BOUND TO PARADISE
ale & clay
le and Clay met at the start of pandemic the way most modern couples do: on a dating app. Despite long-distance at the beginning, the two hit it off marvelously and felt that the pandemic made the distance a bit more bearable.
“Everything was easy with him,” said Ale. “We always balance each other out and say if it wasn’t for the fact that it was COVID, we probably wouldn’t have dated.”- In the summer of 2021, Ale and Clay planned a romantic getaway at Sandals Royal Bahamian. During their stay, they arranged a beautiful beach picnic with the ocean just a few paces away and chose to explore Nassau’s downtown area afterwards. Eventually, they ended up at the Queen’s Staircase and, when they reached the bottom, Clay got down on one knee. Needless to say, Ale said “yes!”
- During a romantic getaway at Sandals Royal Bahamian in 2021, Ale and Clay spent a day exploring Nassau’s renowned Queen’s Staircase, which is where Clay got down on one knee and proposed!
- When it came time for the wedding weekend, the couple returned to Bahamian paradise, this time joined by their families. Ale and Clay kicked off their destination wedding with a welcome party, full of tropical, Bahamian inspired flair. Guests were greeted by the brass horns and energetic drums of a Junkanoo Rush. Floral arrangements featuring birds of paradise, mokara orchids, bougainvillea, and dried pampas grass encompassed the space.
When it came time for the big day, Ale and Clay stole away to one of - the resort’s lush gardens for a first look. Dressed in a delicate white gown with subtle floral embellishments, Ale walked down the path and tapped Clay on the shoulder.
“I was amazed. She was so beautiful,” Clay said warmly.
After taking a few more photos, the couple climbed aboard a vessel and sailed to Barefoot Cay, the private offshore island at Sandals Royal Bahamian, for the ceremony.
- Guests were seated on white-cushioned benches with a view of the ocean. White phalaenopsis orchids, blush pink ranunculus, budding snapdragons, and white anthuriums filled Ale’s tropical-inspired bouquet. The aisle was lined with matching flowers, as well as the pillars which were accented with green foliage.
“I wanted the décor to be true to Bahamian colors like the pastel pinks, which I love,” said Ale.
- Ale’s father walked her down the winding garden path to the aisle, where she was greeted by an adagio of piano notes from Ruelle’s “I Get To Love You.” Tears flowed, heartfelt vows and rings were exchanged, and soon enough, Ale and Clay were officially newlyweds! As the couple made their grand exit as husband and wife, the upbeat piano tune of “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole played on in the background.
- “I wanted the décor to be true to Bahamian colors like the pastel pinks, which I love,” said Ale.
- After, everyone headed to the island’s Zen Garden for cocktails and to find their seat at the dinner table, which was set to perfection with an ivory linen tablecloth, a sheer runner, floral centerpieces in blush-colored vases, and rattan placemats.
One of the biggest dinner highlights: the three-tiered cake! All-white and decorated with blooms of orchids cascading along the side, each tier had its own distinct flavor of cake and icing. The bottom was a rich red velvet with vanilla icing, the middle had vanilla cake with coconut icing and the very top was carrot cake with Irish cream icing.
- With full bellies and happy hearts, it was time to move to the dance floor. The after party started with the father daughter dance, mother-son dance, and first dance before the DJ took over and fire breathers came in to offer a fiery performance.
Celebrating their love story with family on a private island was more than the couple could have asked for. Ale reflected on one of her favorite moments with family. - “The moment was magical. My husband, the intimacy of just our immediate family, the laughter, the setting, the florals, the lighting, the steel pan band — it was everything I dreamt of, and the food and drinks were simply spectacular.”
