Jessa & Brian’s beautiful beach destination wedding took place in Trunk Bay, St John, US Virgin Islands. How lucky is the bride because this is where she grew up! Photography was provided by Crystaline Photography & Multimedia, LLC.
How did the two of you meet?
We met in College. Brian’s Freshman/Sophomore year roommate became one of my best friends when we studied abroad together in Ecuador. I thought he was cute and always found an excuse to talk to him, but he thought I was dating Andrew (our mutual friend). So in the end I had to be a lot less subtle… but it all worked out in the end! We were inseparable for the remainder of senior year and as they say… the rest is history.
Tell us about the proposal!
I had been expecting a proposal, but Brian still managed to take me completely by surprise. We were at my Grandmother’s summer home on Fire Island and we had had a party that weekend so I was in entertainment mode; visiting with people I only see once a year. It was winding down and we went up to the beach in the late afternoon with my brother, Brian’s mother and the last of our company. Brian brought his guitar. Someone stated an intention to go get ice cream and we were preparing to leave, when Brian asked me to walk down the beach with him. We said we’d meet up with everyone at the house.
We walked down the beach, talking of nothing in particular and when we got back to the beach chairs he sat me down and pulled out his guitar. I had been completely oblivious up to this point. But there Brian was, down on one knee, guitar in hand, singing a song he had written about falling in love with me, our ups and downs and promises of love and respect. The song itself was a wedding vow. I was crying by the end. Then he asked me to marry him and pulled out the most beautiful ring. I said YES of course, and we had some lovely quiet time on the beach watching the sunset before heading home to share the news with the family.
What made you choose to have a destination wedding?
Well, everyone else’s destination is my home town! We thought about Fire Island as a more central place, but it is almost as hard to get to and more expensive. We considered Colorado where we had been living. But in the end going to St John just made the most sense.
How did you know your destination would be the perfect place to hold your wedding?
Because it is where I grew up and I wanted to share it with friends I had made all over the country. Besides, I always wanted to get married barefoot on the beach!
What was the most memorable moment about your wedding day?
What an unfair question! There were so many. Brian had written me a song for our proposal and he sang it for me as part of our ceremony and my sister wrote a song and sang it for us. Brian had wanted me to do something as well but I hadn’t or at least he didn’t think I had. I had secretly written a poem and when I stood up to recite it Brian was so surprised and so moved. I will always remember his face. I will also remember that I had shouted myself hoarse between my bachelorette party, the rehearsal and assorted other wedding party activities and lost my voice the day of the wedding.
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
My friends collected local flowers and decorated the beach where we had the wedding ceremony. I was so happy already, that walking out onto the beach and seeing the beautiful vista and all the flowers, I felt it couldn’t be more prefect.
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
Being able to have an outdoor wedding and reception. To be barefoot for almost the entire wedding (certainly on the beach!). We also had a party on the beach the day after the wedding to use up all the extra food and alcohol. I love the beach!
Did you honeymoon at your wedding destination location, or go somewhere special after wards?
We haven’t had our official honeymoon yet but my plan is to take Brian out on a boat and sail through the BVI’s for a week. The best sailing in the world! And so many private and picturesque beaches.
Ceremony Venue: Trunk Bay
Reception Venue: Estate Concordia Preserve
Photography & Video: Crystaline Photography & Multimedia, LLC
Florist: East End Flower Shop
Cake: Homemade by Bride’s Sister and friend of the family Andrea Leland
Caterer: Katylady
Bride’s Dress: Modified Destiny Collection Dress by Alfred Angelo
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Bridesmaids picked their own dresses. The requirements were purple, knee length with a flowy/beachy vibe.
Groom’s Attire: Longsleeved “Great White Shirt” from Territory Ahead in dobby, linen pants and black sandals.
Groomsmen’s Attire: Short sleeved “Great White Shirt” from Territory Ahead and khaki shorts.
Stationery: Any Occasion, Edwards, CO
DJ / Band: Rich Greengold played sax for the ceremony and then joined T-Bird and company to play at the reception.
Lighting: Kent from Concordia Eco Resort strung up the beautiful twinkle lights for the outdoor reception.
Makeup Artist/Hairstylist: Carolyn (Friend of the Family)
Jewelry – Necklace, Earrings, Tiara, Veil: The necklace, earrings and hair ornament were primarily white pearls, made by the Bride’s Mother Suki Dickson Buchalter, who also made the Bride and Groom’s wedding rings.
Shoes: Vanno, from a small shop on the upper east side of Manhattan.
Any other vendors? Our wedding gift was an island salsa made by Trinidad Charlie
We also took a Sailing Trip with Our family & Guests who could attend on: Breath
Thank you so much Jessa & Brian for sharing your wedding with us and also to Crystaline Photography & Multimedia, LLC for submitting these lovely photos.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Wanted to let everyone know the Brides dress was altered as a labor of love by Jessa’s Aunt Barb, Barbara Johnson, of Mountain Magic, Woodland Park, Colorado.
My jewelry business is Sacred Stoneworks, see designs at http://www.sukistjohn.com
Gorgeous!
This is so beautiful. The photographer captured the essence of the celebration. Jessa, I love hearing your story in your words.
The curved ceremony aisle is such a nice creative touch to add a little drama.
Great idea!
Wow, what a location! Beautiful shots!