Destination Wedding Jamaica: A Soldier's Welcome

Words by Courtney Kellar

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Words by Courtney Cox
Photos courtesy of Kristen Weaver Photography

Last October, Rachel had more than just her gorgeous wedding to be thankful for, she was also celebrating the return of the love of her life from overseas duty. This New Jersey photographer’s groom-to-be came home a few months earlier and she now found herself a military wife. After months of planning sans groom, 30 of Rachel and Matt’s closest friends and family joined them in Montego Bay, Jamaica for a dream destination wedding.





After five days in paradise, the couple exchanged vows on the beach at Sandal’s Montego Bay resort. Rachel walked down the aisle to The Little Mermaid’s “Kiss the Girl” played by steel drummers – every girls dream, no doubt. She looked beautiful in a form-fitting, strapless Nicole Miller gown. She opted out of the traditional veil and instead embraced the spirit of the islands by putting a bright pink flower in her hair.





Matt was unquestionably cool in a white dress shirt, khaki linen pants and flip flops. The couple kept things simple with a few pops of bright color here and there. They let the island do the talking and it was evident that their love was the true star of the show.





One day wasn’t enough for Matt and Rachel. Following their wedding, the couple held a day-after session where they romped on the beach and showed their more playful side. The bridal party wasn’t about to be left out and in the end, all of them jumped off the pier and into the ocean – what a way to end a wedding!