IMANI & D’ANDRE
This “I do” came nearly 10 years after their first encounter — and every moment was worth the wait.
Love at first sight is undoubtedly magic — a touch of fate that’s impossible to deny. After nearly a decade of courtship, this couple returned to the groom’s homeland to tie the knot on the sandy shores of Jamaica.
Imani and D’Andre will forever remember their serendipitous meeting at a party at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Imani fondly recalls that evening: “I met Dre at a party hosted by his roommates. He attempted to pursue me, but the timing wasn’t quite right. So, we remained friends. In fact, we became best friends.
But neither of us ever forgot that day.” When asked about the initial attraction, Imani says, “Some might say it was love at first sight. He was my best friend and my confidant.” Their journey from friends to lovers was marked by a candid conversation when Imani asked, “Do you think people are crazy for thinking we like each other?” D’Andre’s response sealed their fate: “Well, if we’re being honest, I’ve been in love with you.” The open conversation would set them on a course that eventually led to the island of Jamaica.
The decision to host a destination wedding in the Caribbean was a natural one, given that D’Andre has strong roots tied to the island. “D’Andre is a native of Jamaica,” Imani says, “so it only made sense to host our wedding in his homeland.
The couple chose a resort that matched the vision they had for a small, intimate wedding next to the sea: Sandals South Coast. The choice to have a destination wedding at South Coast was met with excitement from their loved ones. “Our family and friends were excited about our wedding plans,” Imani says, “especially the destination.
Imani and D’Andre planned pre- and post-wedding activities so their guests could enjoy all the culture and beauty that Jamaica has to offer. “We had an itinerary that made our entire wedding weekend a party!” says Imani
Guests celebrated the couple with a welcome garden party, a private boat cruise, and a late-night pool party. Filled with love, fun and friends, these events embodied everything that makes Jamaica so special.
Planning a destination wedding can seem complex, but Imani uses a different word to describe her experience with the wedding team at Sandals South Coast: exciting.
"Our wedding team allowed us to execute our vision seamlessly,” she says. It didn’t take long for Imani to fully trust the resort and the vendors they hired. “Trusting in our chosen vendors’ expertise and knowing they would help bring our dream wedding to life was the key to creating a memorable and personal destination wedding."
The couple decided to work with a photographer they selected on their own. “We conducted extensive research to find a photographer with the technical skills to capture the nuances of people of color beautifully.
Imani’s detailed plans included a comprehensive lookbook that encapsulated their vision for Caribbean nuptials. “It featured mood boards that painted the ambiance we desired for the ceremony and reception, visually representing our dream wedding,” recalls Imani. The lookbook covered every aspect of the wedding: décor, playlists, attire, and even hair and makeup. It ultimately became the blueprint for the entire weekend. “This meticulous planning made the destination wedding process more straightforward and enjoyable.”
With unmatched attention to detail, our wedding team wasted no time incorporating all elements of the lookbook into Imani and D’Andre’s big day.
“The bridesmaids’ frost dresses added a touch of ethereal beauty that reflected the beach, while the groom and groomsmen looked dashing in their ocean blue tuxedos, mirroring the endless horizon of the sea.”
Approximately 80 guests traveled to Sandals South Coast, making it one of the largest weddings ever hosted at the resort. A few important people had to miss the celebration, including the bride and groom’s grandmothers. To honor their cherished loved ones, the couples incorporated a unity sand ceremony, a tradition known on the island to symbolically blend families.
“The inspiration for the ceremony was deeply rooted in the spectacular ocean and the calming influence of the sand.”
The ceremony was a formal affair with a modern twist, and every detail reflected the destination and its unique beauty. “The inspiration for the ceremony was deeply rooted in the spectacular ocean and the calming influence of the sand,” says the bride. “We wanted a serene and elegant setting to perfectly complement the breathtaking ocean view and the boundless blue skies.
They opted for a timeless, monochromatic color palette of whites and neutrals to display simplicity and sophistication. Using white hydrangeas and roses, as well as calla lilies, the end result was an elegant and classic celebration. Imani’s favorite part of the décor was the harmonious blend of elements. The backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and the vast blue skies were undoubtedly the final pieces that tied everything together.
Even the wedding attire was selected with the destination in mind. “The bridesmaids’ frost dresses added a touch of ethereal beauty that reflected the beach, while the groom and groomsmen looked dashing in their ocean blue tuxedos, mirroring the endless horizon of the sea,” says Imani. The guests also took part in matching the vibe of the event. “Our guests dressed in a neutral color palette to become an integral part of this dreamy atmosphere, making the evening unforgettable.”
A saxophonist serenaded guests with soulful R&B tunes, setting a romantic tone for the occasion. “We aimed for a formal, but intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to bask in the dreamlike ambiance,” recalls Imani.
Every detail was considered to create a seamless look from one part of the celebration to the next. “To maintain continuity, we mirrored most of the décor from the ceremony, ensuring that our guests experienced the same Caribbean beauty and elegance throughout the evening,” says Imani.
Lighting played an important role in the event for the couple. As Imani describes it, “Fairy lights added a magic touch as the sun dipped below the horizon, creating an enchanting reception that mirrored the sea’s timeless allure.” But the best light of all, which is tied to the bride’s most cherished memory, was a gift from Mother Nature. “My favorite memory from our wedding was the sunset. We planned the wedding so our first dance would occur at just the right moment. The photos are worth a thousand words.“
Imani and D’Andre’s destination wedding in Jamaica was not just a celebration of their love but also a beautiful tribute to the groom’s heritage. With meticulous planning, stunning décor, and the breathtaking scenery of Jamaica, their wedding was an unforgettable experience.
