Amy and Bill’s Intimate Family Reunion and Wedding

Bahama Family Photography

When I first spoke with Amy about her destination wedding,  at first I could not place her accent. Was she from England, or from Ireland, didn’t matter, she was articulate. She wanted a photographer to make photos of her family making memories. I immediately understood that she wanted a  Bahama family photography session. She told me she cared about the moments, she also asked how I felt about being in the water.  I am a beach girl, who loves the ocean and I love documenting moments.  After speaking more in depth with Amy about her ideas  it became clear that the weekend she was planning in the Abaco Island of the Bahamas was more of a family reunion, where two families and close friends were going to share many activities together, and the wedding was just an excuse to get everyone together.

The intimate group included Bill, his three children, their significant others, and his new grandson who was absolutely adorable.. Amy’s parents and sister who came from Ireland and her brother came from Las Vegas. And of course there was Finley, Amy’s surprisingly athletic, funny, and well mannered 10 year old son.  Amy and Bill were also accompanied by three couples who travelled from the main land aka Florida.  Amy and Bill also expected and hoped for, and were honoured with some local wedding crashers. Its a small Island and gossip travels fast. Everyone knows everyone, and few people wanted to miss the celebration.Day one was a fun Bahama family photography session

During this Bahama family photography session  was adventurous.  The mode of transportation was a golf carte or a boat. The plethora of activities that kept us all busy included paddle boarding, fishing, friendly game of beach volleyball, feeding the swimming beach pigs, and swimming races to name a few.  Lots of activities and people inspire me to make complicated and interesting compositions, and this Bahama Family photography session allowed me to do all that.

I like to think of myself as pretty fearless, and ready for anything. I love the water and the ocean, and I have never been afraid to be in the water, until, that weekend when we were feeding some sting rays.   While I stood in the water photographing everyone feeding the stingrays, I looked down and saw baby sharks swimming towards me. I screamed and jumped, and well everyone thought it was the funniest and regretted not having a camera to photograph me.  And then…   Bill, said ” we didn’t want to startle you, but they don’t do anything!” No thanks, I wasn’t taken any chances, that was a first, and hopefully a last for me.

The Wedding

You could say the culmination of the weekend arrived on Saturday night; The Wedding.  Over looking the ocean as the sun began to set over Turtle Cay. overlooking the ocean, the attire was Beach Party Casual and shoes were optional. The sweet ceremony was presided over by Amy’s Father who is a minister in Ireland. Bahamian drumming opened up ambiance for a fun evening and the evening concluded with a bonfire and s’mores on the beach.

I hope you enjoyed a small glimpse of Amy and Bills family reunion / wedding weekend.

-Heidi