I love the kind, positive-minded people, the weather, and the closeness to the ocean in Punta Cana. As Columbus is said to have exclaimed upon discovering the island, ‘If there is a paradise on Earth, this is it, and I have found it!’ Our team shoots weddings across the Dominican Republic, and we are now also expanding our presence in Europe. With an office in London, we accept wedding bookings throughout the UK as we continue to grow and evolve internationally…”
Denis Boyko, Founder, Boyko Studio
Denis Boyko is the founder and owner of Boyko Studios, a highly regarded photography and videography company located in the Dominican Republic. With more than a decade of successful operation, Boyko Studios specialises in capturing the essence of weddings through exceptional imagery and artistry. In this discussion, we explore his techniques for achieving the best shots in stunning locations across the globe…
C&B: “Denis, you’re at an exciting point in your business as it evolves and fully enters the European sector of the wedding industry. What first drew you to specialise in wedding photography and videography in Punta Cana, and how has the location influenced your work?”
DB: “The wedding season here in Punta Cana lasts year-round. The weather is ideal for photography, the natural locations are breathtaking, and the individuals who come here to celebrate their weddings are happy and carefree. As a result, Punta Cana has significantly influenced my work; nature constantly provides inspiration and places me in the right mindset, while the surrounding joyful atmosphere elevates my creative energy…”
The key to great photography is communication. We keep the mood light and friendly from the very beginning, building a connection with the couple. Humour, laughter, and casual interaction help couples feel at ease – we then become more like friends who happen to be there capturing their day…”
Denis Boyko, Founder, Boyko Studio
C&B: “When you’re first approached by a couple, what’s the creative process when preparing for their wedding, and how you ensure their vision is captured?”
DB: “Before the wedding, we schedule a Zoom call to get to know the couple, discuss their vision, and offer our recommendations regarding locations, outfits, and preparations. We build a personalised timeline and mood board, thoughtfully develop the visual concept, and prepare all the necessary gear. Every detail is tailored to the needs of the couple…”
C&B: “This is a particularly beautiful area of the Dominican Republic; which are your favourite locations around Punta Cana, and what makes them so special?”
DB: “Cap Cana – it’s quiet, with fewer tourists, world-class golf courses, well-maintained grounds, high-end hotels, and a gated community atmosphere. My favourite luxury hotels here in Punta Cana are the Hyatt Cap Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana, St. Regis Cap Cana, Casa de Campo, and Amanera. These hotels all offer exceptional service, unique aesthetics, privacy, and stunning natural surroundings…”
C&B: “How do you balance capturing candid moments with staged shots to tell a comprehensive story of the wedding day?”
DB: “It all happens naturally and depends on the couple’s energy. If the couple is fun, energetic, and spontaneous, we focus on documentary-style coverage with lots of movement, real emotion, and minimal posing. If the couple is more calm and traditional, we incorporate more structured posing but still include plenty of candid moments to preserve authenticity…”
Overall, our style is primarily documentary, because it best conveys the true essence of the wedding day. We adapt to the character of each couple and always help guide them when needed so that everything looks effortless, elegant, and cohesive…”
Denis Boyko, Founder, Boyko Studio
C&B: “What are some of the most memorable weddings you have photographed or filmed in Punta Cana, and what made them stand out to you?”
DB: “We’ve photographed many stunning and joyful weddings in the Dominican Republic, and each one is unique. A few particularly memorable ones include a large wedding in Santiago with 300 guests, a church ceremony, an abundance of florals, and a custom-made chandelier by the planner Evaristo de los Santos. It was a two-day celebration with famous DJs and a vibrant atmosphere. Another standout wedding was in a luxury hotel in the north, Amanera. The planner, Pejy Kash, flew in with a team from the U.S. Everything was meticulously designed – light installations based on zodiac signs, starry themes, immersive decor, and a breathtaking location with private villas overlooking the beach and golf course. Indian weddings also leave a strong impression – we’ve covered several that lasted four days. One of them at ‘Dreams Macao’ had over 300 guests, multi-level floral arches, and an incredibly lively, emotional vibe filled with tradition and colour…”
One unforgettable event we covered was in Casa de Campo with Mislene and Hector, planned by Evaristo de los Santos. The theme was Greek – arches, columns, statues, and beautifully curated installations. The entire celebration was refined, filled with fresh flowers, and featured a performance by the world-renowned Gipsy Kings. One of the evenings was turned into a full theatrical production with a concert and show crafted for the guests. It was completely unique and unforgettable…”
Denis Boyko, Founder, Boyko Studio
C&B: “How do you stay current with trends and innovations in wedding photography and videography while maintaining your unique style?”
DB: “I’m constantly refining my style – it’s a continuous journey. I read industry literature, attend exhibitions, fashion shows, and wedding events. I visit bridal expos every year and follow the top publications like Vogue, Brides, Harper’s Bazaar, and others. I study films, lighting, colour theory, and composition. I’m a workaholic, but I genuinely love what I do. That’s why I lose track of time – it’s not just work, it’s my life and passion. I think that’s my biggest resource…”
C&B: “What advice would you give to couples selecting a wedding photographer and videographer, particularly for destination weddings?”
DB: “Start by defining your taste. Know what style you’re drawn to – this will help you find the right photographer. Don’t just look at Instagram. Dive into full wedding galleries on the photographer’s website to see how they document the entire day. Weddings require a blend of styles: portraits, candid shots, details, lighting. Choose someone with experience who understands how to combine all of that. If your budget allows, choose someone with a solid professional background – look for publications, event participation, and activity within the industry. For destination weddings, reliability is key. Professionalism matters, but trust and dependability are essential. Check how long the photographer has worked in the location or how often they travel with a team. Reviews, career length, and social media activity are also good indicators of credibility…”
Your photographer isn’t just someone with a camera – they’ll be with you through the most intimate and emotional parts of your day. Trust is everything. And keep an eye on pricing – if a photographer is significantly below average, there’s usually a reason – lack of experience, confidence, or demand. On your wedding day, you need someone who’s confident, skilled, and able to take the lead. Choose a photographer who values their work – they’re more likely to value your day, too. It’s always best to choose someone who aligns with your style, energy, and budget from the beginning – and work with them on equal terms, with mutual trust and respect. That’s the foundation for truly powerful results…”
Denis Boyko, Founder, Boyko Studio
CONTACT: http://www.boykophotography.com
