For their destination wedding, Avivah and Jayson took to the very first country that they set out travel to while dating. Negril, Jamaica was the scene for a very intimate and romantic ceremony with dinner by candlelight set on the cliffs of Negril, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The perfect way to celebrate their ten year anniversary after an eight year anniversary proposal.
Wedding Date: Saturday, July 25, 2015
Wedding Location: Rockhouse Hotel & Spa in Negril, Jamaica
First Dance Song: “By Your Side” by Sade
Favorite Item on the Menu: I loved the late night snacks which included Jamaican beef patties and fried snapper which came out around midnight to accommodate the party hard dancers who burned off all their calories and needed an additional treat.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
Jayson shopped at a clothing store I worked at as a teenager. Jayson frequented the store weekly in anticipation of building the words to generate a conversation with me. I immediately noticed his smile and while he did not appear nervous to talk with me, I was certainly very nervous. We both saw something within each other that inspired us to fantasize about the future. I can say I fell in love with Jayson’s family first. They are beautiful people who welcomed me into their hearts at the start of our relationship. What I love most about Jayson is his selflessness and desire to inspire and do well for others.
Travel and adventure has always been a big part of our relationship and as we approached our eight-year anniversary, we planned to visit the Grand Canyon. While at home planning our itinerary together, Jayson began to reflect on our relationship and the future. Before I knew it, he was holding my hands asking me to marry him. We decided to get married on our ten-year anniversary on the island of Jamaica, the location which we first traveled to together.
Wedding Style
I never imagined that I would have an emotional dress shopping experience but getting married to the person you have loved and dedicated almost a decade to, guided my emotions on that special day. I found the picture of my dress prior to purchasing it and held it in my wallet for the entire first year of dress shopping. After visiting seven bridal stores, my heart knew that this dress was the one. However, I began to grow hopeless about finding it and instead began to settle on falling in love with something else. While in the fitting room at the eighth bridal store, my maid of honor found the dress and brought it into the fitting room as a surprise to me. At first sight, my jaw dropped and I became speechless. The speechlessness continued as I got into the dress and made my way out of the fitting room. My dress had a vintage romantic feel to it. It was an ivory dress with a sweetheart neckline, a mermaid silhouette, floral lace and gorgeous beading. The moment I stepped in front of the mirror, I knew and so did everyone else. It was perfect.
Culture
We wanted to plan a wedding that truly captured the selflessness and generosity we have for each other which truly define our relationship. We chose the Rockhouse hotel because we were incredibly moved by the Rockhouse foundation’s active efforts to rebuild the Jamaican economy by utilizing local markets, farmers, and other resources to circulate income within Negril. Proceeds from the Rockhouse hotel are allocated towards building and maintaining local schools and libraries within Negril. Hearing about the incredible contributions of the Rockhouse hotel is one thing, but being able to visit and tour the local schools and libraries while visiting the Rockhouse hotel, was truly heartwarming.
Memories
The morning of the wedding, Jayson could not keep away from the bridal suite! He did everything he could to get a sneak peek, whether it was by calling the room just to hear my voice or coming up to the bridal suite to “get things he forgot.” Luckily for me, my bridesmaids expected his shenanigans, and intercepted all opportunities for a sneak peek or interaction. Our rolling joke for the morning was that before we knew it, Jayson would be swimming below the room just to catch a glance at us.
The most memorable moment during the wedding was the moment I locked eyes with my groom as I walked down the aisle. During those few minutes, everything stopped. All nervous energy dissipated and everyone faded into the background. We became the only two people who existed within that moment. It was a profoundly beautiful and emotional experience.
Help a bride-to-be out!
Have fun! Weddings are happy occasions, so let it remain as such. It can be easy to get caught up in the meticulous little details involved in planning, but what truly matters are the moments you enjoy together as you plan the next step in both of your lives. Remember that this is your special day, and a reflection of your love for each other. Do what feels right to you and your husband.
Vendors:
Photography: Merrick Cousley Photography
Ceremony & Reception Venue + Catering: Rockhouse Hotel
Wedding Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero, Adalee
Wedding Dress Salon: RK Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: WTOO 781, Peach
Hair/Makeup: Debra Barrett, Queen Bee Mobile Salon, Negril
Florist: Floral Fantasy
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