Bryan Morris – Aruba’s Premier Wedding Photographer

Do you remember last year I’ve mentioned that I’ve had a blog stalker? See THIS post!

Mike & Janyne met in January 2006 while he was working at a Nissan dealership in Staten Island. Janyne was was shopping for a new car with her parents when Mike approached them to offer assistance. Immediately, Mike knew he had to have her! She was scheduled to pick up the car in a few days and since Mike already had her number (which was to be used for business purposes) he called Janyne on the premise of confirming the details to pick up the vehicle. After a few minutes of casual chit-chat, he asked Janyne out for coffee to “thank her for buying the car”. Startled that the car salesman had just asked her out, she didn’t know what to say. She thought for a moment of the obvious age difference (Mike has 17 years on her) then agreed, thinking “what harm could coffee do?” and “it’s not like he’s asking me to marry him!”.

The next day, when she was about to leave her new car, Mike asked Janyne when they could go out for coffee. They decided on the following night after work and as he gave her his phone number, he said “You’re gorgeous! You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen!”.

On the night they went out for coffee, Janyne was surprised at how much they had in common, despite their age difference. They talked for so long, they didn’t realize the coffee shop was about to close. That weekend, Mike took Janyne to a romantic restaurant in Brooklyn for their ‘first date”. Afraid of starting a relationship with someone nearly twice her age, who was previously married with children close to her age, Janyne was uncertain if they wanted the same things. She set a “cut-off” of 6 months – if by then, they’re not on the same page she would walk away. She never got the chance as Mike revealed that if he were to ever marry again, it had to be her!
On December 15, 2007 at that same Brooklyn restaurant, Mike popped the big question, to Janyne “you’re gonna marry me, right?”

Since then I’ve been in contact with Janyne and we’ve built a very great relationship, I consider Mike and Janyne almost family.

Her wedding finally rolled around so after being a blogstalker for so long now it’s her time to shine.

Janyne and her family visits Aruba regularly and introduced Mike to Aruba, so when Mike proposed to Janyne it was easy to choose a spot for their Destination Wedding. Janyne didn’t just want to have her wedding on the beach so she opted for Tierra del Sol and had Ventanas del Mar cater for them. The evening started off with the cermony being officiated by Father Jacob as they wanted a more religious touch to their wedding, they’ve had a coctail hour that was entertained by Nico Conner with his Magical Steelpan. After the coctail hour there was a sitdown dinner. After dinner DJ Tino from Cyclone Promotions had the entire party family on the dance floor all night. The young and the younger were bouncing to the tunes kicking out of his speakers.

Janyne and Mike I wish you two the happiest life together.

Mrs Theresa McGann, Janyne’s mom, pinning up her dress!

Last minute touch ups before hitting the stage! 

A detail shot of the shoes. 

Mom securing the garter in place! 

Jennifer and Anthony, Bridesmaid and Groomsman walking down the aisle. 

Bestman Dominic and Maid Of Honor Kathleen making there way down the aisle. 

Charles and Janyne McGann on their way to give Janyne away. 

Mike receiving Janyne from her dad. 

 Minister Jacob conducting the wedding ceremony.

Portrait of the couple during the wedding ceremony. 

Mike saying his vows. 

Bestman Dominic, can’t seem to be getting the rings out of his pocket. 

Mike placing the ring on Janyne’s finger. 

 Janyne returning the favor.

The female part of the bridal party. 

The Kiss! 

 Janyne signing the marriage documents.

Mike’s turn. 

A portrait of the couple and wedding party. 

A detail shot of the rings.

Only in paradise would you be able to get a sweet portrait like this. 

A kiss during the portraits.

Janyne can’t seem to have enough of Mike so another….. 

And another…..

Mike showing Janyne his mad golf skillz. 

Another portrait of the wedding party. 

The cake! 

First Dance! 

Father/Daughter Dance 

This was a wild (in a good way) crowd, they can get a party started. 

Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: 100% [?]

It is so complex to the human mind at times how destiny is decided.

