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Wedding Planner: Brianna from Celebrations
Hairstylist: Jackie Soriano
Makeup: Stephanie Ford
Video: Cooper Hollins
Caterers: Chef Remy & Cake Studio
Grooms Suit: Bonobos
Florist: Celebrations
Photographer: Rebecca Davidson Photography
Photographer/Video: Savannah Cobb Photography
All About The Dress:
My dress was a vision of elegance and sophistication. It took some time to find, after shopping excursions in New York and DC but the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew it was meant to be. It was so great to have my mother, friends and family by my side throughout the entire experience.
The Venue
We chose Kempa Kai for its stunning beachfront location and intimate atmosphere. We wanted that experience for our wedding party and other guests that stayed in the villa with us as close to an all-inclusive experience as possible, and Chef Remy/GrazeGirl were amazing in making that dream a reality. The venue was the perfect setting for our destination wedding, allowing us to create cherished memories with our nearest and dearest friends and family.
Decorations were expertly handled by Celebrations, with additional DIY touches from Marcie, my mom, and “The Ridge,” our neighborhood group. The venue was transformed into a seaside paradise, complete with elegant floral arrangements and charming personalized details.
How Did He Pop The Question?
Cole pulled off a surprise proposal with the help of our dear friends. On the hottest summer day in July 2022, Cole dropped to one knee at the charming Race Street Pier with a stunning view of Old City, Philadelphia. I was overcome with joy and excitement.
Unique Things At The Wedding
We hired Jimmeh to perform his signature steelpan music before and during the cocktail hour. The Caribbean vibe was a cool additive to our celebration. We also hand wrote personalized letters to each one of our guests. We used the notes with an attached picture to create our seating chart. We wanted everyone to feel included and add as much personalization as possible to the event. Many of our guests had tears as the read their note.
There were a couple of unique surprises that made our day even more special. As a wedding gift, Cole surprised me with three beautiful Gabriel & Co bangles—diamond, white gold, and rose gold—which I proudly wore on the day of our wedding. It was a gesture that touched my heart and added a beautiful touch to my bridal ensemble. Not to be outdone, I had a special surprise for Cole as well. I gifted him a Tudor Black Bay Light Champagne Dial watch, a timeless piece which I hope he will continue to wear forever.
These thoughtful gifts added an extra layer of love and sentiment to our already magical day, creating memories that we will treasure for a lifetime. A few other things we did include Tortuga rum cakes as party favors and
specialty drinks inside of a branded coconut with our custom wedding logo. We did our best to add island touches throughout the day.
How Did You Feel Walking Down the Aisle?
Walking down the aisle, accompanied by my parents, towards Cole waiting at the altar, I was enveloped in a whirlwind of emotions – overwhelming love, A little bit of nerves, and sheer joy. I was overwhelmed by the most beautiful scenery and vibrant colors.
Wedding Traditions
We incorporated some Jewish traditions into our ceremony, including the signing of the ketubah, seven blessings, chuppah, breaking of the glass, and the hora dance, which made for a unique ceremony. However, during the stomping of glass, it took an unexpected turn when, much to everyone’s surprise, the glass shattered and went through Cole’s leather loafers! It was a memorable moment and became a talking point among our guests, especially since everyone watching the live stream could hear Cole’s reaction of pain. Despite the unexpected mishap, it added a touch of humor and spontaneity to our ceremony, making it even more unforgettable. We also read our own vows which garnered a lot of tears and laughs. Both of them had similar topics and stories.
The Kiss
Our first kiss as husband and wife was nothing short of magical. As we sealed our vows with a kiss, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Cayman, we felt like we were in our own fairytale.
Fun Reception Details
We had a “LOVE” sign on the beach, which was a hit for photo opportunities. Our guests also loved leaving messages for us in the audio guestbook, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The messages got better and better throughout the night.
