Sal and Irene were drawn to a destination wedding in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands for two reasons – it was where they got engaged and they loved the idea of getting their loved ones out of a frigid winter and into Caribbean temperatures. “We both have large families and when it came time to plan the wedding, we were excited about the idea of gathering a more intimate group of our closest family and friends for a few days versus a few hours,” says Irene. The couple’s intuition was correct and 75 excited and eager guests joined them in St. John.

Unfortunately, a high tide interfered with the couple’s plans to say “I do” on the sand, but looking back, Irene wouldn’t have had their ceremony any other way. “Not to toot our own horns, but man, it was magical,” says the bride. “Our families walked out to steel drums – setting the perfect island vibe, but allowing us to feel close to home by playing some of our favorite songs. As I walked down the aisle, I did my absolute best to take it all in. Our gorgeously decorated driftwood arch with my soon-to-be husband awaiting me at the end of the aisle had me eager to get to him, but I was also overwhelmed with the picture-perfect setting that surrounded us.”

While the wedding itself was a dream, the couple says the planning process wasn’t a piece of cake. “[It wasn’t easy] to be completely honest,” says Irene. “However, I don’t think many couples would say planning any type of wedding is easy and the extra time and energy we spent in planning a destination wedding was one thousand percent worth it in the end.”

“While it was challenging, we had an incredible team of planners who streamlined the process. Their support was perfection as they truly made our wedding vision come to life while accommodating all our guests comfortably.”

When asked what wisdom she would share with other couples, Irene had loads of helpful advice. “Drink lots of wine while planning. Kidding, but seriously – have fun whenever possible. [On the wedding day] admire the details you worked so hard to create and then get right back on the dance floor! Your guests will feed off the energy you create.”

Vendors: Photographer: Lindsay Vann Photography, Planning, Details & Styling: Elizabeth with Luxe Little Love, Planning, Gifting & Design Details: Michelle with Paradise Planning, Ceremony/Reception Site: Caneel Bay Resort, Florist: Roses Too, Paper Details & Calligraphy: LettersByKelli, Gown Designer: Pronovias, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Suitsupply, Entertainment: DJ Adonis, Rehearsal Dinner: The Longboard Coastal Cantina and Kekoa Sailing Expeditions

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2018 issue. You can order a copy here.