20 Photos That Gave Us That Happy Feeling in 2015 – Belize Weddings (and other cute pictures)
We’ve never done this before, but 2015 was such an amazing year for us here in Belize that we wanted to thank our clients and everyone who has supported us and enjoyed our work by sharing our favourite photos of 2015. Yes, we know, this blog is a wedding photography blog, but we also enjoy other types of photography. We chose the photos in this collection because they brought back great memories and made us smile. We’d like to share those memories and hopefully some smiles with you too. So, sit down, relax and enjoy.
We can’t help but start with this one. This would typically be a photographer’s worst nightmare, but this couple were so much fun and we had so many laughs with them during their shoot that this was sort of the icing on the cake (apologies for the really poor metaphor under the circumstances).
Dog photobombing was obviously trending this year and we don’t mind one bit. We are dog lovers and most of our couples seem to be too!
Dogs weren’t the only photobombers this year though from the animal world. While we were working on a commercial shoot for a resort here, this little guy popped in to say hello.
This couple almost got bombed quite literally by the closest thing we have in Belize to an Air Force.
Speaking of bombing, it wasn’t all being done by animals either. This has got to be one of our favourite memories from the year when this fabulous lady decided that ‘when I’m 64’, I’m going to get photographed jumping into the Caribbean Sea butt naked – and so she did! An inspiration to us all.
This photo won us a Fearless Award, but really the award should have gone to this brilliant couple for being the best Trash the Dress good sports ever. We remember this shoot vividly, especially the smell of the mud, which we must admit, did not smell of roses. At. All. So much fun and so dirty. We’ll never, ever forget this shoot!
Fortunately, for this next couple, their Fearless Award winning Trash the Dress photo wasn’t quite so mucky, but we do remember that they weren’t feeling too hot the morning after some very, very hard celebrating. Didn’t stop them looking fabulous though and again, such good sports for going for it even though they would have much rather have been in bed.
Of course the bridesmaids don’t have any obligation at all to be sober or to participate fully in producing award winning shots – which is why they are so much fun to photograph.
The next one is from of one of those weddings that we’ll always remember because even now, we get a bit teared up remembering it. It was one of our most popular blogs ever. A wedding for three, when this little girl participated in such a special day. A beautiful family and such a heartwarming memorable experience for us.
Of course, if we are going to start talking about little girls, how could we forget this one? It’s hard to imagine getting much cuter.
We were even lucky enough to photograph one little girl before she was ever born. Her mother was incredibly athletic and quite fearless, so with some imagination and creativity on our part and a lot of bendiness on her part, we created a maternity image that was totally unique.
We didn’t just get babies before they were born, we got weddings before they were engaged. We’ve worked with a number of grooms on proposals and they are always so much fun. Trying to plot and plan while hoping that she’s going to say ‘yes’ is about as nerve wracking for us as it is for the groom. This one was just perfect and we were absolutely thrilled for the happy couple.
In some cases, we’re there for a long time. One of our most unforgettable couples came back a few years after we photographed their wedding so that we could photograph their simply adorable little boy. It’s very special for photographers when they can document lives over the years.
Ultimately, it all returns to what we do best and that’s to get love to come through a photo. That’s why wedding photography works so well for us.
When you know the smiles are real, that’s what makes all the difference and makes us remember the moment we took that particular photo.
People’s personalities are what we remember most of all. You simply never forget moments like this.
When people get into our island vibe and want to have fun, anything is possible.
Wedding photography is a collaborative experience. While we create memories for our couples through photography, they too, create memories for us with their most intimate and joyful moments.
Maybe sometimes a little bit more intimate than we anticipated.
And for that we send you all much love and happiness in 2016.
Special thanks to all the businesses, resorts and individuals who invited Conch Creative into their lives, hearts and properties to make memories in 2015! Wish wish you all the most wonderful New Year!
La Isla Bon-epic! An Epic Belize Wedding – Part 1
You are having a destination wedding. You’ve picked the magical, tropical, paradise of Belize. You are going to have your wedding on the famous island Ambergris Caye, more commonly known by the name of its only town, San Pedro – or even more famously known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (oh yes, Madonna dreamt of us last night!). You know you want the whole getting married on the beach experience, with the turquoise Caribbean Sea twinkling in the background and palm trees. But then you say to yourself ‘Wait a minute! I’m going all the way to this interesting and beautiful country and I’m just going to get photos on the beach. That’s simply not good enough! I want more!’ And more you shall get – because Conch Creative loves to show our couples the real Belize. Oh yeah, we take photos too and here are some from one of our most epic wedding adventures.
