Jumping the Broom in Belize – Belize Weddings

After a long break, we were beyond excited to hear from this gorgeous couple. They were having their ceremony at one of the most photogenic seafront resorts on Ambergris Caye, Belize, and they gave us the honour of documenting a day of momentous importance to them. They were going to celebrate their love in paradise in front of the people they loved. Oh, and they were bringing a broom.

What?

Not just any broom, but the most ‘extra’, blingy broom we have ever seen. We’re British, so we have some excuse for not knowing about this special tradition.

Before we tell you all about the broom that made it to Belize with two stunning brides, we will start at the beginning. We want you to experience the day just like Maya, our award winning wedding photographer, did.

So, let’s talk about outfits. Everything was so on point, it nearly hurt. Glamour, dazzling good taste, style for miles, and, as we always say, ‘it’s not what you wore at your wedding, it’s how you wore it’, and they wore those outfits like Queens.

This dress. Everything about it was perfect for a beach wedding. It can be a challenge to find the perfect dress, but this was exquisite.

But not to be outdone…

Allow us to introduce you to the other bride. This suit is insanely hot. The way these two complimented each other in panache and personality was on show for everyone to see. A power couple indeed!

Our favourite moments often happen in those nervous minutes before the ceremony, when the support from loved ones comes through with such tenderness and joy. Eyes often leak.

Someone a bride trusts will make sure that no detail is forgotten. Details make all the difference and they had not missed one.

Then time simultaneously stands still and passes like the speed of light. It is a very strange phenomenon. Disbelief that it is finally happening and everything becomes a blur.

That single moment, when your eyes meet, and everything stands still. That is what it is all about.

The dream becomes reality and it is enough to take your breath away when it is a dream destination wedding in Belize.

The kiss. This is when most weddings have reached their pinnacle.

Not this wedding. Remember the broom?

The tradition of Jumping the Broom has its history in the ancestry of Black Americans. There are many theories about where this tradition originates, but enslaved African Americans would jump the broom to marry before their marriages were legally recognised. Now this custom is practised as part of Black American cultural heritage.

We always love learning about wedding traditions from around the world and we felt privileged to document this one and share it with you.

Throwing shades.

A signature Conch Creative wedding group shot.

This is the time our couples love. We sneak them away from the group for some quiet time. After all the excitement the space to breathe and reconnect gets the chemistry going.

Was it a bit hot that day, or was it just us?

These two simmer!

When two people are in love, they share secrets that will make them laugh with just a glance.

When the DJ arrives, it’s time to get the party started. DJ Debbie is a local island celebrity and we are certainly two of her biggest fans.

Like all great wedding celebrations, there were speeches, there was dancing, there was cake, there were tears, there were hugs, there was laughter. Most of all there was love. Fiery, sparkly, fabulous, love.

This incredible destination wedding in Belize was hosted by Las Terrazas Resort.

Special Day Splash – Belize Weddings

Choosing a destination wedding in Belize means that you love being by the sea. We just love to encourage our couples to take that one step further and to throw themselves into the Caribbean spirit by enjoying and celebrating in the sea.

Maybe we’re a little bit sneaky, because it all starts so simply. We lull our groom by taking naturally lit, moody photos that show how handsome he is.

Then we help the bride to prepare for her big moment, documenting her most intimate moments.

Weddings on the beach in Belize are always spectacular and the helpful guests keep the bride and groom distracted as we work on our plan.

As our gorgeous couple stroll hand in hand, basking in their love and recent joining, we start to plant ideas in their head. After all, it is starting to get rather warm in the tropical sun now, isn’t it?

We lure them closer to the water gradually, building their confidence.

Before they know it, there’s no turning back!

Once they experience the salty fun, they can’t help themselves and throw themselves into the experience with joy.

It’s sexy, it’s refreshing and the smiles are always genuine.

The nearness of the barrier reef makes water is so still and the mirror like reflections create spectacular and memorable images.

