Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings One Couple's Chic Wedding Weekend in Jamaica By Chrisanne Grisé Chrisanne Grisé Chrisanne is a former senior associate editor for Martha Stewart Weddings. Editorial Guidelines Published on June 13, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Jillian Mitchell Photography Rum punch was the unofficial signature drink at this destination wedding, which included steel drummers and a money dance! 01 of 24 Jillian Mitchell Photography Porsha Summerville was exhausted—but didn't mind a bit. As an account manager for a fashion designer, she had been in Paris for 10 days—and had spent every night on the phone with Terry Baawuah. The two had recently connected at a party in New York City and, feeling an instant spark, discovered they could talk about anything. "We were head over heels, chatting eight hours a day," she says. When she returned home, they became inseparable; after a month of dating, Terry invited Porsha on vacation in Jamaica. They explored the island—and left even more in love. Six years later, Porsha was again headed to Paris, and Terry, who is now a senior manager for a data-and-analytics company, joined her. He planned to propose but knew she'd be suspicious, so he took her to jewelry stores and played dumb—never hinting that he already had a ring. Later, in the Tuileries Garden, he popped the question while a photographer he'd hired snapped shots on the sly. "It seemed simple at the time, but the pictures look so glamorous," Porsha says. The pair knew they wanted a destination wedding. "Terry has family in Ghana [his birthplace] and London and all over," says Porsha, "and we like to travel." They decided on Jamaica, in honor of their first trip, and chose the Tryall Club for its elegance and "wow factor" views. "We didn't want to get married on a beach," Terry says. The festivities began with bachelor and bachelorette parties on Thursday and continued Friday with a welcome party at Half Moon resort. "By Saturday, we'd gotten to hang with everybody, so we didn't have to spend much time greeting at the wedding," he says. The Christian ceremony took place on June 24, 2017, on a hill overlooking the ocean; afterward, guests moved to the waterfront reception. "When we entered, we didn't even get to the dance floor—they were all so excited, they met us on the walkway," says Porsha. The couple eventually shared their first dance, swaying together to Sade's "Kiss of Life," performed by a friend. "She has a lyric in the song: 'Look at the sky, it's the color of love,'" recalls Porsha. "And during our dance, the sky was the most beautiful pinks and blues we'd ever seen! It was a perfect moment." 02 of 24 The Night Before Jillian Mitchell Photography Porsha's sister held a golden pineapple at the welcome party. Rum punch was the unofficial signature drink of the weekend. 12 Expert-Approved Ideas for Your Wedding Welcome Party 03 of 24 Everybody Have Fun Tonight Jillian Mitchell Photography All were invited to the welcome party, which took place at the villa rented by the bride's family. Porsha surprised Terry by hiring a fire-eater as the entertainment. 04 of 24 Destination Chic Jillian Mitchell Photography The bride's Rubin Singer wedding dress featured accents of gold in a nod to Ghana (once known as the Gold Coast), where Terry was born. The groom wore a tux by Musika Frère. 05 of 24 Bridal Hair Jillian Mitchell Photography "I normally wear my hair in a big afro, but I wasn't sure how it would hold up in the Jamaican humidity, so an updo was the best solution for me," Porsha says. The gold string woven throughout was inspired by some of Janelle Monáe's recent hairstyles. 27 Wedding Updos We Love 06 of 24 Golden Accents Jillian Mitchell Photography Nicholas Kirkwood heels added another touch of gold to Porsha's ensemble. 07 of 24 Friends and Family, in Fashion Jillian Mitchell Photography African-inspired attire or all white was the dress code the first night. And some guests, like these, continued the theme on the wedding day, too. 08 of 24 The Flower Girl Jillian Mitchell Photography Seven-year-old Mirielle, a niece to Porsha and Terry, was all smiles on the big day. The Best-Dressed Flower Girls from Real Weddings 09 of 24 Dressed to Impress Jillian Mitchell Photography Before the ceremony began, guests gathered by The Great House at The Tryall Club. Pictured here from left to right: family friend Enrique Rios, Terry's soon-to-be brother-in-law Gideon Asabre, and Terry's cousin Selasi Lumax. 