I couldn’t imagine a better way to start 2020 than with a beachfront wedding in Jamaica. This all-inclusive island getaway provided a luxurious and adventurous location for Kaylynn and Shane’s destination wedding. It was a special celebration of love with friends and family on the picturesque tropical shores of Jamaica.

It is such an honor to witness two people who demonstrate their love effortlessly and passionately, hear about how they grew together through the years, and make their vows with huge tears of happiness for the next chapter in their lives. Kaylynn and Shane’s wedding glowed with intense and true emotion—I was so glad to see it unfold! I had the most amazing time traveling to Jamaica (what a gorgeous place!) with KLEM Studio’s associate photographer Krista in mid January for Kaylynn and Shane’s wedding; the beautiful couple made us feel 100% welcome and appreciated.

Destination Wedding Photographer, KLEM Studios Photography

Having arrived at the Grand Palladium Hotel and Resort in Jamaica about a week early, Kaylynn and Shane were able to welcome their closest family and friends to their stunning and fun destination wedding with smiles and warm weather. I couldn’t wait to experience Krista’s first destination wedding as a photographer in Jamaica’s sunny, 80 to 90 degree weather. There were tropical plants everywhere and the ocean view was not far away. Truly blissful! (I still get butterflies thinking this is my job!) Kaylynn and Shane were absolutely amazing, paying for our trip and stay so Krista could photograph their wedding. This all-inclusive event was out of this world with hospitality, emotion, and love.

The Grand Palladium Resort was the perfect place to host their family and friends. With access to Jamaica’s northeast coast and a short distance from nearby towns, guests could celebrate Kaylynn and Shane’s wonderful union as well as take a swim in the Caribbean Sea, shop, and try new foods.

Jamaica is known for its fantastic scenery, relaxing beaches, and magical rainforests. When Kaylynn and Shane decided on a destination wedding, they knew Jamaica was the perfect place for them to say, “I do.” This Caribbean island provided a dreamy weekend for Kaylynn and Shane, as well as all their loving family and friends traveling from afar to be with this special couple.

Shane and Kaylynn’s ceremony was bathed in the bright Jamaican sun as the gazebo was decorated, and the pavilion set up for guests to comfortably witness their vows while being shaded from the rays of sunlight and ocean wind. Twenty to thirty of Kaylynn and Shane’s closest family members and friends eagerly awaited the ceremony, taking in the scenic island views. Overlooking the ocean, the stunning view provided the perfect backdrop for Kaylynn and Shane’s very special day and entire Jamaican experience. It was really, really windy, but once Kaylynn walked down the aisle, no one could think of anything but how gorgeous Kaylynn was in her gown from David’s Bridal and feel how heartfelt Kaylynn and Shane’s love is.

Having been together before high school, they grew as individuals and together as high school sweethearts. Kaylynn and Shane know each other inside and out. As the two made their vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience! Their relationship has made it through so many life changes and milestones. Everyone could tell how much of an impact and inspiration they are to each other, and although their vows were short, they depicted the love they have and the excitement for the future. Kaylynn and Shane knew dating each other back in high school that they were going to marry one another (amazing!). Their vows talked in depth about being their best self, challenging each other, and building a home and a life together—and to welcome children into the world and their expectation to be the most supportive parents. It took literally everything for Krista not to cry because she was photographing their beautiful vows! Family, friends, and I were sobbing in the very emotional space that we shared together, with the Jamaican beach not far from us.

This is exactly how every wedding and all vows should be: focused on the couple’s love, their journey, and what it means to truly give yourself to another person. Kaylynn and Shane’s vows and ceremony were intensely heartfelt and focused on how much they love each other. Krista and I couldn’t stop smiling, because moments like this remind us why we absolutely love photographing weddings. These moments remind us how special love is, and we are so grateful to have witnessed it in Jamaica!

After the exhilarating ceremony, Kaylynn and Shane let everyone explore the Jamaican restaurants and resort for any food they wanted for their meal. Krista and I were more than excited to experience new cuisine, local dining, and fresh dishes native to Jamaica. Once everyone enjoyed dinner, Kaylynn and Shane’s guests regrouped for the reception at the Grand Palladium.

Toasts and fun speeches were heard once everyone gathered for the simple but absolutely beautiful reception. Relaxed and happy, everyone laughed and reminisced during toasts. An amazing steel drum Jamaican band started the dancing, the rhythm and talent exhilarating to listen to and fun to dance to. The birthplace of reggae music, Jamaican culture made its presence during the dance portion of the reception—and nearly everyone was moving and grooving to the music! The entire day was an incredibly intentional, beautiful, and emotional experience that Krista beamed about. We agreed Kaylynn and Shane’s wedding was the perfect type of wedding: gorgeous, with a relaxed atmosphere, and centered around who they are and what wedding experience they wanted to have with who they wanted to share it with.

Krista took Kaylynn and Shane out onto the windy Jamaican beach once more for their portrait session. We were nearly blown away! Kaylynn and Shane were troopers walking through the sand and water to get to the perfect location for their couples pictures. It was worth it, because their love and beautiful Jamaican scenery shone through for their portraits.

It was such a phenomenal event and a great wedding to be a part of! Krista’s first destination wedding was really exciting, and just hearing Kaylynn and Shane recite their vows to one another still gives us butterflies. Kaylynn and Shane were able to stay another two weeks spending time together in Jamaica after their tropical wedding. Their beach wedding emulated who they are not only individually, but who they are together. This windy and gorgeous celebration reminded everyone attending, what it means to start the rest of your life with someone, and it was absolutely heartfelt and emotional.

Kaylynn and Shane, your love for each other and welcoming personalities is astonishing and reminds Krista and I why we love photographing weddings (especially destination weddings!). Your journey is deeply inspirational and emotional, and we know you have such an amazing future ahead of you. You have the support and love from a strong partner by your side who you have grown up with and have so much history with. Thank you for choosing us to help share your love story and document your amazing personalities and Jamaican wedding. #andrewsatlast

Much love and appreciation,