Embracing Panamania

Panama may not have been a place that traditionally was thought of as a destination wedding hot-spot but don't tell the Panamanian's that. They will undoubtedly turn up their already high-level charm one notch higher, serve you the best piña colada you've ever tasted and convince you that Panama is the ONLY place to go. It's not hard. According to our intrepid tour guide, Panama has the best coffee, the best weather, the best land value, the most generous amount of rum in your drink and it's tourism industry is only ten years old. So in other words, they're out to impress. And they have. Panama is now easily in the top 10 hot-destination wedding spots and it will only get better.

Panama is growing: hotels, museums, tourist information sites, boardwalks, and restaurants are all in progress despite the lull in the economy. The country is shouting out for people to notice it and if you haven't already taken note, you probably should. Panama is beautiful. Panama is diverse. And Panama doesn't get touched by hurricanes. What more could you want?

Well, you undoubtedly would want to have a wedding there. And you would want to bring your entire family. And if you're anything like Angela & Matt, you may just have a group of 40+ people that would rather camp out on the beach with their surf boards and their glasses full of Lord Panamas than go home at the end of the week.

Angela & Matt always knew they wanted to have their wedding in Panama. They had been there once before and realized it would be a fabulous new destination for their family and friends. The Royal Decameron Resort is one of two beach resorts in the whole country of Panama. Spanning over many hectares (not acres) the resort seems to take an entire day to explore. The beach spans forever, the sunrises are the perfect, they have the equivalent of three days of rain per year, and the rum flows eternally. Paradise on the Pacific Ocean.

So imagine a late afternoon beach wedding, celebrating with friends and family as the sun sets, dining at a private restaurant with the chef conducting a fire show while cooking, taking a midnight dip in the pool (while still in their bridal party attire!), and ending the night dancing at the disco and raiding the all-night snack bar. Then join up with your photographer after a half hour nap for an amazing trash-the-dress session in the ocean at sunrise. I personally thought Ange & Matt a little crazy for wanting to do the shoot the morning after the wedding celebrations but when you're on a roll....

Thank you Angela & Matt for allowing me the honour of attending your week-long celebration. You are truly the quintessential Panamaians: friendly, laid back, comfortable, happy, beautiful and inspiring. And your family and friends not only allowed me into their wonderful circles but welcomed me with open arms. You are truly fortunate to have such amazing support around you. Congratulations!