Alicia Walsh & Richard Haldane
Wedding date: Monday, August 25th, 2014
When, where and how did you two meet?
We actually met each other online and then it turned out we had mutual friends but had never bumped into one another before. It was very much meant to be. We’ve been together now for nine years and got engaged in February 2014.
Why Jamaica?
Jamaica has always had deep meaning for Richard and I. For starters his family is from Jamaica and a lot of them still live there so we wanted to be able to have them attend our wedding and what better way than to have it there. Jamaica was also the first location Richard and I went on vacation together so it holds a lot of great memories. We love the flora, fauna and culture of the island. The ocean brings us tremendous peace and tranquility, so we wanted that to influence our wedding and be surrounded by all of Jamaica’s beauty on the most important event in our lives.
What part do you remember most about the day?
We were to have our ceremony at 4:00 pm on August 25 in the gazebo on the ocean, and it started to pour rain at 3:30 pm, luckily we were the only wedding that day so we were able to delay the wedding slightly, at 4:50 pm the sun peaked out of the clouds and I walked down the aisle to meet my soon to be husband.We had the most dramatic sunset that evening because of the rain which gave us the most amazing back drop for our photos. I also remember Richard looking deeply into my eyes with such love and without wavering saying his vows to me before our families.
How many guests did you have?
We had 35 people attending our wedding coming from Canada and Jamaica.
Why a destination wedding?
We’ve known for many years that we wanted to get married in the Caribbean specifically Jamaica. Its sunsets and the simplicity of saying our vows in paradise with the ocean as the back drop. It also gave our families the opportunity to come together, as well as reconnecting with family we don’t often see, who joined us for our first week in Jamaica. We created lasting memories from our wedding week with our family that we would not have had the opportunity to have at home.
Any advice you would like to give other Caribbean Brides?
Do a lot of research in terms of wedding packages at resorts and what they offer. Also find out what is not included in the packages and what extra costs could be added for items such as photos, cake toppers, flowers for wedding party etc. Set the budget with your wedding coordinator and stick to it.Spend time to research reviews from the venue and vendors you are considering for your event. Also research the legalities of getting married abroad and what you will need to send to the destination to obtain the marriage license and how far in advance of the wedding they will require it.
If you want a religious ceremony ensure you specify that with your wedding coordinator as many destinations just use a Justice of the peace to marry. Also delegate someone in your wedding party to help take care of details (an Admin Assistant) on the day of your wedding you will be much too busy to be following up on things.
Runaway Bay, St Ann , Jamaica Theme:
Cream and aqua with accented beautiful green flora of the palm trees and the naturalness of the sand and sea and also embellished with pearls and rhinestone/ natural finger starfish. Bride’s Dress:
Stunning Ivory Spanish lace and chiffon mermaid wedding dress Maids of Honor:
Cobalt blue dress Flower Girl:
Cream dress with aqua trimmings and rhinestone starfish accents Groom’s Suit:
Light beige linen suit with cream linen shirt Groomsmen:
Aqua linen dress shirts and beige linen dress pants Rings from:
Custom made by Tony Sarkisian of Sarkisian Designs, Toronto Ontario Flower girls sash and flower ball & Grooms Boutonniere:
Custom made by Nila Clark of Wish Upon Starfish, South Carolina Photography: Tripicone Studio Photography by Nicol Davis Congratulations Alicia and Richard!