29 Stylish Groomsmen from Real Weddings 10 of 24 By Your Side Jillian Mitchell Photography Their bridal party could easily have been 10 to 20 people, but instead they opted to keep things simple, with one maid of honor and two best men. "We were going for a natural but elegant vibe," Porsha says of the celebration's aesthetic. "We didn't want to take away from the beauty of Jamaica, so we focused on lighting and natural green elements." 11 of 24 The Grand Entrance Jillian Mitchell Photography "As soon as I saw Terry, I was overwhelmed with emotion and started crying hysterically," Porsha says. Once she pulled herself together, she moved down the stairs to her mother and grandmother, who walked her down the aisle. 12 of 24 Sweet Ceremony Jillian Mitchell Photography Mirielle sprinkled white rose petals down the aisle. Her dress was by Abbyabbie.Li. 13 of 24 The Ring Bearer Jillian Mitchell Photography London, who was four-years-old at the time, wore J.Crew for his moment in the spotlight. Dapper Ring Bearers Who Completely Stole Our Hearts 14 of 24 Think Pink Jillian Mitchell Photography There was no official color palette for the wedding, so it was complete coincidence that many of Porsha's friends—including her best friend from college, Torrie Duckson (left), and her maid of honor, Nyja Chambers—turned up wearing shades of blush. 15 of 24 The Sounds of the Celebration Jillian Mitchell Photography A Caribbean steel band provided the soundtrack to cocktail hour at the Tryall Club. Get Ready to Hit the Dance Floor! 27 Wedding Bands to Hire for Your Big Day 16 of 24 The Guys Jillian Mitchell Photography After the ceremony, Terry posed on the pier with his two best men, Kwadwo "Kay" Yeboah-Acquah (left) and Gregory Kornegay. 17 of 24 Warm Welcome Jillian Mitchell Photography As Q-Tip's "Vibrant Thing" played, Porsha and Terry were first introduced as husband and wife on the Almond Tree Lawn in front of the ocean. "Terry's aunt threw her kente cloth on the ground and we danced on top of it," Porsha says. "I could not stop smiling." 18 of 24 Weather Permitting Jillian Mitchell Photography On the day of the wedding, rain threatened to ruin the outdoor gathering. "It would have been totally different inside and it would have defeated the whole purpose of having it at that venue," Porsha says. The bad weather ultimately passed through before the ceremony started and helped cool down the hot temperature. "It was actually a blessing," Porsha says. 19 of 24 Eating Outside Jillian Mitchell Photography Dinner was served on the lawn, where guests were treated to a prime view of the ocean. 20 of 24 The Meal Jillian Mitchell Photography Porsha and Terry sat at a table away from the others, which allowed them to talk and laugh freely. "It felt like a private dinner for two even though we had 140 guests there," Terry says. 21 of 24 Mood Lighting Jillian Mitchell Photography "We wanted dinner to feel relaxed yet upbeat," Porsha says. "A major part of that was making sure the lighting and music were executed properly." Candles added a warm glow to the tables, bistro lights hung overhead, and the DJ played old Motown and R&B hits. 22 of 24 Bust a Move Jillian Mitchell Photography "This couple, Nancy and Reggie Butler, literally danced the entire weekend away," Terry says. 23 of 24 Cashing In Jillian Mitchell Photography The couple participated in a money dance, a West African tradition where the bride and groom are showered with bills as a sign of prosperity. "I don't remember the exact amount we went home with, but it was more than I expected," Porsha says. "Our loved ones sent us into our marriage with lots of good fortune and wishes." Every Wedding Dance You Should Consider for Your Reception 24 of 24 Sources Jillian Mitchell Photography Location and catering, The Tryall Club Welcome-party location, Half Moon Flowers, décor, and rentals, Tai Flora Luxe Photography, Jillian Mitchell Officiant, Ashley P. Williams Stationery, Minted Calligraphy, Nancy Letts Cake, Leanne Cooke-Popkin of Cakes by Noida Music, Ajua Kouadio (ceremony soloist); Silver Birds Steel Orchestra (cocktail hour); Elite Media Concepts (DJ); Pilin Anice Giddings (first-dance soloist) Bride's gown and veil, Rubin Singer Bride's accessories, Erickson Beamon earrings, comb, and welcome-party earrings and necklace; Nicholas Kirkwood shoes Engagement ring and wedding bands, Roman Malakov Diamonds Hair, Isha Kamara; Nyja Chambers Makeup, Dre Brown Flower-girl dress, Abbyabbie.Li Groom's tuxedo, bow tie, and pocket square, Musika Frère Groom's accessories, Saint Laurent shirt; Carvil shoes Lighting, Elite Media Concepts Transportation, Jamaica Tours Limited Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit