Lynzee + Lauren - An LGBTQ Belize Jungle Bespoke Elopement

To say we felt far from home is an understatement of monumental proportions. After two full days of travel, including an overnight in a Dallas airport hotel, landing in 98° heat (after leaving from 17° at home, renting a car from a tiny little shack, then driving ourselves 2.5 hours West into the rainforest and jungle of Belize, we pulled up to the Lodge at Chaa Creek, opened our doors, and heard what could only be described as dinosaurs roaring in the distance.

Those dinosaurs turned out to be the resident howler monkeys, and if you’ve not ever experienced their howls in the 7pm darkness of the jungle, just take my word for it, it’s haunting.

Any feeling of apprehension quickly vanished the moment we finally met, in person, Lynzee and Lauren. Both were fresh out of the U.S. Army and wanted to celebrate their union with a destination and adventure elopement for the ages. Belize was the perfect place, and they became instant family. Family in the sense that they’ve already visited us, and stayed in our home, twice since the wedding.

After two days of exploring the jungle, visiting the on-site butterfly sanctuary where they breed and protect the rare Blue Morpho butterflies, eating every meal together in the outdoor thatched roof restaurant, and having emotional and deeply connected conversations, it was time for the wedding on Saturday.

As they eloped alone, Sarah and I immediately became more than just their photographers—we zipped dresses, we straightened and helped tie ties, we served as witnesses, and we helped plan out the day. The day that would become one of the most memorable and beautiful elopements we’ve ever been a part of.

From photographing Lynzee and Lauren in Cahal Pech, a Mayan site that was built in 1200 BCE, to wandering in the local Saturday market in San Ignacio, to a trek through the rainforest for the sunshower soaked spot beneath the canopy where they held their ceremony, the day was perfect, emotional, and absolutely stunning.

Things wrapped up with a first dance on the balcony of their room, serenaded by jungle creatures and the last remnants of birdsong, and a shared wedding dinner at the restaurant with celebratory wedding cake, and we were reminded again and again how lucky we are to do this job, with people like this.

The photos are breathtaking, but the connection we made with Lynzee and Lauren remains the absolute highlight of the trip, and the last few years of our lives.

Here’s to you two, to burning the ships, to the bravery in chasing your light.