Unique and beautiful moments like this create memories that truly last a lifetime and we consider ourselves privileged to help to make that happen.

The warm sun invites time in a hammock to reconnect before it’s time to get ready for the evening’s activities.

And cake! Cake is a must and along with the rest of the scrumptious food you’ll find on Ambergris Caye, we are very proud of our cakes.

We do always recommend drying off a little bit before joining your family and friends to share and evening of love and laughter.

If you want a unique destination wedding in the Caribbean, where you’re not isolated from the community and culture and you can celebrate with a splash, Belize has got to be the place for you.

Special thanks to Portofino Beach Resort for planning and hosting this fantastic wedding.

Location, Tradition & Celebration (oh and location, location) – Belize Wedding Photography

Belize is an extraordinary place. People who visit often return year after year because they sense how special it is.  We just adore working all over the country and Placencia, where this fun and, love filled beach wedding took place, is one of our favourite locations. Combine that with a couple that just ‘gets’ Belize and you have a destination wedding at its very best.

As with all of our blogs, we like to start at the beginning so that we can share the story with you. Most couples anticipate that their ceremony photos will be their favourites, but when they look back, often, it’s the candid, intimate moments with family and friends before the ceremony that bring back the emotions of the day.

And, while many couples, come to Belize to elope, for others, the day is all about sharing such an incredible location with the people they love.

And what a location to share!

Check out these little cuties paving the way for the bride and delivering the all so important rings!

A barefoot wedding at a beach bar may not seem conventional to many, but when you have a gorgeous dress, a perfect bouquet and one of your favourite people there to walk you down the aisle, it feels just as traditional as it would anywhere else…except warmer and sandier.

This is where it gets real!

We were enamoured with everything about this wedding. The joy was palpable not to mention the colourful Caribbean scenery.

Yay! They are legal. Now it’s time for them to go out and have some fun getting their photos taken in places which will always remind them of this special day.

There was just this important moment to be captured for eternity. We’re not sure who caught which one or if anyone caught anything because, everyone was heading to the bar to wait for the couple’s return.

It’s a beach. It’s in the Caribbean. There’s a lot of captains and a lot of bars

In fact, we always encourage our couples to take a break in between photos.

Especially when it’s somewhere they already have so many friends and wonderful memories.

Never mind that a little bit of rum can make them feel like they are flying.

As the sun goes down, we like to get a bit adventurous with them and find magical little spots.

We take our time and allow our couple to relax before they return to party. This, they tell us, is one of their favourite parts of the day and we must admit, it makes us feel so happy to be part of that.

And so the evening begins.

Congratulations to such a delightful couple, who shared there love of Belize and each other with us and, now, with you.

 

Can We Just Talk About the Groom? – Belize Wedding Photography

It’s time that we introduce you to the stars of our latest Belize wedding photography blog. They were as wonderful to work with as they are to enjoy looking at in photos, so we felt that we should share the love.

If you’ve read our blog before, you’ll know that when we are lucky enough to work with a bride that is this photogenic and naturally beautiful, we tend to focus on her. The groom is only a guy in a suit after all. Who wants to see lots of photos of him?

Well, we sort of have a crush on this dapper fellow and love his sense of style, so you’ll be seeing a lot more of him.

Oh, did we happen to mention the rest of the guys? *swoon*

So, let’s get this party started!

Well, the shots weren’t appreciated quite as much by everyone, but never mind. There were more important things to attend to in the bridal quarters.

That dress isn’t going to walk down the aisle on its own. We’re not sure how many words we can come up for how exquisite this bride truly was.

She also had the most attentive and adorable bridesmaids ever.

With THAT veil in place and the Caribbean Sea, along with her loved ones and the love of her life waiting, she was ready to go.

This is when it gets real for the bride…

…and even realer for the groom. Look at his face. How sweet is he? We’ll just take a minute to swoon again now.

In front of their friends and family, under a heavenly blue sky dotted with cotton fluff clouds and just the hint of white caps breaking over the barrier reef in the distance, Belize gifted them with a perfect wedding.