There are a number of luxury vehicles available to transport our lucky couples around the island.
Golf carts are the most common form of transportation.
Once you get into the quaint, colourful and quirky town of San Pedro, there are all sorts of fun things to do but first you want to make sure you look your very best. So getting a pair of new shoes is a good place to start.
Followed by a smart haircut – or polish, whichever the case may be.
If you’re lucky, some of the friendly islanders might even lend you a clean pair of underpants.
And then it’s just a matter to find somewhere private to change into them.
Once you’re all dressed and ready to go, it’s time to take a stroll to the park.
Climb up high to take in the view. (just a note here – not many places in the world where the children’s public playground overlooks a barrier reef. Just sayin!)
Hang around and enjoy some fun activities.
Familiarise yourselves with the local animal life.
OK. Maybe not THAT familiar!
Take in some of the local art.
And contemplate its deeper meaning.
Don’t forget about the unique architecture. Seriously though, Belize is so much more than it’s beaches and jungle. It’s about the people and, of course, the Isla Bonita life.
When all is said and done you may just feel like this bride did –
“I can’t speak highly enough for the amazing experience you have given us. From day 1, your email communications were prompt, detailed & polite. The actual photography experience was a joy & you were both so carefree and easy to work with. We will never forget the fun we had with you during our Isla Bonita experience. To be honest, it was quite possibly one of our favorite moments while in Belize…. having no kids was a huge relief, but also laughing until we cried & having the opportunity to see the most interesting sites on the island was much appreciated. I’ve been to Belize 100 times and have never experienced San Pedro in that way. Im glad to hear you had fun too 🙂 I am speechless at how well the pictures have turned out & we will cherish these for the rest of our lives. Words cannot describe how thankful we are. “
Look out for Part 2 of this blog featuring the actual gorgeous wedding at Xanadu Island Resort.
Coming soon.
How to Keep Cool and Still Have a Hot Wedding – Belize Wedding Photography
People come to beautiful Belize to get married because it’s sunny. It’s warm. And of course it’s just gorgeous. But hot and sunny weddings aren’t always what Mother Nature plans and if you follow our little blog here about weddings in Belize, you’ll know that we encourage all of our couples to get in the water, take a little dip and cool off in the hot Caribbean sun. This wedding is a perfect example of how to be super hot, keep cool and have the best time of your life
A popular option for keeping cool in Belize is the famous local beer, Belikin. It’s also great for those pre wedding nerves…
…but too many can lead to an urgent need to cool down even more. You have been warned and don’t think we don’t encourage this sort of behaviour – because we do.
The wedding started perfectly with hot young women staying cool in the air conditioning but getting hot by jumping on the bed but staying cool by not getting dressed and well…..we could go on..but you get the hot/cool references we think
Bring on the hot young men stepping outside onto their balcony to look cool, while the young women below just keep looking hot, except they are not dressed, so they are sort of cool…
This couple brought along some super cool gifts for their guests because, of course, wait for it…..it’s hot (and sunny) in Belize.
And it was…right until they were about to say their vows. At this point, any plan B goes by the wayside. The good news is that in Belize it is believed that if it rains on your wedding day, it is a blessing. Good thing really….
…because in Belize, Mother Nature never does anything by halves. When she wants to bless your wedding, you know it’s going to get really blessed.
The wonderful thing about this very hot couple getting cooled down by the rain….they didn’t miss a beat.
Nothing could stop these two. It was all about the moment, their love, being with their friends and family….and so why not make the best of it.
Everyone at the wedding was super cool and just went with the flow.
The beautiful bride’s cool blue eyes never stopped sparkling.
The cool colour combination ensured that the bridesmaids popped against the moody sky.
Meanwhile, the guys snuck off, we’re guessing that the bar wasn’t far from here, they were feeling hot and needed a cool refreshing beer.
Before the drinking could commence though, it was time for guests to participate in another cool idea from the wedding couple.
One must never forget that the sun is never far away in Belize.
Creating beautiful shadows.
And incredible colours in the sky when it sets.
Wow! What a cool indoor venue. Not many people know about some of the gorgeous locations Belize has for the hottest weddings.
Time to reconnect for some quiet time before things really do hot up.
Because it looks like this super cool wedding crew know how to keep hot even when things get cooler in sunny and sometimes rainy Belize.
We so enjoyed taking part in this really cool wedding with this really hot couple. We hope you enjoyed it too!
This wedding was hosted and planned by the hot, beautiful and very cool Coco Beach Resort
Fifty Shades of Pink – Belize Wedding
We think there is nothing sexier than the sky, reflecting over the Caribbean Sea, just before sunset in Belize. You would’t need whips or chains to get this couple to spend time together. So let’s start this love story, which includes nothing but a little bit of light veil bondage, from the beginning.