Steven met Fayth (both Americans) in Bonn, Germany in 2002. Steven was then attending Texas A&M University and Fayth Lehigh University at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. A strong friendship was born. They remained in contact for the next several years visiting each other in Texas and Pennsylvania. It wasn’t until a visit down to Texas in 2005 Fayth and Steven started dating, a few years later Steven decided that he wanted to kick up the relationship a notch so he decided no more long distance dating and moved to Pennsylvania to be of support to Fayth while she attended Dental school.

Steven proposed in August 2008 while touring vineyards in the Brandywine Area of Pennsylvania.

These guys are awesome, our first in person meeting left me knowing that this one was going to rock. I’ve approached the wedding with such a confidence that I was going to blow it out of the park, not by my efforts really, but by the flexibility and open personality of the Bride and Groom.

After a couple of shots I gave them a peak at what I was getting and Steven goes, “Man, you’re good!”. Steven, believe me it’s not totally me but the vibe that you two transcend just makes it happen. Thanks for having me and may God bless your marriage.

When things get tough (notice I said “when” ,because they will. It’s inevitable) go back to your sign in book and read what I wrote there for you.

This wedding was at the Bucuti Beach Resort with the illustrious Nashette Wouters as the wedding planner. Words fail to express the awesomeness of this lady. She really makes you feel at ease even though you’re planning a wedding from thousands of miles away. It’s always a pleasure for me to work with her.

Groom getting ready

Bride and Bridesmaid making the last minute touches. 

Bridesmaid attaching the veil to bride, for Aruba this is more like securing the veil, it is windy but the veil is cool especially for pictures. 

Admiring herself in the mirror before heading out. 

Detail shot of the Calla Lilly bouquet and the fans that were given out to the guests. 

Mirror mirror on the wall………. 

Steven getting his first glimpse of Fayth, look at the smile on his face.

Groom’s mother attaching his boutonierre, a special moment. 

Mom giving groom a kiss before heading to the ceremony.

The urban dictionary has a different definition to this word but I have a total different definition and it will be added to the dictionary in the next print. The word I’m referring to is “Sexceptional”, exceptionally sexy! 

This is what you get if you don’t be shy and really enjoy each other on your wedding day. There’s very little left for me to be introduced to and if you’re so daring I’ll go for it, no problem, I’ll just chalk it up as a new experience. 

Schweet, golden hour sun! Using flash here would just ruin this shot. Did I really need any flash? I don’t think so. Available light is the way to go.

Upon shooting Fayth for a while in the room, I was stunned by her teeth but never said anything. Afew days after the wedding we met and she said that she was a dentist, then all fell in place. She really has beautiful teeth. 

 A shot of the setup of the ceremony area, Nashette and her crew did a great job!

 The bridesmaid heading to the arch.

 Here comes the bride……

 The bride focused on her prize……

This guy have seen his then bride to be before the ceremony but he’s still amazed at how she looks, look at his expression.

The Vows! 

 The Ceremony.

The Kiss!

Look at this guy, euphoric. It’s like he’s saying “Yes, I’ve scored a touchdown” 

 A detail shot of the rings.

A classic portait on the beach.

Newly weds on the Eagle Beach! 

I call this “Ecstatic” 

Just schweet!

Steven told Fayth that he’ll take her to the end of the world. 

Romance in the tropics! 

Bride and Groom and the wedding party. 

……….take my breath away!

The reception area with your toes in the sand. Can you ask for anything better. 

The bride and groom opening the buffet line. 

A caribbean first dance! 

The cake.

Cake cutting! 

You feed me and I’ll feed you. 

Groom and Groomsman lighting up a Cohiba. This was a funny moment, a little secret between the two and me who documented it. 

 Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: 87% [?]

As promised, here is the part 2 for Ikna & Eric Wedding. 

One portrait before heading into the reception!

Bridesmaids just chillin’ in a hammock! 

First Dance, I just love the expression of the onlookers in the background. 

Some art of the first dance. 

Daughter and father dance. 

Son & Mother Dance 

 Bride & Groom during the toast.

Bestman with the toast. 

Mother of the groom with a toast. 

Maid Of Honour with her toast. 

Father of bride with a toast. 

Bride & Groom being romantic during dinner 

Father of bride was just having a blast. 

