Engagement, Elopement, Family & Solo Session Photos
Capture your island moments in the setting that resonates with you. Whether you're dreaming of saying your vows with the ocean waves behind you, wandering palm-lined jungle paths as newlyweds, or freezing a family moment under golden island light — we’re here to document your story with authenticity, ease, and beauty. Our session photography is tailored to match the magic of your surroundings, whether it’s the beach, jungle, downtown, at a villa, on a catamaran yacht, or from the comfort of your Airbnb or hotel.
From affordable and professional couples, engagement, elopement, family, and solo sessions to FAA-certified aerial drone shots and curated social media content, our goal is to create images that instantly transport you back to those sunlit smiles, salty breezes, and warm, carefree island days.
Why the U.S. Virgin Islands Are the Perfect Backdrop for Your Elopement or Engagement Shoot
Catalina Scarlata
Session Photographer
When couples ask me why they should choose the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) for their engagement, honeymoon, or elopement photography — I tell them: it’s not just a destination, it’s an experience. Every turquoise wave, every shade of sunset, every hidden cliffside path and friendly local village adds depth, drama, and soul to your story. Whether you're saying your vows with ocean waves behind you, wandering palm-lined jungle paths as newlyweds, or freezing a family moment under golden island light — the USVI offers the perfect setting to document your love with authenticity, ease, and beauty.
Here’s why the USVI (and especially St. Thomas) offers an unparalleled canvas for love — and how we can personalize your session to make it truly unforgettable.
1. A Setting That Matches Your Story
One of the best parts of planning a photo session in the USVI is the wide range of settings available — and I tailor each session to match your vision. Whether you picture yourselves barefoot on the beach, lost in the greenery of the jungle, walking hand-in-hand downtown, celebrating at a private villa, lounging on a catamaran yacht, or cozying up in your Airbnb or hotel, I’ll help you create images that reflect your unique connection and the magic of the island.
2. Diverse Landscapes in One Island
From powdery white sand beaches to dramatic cliffs, lush hillsides, and historic colonial scenery, St. Thomas (and its neighboring isles) gives you a variety of stunning backdrops without having to travel far. We can start your session at a secluded beach, wander into jungle trails, or wrap it up in the vibrant streets of Charlotte Amalie — all in a single morning.
3. Golden Light, Island Magic
The quality of light in the Virgin Islands is a dream. Warm, soft tropical sunlight creates glowing skin tones and dramatic silhouettes, while pastel sunrises and glowing golden-hour sunsets give every image that extra touch of island romance. Your photos won’t just look beautiful — they’ll feel like memories frozen in warm light.
4. Less Stress, More Intimacy
There’s a natural ease to the islands that invites you to slow down and truly connect. Many locations here are quiet, intimate, and off the beaten path — perfect for a relaxed, unhurried session. That means more authentic moments, fewer distractions, and images that feel like you.
5. A Seamless Experience for Destination Couples
As a local photographer, I take care of everything — from scouting the best locations and timing your shoot with the weather and light, to securing permits if needed and offering backup plans just in case. I also offer FAA-certified aerial drone shots and can help create social media content if that’s part of your vision. All you need to do is show up, be present, and let the island work its magic.
6. Images That Transport You Back
Years from now, I want you to feel the salty breeze, remember the laughter, and smell the sea air every time you look at your photos. With the Virgin Islands’ naturally rich sensory backdrops — from waves crashing on coral reefs to wind dancing through the palms — your session becomes more than a shoot. It becomes a story, captured.
7. Tips to Make Your Session Extra Special
Shoot during golden hour – Sunrise or sunset light is flattering, soft, and unforgettable.
Pack layers or options – Flowing dresses, linen shirts, or textured pieces add variety and movement.
Include meaningful props – A tropical flower, your favorite rum, travel hats, or shells make the session uniquely yours.
Relax and be in the moment – I’ll guide you gently, but the magic is in the laughter, the glances, and the in-between moments.
Be spontaneous – Splash in the waves, chase each other through the jungle, climb a rock. The best images are often the unplanned ones.
If you're planning an engagement session, elopement, honeymoon shoot, or even a solo or family session here in St. Thomas or anywhere across the Virgin Islands —we’d be honored to tell your story. Let’s create images that don’t just document a moment but bring you right back to it every time.
Live Event Media Coverage
Experience the energy, excitement, and beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands like never before with our professional event coverage services. Whether it’s a world-class boat show, a thrilling marathon, or a vibrant island festival, our team captures every unforgettable moment through high-quality photography, videography, and dynamic drone footage. We specialize in showcasing the essence of each event—from the cheers of the crowd to the stunning Caribbean backdrops—creating visuals that immerse your audience and preserve the spirit of the occasion.
Beyond simple documentation, we produce promotional videos that elevate your event’s reach and engagement. Our creative storytelling and expert editing transform your live moments into captivating marketing assets, perfect for social media, press releases, and future promotions. From land to sea and sky, we bring together artistry, technology, and island passion to make your event shine across every platform.
At MBVI, we specialize in capturing the magic of life’s special moments across the the U.S. Virgin Islands—whether it’s engagement, elopement, family, or solo sessions. We tailor each shoot to your personal vision, selecting island settings like beaches, jungles, downtown streets, villas, yachts, or your accommodation as the perfect backdrop. With a blend of professional photography and FAA-certified drone shots, our goal is to produce images that transport you right back to the sunlit smiles, salty breezes, and warm intimately island moments.
When it comes to live event coverage, MBVI brings the same passion and precision to large-scale moments. We cover boat shows, marathons, festivals, and more—delivering top-tier photography, video, and aerial drone footage that showcase both the action and atmosphere. Our work doesn’t just document the event—it crafts a visual narrative that captures the spirit, energy, and vibrant setting of the Virgin Islands.
Beyond recording live moments, our team produces powerful promotional videos that help your event stand out. With creative storytelling, professional editing, and multi-platform readiness, your photos and footage transform into marketing assets primed for social media, press, and future promotion. From sea level to lofty drone perspectives, we combine artistry, advanced tools, and local insight to make your event—and your brand—shine.