The beautiful bride arrives in her sparkling limousine down the tree lined avenue. She trembles slightly as she anticipates the moment when she will set eyes on her handsome groom.
She exits the shiny limousine with thoughts of love and passion running wildly through her mind.
She sees her groom and immediately presses herself against him.
He teasingly toys with her veil.
(here comes the promised veil bondage)
He wraps the veil around them, binding them together as he nuzzles her neck.
And then a cute dog appears. Hey, c’mon. You all know us well enough to know that we couldn’t continue the steamy story and keep a straight face. The dog is cute though.
They were such a gorgeous couple and really didn’t even need a bit of veil bondage to make them seem sexy.
We were sad to see them go when the day ended and they drove off into the distance on the …ok we admit it..it’s not a limousine it’s a golf cart – but this is Belize and here, one man or woman’s golf cart is definitely as good as a limousine. Why?
Because this! Fifty shades of pink is simply priceless.
This lovely wedding was held on the beach in the beautiful Boca del Rio area of Ambergris Caye
and was organised by the couples’ good friend Libby Vidrine
Sun+Sea+Sand+Celebration = Perfect Destination Wedding – Belize Wedding
Two questions that we encounter frequently as destination wedding photographers in Belize – 1. Why do people have destination weddings? and 2. Why do people come to Belize for destination weddings? Even if those questions have never occurred to you before, we bet they are now stuck in your mind. Thank goodness Conch Creative is here to answer those very important questions.
People have destination weddings for all sorts of reasons, but in our experience, the most common is so that they and their loved ones can truly relax and let their hair down..or in this case, maybe relaxing a little bit too much, while the bride watches one of her bridesmaids having her hair put up. Sorry to be confusing. But the point is that destination wedding couples do not want the stress and drama that can come with a traditional wedding at home.
What could be more fun and relaxing than a barefoot wedding on a sandy beach, overlooking the Caribbean?
You don’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll get blisters because the only thing on your feet will be sand, and in the case of fashionable barefoot brides, some very pretty jewelry.
In the interest of not being sexist, we feel obliged to point out that the men had very nice jewelry too.
Now for question number 2. Why Belize? Well first of all, you can’t get Belizean Belikin beer anywhere else. Even if you could, we believe that it couldn’t possibly taste the same drunk anywhere but Belize.
While we wouldn’t want to be accused of misleading anyone, we are also of the understanding (as reported to us by our couples) that cake also tastes better in Belize. Yes, we realise this may be quite unbelievable, but apparently it’s true.
Truly though, what other things make Belize such a perfect place for a destination wedding? What many people don’t know is that Belize, unlike many other destinations, has kept all of its beaches public. So, you have access to miles and miles of beautiful, natural and untouched Caribbean coastline.
People in Belize are friendly and welcoming to visitors. You can find yourself a sunny spot and just relax and no one will bother you – except that pesky photographer, who keeps following you everywhere.
Because Belize has such a small population, you can kiss on the beach in the daytime and never have an audience – except that photographer again!
You can also kiss on the beach at night, in the glowing light of tiki torches, which miraculously appear whenever there is a wedding.
Did you know that Belize makes you love each other more? It’s a well documented fact supported by studies conducted by Conch Creative.
You may think we’re joking. But we’re not. Belize does affect people in very different ways. People who appear perfectly normal in the beautiful sunrise…
…suddenly find themselves leaping into the air for no obvious reason.
Another example is that one minute a couple will be standing, romantically, with the water flowing around their toes..and then before you know it….
…they are soaking wet and frolicking like young lambs in the sea. Maybe not like lambs. Lambs don’t often go in the sea. Maybe more like young dolphins or fish or sea horses.
So while we wholeheartedly recommend destination beach weddings in Belize, we now have given you fair warning. When in Belize, you may just find yourselves having far too much fun.
So ‘reflect’ (get it ..reflect..hahaha…never mind) carefully on your decision. Because…..
…no one could ever possibly want this much fun at their wedding, now, would they?
Conch Creative would like to thank the magic of Belize for making this wedding super special.
This beautiful and fun wedding in Placencia was organised by Lee Nyhus of Placencia Weddings and hosted by Coco Plum Villas
PSA- If you want a stressful wedding and no fun at all, do not come to Belize
Til Death Do Us Part – Cowgirl Glam in the Tropics – Belize Wedding – Trash the Dress
Public Health Warning! – This is a Trash the Dress blog like no other we have done. We highly suggest that you make sure you’re snug in your saddle and ready for a romantic, playful, naughty and wild ride. And now we shall begin.