I just love this shot! 

A cake shot 

Cake cutting! 

Cake smearing! 

And the best part, cake cleaning! 

This is the bouquet toss. 

Mission: Find The Garter 

These single guys were having fun with the garter toss. 

The departure……. 

This is not the most technically sound shot but it tells the story of the evening. 

Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: 54% [?]

Yes, they are. I’ve seen it for myself with my own eyes, I didn’t hear about it from anyone, no it’s not gossip it’s a done deal.

Eric and Ikna met online and decided to go on their first date to Carnivale a Latin American Fusion restaurant. Eric being the nice easygoing guy that he is waited for Ikna at the restaurant even though Ikna was late. She showed up one hour later with a valid excuse, she was lost. It was then that Eric decided that she will never be lost again because she’ll always be by his side.

They both enjoy going to the movies, dining and opera presentations.

My observation of these two are that they are a very fun loving couple, the thing I like most about Eric is that he’s a gentleman around Ikna or should I say around anyone for that matter. Being a gentleman works so much to his benefit. I’m sure this is what swept Ikna off her feet. This guy opens every door for Ikna including the car door, he so loves to serve Ikna and make sure that she’s OK.

To the world today that is not the “Macho” thing to do but Eric knows where it has gotten him, “brother never stop serving your wife”. It will be reciprocated and you’ll have a happy marriage many will wish they’ve had. Don’t look at what you do for her and measure it against what she does for you. All you have to do is your part and the rest will follow. If you seek to always be of service to her it leaves you no time to see if she’s being of service to you or not and she’ll have no other choice then but to be the same and you’ll live happily ever after.

Guys, know that you have a friend here in Aruba always and I’m looking forward to many family portraits of you guys in the future.

This wedding was on the Renaissance Island, there were a little less than 100 family and close friends. It was a great ceremony and  an awesome evening. Two cultures intermingling together and being bonded by love. Ikna’s descendants are from Colombia, so we’ve had a large amount of Latinos or should I say Rumberos and Eric’s descendants are from Lithuania, while it was yet part of the Soviet Union so one big party.

The guest were so in a party mode that all they really wanted was for the DJ to play music and the bar to remain open. They didn’t want to stop dancing for dinner. Dj Tino from Cyclone Promotion kept the guests on their feet the entire night.

Rafael “Juni” Jones from Aruba Renaissance was the wedding planner and he did a superb job with the decoration and setup of the island. The food was…..that’s a whole other post. I’ll just hint, yummy!

Here you have a detail shot of the dress!

The bridesmaids assisting Ikna with her dress.

Everything beautiful takes time. 

A shot of the back of the dress! 

Best man assisting groom. 

Groom and his groomsmen striking a pose! 

Men on a mission. Mission: Get Married!

Awaiting transportation to the island! 

Ikna hanging out with her bridesmaids in the room. 

All the ladies! 

Ikna’s dad just awaiting the big moment.

 Another portrait of Ikna in the room.

Ikna and her dad walking down the sand aisle at the Renaissance Island, Aruba. 

Ikna’s being given away by her dad to her groom. 

Ikna’s dad giving her a hug before he gives her away. I just love the flare in this one. 

A detail shot of the bouquet. 

Ikna giving Eric’s mom a kiss during the rose ceremony. 

I’ve called this one ”Together”  

I’ve just had to make use of the sun to get a shot with some flare. Here is Eric reading out his vows to Ikna………. 

………Which eventually caused her to get teary eyed. 

A detail shot of the bridal bouquets. 

Eric getting ready to place that ring on Ikna’s hand. 

Ikna’s just enjoying the moment. 

The ring ceremony… 

The Kiss! 

Man and wife walking back down the aisle. 

I’ll have to break this up in two posts, I have too many great shots and I’ve gotten only through preparation and ceremony so I’ll continue in part II with after ceremony and reception. Stay tuned!

Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: 86% [?]

What do you get when you have a stunning bride, a hunk of a groom at a spectacular location? Fabulousity!

This is exactly what I’ve experienced on Friday at Bucuti Beach Resort where I’ve had the honor to document the wedding of Daniela & Anthony Vazquez. The celebration went off without a hitch, thanks to the wedding planner at the Bucuti, Nashette Wouters.

