St. John Day Trip – U.S. Virgin Islands

While vacationing in the Virgin Islands in January, Jeremy and I took a day trip from St. Thomas to St. John. Our time in the Caribbean was sort of a belated honeymoon (we eloped in October), and St. John was hands-down the most adventurous part of our entire trip! We woke up early one Saturday to take the Red Hook ferry in St. Thomas over to Cruz Bay, and stayed on the island all day (and almost all night). Our time on St. John was filled with exploring, hiking, rainstorms, and wild donkeys. Oh, and some of the most incredible landscapes I have ever seen.

Something unique about St. John is that a large portion of its area (more than half) is occupied by Virgin Islands National Park. Our original plan was to ride the bus (it’s only $1!) down Centerline Road to the Reef Bay trail, and hike all the way to the south-eastern tip of the island known as Ram Head to watch the sun set there. However, due to the bus schedule and reluctance of every cab driver in Cruz Bay to pick us up across the island (I don’t blame them), we ended up turning around at Reef Bay. Along the trail we encountered numerous species of plants and wildlife, the ruins of two abandoned sugar mills, and the Petroglyphs along a freshwater reflecting pool, once sacred to the indigenous Taíno people.

We took an impromptu hike on Lind Point Trail overlooking Cruz Bay during golden hour, and made it to Honeymoon Beach just in time to see the pinks and purples of sunset before a storm blew in. Hiking back was quite an event – but the views were well worth it. Note to self: be more prepared for island rains next time you’re hiking in the jungle.

Some more touristy stops of note in Cruz Bay include St. John Brewers (try their Tropical Mango pale ale!) and Morgan’s Mango for dinner. Best lobster I’ve had in years.

If you find yourselves in the Virgin Islands and are up for some fun, I highly recommend spending a day on St. John!

View of St. John Cruz Bay at US Virgin Islands after thunderstorm

3 Replies to “St. John Day Trip – U.S. Virgin Islands”

  1. Claudia says:

    Great pics, Emma. Are the donkeys wild?

    1. Emma says:

      They are! Jeremy walked right past them – I took a little longer. I think he has a video of it somewhere.

  2. Bablofil says:

    Thanks, great article.

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Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins of Emma Mullins Photography

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Schitt’s Creek-obsessed Chicago wedding photographer. I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I currently reside in Chicago with my designer-turned-handyman partner and our two spunky felines. When I’m not photographing couples in love, I’m either hanging with these three, managing our West Town studio space, or traveling someplace new!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
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  • Buttercream frosting
  • Road trips
  • Watching the sun rise
  • Pretending I sound like Mariah Carey
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam (Jeremy, Rex and Miike)
  • Halloween (the holiday – not the movie. Okay, the movie’s pretty good too.)
About You

You want stunning, true-to-life wedding photos that look and feel like YOU. You don’t want to feel stiff or look too “posed.” And most importantly, you want to ENJOY your wedding day while we capture all the good stuff! 

Whether you thrive in the spotlight or cringe at the thought of being photographed, we are there to capture your memories. And let’s be honest: your wedding day is going to be AWESOME. No matter what goes according to plan or how many things surprise you, at the end of the day you’ll be married to Your Person. And, spoiler alert: that’s what this is all about!

My Approach

My relaxed, documentary approach allows couples to feel totally comfortable in front of the camera (it’s the number one thing mentioned in my Reviews!). Expect a mix of candid moments and contemporary portraiture, with the occasional embarrassing (aka HILARIOUS) dance floor photo. I will be your hype girl during portrait time (seriously!). We’ll get to know each other throughout the process, and it doesn’t stop on wedding day. I want to show up with hugs and handshakes – not as just another vendor.

Sound like what you’re looking for in a documentary wedding photographer? Inquire about your wedding HERE!

Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are LGBTQ+ friendly and happy to serve humans of every background, gender and identity. 

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Wedding Day coverage averages at $7500 (couples typically spend between $6000-$9000). Associate Collections begin at $4000. All Collections include a fully edited digital download gallery, print release, custom photography timeline, and Welcome Guide to ensure the BEST possible photography experience!

Photography collections are fully customizable to meet your needs. For detailed pricing and availability, inquire HERE.

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Other sessions offered include Lifestyle, Maternity, Content + Branding and other life events! Contact me for rates and availability.

Things on my current Wish List include photographing a Las Vegas elopement and destination wedding in Italy! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!