Where do you go if you want an intimate destination wedding with close family members and a weekend long celebration? For Melissa and Joe, it was the Bahamas.

Being a close destination from their hometown of Miami, Florida, the couple was excited to board a quick flight to get to their dream wedding destination at the Resort World Bimini in Bimini, Bahamas. “We chose Bimini because of its proximity to our home town and also [because] we loved the island, their resort and the warm hospitality,” says Melissa.

Having a destination wedding just a short flight away turned out to be extremely helpful to the couple. With all the vendors being from Miami, the flowers, décor and six-tier cake were flown out and arrived intact to Bimini. “It was relatively stress free,” says the couple.

Adding personal touches such as hand painted lanterns and self-varnished crates that were used in the ceremony. The couple is happy with their choice of destination for their wedding, as it allowed for a more intimate and festive event.

With help from a wedding planner and an extremely accommodating resort, the couple had the opportunity to have everything they wanted, while being able to enjoy their wedding day to the fullest without a care in the world.

Because the lovebirds’ wedding was a four-day engagement instead of a one-night event, they are sharing some advice for other couples that decide to have a destination wedding. “[Do] not sweat the small stuff,” they say. “The most important thing to do is relax, breathe and enjoy being with each other and your loved ones.”  

Vendors: Photographer: Kristen Weaver Photography Wedding Planner: The Perfect Party Planner Ceremony/Reception Site: Resort World Bimini Beach Club Florist: The Perfect Party Planner Stationery: Sequins By Stephanie Rose Cake: Her Majesty’s Cakes Hair & Makeup: Hair: Adrienne Genus of Shear Genus, The Salon / Make up: Resort World Bimini Serenity Spa & Salon Gown Designer: Camille La Vie Groom’s Clothing Designer: Austin Burke Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Bridesmaids chose their own gold sequin dresses