Julie & Travis, your day was one of a kind and absolutely perfect! I could feel your happiness and love and all I can say was “Amazing”! I know you felt it that way, and I know I did.

Enjoy first photos!

Well…not from my point of view. For me, your wedding is YOUR day, no matter what the weather does. You dreamed about this probably since you were a kid and it will be one of the most important moments of your life. It would be a shame to allow the weather to ruin your big day.

Days are different in our lives, not because of the weather, but because of the memories we create. When you think back to a special time in your life, you don’t usually remember the weather first, you remember the moment.

One of my best Wedding Photos at Mayan Ruins is because of the dramatic sky. This photo would have a completely different flavor with a blue sky.

Bear in mind that when it is raining, the sky is different and gives so much flavor to our photos. Yes, we can go inside the restaurant or hotel and remain dry but better yet, we can have some really cool photos outside! The rain in Belize is usually on and off, so it is not impossible to photograph. If you prefer to stay dry we can just wait for the rain to take a break.

Bridal Photoshoot Rain Wedding at Victoria House, Belize

When I arrived to this amazing wedding at Cayo Espanto, a private island in Belize… rained really hard.

While raining outside, we had bridal portraits inside

The Sky is more dramatic. @ Cayo Espanto, Belize

Bridal Photoshoot, after rain. @ Cayo Espanto, Belize

Sky right after rain...

During our bridal photoshoot, did not rain, but we had the flavour of rain in the sky.

Dramatic sky after rain. @ Cayo Espanto, Belize

july rain - dramatic sky. In San Pedro town, Belize

Catamaran Trip, with rain behind us.

Don't forget the rainbow you might get after rain

or Double Rainbow

Rain & Wedding. Ambergris Caye, Belize

rain & moods. Ambergris Caye, Belize

Rain, Sky, Wedding & Drama

Bridal Portrait and sunset after rain

Bridal Portrait and Rainy Sky

Belize is know for short but dramatic sunsets, special after rain... @ El Pescador, Belize

There is a wedding that I fondly remember particularly because of the weather. Tracy & Shawn (at Rojo Lounge) planned their wedding in February because at this time of year there is a much lower chance of rain. And… guess what?! You will never believe it but they had TROPICAL RAIN on their day! The rain began during their ceremony and then it started pouring just after. No wind at all, just raining cats and dog. Everyone was “OMG… this is terrible”…what now? I could see the mood started to lower and then I reminded myself that no matter what, this is their day and they will have these memories and photos of their wedding for the rest of their lives. So I asked them “How much do you care if get wet?” They both answered me, ”So long as it’s fun, we’re up for anything you have in mind”. Minutes later we had a photoshoot in the rain, the first dance in the rain and the entire wedding party (30 of them) joined us in the rain!  We enjoyed great music and had a fabulous time. I will never forget the happiness from that evening. I think this was one of the most fun weddings I have ever attended! Everyone loved it so much! And yes with TROPICAL RAIN!

Tropical Rain Wedding . Rain for 14 hours straight. @ Azul Resort, Belize

Rain Wedding, Rain Photos. . @ Azul Resort, Belize

Rain Wedding, Rain Photos. . @ Azul Resort, Belize

First Dance - Tropical Rain

Wedding Day: First Tropical Rain Dance. . @ Azul Resort, Belize

Wedding. Rain. Love=Oli Rusu Photos. . @ Azul Resort, Belize

If you want something different and unique, maybe you should even hope for rain, at least at the end of your day and of course with me as your photographer!! :)

All these photos were taken during 2010-2011 and I was not equipped or prepared for rain. Now, in my camera bag I have special accessories just in case it rains… and all I can tell you is that I am very excited to use them!

 Don’t worry about things that are beyond your control, such as the weather. What really matters is that at the end of the day you’ll be married and will have amazing photos of your fabulous day…and maybe with a few extra blessings too!!

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
Oli Rusu

p.s. As long you have a backup for staying dry, you’re “safe”.

Baby Ava was actually the reason of this photoshoot. She turn 6 months old and we needed this. We did not plan anything.. I just told Marisa “I’m coming, and we’ll see”. When I reach at the house, Marisa told me “Oli… I have not a clue what to wear” so I asked “what color is Ava?” PINK! Well… let’s find pink for everyone!  And than, we start :)

So much fun. First photo I snap was “girls, getting ready” :)

Enjoy first photos. More coming soon…

After few speeches and our prime minister, Dean Barrow, revealing the new logo of Belize Bank, everyone enjoyed and celebrate until late.

I felt honoured that I was the photographer chosen for this event. Thank you!

I will leave my photos to speak better.

Oh, and THANK YOU Cindy, my gorgeous assistant that helped me the entire evening. I look forward to work with you in the future ;)

Enjoy!

Jessica & Michael… guys, I heart you both! I had many emails with Jess and I get to know what she likes, I loved her personality (very much similar with mine actually) and I loved Michael, also. I was in shock when I heard (days after the wedding) that he actually avoid photos as much as he can…  Well, Michael, I was convinced you love doing this… because you, guys, were one of my best models I ever had.

