Arika and Brad met in 2011 while working together at Crocodile Rocks. After five years of dating, Brad proposed at an annual Christmas party at the pair’s home, spelling out “Marry Me” in lights on the neighbor’s fence. The destination wedding took place in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, where 41 guests traveled to the Hard Rock Resort for a beach wedding and outdoor reception. The ceremony was set with gold chairs, a gazebo with sheer ivory drapings and the beautiful ocean as the backdrop. The reception was held on a terrace with gorgeous crystal chandeliers and white drapes under a thatched roof, all overlooking the water. Since it was a destination wedding, the bride and groom were able to spend multiple days with their guests rather than just a few hours. The couple lives in Myrtle Beach.

PHOTO BY BROOKE CHRISTL PHOTOGRAPHY