Derona and Anthony planned the perfect wedding, a relaxed beach ceremony on the subtly pink sands of Harbour Island. What they didn’t plan for? A hurricane. Just days before their outdoor wedding, the pair made an executive decision and moved their celebration up by 24 hours. Avoiding the threat of storm clouds, their celebration went off without a hitch. A beautiful seaside ceremony complete with hospitable touches of pineapples, Almond Leaf Studios captured every moment to share in THE VAULT!
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From The Bride…I knew Anthony would love Harbour Island from the moment we hopped off the water taxi on our first visit together. Having moved to London from Nassau Bahamas several years earlier, I was familiar with and very fond of the the tiny, picturesque island. He found it as captivating as I did, and even as we headed back home to London, the notion of one day returning to marry on Pink Sands beach stuck. As fate would have it, we found ourselves making that thought a reality just a couple of years later.
The travel aspect for our guests was always something we were conscious of, but little did we know how significant this factor would become. Just days before the wedding, the threat of hurricane Erika became very real, and we decided to bring the event forward by a day. We were so grateful that so many of our guests, who were visiting from as far as the UK and Vancouver, and as near as Miami and Nassau, were able to make it to the island, despite the uncertainty of how the storm would develop. They were welcomed with goodie bags containing fresh baked goods and other local favours.
We had always visualized a laid back but stylish island wedding. As a nod to the subtle pink hue of the sandy beach that was to be the ceremony location, we used different shades of blush to form the basis of our wedding colour palette. We paired it with brighter reds and a rich plum colour for depth, creating a romantic combination.
Upon reflection, the decision to use pineapples, the symbol for hospitality, as a decorative motif couldn’t have been more relevant. That this part of the Bahamas is known to grow the sweetest pineapples in the world made it even more fitting. Adorning the ceremony arch and nestled in hand crafted floral centerpieces, the pineapples added a touch of whimsy. Together with other local accoutrements – palm leaves, conch shells, and seagrape vines – they brought the decor to life. Even with the last minute change of plans, Ben and and his team were able execute the concept beautifully.
After a relaxed beach ceremony, our guests were treated to conch fritters, snapper ceviche, and sliders during cocktail hour. Speeches followed the reception meal in the intimate space of the main house at Ocean View, and with the arrival of Junkanoo, the dancing kicked off. With the moon shining on the sea and the breeze picking up on the beach, we danced into the night surrounded by our family and friends.
Our wedding day was exactly as we hoped, a wonderful start to married life together.
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Photography: Almond Leaf Studios | Cinematography: Almond Leaf Studios | Event Planning: Little Island Designs | Wedding Dress: Browns Bride | Invitations: Strawberry Sorbet | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Jewelry: Darcy Antonia Jewelry | Rings: Burt Gurt Jewellery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Coralie Beatrix | DJ: DJ Safire | Groom's Attire: Reiss | Groomsmen Attire: Reiss | Ceremony Music: Little Island Designs | Venue: The Ocean View Club | Bridal Boutique: Browns Bride | Hair Accessories: Browns Bride | Place Cards: Bonjour Laura J