Rooted in Culture, Fluent in Love: A Trilingual Wedding Photographer’s Journey from the DR to Montreal

By Keyris Rodriguez — Dominican-born, Montreal-based, storyteller through the lens

Where everything started: My Roots in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, is one of the most energetic cities of the Dominican Republic, that is where I was born and brought up. I was raised in a very creative, aspirational, and active family as the second of four sisters. My parents make sure our childhood was filled with opportunities, because they were constantly encouraging and supportive (preparing us for life). I took part in extracurricular activities that were anything but typical from a young age, as very active and explorative kid.

I had already developed several passions, such as language classes, chess, swimming, and drawing. In contrast to the same kids of my age in the Dominican Republic, some of them were still figuring out what they wanted to do. I attended swimming lessons on weekends(which I competed and won medals), drew in my notebooks (Which till today I love to do), and played chess at home in the afternoons (my work breaks are playing online chess at www.chess.com). I spent more than seven years studying English twice a week at the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano to become the trilingual wedding photographer I am today.

Education That Shaped My Vision

One of the most prominent schools for advertising and communication in the Dominican Republic, is Universidad UNAPEC, is where I completed my undergraduate studies in public relations. During my 4 years of study there, my life went to a complete transformation. The curriculum was very wide, with a strong foundation in the creative industry. I still use the practical skills and business acumen I’ve gained from subjects such as photography, illustration, video production, copywriting, digital design, business law, business administration, marketing, and long etc.

To my surprise, I didn’t stop there. A couple of years latter the same university awarded me a Master’s degree in Commercial Management. From this two-year program, I gained a deeper understanding of leadership, global markets, consumer behaviour, and brand strategy , which was a perfect fit for my creative background.

Wearing Many Hats: From Corporate to Creative

I successfully landed competitive positions in the Dominican business sector after graduation, including one at Delta Air Lines as a Regional Marketing Manager. This was a crucial role that sharpened and tested my strategic thinking. I also began taking private French lessons (Yes, studding again) at Alliance Française Santo Domingo during that time, as I was more passionate about language and making new friends.

I still yearned for artistic expression, even after escalated in the corporate ladder. After that, I took my camera and began taking pictures of my loved ones (As a test). I documented birthdays, weddings, and christenings inquisitively and comprehensively. I never thought that this pastime would develop into a full-time job that combines my what I love that is interact with people, culture, art, and storytelling.

An in-depth examination of Dominican Wedding is provided by a Photographer who lives in this paradise

The truth is that getting married in the Dominican Republic has a genuinely magical quality. The main reason is because of the sunshine, sea breeze, and the sounds of merengue or bachata playing in the background, along with the aroma of delectable local cuisine, will all delight your senses. I am more than just a Wedding Photographer here (even if I went to college for it) but because I am a native of Santo Domingo. Every celebration that I’ve photograph is infused with all that warmth, kindness, and energy that someone who grew there can bring to the table.

You see, there’s a big difference between hiring someone who that knows a place (Maybe by google) and hiring someone who was raised there, like me. A local Dominican Wedding photographer will understand the value of family, the rhythm of Dominican love, and the significance of the customs, in addition to knowing where the sun sets.

The Dominican Republic as a Living, Breathing Character, Not just a Background 

Most people picture Dominican Republic as a place with only sunny days, clear water, and beautiful beaches when they look for or hear about a vacation wedding in the Dominican Republic. Our island is extremely beautiful, but that’s not the only thing it has to offer (trust me).

Every location here has their thing like Punta Cana for example, it’s perfect for couples who want to have a luxurious beach experience celebration, with high-end resorts, cristal blue waters, and golden hour light that wraps around you like a warm hug.

As well we have Casa de Campo, with its Mediterranean-style villas and  that seems to be taken from a Hollywood movie, the iconic Altos de Chavón, an antique  replica 16th-century European village close by the Chavón River. It’s elegant, historical, and incredibly romantic.