Those of you familiar with Conch Creative’s wedding photography know that we specialise in Trash the Dress sessions. This is our chance to work with couples, collaborate and create beautiful pieces that they will treasure for years to come. This cowgirl themed Trash the Dress started like most others. Beautiful romantic poses in a tropical setting.
A little bit of playful fun…
…and of course some sexy romping.
We should have realised that something was up when we saw our cowgirl’s garter. But nothing could have prepared us for the story we are about to share with you.
After sending the groom off to get some drinks, while we did some beautiful bridal portraits, our cowgirl bride told us in no uncertain terms that it was time for a little refreshment break.
Always obliging we found a shady spot at the end of a dock. Our cowgirl had brought along her own bottle and, politely, offered to share. We explained that it’s important for photographers to stay in focus but that we’d hang around and take a few more photos while she waited for her groom.
Fifteen minutes later, we knew that something memorable was about to happen and we weren’t about to stop shooting (by shooting we mean with a camera!) until the rodeo was over.
The groom returned with a couple of bottles of Belikin Beer and for a moment, we were lulled into a false sense of security, thinking everything had returned to normal. How could we predict the drama that was to unfold?
As the groom swept her up in his arms for a kiss, she was already plotting.
We heard her whisper in his ear (she did whisper loudly) , ‘Now that we’re legal, you’re mine cowboy and don’t you forget it!’ and then she started marching him up the beach.
We were stunned when she stopped suddenly and said ‘Turn around big boy and strip!’. Conch Creative have never done a nude cowboy shoot before, but we were game for anything at this stage and of course we must admit that we cheered him on as he started to unbutton his shirt.
But like all good Westerns the stories lead you down long and twisty canyon trails and you never know what’s around the next turn. Suddenly our groom got a bit feisty.
Before you could say ‘ride ’em cowboy’. He’d taken the situation in hand and the tables had turned.
It was all we could do not to cover our eyes and blush when the scene in front of us took on a life of its very own.
Our final observation is that the old cowboy saying ‘He’s all hat and no cattle.’ Certainly did not apply in this instance.
This will go down in history as one hell of a ‘rootin’ tootin’ Trash the Dress experience for Conch Creative.
Down & Dirty in Belize – Trash the Dress Wedding Photography
This year Conch Creative had some challenges with the weather. In fact, all of Belize had some challenges with the weather. It rained hard and long and everything got extremely wet and mucky. So, we couldn’t have been more delighted when the bride and groom wanted to trash their dress in the most fun, playful and positively down and dirty manner possible.
It all started so innocently, just a little pat on the bum for the bride.
The groom got pretty cheeky…
…but the bride got even cheekier.
Payback time!
Until the roles reversed!
The bride looked so lonely in her puddle of mud.
That didn’t last for long.
When we told them it was time to finish, the bride found another puddle to play in.
Luckily the beach was close to hand for a little bit of cleaning up.
Even though they were getting clean…
…they were still a little bit dirty.
And with one subtle gesture, the groom let the photographers know that it was time to give them a bit of privacy.
This Trash the Dress session was one of our favourites ever. We’d like to thank the couple for being such great sports. We had so much fun and will never forget our dirtiest Trash the Dress ever!
10 Steps to Having a Fearless and Fabulous Beach Wedding – Belize Weddings
There must be something about Conch Creative that attracts the most fearless and fabulous weddings and we’re certainly not complaining. So, what makes a wedding both fearless and fabulous?
1. Have a great hair dresser, with great hair spray. Barefoot beach weddings are undoubtedly wonderful things but the salt air, humidity and wind can be the ruination of even the most fabulous hair style.
2. Think about details. Details can make or break fabulous events and photographs.
3. Share the excitement. Whether you are having a family wedding, or a secret elopement, make sure there is someone you can share your excitement with. Kiss your Mum or call your BFF, either way, sharing is caring.
4. Keep some mystery to the day. Even if you’ve lived together for 10 years before getting married, this day is ‘special’ and surprises make it even more magical.
5. Bring a pair of heels for fun. It may be a barefoot wedding, but there are so many other things that a girl can do with a nice pair of heels. These heels and this photo even won an international photography award from Fearless Photographers.
6. Kiss. Kiss a lot. Kissing is healthy, good, clean fun and should be encouraged at all times.
7. Enjoy the natural environment and beauty. If you come all the way to Belize for your wedding, make sure to take time to look around you.
