Destination Wedding in Ocho Rios, Jamaica | MN Reception • Xsperience Photography

Karie and Dean left the cold Minnesota winter behind to celebrate their small destination wedding in Ocho Rios, Jamaica!! They brought along 45 of their favorite humans to share in the fun. After the wedding celebration at Riu Ocho Rios All-Inclusive Resort in Jamaica, they shared their destination wedding story through photos and video at their reception back home in Minnesota. They chose the Grands at Mulligans in Sartell, Mn for a reception venue. Both venues made for the perfect setting to celebrate two beautiful souls starting their new adventure together as husband and wife. And when I say “beautiful souls” I mean it from deep down. They, along with their friends and family made me, my assistant/sister and our daughters feel like we were family. They even let me join in on the volleyball fun!! So to all our Jamaica friends reading this…Thank you for being so wonderful!

Riu Ocho Rios Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Karie and Dean spent a few days swimming, drinking and splashing in the waves with their friends and family before Karie snuck away to get her hair and makeup done on-site. Just a couple hours later, a beautiful small destination wedding came to life. The backdrop, incredible turquoise blue ocean , palm trees and a rugged coastline off in the distance. After the intimate ceremony, they were greeted by a Riu worker and a tray full of mimosas! From that moment on, it was back to vacation mode for everyone. The food was delicious, the drinks enticing, and the sun inviting. I dare you to scroll through these and NOT smile!!

Minnesota Reception at The Grand At Mulligans in Sartell, MN

The fun did not end in Jamaica! A couple weeks after their fun vacation at Riu Ocho Rios, they, along with more invited guests celebrated their marriage at The Grand at Mulligans in Sartell, Minnesota. Dee’s Decorating from Little Falls knocked it out of the park with the classic beach-vibe she incorporated into the reception decor. The Grands at Mulligans served a delicious meal, offered hot chocolate and a traditional Minnesota s’mores stand, and then had the dance floor hopping from the first song to the last.

If you’re a fellow Minnesotan who wants to get married in the slow winter months, I highly recommend sneaking off to Riu Ocho Rios with your closest loved ones and then celebrating with everyone else on your wedding guest-list back home. Of all the 500 weddings I had the privilege of documenting over the years, THIS is still one of my favorites!!

P.S. My shooting and editing skills have improved since this blog feature, but I couldn’t delete it. I looked through it and caught myself smiling and wishing I was back there so wanted to continue sharing with all of my blog readers:)