Daniela & Anthony a.k.a. T.J. lived very close to each other, T.J. actually lived right up the road from Daniela. They were mutually attracted to each other bu the timing was just not right, they’ve had all the patience in the world, they’ve decided if it’s meant to be it will be. Over the course of time they’ve got to know each other pretty well to the point that they’ve decided to kick up the friendship to a greater level and knew from the beginning of the relationship as lovers they’ve had something special going on. It felt so right and so natural confirmed Daniela.

They’ve started dating in 2007 and came on their first trip together as a couple  to Aruba in April 2008, they’ve gotten engaged in August 2008 and knew that they wanted a destination wedding at a safe, romantic getaway that gives the feeling of being home all tangled in one. Upon discussing plans Aruba came simultaneously to their minds for their destination wedding, since it’s very safe, a romantic getaway  and the warmth of the people make you feel at home.

Daniela and T.J. I would like to thank you for choosing me to be part of such an important milestone in your life, it’s really appreciated. I’ll also add that things will not always be honkey dorey but giving up is easiest thing you can do, be a fighter when these trying times present and don’t give up.

The things that so make us feel like twisting our heads like the little girl in the “Exorcist” today will be laughed at a few years down the road.

T.J. and Daniela making it down the sand aisle to get married.

 Daniela and T.J. listening attentively to the officiant during the ceremony.

T.J. was put on the spot to say his vows to Daniela, here you have him spilling his heart. 

Sexceptional, exceptionally sexy! This is the first kiss, I just love this shot. I’ve played up the flare with the shadows. 

They ooze love, they cuddle any chance they get. This was when the minister was announcing them to the crowd. I loved the weather conditions, it was awesome for flare.

These are the guests rejoicing along with Daniela & T.J.

Here they are walking back down the sand aisle! 

The first toast! 

 At our meeting prior to the wedding T.J. requested some timeless portraits, here you go sir!

What’s a wedding in the Caribbean without a coconut tree on the beach? It just exudes Caribbean. 

 Did I say they cuddle every chance they get?

Daniela’s dad moved everyone aside to get this shot of him and his new son in law. 

This is the new Mr&Mrs Vazquez frolicking on the Eagle Beach in Aruba as a boat pass by.

A detail shot of the rings! 

Vogue on the beach of Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba.

A detail shot of the back of Daniela’s dress. 

The first dance under the moon and stars on the beach at the Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba 

A close up of the first dance. What a happy couple!

Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: unranked [?]

Upon contacting Nora, I vividly recall, she was all business. She halted me at the very beginning of my sales spiel and said (Paraphrasing) “Cut to the chase just give me a quote for x amount of hours, my mind is made up, you’re my photographer!” I’ve closed the phone and said “That’s my kind of bride” Upon learning she had her own wedding website (www.eddyandnora.com) I was even more convinced.

After Eddy’s remigration to New Jersey he decided that he was ready to settle down and find the future Mrs Tufford. HE tried Match.com on the suggestion of a friend. It was destined to be as it was around the same time that Nora was also looking out for Mr Right. Upon there first face to face meeting they both agreed that they had something special but Nora learned that her Dad had cancer 2 months after. She was very close to her dad and this has thrown her life into a roller coaster. Nora suggested to Eddy that he can continue with his life.

Eddy said “No, we’ll get through this together and it would be OK”

Eddy kept his promise and accompanied Nora and her mom all hours at the hospital. Eddy’s caring personality didn’t onlt strike a note with Nora but with her father as well. When the father got out of surgery Eddy was the first person he asked for.

As soon as Nora’s dad was getting better, Nora’s niece was born which became a great part of their lives together especially that Charlotte chose Eddy over her aunt Nora.

A few months later Nora’s dad’s cancer returned fearing the worst Eddy requested permission to marry Nora in September and he passed away on Nove 6th, 2007. Eddy have grown very close to Nora’s dad and on that day it was a lost for both Nora and Eddy, but just as Eddy has promised at the very beginning of the relationship, they got through it together and they’re OK.

