this is the template.

Bride and Groom Portraits That Deserve Top Billing

We’re starting with the portraits because… come on. These were the moment. Royalton Negril gave us everything — clean resort architecture, oceanfront overlooks, palm-lined pathways, and a sunset beach that turned into pure cinematic magic.

These are the kinds of portraits DC/NOVA couples love: editorial, elevated, and absolute luxury.

One resort. Endless variety. A gallery that feels like luxury, romance, and adventure all at once.

Bride and groom standing on jagged ocean rocks at Royalton Negril with turquoise water behind them.
Couple standing together on a rock ledge overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Bride and groom walking hand-in-hand across textured ocean rocks with clear blue water below.
Groom hugging bride from behind as they smile with calm Caribbean water behind them.
Bride and groom standing on a rock formation, leaning into each other with the ocean in the background.
Groom standing alone against a wooden railing with blue ocean water behind him.
Bride and groom embracing along the boardwalk railing overlooking the sea.
Bride leaning against a wooden railing holding her bouquet with the ocean behind her.
Bride and groom smiling as they stand together along a waterfront railing at Royalton Negril.
Couple embracing in a shaded outdoor corridor at the resort.
Bride and groom posing under the white arched walkway outside the resort.
Bride and groom standing barefoot on the beach at sunset with the bride’s long veil trailing behind her.
Bride and groom kissing under the bride’s veil with soft sunset light filtering through.
Bride and groom standing together on the beach at golden hour, veil blowing in the breeze.
Groom dipping the bride in the sand at sunset with pastel skies behind them.
Bride standing alone on the beach with her veil trailing behind her in black and white.
Couple standing in the shallow water at dusk with sailboats in the distance.
Close-up of the couple smiling and touching foreheads on the beach.
Bride and groom standing together during blue hour with the veil cascading across the sand as the sky glows behind them.

Now Let’s Back Up to the Full Wedding Weekend…

Because this celebration wasn’t just about gorgeous portraits—it was a whole experience. From their lively pre-wedding reception to the emotional first look, oceanfront ceremony, and one of the most iconic receptions I’ve ever photographed, Mike & Meredith’s weekend in Jamaica was the perfect blend of luxury, love, and all-out fun.

Mike & Meredith’s Luxury Destination Wedding Weekend in Negril, Jamaica

Day One: The Pre-Wedding Reception — Booze, Belly Laughs & Beach Vibes

Most destination weddings kick off with a “welcome dinner.”
Mike & Meredith said, “Cute… but make it a PARTY.”

Their pre-wedding reception at Royalton Negril was buzzing — family, friends, tropical cocktails flowing like the Caribbean tide, and that warm, giddy energy that only happens when everyone arrives ready to celebrate.

They opted for full photography coverage of this night — and I’m so glad they did. These photos told the story of everyone coming together, reuniting, and starting the weekend in the best way possible: sun-kissed, loud laughter, and maybe a few shots of rum.

This welcome reception also offered an incredible opportunity for capturing friends and family in a much more relaxed, casual environmental. From my perspective as a wedding photographer, nights like these relieve pressure from the day of. It gives us an opportunity to get photos with all the guests, and even a few speeches were given in a much more casual way (which I think the speakers REALLY enjoyed). The real must-have, of course, was that it was more time to spend with loved ones with absolutely zero obligations other than having a killer time.

For couples considering multi-day coverage for a destination wedding… THIS is why it matters.

Couple laughing and holding drinks during their pre-wedding reception at Royalton Negril Resort.
Guests cheering as a resort entertainer balances multiple liquor bottles overhead during the welcome party.
Large group of friends posing together at the outdoor welcome reception in Jamaica at night.
Table of guests raising their glasses for a toast during the welcome reception dinner.
Group shot from below of everyone putting their arms in for a celebratory toast.
Friends posing together in front of a gold backdrop during the pre-wedding celebration.
Long table of guests clinking glasses and laughing during the reception dinner.
Bride-and-groom-to-be smiling and holding drinks near the buffet area at their welcome reception.
Parents giving a speech with a microphone while guests watch during the welcome reception.

Day Two: The Wedding Day — Romance + Luxury + A Party That Went HARD

Mike & Meredith’s actual wedding day was the kind of day photographers dream about. It functioned like a full, traditional wedding — but with the elevated experience of a Caribbean resort and that laid-back Jamaican sunshine energy.

Getting Ready at Royalton Negril

The morning was warm, peaceful, and filled with that “I can’t believe today is THE day” energy. Meredith’s glam squad absolutely delivered, and Mike’s crew kept the vibes relaxed and fun.

