A Tropical Destination Wedding in Jamaica

You might say that Jaime and Mark's first date was more of a play date. Their parents were old friends, and the two had been buddies since childhood, growing up together on the island of Jamaica. Since their families were so intertwined, the pair dated for three months before telling their mothers, who, though pleased, advised them to be cautious. You can probably guess the rest of the story. These two eventually fell in love and married among coconut palms and a gaggle of mutual friends.

The rose-petal-lined aisle was shaded by an orchid-studded arbor.

A bridesmaid carries a posy of phalaenopsis and cymbidium orchids, ranunculus, and roses.

The wedding guests sat under a vast canopy of orchids. Attendants wore Saeyoung Vu Couture dresses in the wedding's theme colors, fuchsia and celadon, and necklaces Jaime helped a jeweler design with each woman in mind.

Jaime's sister Sabrina, in a flower-girl dress by Saeyoung Vu Couture, holds the bride's bouquet of nerines, orchids, and roses.

The bride, in an embroidered Lazaro gown accented with handmade silk flowers, and her groom exchange vows at Rio Chico, her family's estate in northern Jamaica; the site has sentimental meaning for Jaime, as several of her family members are buried there.

Mark (third from left) stands with his attendants, including his best man, brother Toby (second from left).

The groom's boutonniere is a tiny Swarovski crystal frog on a lily pad of miniature orchids.

Jaime's parents, PJ and Gordon, watch the wedding unfold.

A dozen musicians were hired for the day to play classical music.

A carved wooden box offered cigars for guests at the reception.

The cigars were hand rolled at the reception as a special touch.

Trees festooned with cymbidium orchids and crystals set a glamorous tone for the event.

Nerines, hydrangea, and roses mingle in a centerpiece atop a sequined fuchsia tablecloth.

Deep pink drinks, a nod to the bride's favorite color, were presented to guests by waiters.

The bride sought to create an enchanted forest with inspired flourishes evident in every detail. From the spiraling floral design on her gown to the dragonfly motif that decorated even the cocktail napkins, details made this wedding very special. Here, programs give the order of the toasts.

A profusion of orchids, crystals, and leaves dangle from branches over centerpieces of mums and orchids.

A cake by Selena Wong is topped with a midsummer's-eve mix of flowers, dragonflies, and frogs, all made of sugar.

The decorated trees, lit from below by spotlights and within by tiny ice cube lights, add a fairy-tale touch as the reception winds into the evening.

Event Design: Preston Bailey Designs
Event Coordinator: Frances Mais
Caterer: Sandals Resorts; Royal Plantations
Cake: Selena Cakes
Stationery: Grapevine
Wedding Gown and Veil: Lazaro
Bridesmaid and Flower Girl Dresses: Saeyoung Vu Couture