Jessica and Michael had an intimate destination wedding in Barbados with 30 of their closest friends and family along for the ride. And when we say ride, it really was – this couple opted for a beach wedding ceremony and then boarded a catamaran for the reception!
Jessica shared with us the story of their incredible trip. “We thought about having our wedding on a few different islands but when it came down to it, Barbados was really a second home for me, so it seemed only natural. I was lucky enough to study in Barbados when I was a senior in college, returned for several spring breaks and vacations after that, and actually lived there for a short time. I developed lifelong friendships and a love for the island and people.”
The event wasn’t lacking in traditional details, regardless of the non-traditional location. The ring bearer even carried this sweet burlap ring pillow down the aisle (and practically stole the show he was so cute)!
What a beautiful ceremony structure! Fragrant with all the lush tropical flowers of the island.
Steel drums helped the little guy down the aisle…
To where a very excited groom awaited his bride.
Then from sand to sea they went for the reception!
“There wasn’t a vacation that went by where I didn’t spend at least two or three days aboard a catamaran. The catamaran cruises in Barbados are some of the best in the world, mostly because of the people that run them, the amazing waters, the amazing local food, the music, you get to swim with and feed sea turtles.”
“I had the pleasure of sailing many times on the catamarans in Barbados and knew the fun and beauty that was in store each trip, day or night. The great thing about the catamaran trips is that they have something for everyone. It can be as lively and fun as you want, or as quiet and romantic. I planned it so that we would be on the boat for sunset, swim with the turtles after our “first dances”, and enjoy dinner and dancing under the stars. My friend Eddie Cheeseman decided to join Cool Runnings, owned by other friends Robert and Annika Povey, so this was naturally my catamaran of choice. It doesn’t hurt that they have beautiful boats, great crew, a great chef, and are very well known in Barbados.”
And the best moments aboard the boat? “Dancing to our wedding song (and father/daughter song) – my husband (a former dj) spent a lot of time making our own special mix of Elvis, Andrea bocelli, and ub40 (can’t help falling in love) and tony Bennett, frank Sinatra, maroon 5 mix (the way you look tonight).”
The cruise got the guests out on the open seas to see the island from a different vantage point. “We departed from Bridgetown and went up the West Coast stopping to swim with turtles and then continued up the coast where we stopped off the coast of (world famous) Sandy Lane for dinner. We spent the rest of the night swimming and dancing and headed back to Bridgetown to end the evening.”
When asked what some of her other favorite moments were from the day, one of those memories was with the turtles. “Swimming with turtles with family and friends and seeing how excited and happy my new husband was doing that for the first time.” Sharing in something she loves with him.
Congratulations Michael and Jessica!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Rothwell Photography
Wedding Vendors: Catamaran: Cool Runnings, Beach Ceremony + Hotel: The Crane, Dinner: Sandy Lane Resort, Wine: Trident Wines.
This post was submitted via TwoBrightLights.com
