August 18, 2026
The photographers I trust, and why choosing the right one matters.
One of the first vendor recommendations couples ask me for is a photographer. It makes sense. Long after the flowers have wilted and the music has faded, your photographs are what remain.
But I don't recommend photographers based on beautiful Instagram feeds alone. After planning destination weddings in the Dominican Republic for more than a decade, I've seen photographers work under real wedding-day conditions: changing weather, tight timelines, unexpected delays, emotional family moments, and everything in between.
Those experiences tell me far more than a carefully curated portfolio ever could. There isn't one "best" wedding photographer.
The right choice depends entirely on you.
Some couples dream of candid, documentary-style storytelling. Others prefer elegant editorial portraits. Some want every family member carefully documented, while others barely notice the camera and simply want to enjoy the day.
My role isn't just to recommend talented photographers: it's to help you find someone whose approach matches the way you want to remember your wedding.
These are five photographers I've worked with repeatedly and confidently recommend to my couples.
@gersonreyesft
Gerson approaches every wedding as a story to be told honestly. He is drawn to the glances, gestures and spontaneous moments that happen naturally throughout the day, believing that the most meaningful photographs are the ones that genuinely reflect who you are.
When he photographed Stefanie and Cody's wedding at Melody Village, that was exactly what stood out to me: his ability to notice the moments that happen around the main events, without making them feel staged.
A beautiful choice for couples who want their photographs to feel personal, authentic and true to the people and emotions behind the celebration.
@gersonreyesft →
@codiophotography
Charlene and Rafael Codio approach each wedding as a story to be told through genuine emotion — the glances, embraces and fleeting moments that can easily go unnoticed in the middle of a celebration. Just as importantly, their approach is calm and close, allowing couples to fully enjoy their wedding while they focus on preserving the moments that will matter long after the day itself.
A great choice for couples who want timeless, emotionally rich photographs and a relaxed experience in front of the camera.
codiophotography.com →
@lisatimmins_photography
Lisa's approach is natural, candid and documentary-driven. Rather than creating moments for the camera, she focuses on capturing them as they naturally unfold — the emotions, connections and small in-between moments that make each wedding uniquely personal.
A wonderful choice for couples who want their photographs to feel genuine, unposed and deeply connected to the atmosphere of their wedding day.
lisatimmins.com →
@penelopesphoto_
Penelope approaches weddings with a documentary eye and an editorial sensibility, looking for the quiet, unguarded moments that happen when nobody is thinking about the camera. Her goal is not simply to create beautiful photographs, but to allow couples to actually experience their wedding day while she takes care of capturing what unfolds around them.
A beautiful choice for couples who want their photographs to feel natural, refined and emotionally honest — without spending their wedding day posing for the camera.
penelopesantana.com →
@lizartstudio.puntacana
At LizArt Studio, photography is approached as a way of telling each couple's individual story. Their team takes time to understand the couple's personality and vision, creating a relaxed environment where people can feel comfortable being themselves rather than simply posing for the camera.
With both photography and videography under one studio, they also offer a broader visual approach for couples who want their wedding memories documented cohesively across both formats.
A great choice for couples who value a personalized experience, natural images and the option to bring photography and videography together under one team.
lizartstudiophoto.com →
Every photographer on this list has photographed real weddings I've planned — not styled shoots or portfolio sessions. I've watched them adapt when the ceremony started late, when tropical rain appeared unexpectedly, when family dynamics became complicated, or when the timeline suddenly changed. Those moments tell you everything you need to know about a wedding professional.
Beautiful photographs matter, of course.
But so do kindness, communication, flexibility, professionalism and the ability to remain calm under pressure. A photographer isn't just creating images. They're with you through almost every important moment of your wedding day.
That's why I recommend people I've seen perform consistently, not just photographers with beautiful social media accounts.
Photography is one of the few wedding investments you can never recreate.
Once your wedding date and venue are confirmed, I always encourage couples to secure their photographer early. Especially if you're planning your wedding during the Dominican Republic's busiest wedding season.
Most importantly, choose someone whose work makes you feel something. The right photographer won't simply document your wedding. They'll preserve the moments you'll return to for the rest of your life.
Want help matching a photographer to your vision? Tell me your style — documentary, editorial, romantic, bold — and I'll tell you who on this list fits best.
If you're planning a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic and want clarity before committing to a resort package, working with a local planner early can change the entire experience.
You don't need more options.
You need the right structure.
Contact us for more information: hello@anniroth.com
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Let's talk — the first conversation is honest, free and entirely without pressure.
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