Though Shay and Kent officially met through mutual friends in Dallas, their roots were practically intertwined from the start, as they grew up just 60 miles apart in Louisiana. As Shay puts it, getting to know each other meant discovering past overlaps that felt like an “invisible string!”

When it came time to plan their big day, staying put was never an option. Both Shay and Kent were on the same page about creating new memories with their favorite people in a tropical setting. Their first rule? “Location must be warm!” Once mid-December was set, Shay says, “it was clear we were going to the Caribbean!”

Chasing the Sun to Jamaica

Their search led them to the iconic Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The venue struck the ideal balance between high-end luxury and intimate charm.

“When we met Round Hill, we were immediately smitten,” Shay shares. A pre-wedding site visit to tour the property and do a tasting was so breathtaking that it “completely solidified why we wanted to have our wedding here in paradise!”

Weathering the Storm

Planning a destination wedding always comes with plot twists, but Mother Nature decided to test the couple when Hurricane Melissa geared up to rock Jamaica just six weeks before their date.

Despite the major scare, Shay recalls that “it worked out just as the universe had planned.” The resilience of the venue and local community ensured the weekend went off without a hitch, while displaying “the kind of joy, strength, commitment, and creativity my husband and I hope to practice in our partnership.”

Two Ceremonies, One Unforgettable Celebration

Rather than settling on a single ceremony, the couple doubled down on meaningful moments. To be legally married, they first gathered their families for a small lunch in Louisiana with Kent’s grandparents as witnesses, honoring “the leaders in our lives that had such a hand in making us the adults we are today.”

Once in Jamaica, Shay’s father led the main event, doing what he does best by “delivering wisdom that sticks with you for a lifetime” in just minutes. Promises were made, tears were shed, and “then it was time to party!”

Aesthetic Elegance & Expert Guidance

When it came to bringing the visual vision to life, Shay proudly admits, “I am no DIY girlie!” She gives full credit to her planner and stationery designer, who “understood the assignment right away” by delivering designs that felt true to the couple while honoring the island of Jamaica. Together with the venue staff, the team worked seamlessly to “get us to the finish line, no doubt.”

Words of Wisdom for Future Destination Couples

Reflecting on the whirlwind experience, Shay offers a candid reality check for couples in the thick of planning. She acknowledges how hard it is to balance the weight of the moment with the sentiment that it is just one weekend.

Her advice? “Let it be uncomfortable!” She encourages couples to be selfish about what feels important, let go of details that are not calling to them, accept that the process is a little crazy, and stay grounded in “starting the rest of your life with your best friend with all of the people you love the most!!!”

Vendors: Photography: Madison Shewmaker; Planner: Sistered States Events; Content Creator: MKW Creative Co.; Venue: Round Hill Hotel & Villas; Flowers + Decor: Blooms & Branches; Cake: @leeleecooke; Stationery: String Fellow Studio; Jewelry: Shay Fox Jewelry; Hair & Makeup: Round Hill Spa; Bride’s dress designer: Lela Rose; Bridal Boutique: Neiman Marcus; Bride’s After Party Outfit: Retrofête; After party shoes: Christian Louboutin; Rehearsal Dinner Music: Silver Birds Entertainment; Wedding Reception Band: Pace; Fireworks: PXI Fireworks; Ceremony DJ & Casino Tables: Irie Jamz Entertainment