Sealed with the required kiss.

Even though they look like they don’t quite believe it yet, they did, in fact, get well and truly hitched. Congratulations!

Time to celebrate some female power.

Also time to celebrate lovely men with cute smiles.

Now we get to the pretty photos of our couple bringing a bit of their unique glamour to the shores of Ambergris Caye.

As dutiful wedding photographers do, we found them romantic locations for photos that will hold memories of this special day for a lifetime.

Abandoned ruins of what was once the home of a doomsday cult, (we kid you not) provide a moody scene.

When a bride makes the effort to wear a veil like this, it always has to have at least a starring role in one image. We love veils and are always thrilled when a bride has one, especially as phenomenal as this one was.

Ultimately though, these two don’t really need a stage, a fancy veil or anything else. They just totally rock their wedding outfits.

But just in case you hadn’t had enough of this groom and his entourage, we will leave you with this.
All we can say is that when grooms and their groomsmen show this much respect for the occasion by putting as much effort into looking good as the bride and her bridesmaids do, they deserve a little bit of recognition.

This stylish and very cool wedding was hosted and organised by Coco Beach Resort.

 

That Amazing British Wedding (in Belize) – Belize Wedding Photography

Don’t tell us you haven’t heard about ‘THE’ wedding between a beautiful young woman and a handsome British man in uniform. Of course you have and we are beyond thrilled to tell you that it was in Belize.  Not only that, but you are one of the very lucky people, who will be able to get an insider’s perspective on this fabulous event through the eyes of Conch Creative.

That dress! That dress and a waterfall!

That hat and gloves! And sandals. What? Oh! Wait a minute. This wedding will be on the beach. Just a teaser for some cuteness to come. The groom did not wear sandals. God forbid! But, look out for the ring bearer.

Of course, for a ceremony of this magnitude, special arrangements have to made to ensure that there is nothing unsightly to spoil the beauty of this special day. Thank goodness for these hard working Belizeans who cleared the influx of sea grass from the beach. Gotta love them!

A special courier was employed to carry gifts and messages from the bride to the groom and from the groom to the bride. This special courier was, in fact, the photographer. Multi tasking!

Guess who nearly ruined her makeup?

Guess who’s lucky he wasn’t wearing any makeup.

Guess who got their very own gifts to assist with their own make up. Meet the Mums.

Mums are so important at weddings. They do things like this mother of the bride is doing here – ensuring that absent loved ones still get to participate in some of the festivities. Meet the bride’s dog.

More gifts to go round. Dad and the two best men.

Yes! You heard correctly. TWO best men. We did say that this was an extraordinary event.

Dad ensures that everything is as it should be with our handsome soldier’s dress uniform.

The Mums bond while leaving bridal details to the experts.

A blessing by both parents, while making sure that the surprise isn’t spoiled.

OMG! Hold on to your hats. (We hope you’re wearing a hat while you’re reading this. It’s only fitting.) It’s starting.

Like every wedding of this magnitude. Here come the parade of the real stars.

We’re not sure, but we’re thinking there may have been an imbalance in flowers in those baskets. That’s certainly what it looks like is going through the mind of one of these chiffon wrapped cuties.

Never mind because look who is arriving now. Where’s the Paparazzi when you need them?

This tiny star seemed to have been accompanied by a minder to make sure he fulfilled his duties and delivered the rings perfectly. Way to represent little fella!

And here she comes! We’ve all been waiting. No! Don’t cry yet.

Too late. He’s already there. If you haven’t already fetched your hankies, now would be an appropriate time.

This is how they greeted each other. *sniff* *sniff*

It was a perfect day. Even in tropical Belize, the day was just more perfect than most. It had to be.

And the crowd goes wild!

Now she has a hat. But just for a moment, check out that bouquet. British roses. Could this get any better?

You know it will. We have to admit that even after hundreds of weddings in Belize, the photographer was blown away by this one.