Wedding moments:

Start from now on, all weddings at mayan ruins will have a specific ring photo on an mayan carving calendar:

Family Photos were extremely emotional… Michael’s mom was crying,

Family Photos

Jessica’s mom was emotional as her daughter wear her veil (a 40 year old long veil with lace on the edges), the wedding dress was pure lace (a dream wedding dress).

Jessica, my gorgeous bride!

When they asked me what place from Cayo I suggest them to get married, somewhere around San Ignacio town… I did not even blink: San Ignacio Hotel Resort! I am hunting a wedding there from years now and finally, I was lucky enough to have the chance doing it here.

Bridal Portrait at San Ignacio Hotel

The Reveal of Bride and groom was at San Ignacio hotel on an amazing setting (everything is phenomenal there)

The Reveal. They see eachother before walking down the aisle

…walking down the aisle start from the hotel, until the mayan temple and was tons of fun!

Walking down the aisle from San Ignacio Hotel to Xunantunich

the Wedding ceremony was at Xunantunich, mayan temple in Belize,

…bridal photoshoot around  Xunantunich, at sunset time (OH!),

Bridal Photoshoot at Xunantunich, Belize

Bridal Photoshoot at Xunantunich

..the reception at San Ignacio Hotel Resort and night bridal photos on my favourites spots from San Ignacio Hotel…

Champagne, candles & love. Bridal Photoshoot at San Ignacio Hotel.

Fairytale setting at San Ignacio hotel, Cayo

This is one of the most complete weddings I ever photographed (we start at 11 am and finished almost at 11 pm…). You can definitely tell the difference between few hours photoshoot and a full day. I could never achieved this if I would be hired for few hours only… Keep in mind that our night photoshoot start at 10 pm . I was convinced that they won’t want do it, but… “photos are REALLY important”… and yes, I hope you agree that worth every minute.

I am extremely excited to work on all those photos and design this album.

Guys, I know that after your wedding you’ll heart Belize and cherish this place forever!

Thank you, Belize Weddings for making this possible. Thank you, San Ignacio Hotel Resort, for all your efforts and amazing hospitality and thank you Jessica & Michael for making me the honour to photograph your wedding!

Bridal Portrait at San Ignacio Hotel

Also, I want to mention one more person… someone that brings me luck. I had one more wedding with her and was a total blast. Her name is Karen Diaz. She definitely bring the “personal touch” to any event and I love the way she work!

Bridal Portrait at San Ignacio Hotel

More photos coming soon…

Stephanie & Clint chose to get married at one of the nicest resorts from Ambergris Caye, Grand Caribe. I had only 1 wedding there, last year, august, but because I had an confidentiality agreement with my bride&groom, I was not able to display anything. And finally, I had it: may 5, 2012. My bride… took my breath away. Her hair and makeup were stunning (Thanks to Elida, one of my fav. from the island)… Family Photos were a BLAST! The ceremony, intimate, only few immediate family members (parents, sisters, brohers, of course, grandma’s and best friends). I love those weddings.

The natural setting at Grand Caribe is just spectacullar. I will let the photos speak for me.

Was already too late by the time the moon was brighter, but I chose to not photoshop the real image. I did not had a photoshoot around the moon, but last photo I’ll show in their album will be the one you’ll see here…

Enjoy! (more photos coming soon…)

As you might know, my photos are delivered as products (prints, albums, canvas…) and the digital size my clients get is not printable. Digital files of my packages are by default 600×400 (72dpi) or 800×600(72 dpi), for internet display, digital frames, i-pods, i-pads….

My digital files are available for purchase for a different price.

(source) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photo_print_sizes

I will attach here 3 different sizes, so you have an idea what I am talking about.

Her mom told me that she will like a proper album for her daughter and when I heard that I will choose the location and will be only us, I was excited! Took me 3 weeks until I figure it the perfect location for this. I asked the color of the dress and I knew will be traditional and in same time fabulous and when I saw it, I was “WOW”. I aimed for classic photos, with a classic background and Casa Tortuga from Ambergris Caye, Belize was the perfect fit.

Photoshoot was done prior her party.

Here is the design I did for the album from this photoshoot.

Let me start with ABC Preschool from Ambergris Caye. My son will graduate this year from preschool and I think ABC Preschool is from far THE BEST from the entire area. The  principal, teacher Wil Alamilla, is one of the most dedicated person to his job. He is taking everything extremely seriously and absolutely LOVE his job. At first, I said to myself “well… is preschool… I can’t aspect too much” and I was and still am, blown away! My son is 4 years old and know the entire ABC, know the letters, start to read, is counting… and you might say “yeah, yeah… not a big deal”… well, it is a big deal if I’m telling you that we did NOT do anything about this at home. I did not wanted to force him learn stuff that anyway he’ll learn next year… I wanted to give him something I call “childhood break”. So, everything my son learn from this preschool was in his 3 hours/day. Yes, I am amazed by level of education this preschool give! And his manners…just perfect!

