The Ceremony

We had always loved the idea of getting married on the beach, but after seeing a couple of (horrendous looking) beach ceremonies during our holiday, we made peace with the fact this wasn't likely to be a possibility. With hoards of obnoxious, barely-clothed onlookers surrounding the bride and groom for the beach ceremony, we fell in love with the garden gazebo which resides beside our 'Private Corner' (See engagement post) 

Eyeing up the Garden Gazebo, post ceremony

The decorated Garden Gazebo

However, in the year that has passed since, an additional choice has been developed on the site by the gazebo, one that is on a make-shift private stretch of beach. The decision is a difficult one, as we had got it into our heads that we would become husband and wife in the white gazebo, however the allure of the sand between our toes and the natural beauty of the alternative gazebo is looking like it will probably win...

Location- 

The Beach Gazebo 

Decorations-

The colour scheme for the wedding is different shades of turquoise alongside ivory, with elements of silver. Therefore we intend to have turquoise voile material (of different shades, ranging from teal to aqua) with ivory flowers (lilies and roses),  turquoise and ivory rose petals forming an aisle, and paper squares (shades of turquoise and ivory) on fishing wire/string as below.

Décor 

Similarly, the chairs will be an ivory colour with turquoise sashes, as below, for both the ceremony and the reception.

Attire- 

Groom and Best Men-

Although we ideally want a fairly relaxed day, we both really like the below for Adam's clothing. Annoyingly, we're not big fans of the tan colour that most destination grooms settle on and at only £80 for a fully tailored suit these are looking like a definite option! 

Bridesmaids-

I really love how bridesmaids in the same colour but different styles look, however as I am only having two maids (and a best man :p) I'm not sure how this is gonna look... Anyway, bridesmaids are going to be dressed in turquoise/ teal colours, here are a couple that have caught my eye so far: 

Bouquet and boutonniere- 

Between the expensive prices of flowers in the DR, their tendency to wilt in the heat and the inability to have them pressed as a keepsake (you aren't allowed to bring such items back to the UK) I have decided to buy real touch flowers.

I love this bouquet, though obviously the roses will be a shade of turquoise, rather than lilac. Below are the matching boutonnieres for the groom and groom/bridesmen

                                                   

On the chairs-

There will be 'complimentary' fans to try and help to keep people cool as well as an eco-friendly alternative to confetti, which I'm hoping will photograph beautifully :D. 

 

Parasols- 

Instead of bouquets for my bridesmaids I'm toying with the idea of them having turquoise parasols instead, like below: 

I also love this for the post- ceremony 'Mr and Mrs' photos!

Sand Ceremony-

" The Unity Sand Ceremony, a celebration that is usually two to three minutes in length, is a meaningful symbolic joining of two lives. In this timeless ritual of marriage, the couple ceremoniously pours various colors of sand from separate containers into one special container, the unity vase, symbolizing their coming together as one.

It provides a way for couples during their wedding ceremony to brilliantly show the joining of the flow of their two lives into a single stream with their individually colored sands joining as one in the Unity Vase.

Plus, because it can be displayed privately or for all to see for years to come, the symbol of the couple’s love is always present, always a reminder, and always a touchstone of truth. As such, the Unity Sand Ceremony and the unity vase can be treasured forever."

Sounds pretty cheesy, but I love the idea, and I love this photo frame as the container! 

Music-

Prelude: - The Carpenters- We've Only Just Begun, Melanie Doane- I can’t take my eyes off you,  Jason Mraz- I’m yours,  Leigh Nash- My Idea of Heaven.

Adam’s arrival: Bob Marley- Three Little Birds

Processional: Babar theme music

Ceremony: Springsteen- The River (without lyrics),

Recessional: Queen- You’re my Best Friend.