Leighton had a proposal plan all worked out: He'd wake before Melissa and pop the question before she'd even hopped out of bed. But on the day that he wanted to propose, Melissa got up earlier than usual—and was already hard at work in her home office before Leighton opened his eyes. But, "while I inadvertently mucked up his plans, he adjusted quickly and caught me off guard later that day," Melissa says.
Eleven months later, the couple—who'd been together five years by then—got married on December 1, 2018, at The Tryall Club in Jamaica. The decision to host their wedding on a tropical island was a personal one—one that connected the couple in yet another way: "We both have deep family roots there," Melissa says. Despite the fact that the fête was a destination wedding, the couple still welcomed 160 guests to the event, which Melissa describes now as "an elegant experience expressing history, culture, and style." Taking a nod from their chosen venue—a classic and visually stunning club just steps from the sand—the couple mixed chic details with natural aesthetics, she says, enlisting Jade Lee Events to help execute their vision. They kept their color palette neutral, embracing the stark contrast of black and white—with the exception of a bit of purple, Melissa and Leighton's favorite color.
Looking back on the day, Melissa says the event "was more than a wedding—it was an experience." Take a look at the ahead photos, and it's easy to see what she means.
The Rings
Leighton proposed with a princess-cut diamond ring. His wedding band featured a beveled edge.
The Location
The Tryall Club boasted a variety of spaces the couple could use for the wedding—a stunning marble room for the reception and epic outdoor lawns for the ceremony and cocktail hour.
Thematic Paper Goods
Melissa and Leighton's modern invitation suite, created by Paper Daisies Stationery, featured monstera leaves on the envelope liners. "From the save-the-dates to the thank-you cards and everything in between, Paper Daises was able to bring our vision to life with a unique design, use of color, and embossing techniques," Melissa says. "The stationery was something so many guests raved about."
Buttoned Up
The bride chose a Spina wedding dress with an illusion back that featured a row of white buttons. Those buttons were one of her favorite details on the dress. Melissa loved "the incredible details and embroidery, illusion back and overall fit," she says.
She Knew
Of her wedding dress, Melissa says, "I knew it [was the one] once I tried it on."
A Little Bit of Sparkle
The bride wore sparkling tan Christian Louboutin pumps and Swarovski earrings.
Groom's Attire
To build his navy blue suit, Leighton paired a Samuelsohn jacket with Canali pants. "This was a perfect reflection of Leighton's personality and style," Melissa says.
All in the Details
Leighton's blue suede shoes came from Ferragamo; he also wore a blue tie by Etro.
A Family Affair
Melissa's son attended the wedding—and later walked his mother down the aisle!
The Ceremony
The couple held their ceremony on a cloudless afternoon, on a terrace overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Their Vows
Melissa and Leighton exchanged traditional vows that the couple "customized" with their own personal spin, Melissa says.
The Recessional
"Let's Stay Together" by Al Green played as they recessed back up the aisle as husband and wife.
The Reception
The reception took place in The Tryall Club's Hanover Grange, a grand room made even grander by a double-sided staircase that served as the party's backdrop. Chic, linen-less acrylic tables lined the tiled floor, flanked by stark black Lucite chairs.
White Orchids
The bride and groom chose white phalaenopsis orchids for their centerpieces. Candles floating in water atop mirrored holders cast a reflecting glow on the acrylic table tops.
Because many of the couple's guests had Jamaican roots, "we wanted to elevate the culinary experience by providing a more contemporary spin on classic dishes," says Melissa. Menu items—listed on cards matching the couple's monstera-inspired invitation suite—included vegetable kabobs, jerk whole lamb, and citrus rosemary jus.
The Cake
The newlyweds chose a four-tier square cake painted in striking (and shiny) black icing, decorated with trailing white orchids. Inside, the layers were made with strawberry white chocolate, vanilla raspberry, and coconut cream flavors.
Sources
Photography, Elizabeth Austin Photography
Location and catering, The Tryall Club
Event planning, Jade Lee Events
Flowers, Tai Floral
Stationery, Paper Daisies Stationery
Music, Norman Burgher
Bride's gown, Spina
Bride's accessories, Christian Louboutin; Daphne Newman; Swarovski
Hair, Micah Cook
Makeup, Nordia Cameron
-
Cunningham
Bridesmaids' dresses, Pia Gladys Perey
Flower Girl dresses, Us Angels
Groom's suit, Samuelsohn; Canali
Groom's accessories, Ferragamo; Harry Rosen; Etro
Lighting, Elite Media