8. Bring sunglasses. You’re in the tropics. You’ll need them.
9. Smile. There is nothing more fabulous than smiling.
10. Let your hair down, don’t be precious about your dress and get wet!
This about sums it up folks. If you’re going to come to Belize to get married, be Fearless and be Fabulous and definitely, definitely, get wet!
Because if you don’t get wet, you’ll never get photos like this…
…this….
…or this and when you look back through your photos in 20 years, think about the ones that will still take your breath away.
This gorgeous wedding was hosted by stunning Belizean Cove Estates
The Trash the Dress shoot was at the beautiful Victoria House
If you’d like to find out more about being a Fearless and Fabulous Couple, come see us on Facebook. Just click here.
Cowboy Love in Paradise – Belize Wedding
We are regularly contacted by couples who say things like ‘We’re not like those young beautiful couples you have in all your photos.’ Sometimes it’s followed with ‘This isn’t our first marriage, you know.’ Well, Conch Creative love that because we’re sure that weddings get better the older you get and some of our most wonderful weddings are with those who know it’s never too late for love. Not to mention that all of our couples are gorgeous. All of them. Even when they think they might not be, that all changes with a little bit of ‘conch dust’.
We’ve also learned that there is no one who knows that better than a cowboy – and we just love cowboys!
It also seems that it’s never too early for some budding cowboys.
First the gorgeous cowgirl had to be prettied up as if she were going to the county fair.
Then the nervous cowboy had to be gentled like a calf before a rodeo.
Meanwhile, the adorable helpers were getting ready.
But when it was nearly time, everyone had to wait their turn.
Oh, but it was worth the wait.
This was a wedding that had the potential to explode with love, adorableness and tons and tons of cute.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get better…..it did.
She’s here! Here comes the beautiful bride on the arm of her handsome cowboy brother.
Suddenly, dreams came true for the bride and her cowboy.
After the formality of the ceremony, the nerves, the laughter and the tears, our favourite cowboy groom showed us a bit of that old fashioned chivalry that we’d nearly forgotten existed.
He swept his bride into his arms and danced.
She couldn’t stop gazing into his eyes.
As the sun disappeared, our cowboy took the time to embrace the woman he adored and they enjoyed the last of the light because…
…they had a party to attend. A party to celebrate their life long love commitment.
The following morning, as the sun came up over the Caribbean, it all seemed a bit like a dream.
And we know for sure that this bride will be dreaming of cowboys for the rest of her life.
This wonderful cowboy wedding was organised by Grand Caribe
The twinkly reception dinner was held at Aji
If you enjoyed this cowboy love story, then tune in for future blogs from Conch Creative. If you really can’t wait that long, we’d love you to come visit our Facebook page and have a chat with us. Conch Creative Facebook page
Doing Tea and Traditions Belize Style! – Belize Weddings
We are always thrilled when our brides bring amazing props, personalised details, fabulous veils, stunning traditions and a great sense of humour and this couple ticked every box for us as wedding photgraphers.
This was the first dress of the day. The bride wore this in preparation for a traditional tea ceremony.
During this ceremony the couple kneel in front of both sets of parents and serve them tea.
In return, the couple receive envelopes filled with money. It’s a touching and classy way for gifts to be exchanged and we very much enjoyed being able to be there.
This couple thought of everything, from beautiful little party favours…
…to choosing a resort with fabulous architecture to provide drama and an amazing setting.
Ultimately, this resulted in a perfect beach ceremony.
As always, we took the couple away from the party so that they could reconnect and enjoy the romance of Belize.
They knew how to make the most of this special time and…
…the bride’s most spectacular veil.
In the end, nothing was going to stop them from having their own little party…..Gangnam Style!
We thank Las Terrazas Resort for hosting this wonderful wedding.
If you like our wedding photos, you may just love some of our other work, so please do check out our Facebook page, where we post sneak peeks of all of our different styles of photography.
Part 2 The Happily Trashy Ending – Belize Wedding – Trash the Dress
Welcome to the ‘Part 2’ or ‘To Be Continued’ from our Isla Bonita Love Story. Our two stars, continue with their adventures on beautiful Ambergris Caye.
The beautiful bride enjoying the low tide landscape, with the Caribbean disappearing into the barrier reef in the distance. 
Finding peace and beauty in the most unlikely places, resting…
…and wondering where her handsome groom might be.
She finds him and promises to never, ever let him go.
With his charming smile, he rakishly teases her, but alas she knows…
Their love is unfaltering and always meant to be.
On land or…
on sea (OK, not really on sea, but on a boat near the sea)…
Their laughter together will be the bond they will always share.
Now we are truly at The End of this island love story, but just at the beginning of their new lives together. Congratulations!
Belize Wedding Photography Blog 