Unpolished Beauty and Playful Island Energy at a Jamaican Destination Wedding

Lauren Megerdichian
December 11, 2025
Categories: Destination, Real Weddings, The Blog

[section title=”The Planning”]

[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Green. orange, white, teal, violet, blush, peach[/field]

[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

With a “stumbled into nature” vibe, Ashley and Toby’s Jamaican destination wedding was lush, dramatic, and delightfully unpolished. With Ashley’s family rooted in Jamaica, the location was a natural choice, allowing them to embrace the island’s inherent beauty as a centerpiece of their celebration. Ashley envisioned the day “as though it was naturally growing in that place and we just happened upon it.” This naturalist aesthetic was balanced by a playful island energy, lending the wedding a joyful, celebratory spirit rather than a formal tone.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]On a night out in New York, Ashley met Toby. After striking up a conversation, they quickly discovered they both hailed from Atlanta. It was Ashley’s 21st birthday, and their groups had converged naturally at the Jane Hotel. By the end of the evening, Ashley and Toby had exchanged numbers, with their first date a week later at the South Street Seaport. They became engaged on the North Shore of Oahu at sunset during their first big trip together as a couple. “My suspicions grew when he mentioned planning a photoshoot,” Ashley recalls, noting she hadn’t suspected a thing until Toby modified their trip itinerary. “Once we arrived at the shoot, after a few photos, he proposed.” The couple chose an intimate ceremony at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park on September 24, 2023 — a date deliberately chosen to honor the wedding anniversaries of both their parents. They planned their larger celebration the following June at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. [/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]

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Ashley wore a gown by Galia Lahav, featuring flowing organza and hand-placed floral appliques along the bodice, perfectly harmonizing with the surroundings.

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[section title=”The Details”]

[field title=”Food & Drink”]Keeping with the natural seaside theme, guests dined on herb-crusted snapper with cassava gratin, carrots, and thyme. A wide array of desserts included tiramisu, coffee mousse, passionfruit mouse cake, carrot lavender cake, and s’mores brownies. [/field]

[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Inspired by the warm hues of sunset, they blended organic textures like linen and wood with the local flora, creating an atmosphere that felt wild and intentional. The decor embraced a “wild-yet-soft” theme, as centerpieces showcased untamed greenery alongside delicate blooms — a fusion of tropical exuberance and drama. One of Ashley’s favorite details was the seating chart: a freestanding structure with alcoves holding either a bud vase or a hand-lettered table card.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple’s simple wedding cake featured textured frosting and lush orchids.[/field]

[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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