For Brandy and Matt’s wedding, it was just the two of them, their officiant, and their photographer. It was an elopement of sorts. And if you’re gonna have an elopement, might as well have it in the Bahamas! It was a very intimate wedding and they were still able to have couple guests, as well. They video-called their moms and Brandy’s sister (all the way from Qatar!) so they could still be witnesses to such a momentous event in Brandy and Matt’s lives. Read all about it below!
Our Story:
We were both in the Air National Guard at the 123 ACS in Blue Ash, Ohio. We met right before my enlistment was up (He is still in) and our relationship grew from there. We had a lot in common and let our friendship grow into a relationship. We both had kids and wanted to slowly see how it blended along with our relationship. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we were meant to be. Everything was simple once we started dating, everything just fell into place. Our love is easy and I love it.
We Are A Perfect Match:
We blend so well. He understands me during all moods. He is so patient, understanding, supportive, and doesn’t try to change me. I love him even when I want to cut him (not literally, calm down 😉 ) He is my penguin. Yep, I said it. I’m weird.
The Proposal:
He sent me, with the help of the kids, on a scavenger hunt on Christmas eve. We do our personal Christmas gifts with the kids on Christmas eve. So, I totally thought it was just him one upping me on the sentimental gifts this year. So the competitive side was a little upset that he was winning this year. But, in the end, the last stop of the hunt was him proposing. So, all in all… I felt better since I feel as if I won 🙂
The Planning Process:
It was a very quick planning process actually. We got engaged on Christmas Eve and Married on Feb 25. So, just over 2 months later. We knew we wanted to do a destination wedding at Sandals. What we didn’t know was which one or what specific date. All we preferred was it be cold and snowy at home in Ohio, and hot and sunny in paradise on our wedding day. After moving a bunch of dates and resorts around to see what was best, we found a gem. We accidentally stumbled across a date that was very soon, but very much affordable. So, why not? Two months to plan a wedding? Any normal bride would freak out! But not when you have a wedding planner at Sandals to do everything for you!! Ashandie and Sheemaria, the two wedding planners that helped us, were amazing. I literally just showed up in my dress, zero stress and it was perfect.
The Best Advice We Received:
To do a destination wedding at Sandals and let someone else stress for you. BEST ADVICE EVER!
Tips & Tricks for Future Brides:
Do whatever you can to be stress free the day of. You will miss what is most important. All of the little things don’t matter. Destination wedding at Sandals was the best choice because the made sure your focus was on what matters the most, happiness.
The Challenges We Faced:
The only challenges we came across, the Sandals team help us iron out. Everything went so smooth. Any questions you have, they will answer.
Wedding Décor Inspiration:
It was one of the available packages that Sandals offered. I thought the Magenta was a great choice for the setting we were in.
Wedding Outfit Inspiration:
I wanted my dress to be simple and light weight, yet still elegant. I found it on the clearance rack at Davids, the only thing it needed was the length shortened. It was meant to be. His outfit was beachy and linen. He looked so dapper and handsome in his bowtie 🙂 He was perfect.
Money Matters:
Weddingmoon, photographer, dress, grooms outfit, reception at home – all less than $8,000. We spent the most on the Weddingmoon, but that is 6 night all inclusive stay. Everything we did, we got a great deal on. The one area I was not willing to cut corners on was photography & location.
The Guest List:
It was just us and our photographer. We are having a reception at home in Ohio, so we were okay with it being just us. We also did a pretend wedding with the kids before we left. The loved it.
The Songs:
Brides Entrance – wedding song, Kenny G
First Dance- Me & You, Kenny Chesney
The Honeymoon:
We had our wedding-slash-honeymoon (our weddingmoon) at Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau, Bahamas.
Planning Advice for Couples:
Plan together, don’t overwhelm yourself, don’t overanalyze, and keep in focus what is most important.
We Are Excited About:
Everything. Every day brings new challenges and memories, I’m just thankful for who I have beside me during it all.
Favorite Part of the Day:
The ceremony was perfect. The reverend made the whole experience perfect. We had a Skype table that he involved completely in our wedding. I had my mom on my phone on FaceTime. He had his mom on his phone on Skype. (both moms were at work in Ohio with co-workers surrounding them watching as well). I also had my sister Jena on Skype all the way in Qatar. It was perfect.
VENDORS
Photographer: Studio 22 Photography
Accomodations: Sandals Royal Bahamian
Location: Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island