Aaron grew up on St. Croix and when he and Carly decided to get married here, they knew they wanted to show off the island to their guests as much as possible. What better way to start the festivities than with a pre-wedding boat day to Buck Island? I had the pleasure of tagging along as their photographer, capturing the memories of their entire wedding weekend.

It all started with two boats from Caribbean Sea Adventures – a team that truly knows how to create an unforgettable experience on the water. The mood was set with soca music, laughter, and drinks in hand (mostly Cruzan Rum, of course—it’s a St. Croix tradition). We cruised towards Buck Island, a small, uninhabited island off St. Croix’s northeast shore that is known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand beach and underwater snorkel trail.

Once we made it onto the beach, I mostly shot candid photos of the guests hanging out. Then Carly, Aaron and I snuck off for a few minutes of portraits. More rum was involved and we all had a blast and caught a tan along the way (brides and grooms please wear lots of sunscreen before the wedding!!!).

The boat day wasn’t just a way to party – it was a chance for the couple to connect with their closest friends and family and enjoy the beauty of St. Croix before the whirlwind of wedding plans took over. I also love joining for the pre-wedding activities so that the guests can get familiar with me and recognize me at the wedding. It makes everyone feel more comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. Scroll through to see the fun!