When these sweet newlyweds Caroline + Connor reached out about a photoshoot for their honeymoon in Belize at an eco-lodge just minutes from the Guatemala border, I was already obsessed. Chasing golden hour light through the jungle! But this became about so much more than just pretty pictures (though trust me, they’re damn goooood). It’s a reminder that your love deserves to be captured exactly as it is—not forced into someone else’s idea of what romance should look like.
So are you looking for inspo for your Belize honeymoon? Thinking about eloping or planning a destination wedding in Belize? Nervous about booking a couples photoshoot in general? Whether you raised your hand for one or all, you’ll find all of the golden nuggets of info you need right here.
Honeymoon photos are for everyone (Even if PDA isn’t your thing!)
If you meet Caroline + Connor, it might surprise you that they wanted to bring along a wedding photographer to capture their romantic honeymoon getaway. They’re not about over-the-top PDA moments, being loud on adventures, or running through fields making out. Their love is subtle, quiet, sincere in the most loving-each-other-is-natural way. So why did they invite me along to capture a time that is usually known to be extra lovey dovey?
If you’re thinking, “THAT’S US TOO” then keep reading, I’ve got an important message for you!
Unfortunately, they didn’t have a stellar experience with another photographer on their wedding day. So they took to Google, carefully searched for someone who might be able to give them what they were looking for, and they found me. (Mostly likely from another honeymoon photoshoot in San Pedro Belize I posted to my blog!)
After hearing their experience, I was DETERMINED to make this most magical, stunning, incredible honeymoon photoshoot ever for them. But most of all, I wanted their images to feel real. Like a true representation of who they are and how they love.
Luckily with 15+ years of experience photographing couples, I knew the best way to do that. It’s simple really—get to know them. I start before I even meet my clients, by getting on a call to chat and sending a “Get to Know You” questionnaire so they can spill bits about who they are, what they like, what they’re comfy (and not comfy) with in front of the camera.
Then I show up to shoot day of as MYSELF—an extroverted, always enthusiastic photographer who knows exactly how to get movement and pose in front of the camera that feels natural, never stiff. It’s something nearly every single one of my couples worries about, yet is never *actually* a problem because I got you!! Here’s part of Caroline’s own google review to prove it:
“After an unfortunate experience with our wedding photos working with another photographer, we learned our lesson and looked into finding a photographer that truly cared about their work and clients. We found Jackie through a Google search and after reading her website decided to work with her – the best decision we could have made! She is an AMAZING photographer and provides nostalgic, beautiful photos I have always wanted with my husband.”
See!!! I GOT YOU!
Okay, now that Caroline + Connor have aided in my pep talk HAHA and hopefully convinced you to just book the damn photos, I have to tell you about their honeymoon shoot at this eco-resort in Belize.
Honeymooning in Belize? Vanilla Hills Lodge San Ignacio is the spot!
And while we’re talking about it, it’s a dreamy little wedding venue in Belize as well! You’re surrounded by rolling hills of lush jungle, staying in these adorable eco-friendly cabins that make you feel like you’re in your own private treehouse village. There’s this massive lawn that’s literally perfect for everything from intimate ceremonies to sunset dances (even if dancing isn’t usually your thing, that’s a-okay too!)
Caroline + Connor split their honeymoon between the beach vibes of San Pedro island (where I also photographed a Belize destination wedding at Ambergris Caye) and this jungle paradise. And let me tell you—choosing Vanilla Hills Lodge for their photos was the BEST decision!
We had those deep-in-the-jungle feelings that’ll make you forget the rest of the world exists but rested in luxury resort-style the whole time. We explored every inch of this property for their session. They lounged by the infinity pool. We snuck down secret pathways through gardens that felt like a private paradise. Checked out the field that is a dream at golden hour. Even went on a little adventure walk down to the river (though maybe skip that part when it’s 102 degrees like it was for us, HAHA!)
There are a million reasons to book a stay here for your honeymoon, elopement, or wedding:
It’s All Yours, Baby! With just a few cabins on the property, you can literally rent out the WHOLE place. Think about it—for a honeymoon, it’s the ultimate private escape. And for a wedding? Your entire guest list can stay on-site, turning your celebration into a full-on retreat!
Those Views!!! Every. Single. Corner. Is. Perfect. Plus they offer an incredible mix of photoshoot locations we could explore for your shoot. If you love a laid-back luxury, barefoot in a bridal gown vibe, ooooh this could be SO cool.
Location, Location, Location! You’re literally minutes from the Guatemala border, a short flight away from the islands, and surrounded by adventure opportunities. Want to mix some Mayan ruins or cave exploring into your wedding weekend or honeymoon? Done! But also? You’ve got a gorgeous property waiting for you when you want to just chill.
A Reminder for You: Book the honeymoon shoot! Even if you’re nervous—do it anyway!
In a time as exciting and full of love as when you’re getting married, you should have every moment captured in a way that feels true to you. Whether you’re naturally affectionate or more reserved, loud and adventurous, or simply quietly in love—you deserve photos that showcase your love exactly as it is.
These two proved that sometimes the most beautiful photos come from just being yourself in a place that feels magical. And trust me, between the location, the eco-resort touches, and endless hidden spots at Vanilla Hills Lodge, magic just happens naturally there.Planning your own Belize adventure? I will whip out my Delta SkyMiles so fast for you, babe! Tell me all about you, your partner, your story, and your plans right here and I pinky promise we’ll plan something super epic all around who you are.