He proposed on December 21st of the same year. He setted the mood with candles, roses and various reminders of happy memories.

Fast forward to the wedding day which in actuality was a two day event. This was one great group of people. Both families very much in the moment and missing Nora’s dad.

Here you have Eddy and Nora walking into Town Hall, Oranjestad, Aruba.

Eddy being the ever caring person that he is and wiping the tears of joy from Nora’s face. 

 The first kiss after the civil ceremony.

 A couple portraits in the garden of the Town Hall in Aruba.

This is Nora, Nora Nesevich now Tufford!

The wedding guests heading to a sunset dinner trip the day before the wedding. 

This is so funny! There were 4 uninvited guests at this celebration and this is the first one. He followed the boat for the entire sunset cruise. 

Larimar Spa at the Radisson did an awesome job. Nora spent the entire morning papmering herself at the spa. They make up artist does a great job. 

The bestman, Giacomo preparing his speech. 

I love this shot of the preparation. 

Eddy and his mom walking down the sand isle. 

Nora and her mom walking down the isle to meet her man. 

 Eddy’s mom sharing words of wisdom during the ceremony.

word’s of wisdom from Nora’s mom.

The kiss! The purpose of this shot like this is to portray motion. This kiss came with a dip. 

A portrait after the ceremony. 

#2 uninvited guest.

The new Mr & Mrs Tufford entering the reception. 

The dance…… 

Mother and daughter dance…. 

Mother and son dance. 

The best man’s speech. 

The maid of honor’s speech.

A hug after the speech. 

A detail shot……

This was the third uninvited guest.

Druuuum roll please…….Wedding Crasher!  Uninvited guest #4!

This is Eddy and his school friends tradition! 

I just love this shot and I know Nora will love this too. This I’ll be entering into a photo contest. I’ve called it “Wish you were here” 

If you want to see more I have a slideshow that will draw you completely into this festivity.

Click here for slideshow……….

Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: unranked [?]

One unforeseen but destined evening in a little bar in Dayton, Ohio, Matt laid his eyes on Crissy.
It was something similar to a short circuit went through his entire being, a variety of emotions hit him simultaneously.
Excitement coupled by fear overwhelmed him for some time.

He had to regain composure, muster up the courage to go over to her and introduce himself. Much to his surprise the introduction was accepted.

From there on, the entire evening was spent in conversation, inconsiderate of the fact that they both were at the bar with a group of friends……….

They obviously saw something in each other………

They’ve spent that entire summer together but at the end of the summer Crissy had to go back to college. She was a bit pessimistic about the summer romance however Matt kept the romance alive. They’ve since spent much more time together than they could have ever imagined.

After college they’ve moved in together and Matt proposed a year later.

Upon asking Crissy “Why Aruba?” her response was “Just wanting a small wedding, we decided to do a destination wedding and invite whomever wanted to come with us. After debating many different locations a close friend of mine suggested Aruba, where she honeymooned. She said it was one of the most beautful islands she had ever seen, and boy was she right. We picked Aruba because of her suggestion and because it was under the hurricane belt since we were getting married in October.

We chose the Riu, again from suggestions of friends, and booked the wedding. I can’t stress to you how easy the Riu made the preparations of my wedding! Carolina, our wedding coordinator took care of everything and was so wonderful to work with. The only thing I had to do was find a photographer….and luckily I found the best one out there…just by looking on the internet.

Matt’s parents, his sister and her boyfriend, and my parents all decided to join us in Aruba. Having them there made the trip even more amazing. It meant so much to have them there with us sharing the best day of our lives.

We got to Aruba on a Wednesday and were married on the following Monday, October 13th. (13 is my lucky number). I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful wedding or to have worked with anyone else on the island! Our wedding was a dream come true.

In November we are having a reception with all of our friends. I can’t wait to show them all the pictures of our fantastic trip.

Now I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend. The man that still makes my skin tingle when he walks into the room. We get to start a family, play tennis together, laugh, and share memories for the rest of our lives. I feel like the most lucky girl out there to have found him.

In Matt’s words, “I agree that the wedding couldn’t have gone any better, Crissy was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. The setting and location couldn’t have been any better, and now I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend, too.”