Flatlay of the bride’s pearl-embellished heels styled on soft fabric for wedding detail photos.
Close-up of the wedding rings stacked together with palm leaves reflecting in the background.
Flatlay of wedding invitation suite, jewelry, and bridal accessories styled with tropical leaves.
Black and white photo of the bride’s wedding gown hanging from palm trees beside the pool at Royalton Negril Resort.
Black and white photo of the bride’s wedding dress hanging inside a modern resort room at Royalton Negril.
Black and white image of champagne being opened while the bride holds a glass during getting-ready preparations.
Black and white close-up of bridesmaids buttoning the back of the bride’s lace wedding gown.
Black and white photo of bridesmaids walking down the resort hallway carrying bouquets and the bride’s dress.
Black and white image of the bride’s mother fastening a bracelet onto the bride’s wrist.
Black and white portrait of the bride standing in a bright hallway, looking out toward the greenery in her fitted gown.
Black and white photo of the groom and groomsmen relaxing on the balcony during getting-ready time.
Close-up of a plate with cigars, matches, and snacks set out for the groom and his friends.
Black and white close-up of the groom pouring a shot while getting ready.
Groom and groomsmen laughing together while raising glasses for a toast.
Group of groomsmen doing a celebratory toast at the resort.
Full group photo of the groom and groomsmen lined up against a white wall, holding cigars and drinks.
Groom’s father helping him adjust his suit jacket before the ceremony.
Groom standing confidently in a navy suit at the sliding doors of his resort room.
Portrait of the groom adjusting his watch while wearing his navy suit.
Groomsmen wrapping the groom in a big group hug, all laughing and celebrating.
Groom and groomsmen raising glasses together for a final toast before the ceremony.

A Faux First Look… Then a Real One

Yep — they did both.
The faux first look was hilarious and set the tone for the day: laughter, fun, and zero stress. Mike completely lost it, and it was genuinely beautiful to see the contrast between this hilarious moment with his best friend, and the serious and romantic moment with his soon-to-be-wife.

Best man standing on the dock with his arms open, dressed as a fake bride, smiling as he prepares for the faux first look.
Groom and friend dressed in a wedding gown laughing as they approach each other for the faux first look on the dock.
Groom hugging his friend dressed in a wedding gown during the playful faux first look.
Groom reacting with laughter as his friend in a wedding dress walks toward him on the dock.
Friend in a wedding gown twirling as the groom spins them during the faux first look moment.
Close-up of the friend in the gown laughing alongside the groom as the bridal party watches.
Groom and friend dressed in a wedding gown running joyfully down the dock together with the ocean behind them.

The real first look shifted everything into full cinematic mode. The emotion. The breeze. The way they melted into each other. It is one of my absolute favorite things to watch a man truly show his love for his woman.

Black and white photo of the bride walking across the dock toward the groom outside the Royalton Negril Resort.
Bride standing on the dock overlooking the ocean, smiling back over her shoulder before the first look.
Black and white photo of the bride approaching the groom from behind to tap his shoulder for their first look.
Groom turning toward the bride with a smile as she stands facing him.
Bride reaching her arms out to the groom as he smiles during the first look.
Groom smiling after seeing his soon to be bride for the first time.
Bride and groom embracing during their emotional first look on the oceanfront dock.
Close-up of the groom holding the bride tightly during their first look moment.
Black and white candid of the bride smiling up at the groom as they walk together after the first look.
Bride and groom laughing together on the dock at Royalton Negril with the ocean and sky behind them.

A Ceremony on the Edge of the Ocean

Their ceremony space was perched right at the edge of the resort, with the ocean behind them. The waves crashed, the sun glowed, and every moment felt surreal.

It was intimate yet grand. Emotional yet effortless.
The mix every luxury destination wedding should have.

Wide view of the oceanfront ceremony with guests seated facing the stone arch.
Ceremony setup overlooking the ocean at Royalton Negril with white chairs and a modern stone arch.
Groom greeting guests with open arms before the ceremony at the Royalton Negril resort.
Bride walking down the aisle with her father toward the oceanfront ceremony.
Groom standing at the altar waiting for the bride during their destination wedding.
Bride walking down the aisle smiling as guests stand and watch during the ceremony.
Bride and groom sharing their first kiss under the stone arch at Royalton Negril.
Bride and groom walking up the aisle celebrating, holding hands and smiling.
Bride lifting her bouquet triumphantly during the recessional as guests clap.

