[Wedding] Lauren & Justin – CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla

Invitations to Lauren and Josh's wedding at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Whenever wedding guests discover that I’m a non-local, there’s a high probability they’ll ask if I enjoy shooting destination weddings. I can’t help but wonder if they’re asking me a trick question because I don’t want to appear cynically ungrateful for all their generous hospitality, nor would I want to appear like I’m laying in a hammock and sipping margaritas all day while on the clients’ dime :). But the short (and true) answer is “yes, of course”, but that’s because I genuinely enjoy what I do…period. My clients could be hosting their parties inside a chicken factory in Alaska while serving up boxed champagne and I would still be having a fantabulous time. Seriously.

Workers at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa prepare for Lauren & Justin's wedding in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

But of course, I don’t mind the blue skies with sand and surf between my toes either.
Hammocks and margaritas I can do another time :).

Lauren and Justin's rings for their wedding day at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Though I’m no stranger to tropical destinations, Anguilla was my very first trip to any Caribbean island. I reassured Lauren and Justin the same way I reassure all my clients: if I’m able to create images with my clients while inside a Brooklyn garbage alleyway, my chances are pretty good inside a 5-star venue/resort :). They appreciated my candor (and inexplicable sense of humor, I’m sure), and soon found myself hopping on a plane to capture their special day.

Groom gets ready in front of a mirror before his wedding ceremony at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom receives a gift from his future wife before their wedding ceremony at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Mother of the bride helps her daughter into her dress on her wedding day at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Friends and family of bride look on as she puts on her dress. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride poses for her portraits on her wedding day at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau. Bride poses for her portraits on her wedding day at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Shoe box for wedding guests at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Guitarist playing for wedding ceremony at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Sun sets over a wedding ceremony at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride and daughter on their wedding day at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom cries during the procession at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride and groom exchange vows during their wedding ceremony at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride smiles during her wedding ceremony at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Not a dry eye on the island…or in my office for that matter as I’m writing this :).

Sun sets over reception for Lauren and Justin's wedding at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

But enough with the waterworks, let’s get this party started!

Dessert spread at Lauren and Justin's wedding at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

I have to say, with a name like CuisinArt, I was hardly surprised when they had this gorgeous spread of yummilicious-ness. NOM! NOM! NOM!

Wedding guests share a toast with the groom at  CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

The beginning of many great things to come :).

Justin dances during the reception of his wedding at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride reaches out to guests during her reception at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom dances with his mom during his reception at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom hugs his mom during his reception at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Chair dance for bride and groom during their reception at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Brother of groom makes a speech during a wedding at the CuisinArt Resort Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Not sure what he said, but this happened shortly thereafter.

Groom jumps into pool during his reception at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Love it.

Awesome New York & New Jersey Wedding Photographer Ben Lau with two brides!

It’s not every day I get to take a photo with TWO of my brides! Bee-yoo-tiful!

Guests take their picture with awesome New Jersey wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Sometimes guests feel bad that I’m never in any of the pictures.
I guess this’ll do :).

Bride and groom dance during their reception in their private villa at the CuisinArt Resort & Spa in Anguilla. Captured by Caribbean destination wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Wow, what can I say? Lauren and Justin, thank you for sharing your wonderfully awesome day with yours truly. The two of you have been so incredibly generous and kind throughout my stay, and I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with. We wish you two many, many years of love, laughter and happiness. As for the rest of you, HAPPY FRIDAY! We’ve got some serious catching up to do after I’ve gone M.I.A for almost two weeks. I wish I had a glamorous busy lifestyle to blame for my absence, but it’s hardly that sexy at all :). We’re moving into a bigger office space this weekend, so I hope to share those photos with you guys next week!

One love :)

Ben

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Northern NJ, NYC documentary Wedding Photographer, Educator & All-Around Nice Guy

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