Unfortunately, not everyone was on board though.

Right now, the order of the day is to get legal.

We don’t normally post group shots, but look at them. How could we not share this with you?

A Belizean throne for a little sit down.

Romantic photo time. The secret waterfall of San Pedro. Oh yes.

That secret waterfall is located in the secret jungle.

From beach to mysterious and magical. Absolutely fitting for such a day.

Yes. This really happened. He washed her feet. He did. Hang on while we swoon.

In typical San Pedro style, off they go in their Belizean limo. ‘But why’? We hear you declare. ‘Where are they going? Don’t let this day end!’ you implore.

But there’s cake. They must go to their cake. And so…

…we leave you with this last, photo, just to remind you of this day, this blog, this wedding and this amazing British wedding in Belize. Like you’d even forget.

 

This gorgeous wedding was organised and hosted by Xanadu Island Resort

Come for the Culture and Bring Some of Your Own – Belize Weddings

   Many couples come to Belize for the beauty and this photo certainly illustrates that. Other couples come to Belize for the culture. This couple brought some of their culture with them to Belize and we were so lucky to be part of it. But, as always, we have to take you through the day like we do with all of our other fabulous weddings. This one was certainly fabulous.

Here comes the bride and what a stunning bride she is. We love the colours she chose and her bridal party are just gorgeous.

The wedding was as lovely as any traditional wedding in Belize can be. Right on the beach, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The couple had no less than movie star smiles when their wedding was declared official.

And Maya, our photographer, made sure to create her typically magical wedding images featuring the extraordinary natural backdrop of Belize.

Romance and intimate moments are cherished memories that we are committed to capturing for our couples.

We don’t usually feature group shots and even though this is a very good looking group, we have a special reason for doing this. You see, it is definitely fashionable for the bride to change clothes part way through her wedding day. She often has a second, more casual or comfortable outfit for the festivities after the ceremony. This was the first wedding we’ve ever photographed where everyone changed part way through the wedding day.

Bringing some incredible Nigerian culture with them all the way to Belize via the UK. It’s almost hard to believe that this great looking bunch were able to pull off looking even more fantastic after a hot, sunny, Caribbean afternoon. They were just getting warmed up it seems.

Here come the newly married couple to get the party started.

Do you see that little hut at the end of the dock there? Well, that’s where all the action began.

There is a wedding tradition in Nigeria called ‘spraying money’. This is a custom when guests place money on the heads of the couple on their wedding day. It represents a showering of good fortune.

Not only was there much good fortune being sprayed upon this newly married couple.

There was also plentiful love and joy.

Those loving feelings carried into the evening with the bride sharing a bouquet with her Matron of Honour to thank her.

And then, sharing her own with some very competitive guests.

Not sure she’s ready for that kind of commitment just yet, but she looks very pleased with herself.

The music started.

The dancing commenced.

And, like all Belize weddings, it was a night to remember.

 

 

This amazing wedding was hosted and organised by Victoria House Resort

Throwin’ Shade(s) in Belize – Belize Wedding Photography

Weddings are always full of love and emotion, but some weddings are just ‘extra’. They are the ones that, as wedding photographers, give us leaky eyes when we remember them. They don’t really ‘throw shade’ on the other weddings, but in this case, they did throw shades! You’ll understand when you read this blog and see the photos, just what we mean.

The perfect place to start is with the dress.

 And here is the bride.

We don’t usually feature the groom’s clothing, but in this case, the collar. Just check this out! Detailicious!

While we’re on details, let’s look at those rings. You can stare. They won’t know.

As getting the bride dressed becomes a more dedicated activity…

…it’s time for her to send her son to help his stepfather-to-be ’cause they need to do that bonding stuff too.

This is when it starts to get extra folks. Hope you have your hankies ready.

There’s just something so special in this…

…and this. And how s’tie’lish is that bow tie?

Meanwhile, in the bridal quarters.