Then there are the secret places, fincas in exotic places, mountains that for some people are homes and that are out of the way of the tourists. These spots aren’t always on social media, travel blogs, or even advertise by local government but I know them because I have been there and seen them with my own eyes.  I know how the light hits at Barahona’s sunsets. I know the crowded streets of Zona Colonial where you can have a vintage-style engagement shoot. I know where to find local musicians who will bring the real sound of bachata to your wedding that will make it real fun for everyone.

Why You Should Hire a Local Dominican Republic Wedding Photographer

Let’s say you are organizing a Dominican Republic wedding. If so, there are special advantages to working with a Black, trilingual wedding photographer like me:

• Local: I know what the best times are to get married in the Dominican Republic and how to get the most of the natural light in every setting
• Language: Spanish is my mother tonged, I’m very fluent in English, and I know how to speak French very well.
• Documentary Style: Many couples are looking for stunning, genuine, and honest photos of their special day, my natural, elegant and totally get it.

Capturing the essence of a moment is the goal of photography, which is more than simply knowing how to handle camera. Creating a connection is crucial. It’s about recognizing when a silent exchange between the couple means something sacred or when the abuela is about to cry as she watches her grandson walk down the aisle. From the dancing until dawn to the groom bowing and embracing the bride’s father, Dominican weddings are emotional, colourful, and symbolic, as many other Latin country.

If you don’t understand the culture, you may miss a lot of this

I don’t need instructions on what’s mandatory when I’m taking wedding pictures here. I am already aware. I’m down and ready for the “crazy hour” (hora loca) and I know when it will occur and how to document it in colour and full motion. I know how to take pictures of it as part of the celebration at home and why it’s so essential to have ”mamajuana” on the tables. I can identify the tender looks, the reverberating laughter, the merging of families, and the way music permeates every second.

This is my legacy, not just a pretty work.

Destination Wedding Photography in the Dominican Republic

Why would you choose DR as your wedding destination, well the most important reason is that Dominican Republic has breathtaking beaches, opulent resorts, and vibrant culture, and no one can deny that.

We have a year-round summer weather (Except from the hurricane season) that makes more reliable every plan you make in terms of nature changes and climate conditions.

I provide the following services as a Dominican Republic destination wedding photographer:

Packages for wedding and engagement photography in Punta Cana

• Santo Domingo intimate wedding photography that documents elopements on posh beaches
• Beautiful wedding packages in Hard Rock Punta Cana, Casa de Campo, and Cap Cana
• Dreams or Altos de Chavón natural light sessions From Montreal to the Caribbean, The Palm Beach Tales of Bilingual Love

I’m thrilled to serve a remarkably diverse clientele in Canada and the Caribbean from my new home in Montreal. Whether you’re a couple from Montreal organizing a local celebration or a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic, I offer the same degree of enthusiasm and experience.

In Montreal, I offer the following services:

• Services for wedding photography Engagement pictures in Montreal
• Portraits of couples
• Uncensored wedding narratives
• Montreal luxury wedding photography

As a Female black and Hispanic Wedding photographer, I understand how important is to capturing love in all its diverse forms—multicultural, multilingual, and multifaceted.

Why Should you hire me to Come to Your Wedding?

Having me on your side means more than just hiring a photographer, it means having a someone capable of doing any unprogrammed task, and someone that you can feel a brilliant presence. If I were going to marry again, I will put my trust in someone who can simultaneously (multi-task) see the big picture and the details, as well someone with the ability to capture:

• Your father’s eyes were filled with tears as you exchanged vows.
• The way the Caribbean wind causes your dress to move.
• The unsaid bond between two soulmates.

I frequently hear couples who say that they picked me because they felt heard (my heart just melted). They valued my ability to handle prominent families (which a lovely caos), and bilingual ceremonies.  As a female photographer from the Dominican Republic my clients appreciate my ability to be professional and kind, calm and assertive, and to know when to intervene and when to back off.

They believe me because I view things as a photographer and a part of this society who knows why wedding photographers are needed.

The Paradise Vows: Are You Ready?

Finally, to me it really doesn’t matter if you’re planning a small beach wedding for two (which are getting more popular) or a big wedding party for more than 200 people at one of the Dominican Republic’s most famous places.

Together, let’s make something that has an impact on you.