Jamaican Jubilance

Words by Taylor Wilson
Photos courtesy of Swanky Fine Arts Wedding

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With an appreciation for the inherent beauty of a tropical destination, Nirayl and Landon knew Montego Bay in Jamaica would be the perfect locale for their destination wedding. With family and friends excited about a cost effective way to celebrate the couple’s marriage and enjoy a vacation in paradise all at the same time, they set off for the tropical wedding of their dreams. 

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The couple’s wedding planner took wonderful care of each and every detail. She ensured everything ran smoothly and was in line for the big day. However, with the excuse to frequently travel to one of the most beautiful places, the couple took full advantage of visiting Jamaica themselves to make certain decisions. It also helped tremendously that the resort housed almost every vendor they could possibly need.

Pinterest quickly became Nirayl’s new best friend. “I was not the girl who’d been planning her wedding since I was ten so Pinterest helped me figure out my wedding style and develop a vision,” explains Nirayl. One of which images inspired the couple’s centerpieces. Wooden boxes filled with smoke-colored crystals provided a DIY aspect to the wedding. On top of the boxes sat large glass bowls filled with water, white flowers and floating candles.

The travel logistics were completely stress-free for guests. Everyone arranged their own flights and the couple provided a round trip car service complete with champagne from the airport to the resort. Upon arrival at the resort, the guests were then ushered to a private check-in where they were given welcome bags and enjoyed cocktail service.

Nirayl and Landon spent significantly less by hosting a destination wedding as opposed to having their wedding at their home in New York City. Everything in the city is more expensive and the couple surprisingly spent less than half of what a wedding of this magnitude would have cost stateside. “We were able to have everything we wanted including three days filled with guest activities,” says the bride.

The monetary aspect of a destination wedding in Jamaica was not the only perk of a wedding abroad. “We were able to have the wedding of our dreams! Nothing at home could have compared to what we had,” says Nirayl. Absolutely grateful for their spectacular experience, Nirayl reminds other brides to not be afraid of communication to make their day perfect. Whether talking to your wedding planner or speaking with vendors, it is necessary to let them know when you need something as well as when they’re doing a great job. “Don’t be afraid to ask. The world opens up for us… we need only ask."

Photographer: Sheri Angeles from Swanky Fine Art Weddings, Wedding Planner: Shanoya Watson, Ceremony/Reception Site: Half Moon Resort
Florist: Half Moon Resort Florist, Cake: Half Moon Resort Bakery, Hair & Makeup: Ni Stone & Paul March, Gown Designer: Vera Wang, Groom’s Clothing Designer: James Bespoke, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: AddisonM/Billy Reid