When Angela first told me about the wedding she was planning in the U.S. Virgin Island's St. John - I was near close to giddy. I had spent just a day on the island a year earlier, and saw just enough to know I would need to go back. It's colorful. It's laid-back. The waters are an unidentifiable turquoise. It was no surprise, then, to find absolute beauty in Angela & Rob's island wedding. What I didn't realize going into the weekend, but soon came to love, is just how amazing they would turn out to be and how inviting their entire group would be.

With just 19 guests, the weekend turned into an experience for everyone. I love such intimate weddings...you really get a chance to talk with everyone and learn the stories of how all these people have come together.  

Angela and Rob were married at a beach-side ceremony, which was followed by a reception at the private Villa South Palm. Katie & Ellen of Weddings Elegantly Designed did an amazing job planning the event. I was also joined by the very fabulous, Shyla, to shoot with me...and cannot thank her enough!

Without further delay...

Angela's mother-in-law had contemplated not seeing Angela prior to the ceremony - worried she wouldn't be able to keep the tears in.  Turned out, she couldn't.  I can't think of a more genuine expression that says, "Welcome to our family."

Their ceremony was held at Hawksnest Beach - one of St. John's many beautiful bays. The chairs were adorned with ornate paper fans, parasols and flower petals to be tossed after the ceremony.  And of course, shoes not necessary!

Rob with his parents just before heading down the aisle.

Even though Angela & Rob had planned a small wedding, Angela was still set on having that grand aisle to walk down - just as she had envisioned it as a little girl.  So as she strolled down the most amazing stretch of beach, there was no doubt - she GOT her aisle (and one of the most beautiful I have seen!). I love her excitement here...

There is something about her look in this series that is so true to Angela's honesty in expressing her gratitude for finding Rob.

Just after the ceremony...

All 19 guests were able to ride to and from the ceremony together in one of St. John's famous open air taxis. This proves to be a particularly exciting journey on the winding roads of the Virgin Islands!

All of the guests shouting their congratulations from the taxi...could she be much more of a beaming bride?!

We wandered around downtown Cruz Bay for just a few minutes with Angela and Rob. Between roosters wandering the streets to tourists beeping congratulations with their rental cars, it was great to see these two have their moment in the classic ways of St. John. Everyone loved watching them dance in the streets (and we did too!).

Angela & Rob flew in the very-talented Katie & Ellen of Charleston-based Weddings Elegantly Designed to plan and design the event. They are a top-notch crew - not a detail was missed! From the mermaid-like linens to the pool-side floral arrangements, the villa was stunning.  They do book destination weddings (and would love to make their way to Colorado!) so don't be shy to look them up!

First dance. They chose "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys. Ironically, when Rob's mom was asked what song she'd like to dance to with her son, she had chosen that as her first pick.  Needless to say, she thought it was pretty sweet that the newlyweds chose the song as well.

Speaking of dinner with a view...

Throughout the weekend, we really got to know the guests in their group and all of the relationships between them.  Angela's Mom, time and time again, would say to us how much Angela is a rock in her life - and vice versa. Angela's toast to her Mom was absolutely beautiful - and well, that makes a photographer cry too!

I loved the pool-side lanterns and the ambience of the villa sitting high above Cruz Bay.

This is how most weddings seem to end...

And this is how Angela & Rob's wedding ended!

Congrats you two! We are so grateful to you for inviting us in as part of the group (and an amazing one at that), and in such a beautiful spot. I have no doubt that you will find many adventures to come.  Now - just find a way to work your way to Colorado!

Lots of love,

Katie