Tropical Bahamas Engagement Session

Ivana Smith, a Cake Artist at the Atlantis Resort & Casino and Wayne Moncur, an Executive Chef at the One & Only Ocean Club – both in the Bahamas – first met at a resort as colleagues. The two soon became friends and ultimately began dating. Once engaged, the two saved the date for a May 16, 2015 wedding at the Atlantis Resort & Casino Paradise Island in the one and only Bahamas.

When it came to wedding planning, Ivana knew she wanted white roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and garden white roses. Talk about setting the stage in paradise. A blend of modern and vintage was also key. That’s exactly what Ivana captured in the sleek wedding dress that she said yes to. Her favorite accessory? The ever flowing veil.

For their first dance, Ivana and Wayne planned to feature two songs from one of their favorite Bahamian musical artists, T-Connection. The two chose T-Connection’s “Heaven In Your Eyes” as their official first dance song. Absolutely beautiful.

Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!

We are both Chefs and once worked at the same resort. On occasions, we worked very close together where Wayne mentored me during my beginning years in the Culinary industry. As the months progressed, we developed a friendship and later, began dating. We’ve dated for nine years.

The proposal took place on my birthday, September 17th 2013. Wayne invited my family and I for dinner at Todd English’s Olives Restaurant. I knew something was strange, as everyone was anxious and he seemed extremely nervous. I briefly excused myself from the dinner table to use the restroom and upon my return, a covered dessert course was conveniently being served to me by a wait staff. Eagerly anticipating the course, I immediately removed the plate cover. To my surprise, the imprinted plate read Ivana will you marry me and I immediately turned to Wayne in excitement. He was already on one knee with a sparkling diamond ring in one hand. He me asked, “Ivana, will you marry me?” and with no hesitation, I said, “Yes.” This night was so magical and one of the greatest highlights of our lives.

Vendors

Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Chic
Wedding Coordinator: Bahamas Bridal Affair
Ceremony Location: St. Agnes Anglican Church
Reception Location: Atlantis Resort & Casino
Decor: Wildflowers Events
Photographer: Kirth Bobb Photography
Videographer: Nevel Smith
Wedding Dress Designer: Berta Bridal
Bridal Dress Salon: Chic Parisian
Makeup Artist: Kandise Smith
Bridal Hair: Clippendales Beauty Salon
Groom and Groomsmen Suits: Wongs Tailoring
Groom’s Barber: Roy Super Cuts
Transportation: Distinguish Enterprise
MC: Oral Hudson
DJ: DJ Sapphire
Band: Tingum Dem Band