“I photograph by listening to the energy around me, allowing the honest beauty of the day to shape every image.”

At The Ocean Club in the Bahamas, Kristin Piteo let that approach unfold with precision. Capturing a stunning celebration that was both high-style and full of feeling. Elevated but not produced. The images and photographic choices leaned into that balance and rhythm of the day: portraits unfolding in quick bursts and fleeting moments, details curated and anchored in the natural surroundings, a focus on the fashion as well as all the emotions, all shot with a mix of film, flash, tilt, casualness and structure.

Photographer: Kristin Piteo

Gear and Details

• Cameras: Nikon Z6ii (24–70mm + 35mm), Pentax 645Nii (45mm), Nikon F100 (35mm), Holga

• Coverage: 2 photographers over 4 days (approx. 20 hours)

• Three words that describe the day: Raw. Joyful. Moody.

• Couple: Allegra and Kyle

• Planner: Ashley Smith Events

• Location: The Ocean Club, Four Seasons Bahamas

The Vision (Setting the Scene)

Design-wise, the couple really embraced the location, but in a way that felt elevated, not cliché. Vibrant citrus tones, tropical greenery, sculptural florals, and shell accents tied everything back to the Bahamas. The ceremony at the Cloisters brought this old-world energy, while the rest of the weekend flowed between beachside welcome events, a dance-filled reception, and a poolside farewell brunch.

I wanted the gallery to reflect that balance — refined but natural. The kind of styling that feels intentional, but not overworked. There was movement in everything, even the still moments had a pulse.

Getting Ready

The morning was laid-back and intimate. Allegra wore an oversized black Ralph Lauren tee — no fuss, just confidence. That choice said a lot about her energy, and I wanted to reflect that in the images. I kept things simple and quiet. Nothing over-styled. Just clean compositions, soft light, and an attention to what felt real.

I don’t go in with a rigid plan. I made a moodboard for myself beforehand to stay aligned with the couple and the setting, but I let the morning unfold naturally.

With details, I always try to use the textures of the space — limestone, linens, natural light — to give them a sense of place. That’s how they belong to the story.

Favorite Moment

I believe the most powerful moments can’t be posed, they are lived. I photograph by listening to the energy around me, allowing the honest beauty of the day to shape every image I take.

My favourite moment was the moment leading up to the first look. The atmosphere was electric and so I knew I shouldn’t pose or direct it. Just feel it. When Kyle turned around, emotion hit like a wave.

The Ceremony

You expect sun in the Bahamas, but we got passing rain and overcast skies all weekend. And honestly, it made everything more emotional. The Cloisters already has this grounded, almost sacred energy, and the soft light added a sense of stillness and depth. I let the tones be a little moodier than usual, letting the rain speak instead of fighting it.

When Allegra walked down the aisle, everything slowed. The ceremony felt calm, romantic, and totally focused. No distractions. Just two people completely present.

Portraits

I don’t carve out big blocks of time for portraits. I thread them in wherever they fit. That’s how I keep them connected to the energy of the day. I’ll do some light scouting, but I mostly work on instinct. I follow light and emotion more than a shot list.

I used mostly natural light for the portraits. There’s a softness to that kind of light you can’t replicate. With film, especially medium format, you don’t need much to make a frame feel rich. I’m always trying to capture an essence — something that feels honest, not posed.

Reception

The reception was vibrant. Lots of movement, dancing, color. The band flew in from the UK and brought this wild energy. That contrast between calm ceremony and high-energy reception is something I love playing with in galleries.

I used a mix of ambient digital and flash film. The digital let me preserve the feeling of the space, while the film flash gave that punchy, imperfect edge I love. I don’t believe in picking one or the other. It’s about what the moment needs.

I tried to approach this wedding day with restraint and rhythm. Letting the day lead. Letting the real moments come through. I always say, the most powerful photos aren’t staged. They’re felt.

Credits:
Photography: Kristin Piteo
Planning: Ashley Smith Events
Location: The Ocean Club Bahamas
Florals: Nuude Botanica
HMU: Molly Mullen Beauty & MyMuseNYC
Styling: Jacfleurant
Dresses: Francesca Miranda Bridal & Danielle Frankel
Paper: Camellia & Co.
Calligraphy: Gemtones
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Video: Sarah Davis