So, now, let me start with my story…

Even this was an event from my private life, I still want to tell you about it. Did not occur to me for one moment that I’ll love it so much.

I am very much against Zoo and Circus. The only time I went to Circus was when I was around 6 years old… and I’ll remember that day for the rest of my life. I loved the “happiness” for the animals and somehow, after the show, I escaped through the back door and I saw the truth… beaten animals and horrible treatment… I saw one elephant starring at me… sad… with tears in his eyes… begging for help while the caretaker beat him with a stick… I think I stayed that for few minutes and just stare until my mom grabbed me. Was too late. That day marked my life and change my vision about circus. I always imagine is quite the same thing with having the animals captive… in a Zoo, just for people’s fun.

This is the actual reason that made me avoid the last year preschool class trip with my son… and I kept asking about the Belize Zoo… how are the animals there, if they have cages, if they are treated well… and I start to get courage when I heard are actually in their natural habitat. My son keep talking about it for weeks and he convinced me to go. But, with fear in my heart, I decide to go.

I reach the Zoo and first thing I read this: “The animals at the Belize Zoo are specials. None have been taken from the wild. They have been either: Orphaned, Injured, Given us to the other zoo’s, Born here…”. I read this over and over again. Was one more, but I can’t remember exactly… So, I said to myself “Ohh… This is GOOD!” Was the perfect start. Than… I saw how well the care takers treat the animals… Yes… I know I shouldn’t do it, but while I was visiting, I went “behind the scenes”… just to see what’s happening there and I saw an employee talking with the animals and the how he feed them… love and care.

The Zoo is photo friendly, but I did not photographed the animals. I did not had my proper equipment for that, and I did not paid for proffesional photos. I do look forward to go back and have a proper photoshoot for myself. I also encourage all photographers to pay the fee for the equipment because those money are used for animal care. Is so important to support this Zoo! It is different and people from there do care about their jobs.

We saw Jaguar, deers, vultures, monkeys, tapirs, pigs, macaw, snake, crocodiles, a puma many birds, a tarantula and few more species. They all come close to the fence and kind of posing for you.

After visiting the Zoo, the class trip took us to Bacab, Eco Water Park where everyone had a blast. I never even considered to go there… my mind was already to a photoshoot scheduled somewhere on the sea, same day. But, again, my son told me he want me there so… “I went”… and… my jaw dropped. Literally. And I start… OOH! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS! This is what I NEED for my photoshoot. There is an entire story that you’ll hear about what I did there, but in few words, I called my photo team and asked them if we can change the location of the photoshoot in the last minute. They did trust my judgment and said yes and… we have one of my favourites photos from a project… Right there, at Bacab. Everyone… helped me with this photoshoot… start with employers, until managers… they cooperated until the smallest details.

I also visited the Butterfly Farm from Bacab and the caretaker from there, knew all butterflies from there. I was amazed by how many details he knew “stay here, this butterfly like this flower… wait few minutes, there is one that is coming around this corner and will be good for photos with that background… (see the green one)…

I know there is more to visit so I’ll go back one day. I really hope for a wedding there. I’m also considering a special offer for my first bridal photoshoot at Bacab. That will be different! :)

Were few moments when I was emotional about everything… many of their employees knew me… actually knew who I was and my work and I felt… I don’t know… different, somehow.

I know that this trip changed many of my thoughts and I know I saw a different face of Belize that I absolutely loved.

There are many faces that you’ll see in this little country, but 1 thing that is everywhere: the amazing people that live here and I can say with all my heart, are the best from the entire world. Are kind, simple and the majority, happy that will treat you well and make you happy!

If you visit Belize, you must visit Belize Zoo and also relax at Bacab Eco Park. I know I’ll go back one day and I’ll photograph it the way deserve. Until than, see the few photos I have.

Please feel free to contact me for any of the photos from here. Enjoy!

We start with few portraits…

Family Portrait

we went around the resort….

Fun in the sun!

and of course.. everyone who’s coming in Belize, must love GOLF CARTS!

Belize Golf Cart Fun!

Than, we went to the pool…

Than... we went at the pool

He was very specific that he does not want photos. RIGHT! :)))

Vacation Photography Portrait!

…we went on the beach and couples play in the sand…

Sand & Beach in Belize

I really believe that Belize is one of the most romantic places on earth.

Beach Romance in Belize

This is how I see real vacation photography photos.

I was aiming for photos that will bring a smile on their faces anytime they’ll see them. I was also aiming for a flavour or Belize in all those photos. When they’ll show them to their friends I want to be proud and say “…this is Belize! This is usually our vacation”! and than… wide smiles on their faces. This is the flavour I wanted.

This is Belize through Oli Rusu’s eyes & lens!

More photos coming soon…