All photos by Adam Mason of Mason Photography.
I’m so excited to share all the details of our wedding day with you! And it’s the first time I’m sharing our official wedding photos and video too! If you missed the posts leading up to this one, check out the wedding tab at the top of the page for all of my wedding related posts.
Since Michael and I decided on a destination wedding, we wanted to make a few days out of our wedding celebration. We welcomed our guests on the Thursday before our wedding with a Welcome Party and then invited all of our guests to attend a Bahamian BBQ on Friday night.
Our wedding day could not have been more perfect. Everything about it blew me away and blew away any expectations I had dreamt about what our day would look like. I included links to all of our wonderful vendors below, but the beauty of a destination wedding is that we only had two contacts throughout the entire wedding planning process. My mom spearheaded the planning as our unofficial planner. Our main points of contact throughout the planning process were our touch point person, Tianna, at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and Amanda at Wildflowers. They were able to coordinate everything from the string quartet at the ceremony, to our officiant, to the band, to the food, lighting, electrical, flowers etc.! I cannot recommend Baha Mar or Wildflowers more! They did a fantastic job.
A few highlights from the evening … Our officiant, Reverend Burrows, who we met through Wildflowers, was the sweetest, most thoughtful, and entertaining officiant. We loved having him unite us in marriage! Music was really important to both Michael and I. We had a string quartet play at the ceremony and had a soloist perform How Great Thou Art. It was a really special moment.
We went a little non-traditional with the start of our reception. The first hour was dedicated to everyone having the chance to mingle and serve themselves at the buffet-style dinner. The Baha Mar catered the entire event, and the food was outstanding! The band started thereafter and played for a solid three hours! Falcon Entertainment DELIVERED! They were so much fun! My mom and I had met most of the band members on our previous trip to The Bahamas. We couldn’t have asked for a better crew!
We incorporated “late night bites” of grilled cheese sandwiches, french fries, sliders, and ice cream later in the reception. And last but not least, we ended the night with a Louisiana tradition – a second line from the reception back to the entrance of the resort (where we all took the party inside). The band learned “When the Saints Go Marching In” just for us! It was pretty cool because the Saints happened to be playing in the NFC championship game the very next day. So the second line ended in true Louisiana fashion with a Who Dat chant. Perfect ending to the perfect night!
The biggest thank you goes to our parents for making the wedding week of our dreams come true! And to our friends and family that traveled to celebrate with us in beautiful Nassau, Bahamas!
Thank you to all of the amazing vendors and folks I now consider friends and family for bringing our wedding to life and capturing our special day!
A full list of our vendors is included at the bottom of this post.
Our Wedding Video
The Highlight : Ashlee & Michael from Arbor Films on Vimeo.
VENDORS
- Photographer: Adam Mason of Mason Photography
- Videographer: Jody Johnson & Murray of Arbor Films
- Venue: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort
- Catering: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
- Cake: Pastry Chef Volanda Rahming at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
- Band: Falcon Entertainment via Wildflowers
- Florals, Decor, Event Planning: Wildflowers
- Hair & Makeup: Rosewood Baha Mar Spa
- My Dress: BHLDN
- My Rings: Shah & Shah
- Michael’s Suit: Custom by Chip Witherspoon
- Michael’s Ring: James Allen
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Plum Pretty Sugar
- Officiant: Reverend Burrows
- String Quartet: Strings N Tings via Wildflowers
- Soloist at Ceremony: Falcon Entertainment via Wildflowers
- Invitations: Minted.
- Wedding Website: Minted.
- Registry: Zola
Thank you for following along with Michael and I on our journey! The joy, love, and pure overwhelming support I felt on Michael and I’s wedding day was indescribable. I’m happy to be able to share a little piece of that with you!
Lovely wedding and venue. Such a beautiful bride!! Love the video!
Thank you, Candy!
so beautiful and fun! Love the bridesmaids’ dresses! Looks like fun was had by all!
Thank you Marcia! I love the bridesmaids’ dresses too!
What a beautiful place to have a wedding! Loved your dress!!
Thank you Anne! The resort is gorgeous!
Ok I may or may not have teared up watching your wedding video! Happy Anniversary!
Aw thanks Katie!