Gen and Dan's destination wedding in Varadero Cuba

Although I travel all over Canada to photograph weddings this was my first international destination wedding in Cuba.

As our plane landed in Cuba I noticed the first difference, a man at the end of the runway with a machine gun, and people applauded enthusiasticly as the airplane landed. Then when we got in to the terminal there was a band playing music and people dancing. I of course started taking photographs. Once I got on the plane and started to read more information about Cuba the literature strongly recommended not taking photographs at the airport as your camera could be siezed. OOps I'm so lucky no one saw my huge camera!

We had a couple days before the ceremony to check out locations for photographing, and to get to know all the guests. We took a couple tours with the guests, learning all about the history of Cuba and the culture. I felt like Varadero is the Disneyland of Cuba. Everything is made to look pretty, you feast on all the food, and drinks you want, and are separated from the rest of the country that is struggling to make ends meet. But as our tour guide mentioned, Cubans always find a way.

The Paradisus resort in Varadero Cuba was fantastic they took care of everything and I felt safe the entire time. The food was delicious and we never saw a bug. (paradises resort sprays for bugs). Even though the rest of the island was experiencing tropical storms the weather was beautiful in Varadero for the wedding - slightly overcast and humid. I joined the ladies early in the morning as they got pampered in the spa. The men floated in the pool with the attached bar.

Gen was a rock star posing for all the photographs in her big princess dress, never complaining once about the humidity or heat. The dress was beautiful, detailed with little white rocks and complimented her beautifully. Her up-do was stunning.

The ceremony was in this gorgeous gazebo on the edge of the ocean. It was interesting how the marriage ceremony was like reading a legal contract, said in spanish then translated to english "Section 2.1-5 It is a agreed that the...", However this was fitting as the Groom is a lawyer.

The resort was so beautiful I could have photographed the couple all day. So many fantastic places to photograph and the picturesque views from everywhere. I have to say thank you, to the family and the wedding party for being so amazing to photograph in the hot and muggy weather. The dinner was delicious, I heard comments like "this is the best lobster I have ever had" etc. Dean's speech was well thought out and perfectly delivered, Jessica's was from the heart and to the point.  During the speeches I noticed a couple tears in the group as well as lots of laughs.

After the feast we all went down to the beach for the beach party and danced in the rain. The Destination wedding in cuba was a nice way to have a wedding. Everyone lives across canada so it was a nice chance to get to know everyone and a bit of a holiday. Throughout the wedding many of the guests shouted "the Best Wedding Ever". It was a fantastic event and I'm so lucky i got to be a part of it. Thank you Dan and Gen for having us be a part of your wedding. All the best in your life together.