Bonnie Sen is a Washington DC wedding photographer who loves to travel and capture the essense of the party

Tropical Destination Wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica

December 11, 2018

What do we all need in our lives as we are heading into the dead of winter? A tropical destination wedding, of course! You know that we love all destinations weddings and travel around here (remember this Oregon beauty?). However, this time of year as the sun sets early and we are freezing our behinds off there is something so wonderful about looking back on a gorgeous tropical destination wedding.

Couple Portraits Tropical Destination Wedding © Bonnie Sen Photography
Beach Destination Wedding Bride Shoe © Bonnie Sen Photography Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall Jamaica Destination Wedding Venue © Bonnie Sen Photography

Kelly and Blake got married at the gorgeous Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. They booked the venue site unseen – a risk that totally paid off! Kelly’s family is from Jamaica so they knew guests would have to travel one way or another so why not head to the islands! The two said their I dos on the beach in a ceremony officiated by Kelly’s uncle and recited the very same vows her uncle and aunt had said years earlier. The cocktail hour featured a steel band followed by dinner on the sand.

Kelly wore a Sarah Janks wedding gown and sparkly Jimmy Choo sandals. Her tropical bouquet was the perfect compliment to her sleek gown adding that hit of the islands to her look. One of the most special times of the day had to be the couple portraits. Kelly and Blake have known each other since high school! And been together for 8 years! This day was a long time coming and I was honored to capture the celebration.

See more of this gorgeous beach wedding on Brides here.

Vendor Team:

Venue: Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall || Travel Coordinator: A Beautiful Day Wedding Planning || Bride’s Dress: Sarah Janks|| Bride’s Veil: DiDomenico Design || Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo || Hair & Makeup: Zen Spa at Hyatt Ziva Montego Bay || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo for Dessy || Groom’s Attire: Enzo Custom Clothiers || Groomsmen’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Dominion Jewelers || Ring Box: The Mrs. Box || Floral Design: Tai Flora Services || Paper Products: Ribbons & Ink, Bliss Paper Boutique || Catering & Cake: Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall || Reception Music: Elite Media Concepts || Rentals: Tai Flora Services || Videography: Paperboys

To Milan, With Love

October 15, 2018

This summer we spent a few weeks traveling throughout Europe and Milan was one of the stops on our journey. The thought of being in a beautiful city filled with fashion and not doing some sort of photoshoot was definitely out of the question.

During this shoot we wanted to capture the essence of the Italian girl: brave, outgoing, adventurous and optimistic. We shot outside the gorgeous Duomo di Milano among the pigeons, people and indescribable Italian light. Our girl wore a fashion forward embroidered dress and simple hair and make up. Both elements allowed her effortless beauty to shine through.

The moral of the story, go to Europe every summer and live the life of the Italian girl.

Jardin de Buis Love Bird Shoot Part 2

October 11, 2018

We are back today for part two of our Jardin de Buis “love bird” shoot with Veronica Rogers and Max Owens Designs. As I talked about yesterday I tend to pull inspiration from architecture, scenery and my surroundings but I love seeing what spurs creativity in others. As Veronica gathered inspiration for the shoot she was drawn to de Gournay intricate bird drawings.

Veronica carried the birds and aesthetic of these drawings through out to create the “love bird” theme. The bird inspired make up, subtle bird accents in the stationery and, of course, the real birds featured in many scenes reinforced her design. Veronica strived to show brides that a theme doesn’t have to feel kitsch or tacky. A theme can be used as a feeling and overall direction for a wedding.

Vendor Team:

Jardin de Buis Love Bird Shoot Part 1

October 10, 2018

It is no secret that I am inspired by all things architecture and the venue for this styled shoot was everything I could hope for and more in a shoot location. Jardin de Buis is an old dairy farm turned home to a landscape designer. The property features exquisite formal gardens, extensive grounds, and stunning structures decorated with one of a kind European antiques. Stepping through the doors truly transports you to the French countryside, oh and did I mention it is in New Jersey (cue picking up your jaw off the floor).

It is hard to choose my favorite spot on the property as there are just so many unique details and special corners. That said the detail of the greenhouses is pretty close to the top of the list. The owners of the property rescue soon to be retired greenhouse from a local university. The owner transport the greenhouses to the property and fill with plants. The greenhouses and connected orangerie are the perfect escape in the middle of the busy world.

We partnered with Veronica Rogers and Max Owens Designs for this “Love Bird” inspired styled shoot. Check back tomorrow for more details on where Veronica pulled inspiration (and no she is not quite as architecture obsessed as I am). And if you just can’t wait this shoot was featured on Style Me Pretty.

Vendor Team:

Pretty Pink Baby Shower for a DC Wedding Planner

September 25, 2018

When a wedding planner is about to have her first baby, you know the baby shower going to be good! My good friend Blair from SoCo Events had her first baby girl about a year ago now (#bloggingbacklog). As soon as she mentioned that she was pregnant I knew that it would a lovely and perfect shower.

When planning the fall baby shower Blair used the time of year as an opportunity to focus on food and flowers that were perfectly in season. She honored fall while staying true to the pink theme and not caving to the autumnal colors. The star of the show (except Blair’s adorable baby bump) was the absolutely delightful dahlias from the amazing florist, Amaryllis Designs. The blooms were at the peak season and grown in the owners of Amaryllis’ very own garden in eastern Maryland.

The perfectly pink theme was carried through the whole event from the gorgeous baby shower invitations and menus to the Sugarfina gummy teddy bear favors (custom monogrammed, of course!). For the baby shower food, the event a brunch so the passed hors d’oeuvres were mini-pancakes, chicken and waffles, and fruit kebabs provided by Bethesda Country Club.

Baby Peterson is one sweet little girl and it was so fun to see her mama showered with so much love by her friends and family.