I'm Melodie Joy, and I've learned that life's most profound moments happen when we permit ourselves to be fully present. For over 20 years, I've been capturing and creating beautiful experiences, helping people document their most treasured days. Recently, through my own journey of tragic loss, betrayal, healing, and radical self-discovery, life taught me something essential: living for what truly matters—authentic connection, honesty, intentional presence, and the courage to embrace every moment we're given. We were not designed for dusty shelves or square footage, for hours of screen time and endless distractions.
Instead, to feel, connect, wander, engage, and immerse ourselves fully.

That realization brought me here—to Samaná, Dominican Republic, where I live full-time on my little old sailboat, reimagining how we gather, celebrate, and truly live.
As I continue to write my book, sell my art, and travel to serve the United States in photography and planning, the Dominican Republic, St. Croix, and beyond, it has become a huge focus. A magical destination, a perfect gathering place for an escape, a retreat, your honeymoon, elopement, wedding, or event.

I curate ALL-inclusive travel experiences from this magical corner of the world and design intimate adventures for the brave ones: the elopers and proposers, the healers, the women ready to rise, the friend groups craving real connection, the solo travelers seeking something more. Your escape, your way:
Marina villas with sunset views. Waterfall hikes. Island charters. Treehouse stays—anything you can imagine.

Photography included, magic guaranteed, pretense left at home.
This is Wanderlust. Travel and Photography Bookings are open for 2026.

The Islands are waiting.