I recently flew to the island of Eleuthera to photograph Kendra and Mark’s destination wedding in the Bahamas. Destination weddings are always special, but Eleuthera weddings are some of the most unique I’ve ever photographed.
Known as one of the most tranquil Bahamian Out Islands, Eleuthera served as a one-of-a-kind backdrop for the couple’s intimate celebration. Here are some images from their wedding photo gallery.
To say Eleuthera is an undeveloped paradise is an enormous understatement. In fact, the island’s unofficial slogan is “Eleuthera: It’s Not for Everyone.” If you’re looking for an all-inclusive jetski moped clubbing party-time (woop woop!), you’ll be sorely disappointed. If, however, you’re looking to spend a week with your closest relatives in one of the most secluded spots on the planet and don’t mind looking at the most mind-blowingly blue water every day while you’re there, Eleuthera could easily be up your alley.
The island of Eleuthera stretches 110 miles long (think DC to Richmond), but averages only about 2 miles wide. There are no major chains of restaurants, hotels, car rentals, or anything else. In fact, we rented our car from a guy who knew a guy who knew a lady who simply let us borrow hers for the week. The island might only have 8,000 inhabitants, but they’re the friendliest and most resourceful islanders I’ve ever met.
Eleuthera weddings provide some challenges in the way of guests, ad the island only has a handful of traditional hotels. Most of the on-island accommodations are private beach homes rented out to guests. Kendra and Mark chose the DaVilla beach home for their stay, and the oceanfront outside their back door for their beach wedding. The couple was joined by a few of their closest relatives for their oceanfront ceremony, after which the group shared an intimate dinner at the upscale Sky Beach Club. After returning home to Virginia, Kendra and Mark held a larger reception for their friends and family who couldn’t make the trip to the Bahamas.
Destination weddings are as challenging as local weddings to plan (if not more so), simply because there are far more unknowns and leaps of faith involved. But planning a destination wedding in a location as exclusive and remote as Eleuthera is an entirely different story. Kendra and Mark did an amazing job creating a unique experience that was tailored specifically to their preferences, and the results can be seen in the smiles on their faces and the sand they’ll be nostalgically dumping from their suitcases for years to come. Congratulations!
Photography: Justin Hankins Photography ·
Catering: Sky Beach Club ·
Ceremony Venue: Da Villa, Eleuthera ·
Reception Venue: Sky Beach Club ·
Rehearsal Dinner: Tippy’s ·
Floral Design & Coordinating: Tia Stubbs ·
Gown: All The Rage ·
Wedding Invitations: Page Stationery ·
Officiant: Dwight Cambridge ·
Colors: Tropical ·
Lodging: Pineapple Fields
