Life's most profound moments happen when we permit ourselves to be fully present. For over 20 years, I've been capturing beautiful experiences and helping people document their most treasured days. Recently, through my journey shaped by tragic loss, betrayal, healing, and radical self-discovery — life taught me this: we were not designed for dusty shelves and endless distraction. We were made to feel, connect, wander, and immerse ourselves fully. ‍

That realization brought me here — to Samaná, Dominican Republic, where I live part-time on a little old sailboat, reimagining how we gather, celebrate, and truly live. It also carried me home, again and again, to the ridgelines and river valleys of the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains, where the same stillness I found on the water waits in the fog rolling over the peaks. ‍

As I write, capture, design, and create with Melodie Joy Creatives, I serve clients across the beaches and mountains of the U.S. and the islands of the Dominican Republic — two magical corners of the world that have become my home and my offering.

‍Two Landscapes. One Way of Living.

The Islands — Samaná, Dominican Republic Marina villas with sunset views.
Waterfall hikes. Island charters. Treehouse stays. Your escape, your way.

‍The Mountains — Nantahala National Forest & the Great Smoky Mountains Cabin retreats tucked into ancient hills. Waterfall trails and river gorges.
Misty overlooks and star-soaked nights around a fire.
Slow mornings with coffee on the porch, wrapped in mountain quiet.

‍Whether it's saltwater or wood smoke that calls to you, the invitation is the same: come be fully present.

‍Who I Curate For

‍I curate all-inclusive travel and elopement experiences designed for the brave ones: elopers and proposers, healers and seekers, women ready to rise, friend groups craving real connection, solo travelers hungry for something more — whether that journey leads to island shores or mountain summits.

‍Photography included. Magic guaranteed.

This is Wanderlust. Travel and photography bookings are open — island and mountain escapes, waiting for you.‍