Set against the breathtaking coastline of the Dominican Republic, Anna and Adam celebrated their love with an unforgettable wedding at the luxurious Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort. Their weekend celebration was a vibrant fusion of personal traditions, heartfelt moments, and minimalist decor. Captured beautifully by Boyko Studio, every moment was preserved with artistry and precision. From the modern chuppah to the electric reception, this spring wedding was a celebration of love in its purest form.
Location: Playa Bavaro, Dominican Republic
Style: Modern, minimalist, chic
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 100
Setting: Resort
Season: Spring
Anna and Adam’s journey began in the heart of the pandemic. “From our first date, we never separated,” shared the bride. It was love at first sight — a serendipitous connection that revealed shared experiences and a lot of coincidences, such as unknowingly living in the same building and having grandmothers with identical names. Their love story blossomed quickly, leading to a proposal after one year and culminating in a wedding exactly two years from the day they met.
Rehearsal Dinner
The weekend began with a warm and intimate rehearsal dinner that set the perfect tone for the events ahead. Held in an open-air space with gentle ocean breezes, the dinner was a chance for Anna and Adam to connect with their guests before the big day. The decor was simple yet chic, allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to take center stage. The couple looked effortlessly stylish, dressed in white, mingling with loved ones and sharing laughs over delicious local cuisine.
Bridal Morning
Anna stunned in two breathtaking looks. For the ceremony, she wore a Pronovias gown with delicate lacework and a cathedral-length veil that flowed beautifully in the ocean breeze. Her bouquet of white roses, designed by Lopesan, added a romantic touch. Pearl earrings, a gift from the groom, completed her timeless look.
With gorgeous makeup by Masha Ponukalova and hair styled by Hair by Phany, Anna radiated elegance. For the reception, she sparkled in a sequin gown by Allure Bridals, perfect for dancing the night away. Loeffler Randall heels and Le Labo’s Santal 33 perfume added the final touches to her chic yet understated style.
Groom's Fashion
Adam’s sophisticated style perfectly complemented Anna’s. He chose a white tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse, paired with stylish Del Toro slippers featuring a unique red-striped back. A Breitling watch and a Ferragamo bracelet, gifted by Anna, added meaningful personal touches. Together, they exuded modern elegance with a nod to tradition. “A special moment and surprise was the blue book gifted to the groom by the bride,” shared Boyko Studio. It was a collection of letters the bride wrote to the groom from the day they met and onward. Adam was deeply moved by this heartfelt gesture, making it a moment to remember for both.
First Look
One of the most emotional moments of the day was the couple’s first look at the elegant interiors of the resort, surrounded by modern architecture and lush greenery. This serene and intimate setting allowed the couple to share a private, heartfelt moment before the ceremony.
Adam’s face lit up with emotion as he saw Anna in her stunning gown. Their smiles and tender glances spoke volumes, setting the tone for the love-filled day ahead. The photographer expertly captured every genuine reaction and raw emotion, preserving the magic of this unforgettable moment forever.
Ceremony
The ceremony was held on the rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the turquoise ocean and swaying palm trees, creating an elegant vibe that didn’t scream “beach wedding”. Anna and Adam envisioned a modern setting that embraced the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic, and the terrace was the perfect choice. “We did not want a wedding on the beach. No sand for us,” the bride clarified.
“We aimed to complement, not compete with, the natural surroundings, seeking a feeling rather than a specific look,” shared the planner. Asymmetrical elements added visual interest throughout, evoking the airiness of clouds. From the bride’s lace-adorned gown to the light and ethereal floral arrangements, every detail was designed to float seamlessly within the landscape. The sleek chuppah, adorned with white blooms, stood as the centerpiece, designed to appear as though it was suspended in the sky.
Soft, minimalistic candles lined the aisle, adding an intimate glow to the already magical atmosphere. Under the chuppah, Anna and Adam exchanged heartfelt vows, blending modern elegance with Jewish traditions that carried deep meaning. Adam’s father officiated, weaving personal touches into every element of the process. The ceremony concluded with the couple sharing a tender kiss as guests showered them with rose petals, a beautiful finale to an emotional and unforgettable moment.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, the guests moved into a relaxed cocktail hour, where signature drinks paid homage to Anna and Adam’s beloved dogs. “The Layla Bean,” a rich espresso martini, was named after their chocolate Labrador, while “Dwight’s Delight,” a classic Old Fashioned, honored their golden boy. The atmosphere was vibrant yet relaxed, with soft music playing as the sun dipped below the horizon. Guests mingled, laughed, and enjoyed the stunning surroundings as the newlyweds posed for photos.
Decor & Setting
The decor throughout the day was inspired by the couple’s love for minimalism and nature. “As endless as the ocean, as timeless as the tides…” was a quote that embodied the vision and inspiration for Anna and Adam’s wedding. The tables were draped in soft, textured linens, and adorned with clear glass vases, each showcasing a single white rose or a floating candle. The arrangement created a sense of airiness and simplicity while maintaining a refined and cohesive aesthetic.
Clusters of white roses and delicate greenery framed the centerpiece surrounding the cake table. Flickering candlelight added warmth and intimacy to the setting. The overall palette of crisp whites and neutral tones allowed the tropical backdrop and the couple’s love to take center stage. Every detail, from the personalized signage welcoming guests to the sleek black and white tableware, was thoughtfully curated to reflect the couple’s timeless style.
Reception
The reception, held at the resort’s Goldfish Beach Club, began with Anna and Adam’s grand entrance, which was met with cheers and excitement from their loved ones. Guests enjoyed an exquisite culinary spread featuring local delicacies and international favorites, followed by heartfelt speeches that brought laughter and tears in equal measure.
The centerpiece of the evening was a minimalist white wedding cake adorned with elegant floral details, which the couple cut together. The dance floor came alive with Anna and Adam’s first dance to “Just the Two of Us” by Sunmoon, setting a magical tone for the celebration.
As the evening progressed, the energy soared with lively dances blending traditional elements like the hora, where the couple was lifted on chairs, and contemporary moves with everyone on their feet. A highlight of the night was the sparkler send-off, where guests lit sparklers, creating a shimmering canopy of light as Anna and Adam shared a romantic kiss amidst the glow. The moment was both enchanting and deeply personal, closing the celebration on a high note filled with love and joy.
"There were so many memorable movements from our first look to our vows to dancing the night away. We made it a point to be the first and last ones on the dance floor, which really created a party, and the guests followed!"
Advice from the couple:
• Hold each other’s hand throughout the entire night. You pour so much time, effort, and money into one night that goes by in the blink of an eye.
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Boyko Studio | PLANNER & DESIGN Destination Weddings Expert | VENUE & FLORALS & RENTALS Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort | MUAH Masha Ponukalova, Hair by Phany | DRESSES Pronovias, Allure Bridals | SHOES Loeffler Randall | PERFUME Le Labo | SUIT Men’s Wearhouse | ACCESSORIES Breitling, Ferragamo
