Tatyana and Kingsley’s destination wedding at Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic beautifully blended their Ukrainian and Nigerian roots with the surrounding beach paradise. 

“We attended a tropical destination wedding a year prior to ours and had the most incredible time!” Tatyana says. “We decided then that we would want our guests to have a similar experience at our wedding.”

The venue search was meticulous, as Tatyana and Kingsley came together to list non-negotiables to help narrow down the ideal tropical location. They suggest other couples take a similar approach: “Have a list of things that the location must possess and find a location that checks off each box,” the bride advises. “Once you have narrowed it down to one of two locations, search for reviews of the location from previous brides and guests.” This method led Kingsley and Tatyana to Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort & Spa.

Aside from the ideal location, cultural inclusion was a top priority for the couple. For their second look, they planned to embrace Kingsley’s Nigerian heritage by changing into traditional Nigerian attire and making a grand entrance back to the reception, dancing to a Nigerian song. Their multicultural playlist further highlighted the fusion of Ukrainian, Nigerian, and American cultures, creating a diverse and energetic atmosphere on the dance floor.

Guest accommodations and travel logistics were seamlessly handled, thanks to the expertise of the couple’s planner, Mario from Destination Weddings Experts, and Jessica from the resort’s wedding team. “I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have a great planner on your side,” Tatyana says. 

As with any wedding, there were a few unexpected challenges. Learning a choreographed first dance proved to be more difficult than anticipated, but it became a bonding experience for the couple. Another hurdle was bustling Tatyana’s wedding dress, a task that ended up involving a total of seven people, all searching for the final loop! Despite never finding said loop and having to make a small rip in the bride’s wedding dress, the couple triumphed over these challenges and executed their dance flawlessly.

One of the couple’s highlights was ensuring that each guest felt included and appreciated. They greeted everyone with a welcome box upon arrival and mingled with guests in the days leading up to the wedding. To top it off, the day after the wedding, they treated their guests to a catamaran cruise, an experience that capped off the celebrations in an unforgettable way.

Looking back, Tatyana and Kingsley reflect on the importance of enjoying the engagement season and not getting lost in pleasing others. “Invest in a good premarital counselor to prepare you both for entering a covenant… it may be the best money you have ever invested,” the bride adds. They emphasize focusing on the love you share and creating moments throughout the day where it’s just the two of you.

Vendors: Photography: Makayla Earl Photography; Venue & Coordination: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino; Planner: Destination Weddings Expert; Videographer: PhotoCineArt; Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes; Tux Shop: The Tailor Shop; Invitations: Cartalia Stationery Studio; Bridal Shop: Love Bridal Boutique; DJ: Eventos FJ; Florals: CR Flowers Events Company; Beauty: Olga Pipich