Lauren and Jonathan opted for a destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at the popular Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Ashley Therese Photography captured the big day (and day after) and shared with us a little backstory on this darling duo. “It was one of those warm summer evenings at the end of July. Lauren and Jon decided to have dinner at Mooring in Guilford, CT. But before they went to dinner, Jon really wanted to check out this really cool old house he had seen that was on stilts right on the water. The two walked hand in hand along the beach until they reached the house. They sat on the old porch staring out at the water and talked about everything and nothing. Before they knew it, the sun began to set and those sunset orange-yellow hues filled the sky. It was the perfect moment. Jon turned to Lauren and said, “You know what would make me the happiest man in the world?” And with that he asked Lauren to spend the rest of her days with him. After Lauren’s no-hesitation “YES!” Jon led her to a little picnic nearby he had set up earlier right there on the beach. They toasted champagne and soaked in the moments of just being engaged before heading to BALLO Italian Restaurant at Mohegan Sun for dinner.”
“Lauren and Jon decided to have a destination wedding, and were wed right on the beach at the breathtaking Hard Rock Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. There on the beach in the warm soft sand, they were surrounded by about 70 family and friends who wouldn’t miss this destination celebration. And their wedding was just that, an amazing celebration. Lauren and Jon’s families are some of the nicest and welcoming folks you will ever meet. Not to mention some of the most fun!”
“The couple wanted to incorporate wedding colors that would compliment the breathtaking shades of blue in the ocean. The pairing of aqua and bright coral worked perfectly and popped against the white sandy beach and water.”
“The floor length flowing bridesmaid dresses and floral design were simple and gorgeous.” Coral bridesmaid dresses are oh-so popular for tropical weddings and these really pop!
“For the beautiful and relaxed beach ceremony, where shoes were optional, they wed in front of a sheer white backdrop adorned in pearl orchids and a small table with gold details. Simple and beautiful.”
“The reception took place on the rooftop of the steakhouse restaurant Toro, with warm breezes and views of the beach in the distance.”
“The day after their wedding at sunset, Lauren & Jon decided to do a Trash the Dress shoot on the beach! They sat along the shoreline, letting the waves spill around them and waded into the water in their wedding attire. The happiness of the newlyweds was tangible and you could tell they felt like the luckiest couple in the world…”
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Ashley Therese Photography
Wedding Vendors: Dress Store: , Location + Event Planner: Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Punta Cana, Dress Designer: Jasmine Bridal
