Julie and Jake wed on the beach in the Dominica Republic as friends and families (and even boats passing by) were witness to their nuptials. The couple shared their story with us and why pair opted for a destination wedding to begin with…
We knew we wanted to do a destination wedding because, in all honesty, we both have such humongous families that we just wouldn’t be able to afford a wedding in America. That being said, we also didn’t want people who to “just come for the food and open bar.” Those who really wanted to celebrate our love would literally cross the ocean for us.
We went for a rustic beach theme, with colors Ancient Violet, Hummingbird Blue, and Elegant Charcoal.
Favorite moment from the day?
“We both agree it definitely was the First Look, which is funny because we weren’t even completely sold on doing one!? We didn’t want to ruin the “butterflies” of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle, but WE ARE SO HAPPY we did it.
I loved it because it was an intimate moment that Jake and I got to share with just the two of us (and our wedding party overlooking from a distance). We took our time and enjoyed just “being” in the moment. It was overwhelming, but in a good way.
DIY just might be my middle name. I love doing arts and crafts, and I knew if I ever got married, I would definitely be making a bunch of my own elements. I made my own Save-The-Dates, helped in every design element of our wedding invitations, designed our welcome & thank you cards. I also made the boutonnieres for the groomsmen/godfathers/fathers, corsages for the godmothers/mothers, bouquets for the bridal party, and my most favorite DIY element of all, my bouquet. I drew inspiration for it on Pinterest and couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. The combination of imagination, love and hard work is a pretty wondrous thing!
We don’t regret anything because we are firm believers that everything happens just as it’s meant to. So whatever happened, was perfect. If you’re one to sweat the little things, DON’T! If anything goes wrong, i.e. a party boat passing by on the water BLASTING obnoxious music as your saying your vows (yes, this happened to us), everyone will still remember it as being the “best wedding” they’ve ever been to, which we hear all the time!
Our favorite part of wedding week was the boat party the day after the wedding! In lieu of wedding favors and welcome gifts, we opted to pay for a private excursion on the Sanael for all of our guests. It was a large party boat with drinks, food, and music. They took us out to snorkel and swim in this natural pool, and partied/danced with us all along the way. There wasn’t one person who wasn’t smiling or having a great time, and absolutely everyone raved about it (even until this day!). The wedding stress was all gone, and we were all able to just let loose.
Love deeply and fully, and remember it isn’t about the small things; it’s about who you’re standing at the altar with and all the people there to witness the unfolding of the beginning of a fantastic journey of a love.
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Katya Nova Photography
Wedding Vendors: Musicians: Agua Azul Fire Show, Invitation Designer: Aster Bagtas Design, Cake Designer: Cake Studio Bavaro, Groomsman Attire: Club Monaco, Cinema and Video: Cores Films, Event Venue: Jellyfish Restaurant, Hair Stylist: Krystie Ann Hair & Makeup Artist, Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero, Officiant: Pastor Rick York
