Intimate Destination Wedding in Cuba – A Love Story 25 Years in the Making

Some weddings are different from the rest, and this one hit closer to home—literally. This time, I wasn’t just the photographer; I was the groom’s son. My dad and Nathalie tied the knot in a beautifully intimate 30-person wedding at the Melia International Varadero Hotel in Cuba. A first for us in many ways—the destination, the experience, and the emotions that came with it.

Prepping for the Big Day (and Stocking Up on Beer)

Unlike most weddings I’ve shot, this one had a relaxed, slow-paced start. The usual morning prep kicked off later in the day, and my dad’s first priority? Stocking up on more beer in the room, of course.

Meanwhile, I checked in on the ladies. Nathalie was getting ready with her sisters and mom, but the real star of the show was her daughter (and my step-sister), Valérie, who was hands-on in every way—until the power went out. Classic wedding prep moment! While waiting for the staff to work their magic, I found myself bouncing between rooms, capturing the excitement from both sides of the wedding party.

A Ceremony by the Sea

By 4 PM, everyone made their way to the stunning beachfront ceremony location. Let’s talk about that sand and ocean—the perfect backdrop for something as meaningful as this. As an added surprise, resort guests gathered nearby to witness the big moment, adding to the energy of the ceremony.

This wedding wasn’t just about saying "I do"—it was a celebration of 25 years of love, challenges, and memories. Emotions ran high, especially when Nathalie incorporated three songs into her vows, and my dad teared up when a special guest finished his. I later found out it was one of my grandmother’s favorite songs. She may not have been there in person, but her presence was deeply felt.

Portraits & Partying (In That Order...Sort Of)

Shooting portraits of my dad was a unique challenge—he was more interested in cracking jokes and grabbing another drink than standing still for photos. Directing him in French (which I almost never do) was another curveball, but we made it work. As the sun began to set, we wrapped up with some quick portraits before shifting gears to full party mode.

I grabbed a few frames of the dance floor, but honestly? I spent most of the night celebrating with them. This wasn’t just another wedding for me—it was family, history, and one hell of a good time.

Congratulations, Dad & Nathalie!

Here’s to a love story 25 years in the making, an unforgettable day, and the start of their next chapter together.

Cheers!