WEDDING BLOG

Some love stories begin with a spark, others with a softball team invitation. When Hannah walked into a job interview, she didn’t expect to meet her future husband. But there was Josh, asking if she’d join their company team, immediately putting her at ease. Though Hannah was planning to move across the country soon, she and Josh couldn’t ignore their connection. What started as a work friendship turned into long-distance love. And eventually, Josh made the leap to move to be with her. That level of commitment became the foundation for everything they built together, including their elegant, intentional, and joy-filled wedding weekend in St. Thomas.

Hannah and Josh had a clear vision: they wanted a Caribbean destination wedding with the feel of a European villa. They found their dream backdrop at Villa Serenita—a rare gem that checked every box: ocean views, overnight accommodations, and timeless architecture. With a private catamaran welcome party and a finale that ended in the pool with all their guests, this wedding was more than a single day. It was a full-on celebration that brought their people together for an unforgettable experience.

What We Love About This Wedding Weekend:

• A sunset catamaran cruise to kick off the festivities
• A modern-vintage bridal look paired with a black-tie Caribbean dress code
• A surprise weather shift from rain to golden sunset just before the ceremony
• Custom music moments curated by the couple, from aisle songs to all-day playlists
• An impromptu jump in the pool that turned into an epic dance party

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Kicking Off the Celebration With a Sunset Catamaran Sail

The couple invited all of their guests to join them for a welcome party aboard a catamaran. An elevated and memorable kickoff to their wedding weekend. “I couldn’t think of a better way to start the celebration,” Hannah said. “I remember standing there thinking, ‘OMG is this really happening?’ That was the start of a week that felt like a fever dream.”

As the sun set over the water, the whole experience felt more like a luxurious vacation than a typical pre-wedding gathering.

Wedding Fashion That Blended Timeless Style With Personal Flair

Hannah described her bridal fashion as “modern-vintage,” combining timeless silhouettes with heirloom-inspired accessories. “I wore a modern basque waist ballgown, lace pumps, pearl drop earrings, a veil with lace trim, and Chanel perfume,” she said. “I truly loved everything about my look and felt like an elevated version of myself.”

Later in the night, she changed into a fun, strapless mini dress to dance the night away.

Josh and his groomsmen opted for classic black tuxedos. “Many people questioned that choice since we were getting married in the Caribbean—in May!—but once again, we had a vision.”

A Quiet Moment Before the Ceremony

The couple shared a first look before the ceremony. Something they both say they wouldn’t change for anything. “We’re so glad we did it,” Hannah said. “It was a private moment together before everything else started. It definitely helped with the nerves.”

A Taylor Swift Moment and Vows That Brought Tears

Guests gathered overlooking the ocean at Villa Serenita as the sun began to set. “Part of the ceremony that was really special to me was walking down the aisle with my dad to a custom piano version of ‘Fearless’ by Taylor Swift,” Hannah said. “Everyone in my life knows I’m a huge Swiftie. It just felt like a full-circle moment–going from listening to her as a young teen to hearing her music while I walked toward my future husband.”

The couple chose to write and read their own vows. “We wanted them to reflect who we are. I am such a hopeless romantic. I definitely didn’t hold back. There weren’t many dry eyes in the house after I finished reading them.”

Staying Calm and Present Despite a Stormy Forecast

The morning of the wedding brought an unwelcome guest: rain. “It rained the entire morning,” Hannah said. “There was a 99.99% chance it would rain during our ceremony and reception, both of which were outdoors. I was definitely bummed, but I decided I wasn’t going to let it ruin my mood.”

Her calm mindset paid off. Just before the ceremony, the skies cleared. “I will never forget turning the corner to walk down the aisle and seeing the sun peeking out,” she said. “It truly felt like someone was looking over us and sprinkled some extra magic on our day.”

Balancing Minimal Decor With Big Impact Moments

After the ceremony, guests moved to a candlelit terrace dinner overlooking the ocean. “I had this vision in my head of us eating dinner on a beautiful terrace, and I made it happen,” Hannah said. “One thing about me, if I have a vision, I will find a way.”

The decor was subtle but meaningful. “Since we had to fly everything in with us, we kept it minimal and personal,” she explained. Favorite details included:

• Small table lamp centerpieces 
• A vintage phone for an audio guest book
• Personalized menus with each guest’s name
• A welcome sign referencing their favorite song, “Stay Next to Me”

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The dinner playlist? Another custom creation by the couple, who spent the year leading up to the wedding curating the music for every part of the day. “Josh and I are both huge music lovers,” she said. “We had playlists for everything—getting ready, dinner, dancing, you name it.”

Signature drinks included margaritas, mojitos, and espresso martinis for a late-night pick-me-up. “We really wanted every moment to feel intentional and reflect our tastes.”

Advice From a Bride Who Planned Her Own Wedding Abroad

When asked what advice she’d give to couples planning their own destination celebration, Hannah didn’t hesitate: “Choose a venue that already looks great on its own. Especially with a destination wedding, you’re limited in what you can bring, so start with a beautiful foundation.”

Her other tip? Stick to your vision, but stay open to the unexpected. “Things may not go perfectly—ours certainly didn’t with the rain—but it’s the love, the people, and the joy that matter most. That’s what made our wedding weekend unforgettable.”

When the Dance Floor Turned Into a Pool Party

Just when guests thought the night was winding down, Hannah and Josh looked at each other and decided to jump into the pool—fully dressed. “We joked about it before but didn’t actually plan it,” she said. “But in the moment, we both said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

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To their surprise, everyone else followed. “We looked around and saw our parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends—fully clothed—in the pool having the time of their lives,” Hannah recalled. “It was such an epic moment and by far one of the best parts of our wedding weekend.”