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Ashley and Alex
Grand Old House
Planner: Livia Kwong | Grand Old House
Decor: Celebrations
Wedding Colours: Blush, Sage and Gold Accents
Guests: 78
Hair and Makeup: Jackie Soriano
Brother played the ceremony / acoustic guitar |Â DJ:Â Craig Urchyshyn
 | Ultimate Bridal
Veil & Headpiece: My something borrowed items from close friends
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Earrings: BHLDN
Bracelet: Tiffany & Co.
I bought my dress at Ultimate Bride in Chicago, IL. It was the first dress I tried on, and I kept thinking about it, and ended up going back the next day to get it. I wanted a dress that was light and flowy so I could dance, sit, and eat without worrying. Also, it is the Cayman Islands, so I didn’t want the dress to be too heavy or tight since it was going to be hot. I also didn’t want a bright white dress, my dress has a blush underlay, which gave it a romantic feel, and the beading on the front and back were in a pattern similar to coral, so it seemed like a perfect fit. I went with my mom, my maid of honor, and her mother. The four of us also went dress shopping together for my Maid of Honor’s wedding as well. We have known each other since we were 3 years old, it was fun and intimate.
My family has been coming to the Caymans for over 30 years, and it holds a very special place in our hearts. Alex is also from the coast in North Carolina, so we knew when we got engaged we wanted to be on the water.
Alex and I met our senior year in college.
We had a tradition where we would spend every anniversary in Charleston, SC. On our 6 year anniversary, we went on a walking food tour of Charleston, then he proposed at our hotel.
It was such a breeze. I had told Rebecca some of the shots that I wanted to get prior to the day, and since we had done an engagement shoot with her before, she knew our style and personalities.
We did a first look, which I loved. It gave us time before seeing everyone and the ceremony to just be together and appreciate the moment. We also got to go get different shots around the island instead of just at the venue, which we loved.
I think doing an engagement shoot helped us a lot because we had an idea of what the wedding day would be like. It made the day of a lot easier.
Calm and excited. We had been waiting for this day for so long, I couldn’t wait to start our life together.
I loved our ceremony, it was so personal. Our officiant was my best friends dad whom I have known since I was 3 years old, and Alex and I wrote our own vows. It was casual, fun, romantic and personal to us. There was also a moment during the reception where Alex and I stepped to the side just the two of us and watched all of our family and friends laughing and dancing, and it warmed are hearts to see our favorite people in our favorite place having a truly wonderful time.
Fun! Everyone led me to believe that the wedding planning process was going to be stressful, but I never really found that to be true. It was such a fun process to plan and design everything. The Grand Old House was amazing, and the wedding coordinator there Livia was outstanding. She answered all emails, texts, and questions, and always made the process a blast.
Plan in advance. The best part about destination weddings is that you knock out all the big decisions and planning early on in the process, and then the months leading up to the wedding you are just doing small last minute things. Also, if you are looking for a smaller intimate wedding, destination is the way to go. We were able to spend the whole week with our friends and family, and the night of the wedding we were able to just enjoy ourselves.
A lot of people get caught up and stressed out about all the details, the most important thing to remember is that this day is about you and your husband, and the start of your life together. Keep that and the forefront of your mind the entire time. No one will remember what color your napkins were, or the font on your programs, they remember the two of you. Also, always keep in mind that something will always go wrong at some point in the planning process, but it always always always works out in the end. Accept that early on, and when it does happen you are prepared.
First Dance: The Girl by City & Colour Father Daughter: The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra Mother Son: How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You by James Taylor