Crissy and Matt, I wish you long life, health and happiness together. Thanks for allowing me to be part of such an important milestone in your lives.

If these images below are not enough click HERE fo’ mo’.

Crissy making her final check in the mirror before heading out to the beach.

Anxiously awaiting for the OK from the wedding planner to make her appearance.

Being a bit playful before heading out to the beach.

Taking in some last minute advice and fun from mom.

I always learn a thing or two at every wedding. I must give it to him. This dude’s romantic.

A quick shot haning out with the ladies in the room before heading to the beach.

Matt waiting for his bride at the beach.

As the ladies hang out and make their final preparations in the room, the guys just hang out on the beach.

Crissy being escorted out to the beach by the wonderful Carolina. (Wedding planner at the Riu)

Crissy walking down the isle going to meet her man.

This was Matt’s reaction after he caught a glimpse of Crissy walking down the isle.

A detail shot of the bouquet.

Tribute to Jessica Claire…..A flare shot of the ceremony.

Is she in love or what? Just soaking up Matt’s every move as he places the ring on her finger.

Crissy making that eye contact as she places the ring on Matt’s finger, showing the commitment she’s making.

The first kiss.

The applause after the signing of all the paperwork on the beach.

The toast…….!!!!

A silhouette shot. This was actually a mechanical failure but I love how it came out. I think it’s a keeper. Can anyone detect the mechanical?

Nothings better than a piggy back at sunset with your one true love.

This is completely candid. They are just enjoying the rings.

Mr Suave, gauging himself for the kill. You know that a kiss will follow this, right?

He seriously can be a stunt double for…….Who do you think? Let me know.

This is simply schweet…….I’ll turn this into a 30″x40″ canvas in a hurry.

Dancing to the tunes of “This Is Your song” in their heads.

Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m bad but I just had to get some tongue action in there.

Detail shot of the cake and the rings.

Yummy, sexy shot!

Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: unranked [?]

Can you find true love through a dating service?  “Yes!” say Kristi Kimberley and Bill Gedfrey who met in March of 2007.  The couple met for dinner after being matched by the dating service It’s Just Lunch.  Bill planned the couples’ first vacation to Aruba in June of 2007.  “We could not believe how beautifull the island was…the water, the beaches, the people.  We did not think twice when we decided to get married to have it take place in Aruba.”  
 
 Event planner, Kaleigh Wesson of Fort Worth, Texas, made all the wedding arrangements for the sunset ceremony held on the beach at the Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino on September 13, 2008.  Bryan Morris photographed the couple all over the beautiful grounds of the Radisson Aruba Resort and Kaleigh custom made all the florals.  After the wedding, Bill and Kristi had a candle light dinner on the beach under a full moon.  “Our wedding was amazing…I could not have dreamed it any more perfect” says Kristi and Bill in unison.
 
The couple have four children; Megan 19, Katelin 17, Preston 14, and Grayson 8.  On October 25th, with family and friends to help celebrate, Bill and Kristi will host a dinner reception at their home in Colleyville, Texas.

Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: unranked [?]

A great moment I’ve had with this awesome couple, Kristi Kimberley and Bill Godfrey.
As soon as I’m through editing I’ll post a few more shots of the wedding.

Blessings,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: unranked [?]

I’m debating for some time already to place a slide show of the best of 2007 weddings on the blog. I’ve been through the treacherous task of selecting images, but I was not satisfied with just a selection. So I’ve now decided that every so often I will post a few images of the weddings I did last year. Today is the day for the first one.

Meet Elizabeth Reiter and John Verderber who at the end of the ceremony was Mr & Mrs Verderber.

John seeing Elizabeth walking down the aisle for the first time.

Elizabeth making her way down the aisle on the beach smiling with John

An aerial shot of the ceremony

This is my most favorite shot, the kiss in flare ala Jessica Claire.

A detail shot of the flowers

Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who’s the most beautiful of them all.

A little tongue action at sunset on the beach

Smash the cake!

Clean up the cake

Cheers to the marriage!

Be blessed,

Bryan Morris

Popularity: 24% [?]