Everything is ready to go. Sand – check. Palm tree – check. Blue skies – check. A view of the barrier reef – check. Fluffy clouds – check.

Let’s see if everyone is ready to go. Bride’s feet are looking beautiful.

Guys are taking selfies.

Bride’s garters. Oooh La La.

Guys are sharing refreshments.

 And so it begins. Two families joining.

Everyone has something to say.

Making sure that the family will always be united.

Through love.

Through tears.

Through laughter.

A family as one.

Full of symbolism.

Full of joy.

In one short afternoon on the beach…

…everything changes and it also stays the same.

But there is no doubt that this family has grown.

It’s certainly something worth celebrating. After all, it is a wedding. Right now there needs to be a little privacy.

So, there will be.

Dancing partners forever.

To love and to cherish.

To create memories.

There aren’t many places better for that than beautiful Belize.

And now the cake is calling.

Tradition insists that the cake gets some attention.

Tradition has some good ideas really.

This family is ready to start some traditions of its very own.

 

 

This ‘extra’ wedding where shades were thrown was organised and hosted by Coco Beach Resort

 

Find the Caye to Your Heart in Belize – Belize Weddings

 

We’re not sure how many there are. We’re not sure anyone really knows, but there are possibly hundreds of small ‘islands’ off the coast of Belize. The thing is that they are not islands, in the true sense. They are ‘cayes’. Cayes are formed on the top of reefs and are pretty much held together by the forests of the sea, mangroves.

In this photo, not only are you able to see how mangroves grow and help to create cayes, but you can also see how love seems to sprout on the cayes in Belize. And just in case you didn’t know how to pronounce ‘cayes’, it rhymes with Belize. Perfect!

When you get married in the tropics, you tend to avoid dressing until the very last moment. This works well with the laid back way of life on the cayes and contributes to a stress free and relaxed wedding. Everyone has time to finish off those last minute details without feeling rushed. Small things like ummm..writing your vows.

The dress is the last item of clothing donned before a Belize wedding and most brides don’t put it on until 15 minutes before the ceremony.

When there is so little time to get worried, it keeps the nerves at bay .

Destination beach weddings are stunning in their simplicity, allowing Mother Nature to provide the decorations and ambience.

(Had to find an excuse to include this photo of the youngest guest at this wedding)

All guests, young and old, love a beach wedding.

Even when certain things take a little longer than expected. Ahem…

After the wedding is the time for the photographer and the couple to explore the caye together. Couples tell us this is one of the things they enjoy most on their wedding day as it gives them the chance to reconnect and have a breather before joining their guests again.

This is St. George’s Caye. It has a fascinating history and although there are conflicts over the facts, its place in Belizean history is celebrated annually on ‘The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day’, every 10th of September. This celebration commemorates a battle, which was fought and won in the waters surrounding the caye, that drove the Spanish from the shores of Belize in 1798.

Very few people live on St. George’s Caye full time, which means it is extremely peaceful and rustic.

You can visit the docks on the island and wander around without seeing a soul.

There are many old docks to check out and the natural beauty is serene and stunning.

Unlike some other cayes, the mangroves that provide a nursery for so much sea life are relatively untouched. There is a local saying that ‘fish grow on trees in Belize’ (which also rhymes with cayes!).

The best part is that once you find a dock you like, there’s no one and nothing to stop you from jumping right into the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

That’s the way to start a lifetime together with a splash!

Remember that we told you how relaxed and enjoyable weddings on cayes in Belize were? No formalities are necessary. Just love and joy.

The one thing you can never forget though is the breathtaking beauty of the magical country that is Belize. (and its cayes)

 

This beautiful wedding was hosted and organised by St. George’s Caye Resort

Pelicans & Belikins – Belize Weddings

Before we share this simply adorable wedding on the adorable island of Caye Caulker, in the adorable country of Belize, we thought we should explain what a Belikin is. Quite simply, Belikin is the beer of Belize. The fact that it rhymes with pelican means that you’ll see both in this blog.The dress. It’s almost like it decided to visit Belize on its own and hang out on the beach. As dresses don’t drink and we couldn’t risk getting bird poop on it for the sake of a photo, we’re sorry to disappoint you with no birds or beers quite yet. Be patient. We’ll get to them soon enough.

