A mutual friend, a cool car and a bit of time were all this couple needed to unite for life. When Brett and Candace were teenagers, they met through a common friend. Candace was taken by Brett’s old hot rod and asked their friend for Brett’s number. Alas, timing wasn’t on her side (and neither was the friend, as he refused to give her the number), so it took another four years before they began dating. “I am by far the luckiest girl on the planet. Our stars aligned twice. Now and forever,” says the bride.

The Cayman Islands turned out to be the perfect destination to plan their wedding away. Loved ones were elated and 107 guests made their way to a very quick, yet very emotional ceremony. “During the ceremony, the reverend paused for what felt like a very long moment and my husband just started telling me how much he loved me. I thought they were vows so I just returned the sweet sentiment. We both laughed and enjoyed the nervous and exciting spontaneity of speaking to one another,” recalls Candace.

The only mood swing happened to be Mother Nature’s doing when the weather turned a bit dramatic. But, it only added to the day from the bride’s perspective: “It made for amazing pictures and a lovely breeze!”

A beautiful reception with “amazing food, fantastic drinks, happy faces, the best soundtrack, special speeches, laughter and dancing and magical wish lanterns,” made for the perfect celebration.

The couple used Pinterest, wedding magazines and their own personal taste to put the wedding details together. Their wedding planners were the true secret weapon. “My husband has worked with JoAnne Brown and Mary Ann Mehigan from Celebrations Ltd. in the past and they are the best-of-the-best, so it was an easy decision to make,” shares the bride. When it comes to advice for other couples: “You don’t have to micromanage the pros. Share your ideas with them and sit back and let them work their magic.”

VENDORS: Photographer: Amanda Kopp Images, Wedding Planning: Celebrations Ltd., Ceremony/Reception Site: Pedro’s Castle, Florist: Celebrations Ltd., Stationery: Invitations By Dawn, Gown Designer: Haley Paige, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Custom Design from Festari for Men, Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Monique Lhuillier, Catering: Ristorante Pappagallo, Minister: Reverend Myers, Musician: Inna of The Cayman Islands Music School, Transportation: Majestic Tours, DJ: DJ Craig from OneWorld Entertainment, Cigar Roller: Yvonne Byrne Nevin

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2016 issue. You can order a copy here.