Justine Kevin

from Today's Bride - Destination Wedding | Goddess vibes in Greece

Destination DRESSES

With great risk, comes great reward. This couple took a chance on planning a wedding in Spain just by researching online and hoping for the best. The result was a magical week for themselves and 32 of their closest friends and family.

THE VENUE:

Masia Victoria is a 15th-century manor located in Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, Spain. It is the perfect combination of old-school charm and modern amenities.

COMING TOGETHER:

“My favourite part was being able to spend the week in Spain with our favourite people,” says Justine. “Our vision was to create unity between our two families, friends included, just as a marriage uni es two individuals. It was amazing seeing everyone together enjoying each other’s company. It was a dream come true to see and now we have these memories for the rest of our lives.”

DESTINATION ADVICE:

Having planned everything herself, this bride says, “One piece of advice I have is to just bite the bullet and hire a planner! ey are the experts in their area with all of the right connections. Another piece of advice is to get out and explore the area. We met so many friendly people and found so much charm and beauty in the little town that made the experience that much more memorableand great for photos.”

THE LOOK:

Justine wore a gorgeous gown with a large bow accent, designed by Wtoo, and the groom looked handsome in a blue Harry Rosen suit.

Melissa Gerrardo

Looking gorgeous in a Justin Alexander wedding gown, Melissa said, “I do” to Gerrardo, who wore an Azzaro suit. A group of 64 guests, all from Toronto, watched the couple exchange vows at Bahia Principe Grand in Runaway Bay, Jamaica.

WORDS OF WISDOM

“Surround yourself with love and support. After all, it is your day! You’ll want to look back with zero regrets, and memories to last a lifetime,” says the bride.

WARM WELCOME: e Toronto couple placed welcome bags in their guests’ rooms, with toiletries and an extra special message. “ e welcome bags were personalized tote bags with “Jamaica - Sept 2022”, and they contained useful items such as Aloe vera, lip balm, bandages, just to name a few things” says Melissa. “ ey also had itinerary options for the week and itinerary for the wedding day. And a special note from our dog and cat back home. (Special shout-out to Carlos and Dolce!)”

FAVOURITE MOMENTS: e groom says, “My favourite part was turning around and seeing Melissa walk down the aisle. She looked breathtaking, and I couldn’t wait to say, ‘I do.’” Melissa says, “My favourite part was having all the people I love the most together in another country. Everyone got to meet the people who have a special place in our lives. Plus, a vacation for everyone was well overdue!”

Alexandra & Jake

Twenty-four guests made the trip from Toronto, Halifax and New York to see Alexandra and Jake marry at Villa La Selva in Tuscany, Italy. When it comes to what will guests remember most, the couple says it was simply being able to travel as a group and coming together to celebrate.

Looking Good

THE REVEAL:

It’s tough to plan a destination wedding without seeing the venue in person, but the upside is the feeling of when you nally do get to see it. e bride says this was one of her favourite parts. “ at ‘wow’ moment when you show up to the venue and see how much better it is than you ever could have imagined. Planning from a di erent country really lowers unnecessary expectations and reduces stress so you get to enjoy the moments more.”

ENJOY YOUR LOCATION:

“Don’t get hung up on the small details,” says Alexandra. “Your guests will be wowed by the location alone, and will be most excited about being there with you to celebrate this special time. Planning a destination wedding really allowed us to step back and focus on those big moments, rather than getting hung up on the little things.”

Goddess energy

IS THERE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THAT CAN PROVIDE A MORE PICTURESQUE AND ROMANTIC WEDDING BACKDROP THAN GREECE? EMBRACE YOUR LUXURIOUS LOCALE AND TAKE YOUR DÉCOR TO THE NEXT LEVEL.