But first let’s take a quick look at the bride, getting ready for her big day.  She’s very beautiful, even without a beer in her hand.And here’s the groom. Ties are tricky. They are even trickier after a few beers. It’s probably wrong of us to suggest that the groom had beers before getting ready.  He might have had rum. Thank goodness there are older and more experienced hands close by to help. The dress made it safely from the beach and onto the bride. That smile says it all and there isn’t even a pelican in the room.

Let’s take a break from the beer and pelican references and just enjoy a little overdose of cute for a moment.There they are! Oh wait a minute. Those can’t be the groomsmen. Were they even invited?Not even an ‘I do’ could be shared without a pelican making sure he got into the photo.

And there you go. The Belikin makes an appearance. Every couple deserves some ice cold refreshment after a hot tropical wedding.After everyone went to get refreshments (probably Belikins), look who just had to hang around. Honestly!Lobster doesn’t rhyme with pelican or Belikin but it certainly tastes good. Where do lobsters come from? Well, in Belize, they come from lobster traps, which are hand made by lobster fisherfolk and piled up to create backdrops for wedding photography when lobster is out of season.It’s not just pelicans and lobster fisherfolk who live on Caye Caulker. The village is full of life, love and Belizean hospitality.There’s another pelican. You can’t blame him really. The scenery is stunning.The birds all decided to settle down for the evening, leaving our adorable newly married couple to enjoy the true beauty of a Belizean sunset.The sort of sunset that makes everyone smile.Once the sun goes down on La Isla Carinosa, another name for Caye Caulker, it’s definitely time for more beer, and some serious partying.Before the night was over, the guests celebrated by sending off Chinese lanterns into the night sky. These were environmentally friendly lanterns that biodegrade and cause no harm to any pelicans. They are very pretty indeed.There’s really nothing quite like a wedding in Belize. Whether you have pelicans or Belikins, you’ll know that the jewel that is Belize promises a unique, wonderous and very special experience.

 

Feel Free Enough to Get Hooked in Belize – Belize Wedding Photography

As destination wedding photographers in Belize, we are always eternally grateful that we get to share important moments in people’s lives while they are visiting this stunning country, we call home.

There are many things that are so very special about the beautiful country, commonly referred to as ‘the jewel’. One of the things that people say most often after visiting is that they have never seen water as clear and dazzlingly turquoise as they have in Belize.

Other people discover Belize and become repeat visitors because of the fishing. Belize is one of the only places, maybe the only place, where it is absolutely possible to get what fisherman call the ‘Grand Slam’, which is so elusive, in one single day. Belize recognises this and protects its fishing grounds fiercely. It’s all catch and release.

Fishing isn’t all there is to do in Belize. With the water sport lifestyle available in a tropical climate, year round, boats are for pleasure as much as they are for sport.

The exquisite beauty of Belize never ends, even as the sun sets.

Those are just some of the reasons we think that Belize is becoming such a popular place for proposals. Thankfully that’s one activity which isn’t catch and release!

There’s something that frees the spirit of those who visit Belize. So many people around the world dream about the sort of playful and joyous experiences that can be had in such an amazing place.

Miles from anywhere, wading in 80 degree glass like water on pearly white, soft sand in your bare feet.

Celebrating one of the most important and, if you’re the proposer, most nerve wracking days of your life.

It’s a pretty good recipe to get that ‘YES’, you’re waiting to hear.

Then, it’s time for laughter…

…and huge smiles.

At one point you’re going to remember where you are, catch your breath and take a look around you.

It will make you do this, spontaneously. Trust us. It will.

The magic of Belize makes it the best place in the world to plan a life together. Congratulations!