This Couple Redefined Tropical Décor at Their Wedding in Jamaica

Leighton had a proposal plan all worked out: He'd wake before Melissa and pop the question before she'd even hopped out of bed. But on the day that he wanted to propose, Melissa got up earlier than usual—and was already hard at work in her home office before Leighton opened his eyes. But, "while I inadvertently mucked up his plans, he adjusted quickly and caught me off guard later that day," Melissa says.

Eleven months later, the couple—who'd been together five years by then—got married on December 1, 2018, at The Tryall Club in Jamaica. The decision to host their wedding on a tropical island was a personal one—one that connected the couple in yet another way: "We both have deep family roots there," Melissa says. Despite the fact that the fête was a destination wedding, the couple still welcomed 160 guests to the event, which Melissa describes now as "an elegant experience expressing history, culture, and style." Taking a nod from their chosen venue—a classic and visually stunning club just steps from the sand—the couple mixed chic details with natural aesthetics, she says, enlisting Jade Lee Events to help execute their vision. They kept their color palette neutral, embracing the stark contrast of black and white—with the exception of a bit of purple, Melissa and Leighton's favorite color.

Looking back on the day, Melissa says the event "was more than a wedding—it was an experience." Take a look at the ahead photos, and it's easy to see what she means.

Leighton proposed with a princess-cut diamond ring. His wedding band featured a beveled edge.

The Tryall Club boasted a variety of spaces the couple could use for the wedding—a stunning marble room for the reception and epic outdoor lawns for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Melissa and Leighton's modern invitation suite, created by Paper Daisies Stationery, featured monstera leaves on the envelope liners. "From the save-the-dates to the thank-you cards and everything in between, Paper Daises was able to bring our vision to life with a unique design, use of color, and embossing techniques," Melissa says. "The stationery was something so many guests raved about."

The bride chose a Spina wedding dress with an illusion back that featured a row of white buttons. Those buttons were one of her favorite details on the dress. Melissa loved "the incredible details and embroidery, illusion back and overall fit," she says.

Of her wedding dress, Melissa says, "I knew it [was the one] once I tried it on."

The bride wore sparkling tan Christian Louboutin pumps and Swarovski earrings.

To build his navy blue suit, Leighton paired a Samuelsohn jacket with Canali pants. "This was a perfect reflection of Leighton's personality and style," Melissa says.

Leighton's blue suede shoes came from Ferragamo; he also wore a blue tie by Etro.

Melissa's son attended the wedding—and later walked his mother down the aisle!

The couple held their ceremony on a cloudless afternoon, on a terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Melissa and Leighton exchanged traditional vows that the couple "customized" with their own personal spin, Melissa says.

"Let's Stay Together" by Al Green played as they recessed back up the aisle as husband and wife.

The reception took place in The Tryall Club's Hanover Grange, a grand room made even grander by a double-sided staircase that served as the party's backdrop. Chic, linen-less acrylic tables lined the tiled floor, flanked by stark black Lucite chairs.

The bride and groom chose white phalaenopsis orchids for their centerpieces. Candles floating in water atop mirrored holders cast a reflecting glow on the acrylic table tops.

Because many of the couple's guests had Jamaican roots, "we wanted to elevate the culinary experience by providing a more contemporary spin on classic dishes," says Melissa. Menu items—listed on cards matching the couple's monstera-inspired invitation suite—included vegetable kabobs, jerk whole lamb, and citrus rosemary jus.

The newlyweds chose a four-tier square cake painted in striking (and shiny) black icing, decorated with trailing white orchids. Inside, the layers were made with strawberry white chocolate, vanilla raspberry, and coconut cream flavors.

Photography, Elizabeth Austin Photography

Location and catering, The Tryall Club

Event planning, Jade Lee Events

Flowers, Tai Floral

Stationery, Paper Daisies Stationery

Music, Norman Burgher

Bride's gown, Spina

Bride's accessories, Christian Louboutin; Daphne Newman; Swarovski

Hair, Micah Cook

Makeup, Nordia Cameron

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Cunningham

Bridesmaids' dresses, Pia Gladys Perey

Flower Girl dresses, Us Angels

Groom's suit, Samuelsohn; Canali

Groom's accessories, Ferragamo; Harry Rosen; Etro

Lighting, Elite Media