There’s something magical about a destination wedding – especially when it takes place on the stunning island of St. Croix at The Buccaneer. Ericka and Ben’s wedding was the epitome of island elegance, combining breathtaking views, heartfelt moments, and a celebration that had everyone dancing into the night. I had the privilege of capturing every detail of their special weekend – from the welcome party at Beauregard’s, to the rehearsal dinner on the Christiansted boardwalk, to the full wedding day – and let me tell you, it was one for the books.

Getting Ready at The Beach House

The day began with the bridesmaids at The Buccaneer’s gorgeous Beach House, a private villa offering sweeping views of the turquoise waters below. The space was filled with natural light, which made it the perfect backdrop for Ericka and her bridesmaids to get ready. Ericka opened up a letter and present from the groom, hopped in the bathtub with a bottle of champagne, and took photos with all of her best friends. Next, I headed over to the Doubloons rooms to take some quick photos of Ben and his groomsmen, cigars included.

A Picturesque Ceremony at the Sugar Mill

Ericka and Ben chose the historic Sugar Mill for their ceremony, a picturesque location that added an extra layer of charm and romance to their day. The sugar mill ruins, with their weathered stone walls and panoramic views overlooking the resort, made the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony. We took their wedding party and family photos here before heading off to a few locations for portraits. Starting at the cobblestone entrance and fountain, then heading to Hole 3 on the golf course, then finally ending their portrait session at sunset on Mermaid beach. I love bouncing around to different locations to provide the couple with a ton of variety in their photo gallery, while still moving quickly to get them back to their guests and ready to party.

An Unforgettable Reception at The Mermaid Restaurant

After the vows were exchanged, it was time to celebrate! The reception was held at The Buccaneer’s stunning Mermaid Restaurant, right by the water’s edge. The beachside venue is surrounded by palm trees and I love the indoor-outdoor feeling that the restaurant set up provides. As the sunset over the water, their guests sipped cocktails, danced under the stars, and enjoyed the perfect tropical evening.

The Dance Floor Was on Fire

What truly made this wedding unforgettable, though, was the energy on the dance floor. From the moment the music started, the guests were ready to let loose! After Ericka & Ben’s first dance and the parent dances, the party was full on. The bartender even hopped in for a few songs while delivering fresh bottles of champagne! It was one of the most fun and lively receptions I’ve ever had the honor of photographing. The energy was infectious and there were so many moments that perfectly captured the joy and celebration of the day. To end things with a bang, the couple left the party with a “no mess” confetti exit. It was so much fun and Ericka and Ben had the best night.

A Day to Remember

Ericka and Ben’s wedding was hands down one of my favorites of the year. It’s days like these that remind me why I love being a wedding photographer – getting to capture such pure joy and love is truly a gift.

If you’re considering a destination wedding at The Buccaneer, I can’t recommend this location enough. With its incredible venue options, stunning views, and the perfect island atmosphere, it’s truly a dream setting for any couple and any size wedding. Let me know if you’re interested in hearing more about Ericka and Ben’s wedding, or if you want to start planning your own destination celebration!