Ashley and Roland’s destination “I do’s” were a foregone conclusion set in motion back when the two were teenagers. Their families spent their vacations together on the private island of Scotland Cay in the Bahamas, where Roland’s family had a home. So many years later when the couple planned to wed, it was only fitting that they selected the very place they fell in love.
Ashley shared with us a bit about the big day. “It was important to us that our wedding genuinely represented who we were as a couple and the island we love so much. With that goal, the décor and overall atmosphere reflected our personalities and lifestyle. We began our planning with a few core ideas; we wanted our special day to be laidback and fun, casual and chic, natural and pure. Together, we choose a muted color palette with white ivory and natural rattan brown, and lots of orchids and curly willow, plus a hint of pale aqua in the bridesmaids’ dresses that complemented the crystal clear water. At the last minute we decided to add a pop of color with fuchsia pink Bougainvilleas that we picked ourselves!”
Loves these one shoulder bridesmaid dresses!
Since Scotland Cay doesn’t have much in the way of wedding vendors and resources, they flew not only their seventy five friends and family to the island, but their wedding team as well. No need to hire an officiant however, Roland’s father presided over the ceremony.
Ashley wore a beautiful Vera Wang wedding gown paired with sea themed jewels to dress up for the occasion. The following day, she put that wedding dress back on and the newlyweds jumped off the very same cliff they had jumped off of as kids. Now that’s really taking the plunge!
And the spot for the less literally plunge was equally as memorable. “We said our I do’s on a sandbar that only comes out of the water at evening low tide. It was just the perfect size and shape for our guests and my bamboo isle. We were completely surrounded by water with the backdrop of the Lagoon. I walked down the aisle barefooted in flowing chiffon.”
This wedding wasn’t complete without a furry friend in the bridal party. “Roxy’s our baby girl! It was so important to us that she had a big role in our wedding, just as she has had in our lives. Our only concern was that she might go for a swim during the ceremony with the rings tied to her collar! (Roxy loves to swim!). Everything turned out perfectly, a good friend held her until it was time to exchange the rings and that was her moment to shine. She strutted her stuff all the way up the isle tongue out and tail wagging! It was one of the sweetest moments for us. It was so cute, she loved my dress especially playing in it! Every time I was standing still she nestled a little spot to it.”
When planning a destination wedding, one must always prepare for the unexpected! In this case, Tropical Storm Bret touched down on their big day, causing Ashley and Roland to have to postpone their nuptials by 24 hours. But by the look of it, no storm or otherwise could stop this couple from a joyous and long awaited moment of “I do.”
Then it was off around the island to take photos on spots they had been so many times before, but now as husband and wife.
As Ashley shared with us, the natural decor flowed up from the sand nicely, without ever taking away from the amazing beauty around them.
After the big day, the happy couple headed off to Hawaii for some R&R on their own. “We did an island hop every week; Maui, Kauaii, and the The Big Island.” What fun!
For more of this special day, check out the video by Tampa Wonderworks Films.
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Kristen Weaver Photography
Wedding Vendors: Dress Designer: Vera Wang, Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy, Makeup + Hair: Hair and Make-Up By Jillian Caro, Videography: Tampa Wonderworks Films
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