Same-Sex Destination Wedding at Dreams Onyx / Kayla & Catherine

Dreams Onyx is one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, making it a popular choice for destination weddings. For couples like Kayla and Catherine, it was the perfect venue to celebrate their love. As Kayla shared, “We chose Dreams Onyx because we knew we wanted a beach wedding, but also wanted our family, including nieces and nephews, to be part of the celebration. The resort offers so many family-friendly activities and restaurants, and with Breathless right next door, we had the option for adults-only time.”

Kayla and Catherine’s love story began over 10 years ago in college. Though they went their separate ways for a while, they reconnected just before the COVID pandemic and spent the early stages of their relationship over FaceTime. Eventually, they moved in together and welcomed two beloved golden doodles into their family. In fact, they got engaged on the day they picked up their second dog—a day Catherine described as “the best day ever!”

Even though Dreams Onyx charges a significant vendor fee for hiring external vendors, Kayla and Catherine didn’t hesitate to add personal touches to their celebration. Their decor was filled with florals, greenery, and romantic candlelight at the tables, creating a stunning setup by the pool. Given the breezy and lush atmosphere of the location in May, it was the perfect choice for their special day.

The ceremony was held on the beach, and it was a beautiful moment. Before the ceremony, the couple decided to do a first look—a highly emotional moment for both. This allowed us to complete their couple’s photo shoot beforehand, giving them more time to enjoy their cocktail hour with friends and family after the ceremony.

As the sun set, we captured bridal portraits during the golden hour, making the most of the soft, flattering light. By 6:00 pm, the reception began, and Kayla and Catherine were ready to party. “Our favorite part was the cold fireworks during our first dance! We kept it simple, and everything came together beautifully,” Kayla recalled. The reception was filled with fun and heartfelt moments, including touching speeches from their loved ones.

Before we left, Kayla and Catherine surprised us with a fun twist—they decided to jump into the pool with some of their guests, which made for an unforgettable final photo!