Reception Time: And This Is Where It Gets ICONIC

A luxury wedding is stunning.
A luxury wedding that also throws down?
That’s unforgettable.

Their reception was one of the most lit parties I’ve photographed to this day.

150+ people.
DJ absolutely killing it.
Handmade cigar bar pumping. Drinks flowing.
Dance floor packed from the first song.
People barefoot, sweating, singing, toasting, laughing, fully alive in the moment.
It. Was. EPIC.

This is what DC/NOVA couples crave when they dream of a destination wedding: an elevated, high-end experience, with the freedom to actually enjoy it.

Bride and groom sipping cocktails together inside the reception hall.
Bride and groom sharing their first dance under a clear tent with string lights.
Close-up of the couple dancing under the illuminated tent during their reception.
Bride and groom sitting at their sweetheart table, silhouetted as they kiss under glowing lights.
Wedding guests watching speeches and laughing during the reception dinner.
Father-daughter dance under the clear tent with guests watching.
Guests dancing and celebrating under the reception tent.
Bride dancing with guests as the dance floor lights flash.
A packed dance floor with friends cheering and dancing wildly.
Friends dancing together during the lively reception party.
Bride smashes cake into grooms face.
Wedding couple share a cake filled kiss after their cake cutting.
Newly weds enjoying a casual dance during the reception.
Guest lifting her arms and dancing energetically at the reception.
Couple dancing and watching their wedding reception.
Groomsmen taking celebratory shots on the dance floor.
Guests crowding around the bar taking shots together in celebration.
Groom laughing while leaning over a chair during the party.
Bartender pouring shots for guests at the reception bar.
Mother of the bride and mother of the groom charing a moment with hand rolled cigars at a destination wedding.
Bride taking a fun group photo with guests during the dance party.
Groom hugging guests during the late-night reception festivities.
Silhouette of guests dancing beneath a clear reception tent glowing with chandelier and string lights.

The Grand Finale: A Full-Send Beach Run into the Ocean

Some couples end the night with sparklers.
Some with fireworks.
Some with a fancy exit car.

Mike & Meredith?
They grabbed each other’s hands, sprinted toward the water, and YEETED themselves into the ocean in full wedding attire.

The audacity.
The joy.
The commitment to the moment.
The photos? UNREAL.

It was the perfect ending to a wedding that was equal parts romantic, luxurious, and downright FUN.

Bride and groom leading their wedding guests into the shallow beach water at night during their Jamaica destination wedding celebration.
Wedding guests splashing water during a nighttime beach celebration at the Royalton Negril resort.
Large group of wedding guests cheering and splashing in the ocean after the reception at the Royalton Negril.
Groom and wedding guests crashing into the water while celebrating during the nighttime ocean dip.
Bride and groom laughing in the ocean while friends celebrate behind them during their destination wedding afterparty.
Groom dips the bride for a dramatic kiss in the ocean at night, surrounded by cheering wedding guests during their Jamaica wedding celebration.

Planning a Destination Wedding from DC or Northern Virginia?

If you’re a DC/NOVA couple dreaming of an elevated Caribbean wedding that’s full of emotion, energy, luxury, and unforgettable moments — you’re my people.

Your wedding can be:

  • romantic and editorial
  • full of connection and meaning
  • AND an absolute party

…all in one weekend.

My approach to destination weddings is intentional, relationship-driven, timeline-aware, and deeply rooted in documenting the experience — not just the event. If you want a photographer who blends luxury with laughter, candids with editorial storytelling, and calm direction with hype-girl energy… that’s exactly what I do.

Ready to dream big? Your destination gallery starts here.

Why Couples Hire Me for Their Luxury Destination Weddings

  • 10+ years of photographing international + destination weddings
  • Expert travel planning + buffer-day strategy so your coverage is never affected by delays
  • DC/NOVA based with global reach — perfect for couples wanting a local connection with worldwide experience
  • Documentary-forward approach that captures emotion, energy, beauty, and the “you had to be there” moments
  • A hype woman + timeline protector who keeps your wedding day smooth, uplifting, and stress-free

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Jamaica (or anywhere else your hearts take you)…

I would love to help you create a wedding story as unforgettable as Mike & Meredith’s.

✨ Inquire here to start planning your luxury destination wedding experience ✨

Need help deciding if destination coverage is right for you? I can walk you through timelines, coverage options, travel logistics, and what would best fit your vision.

Let’s get you married in paradise.

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awe inspiring gallery on this page?

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