Destination Wedding at Grand Bahia | Justine + Jasper

Justine and Jasper’s wedding story may have started with watching ice hockey and wearing PJs, but it ended on the warm beaches of the Caribbean! These two dreamed of a relaxed, lovely, and simple celebration, and they made that vision a reality in Runaway Bay, Jamaica at the  Grand Bahia Principe. The resort took care of almost every little detail from photography to planning to flowers—in fact, other than Justine’s Enchanting gown (from our Toronto bridal boutique) and hair and makeup (done by a talented bridesmaid!), the resort handled everything.

Just looking at their pictures is a romantic getaway, but we feel you also have to know how their first dance song was decided, too. As Justine told us, “Our first dance song was ‘Wonderful Tonight’ by Eric Clapton. My husband Jasper picked the song and I did not know what it would be until the moment of. He told me afterwards that he had heard the song a year ago on the radio when he was driving and knew right then that it was our song…”

All the feels, right?

More from Justine:

How did Jasper propose?

“Jasper and I are pretty laid back so we decided to celebrate our 8 year anniversary at home watching the Toronto Maple Leafs game. I had made him his favourite meal, veal parmigian and I was relaxing in my PJs on the couch when he called my name from behind me. I turned around and he was standing in the hall holding a ring box. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him and the rest is history.”

wedding dress: Astrid & Mercedes Enchanting via our  flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: Grand Bahia | scroll down for vendor list

How did you choose your gown?

 

“I had previously come to Lea-Ann Belter when my best friend had been shopping for wedding dresses. I think I almost cried at every dress she tried on, and I knew from that point that when my time came, this is where I wanted to buy my dress. I felt like I tried on the whole store (all the dresses are beautiful and I wanted to try them all!), but when I put on my dress I knew it was the one for me, my mom and I both cried!”

 

Tell us about your day! Did you have a theme or style in mind?

 

“I wanted it to be simple and relaxed, both for myself, my husband, the wedding party and our guests. I went with minimal decor as we were in Jamaica and the setting was naturally beautiful. The colour scheme was white and navy blue to match my engagement ring which is a sapphire. We had the ceremony at a gazebo right on the water and the reception at a restaurant with a beautiful back deck where we could watch the sunset.”

 

What was your favorite wedding day moment?

 

“There were so many wonderful moments throughout the day that it’s hard to pick one. The top three are:

Walking down the aisle with my Mom and Dad, seeing Jasper for the first time and feeling so full of love and happiness that the moment was actually here.

Our first dance was amazing and was one of the only moments I cried throughout the whole day.

My dance with my Dad (To What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong). I am an only child and a Daddy’s girl and we both made it through the song without crying (surprisingly).”

 

What was your first dance song?

 

“Our first dance song was Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. My husband Jasper picked the song and I did not know what it would be until the moment of. He told me afterwards that he had heard the song a year ago on the radio when he was driving and knew right then that it was our song. Needless to say I shed some tears, it was absolutely perfect, and every time I watch it I fall in love all over again.”

 

Describe your wedding day in 5 words or less:

“Beautiful

Effortless

Perfect”

 

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

“Keep it simple and enjoy yourselves! It’s over before you can even process that it is happening, so savor the little moments and don’t sweat the small stuff. Also, destination weddings are the best (if it’s possible for you to do so)!”

 

 

Justine + Jasper’s Grand Bahia Wedding Vendors

wedding dress: Astrid & Mercedes Enchanting via our  flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: Grand Bahia | venue, planning, florals, decor, catering, cake and DJ: Grand Bahia | hair + makeup: one of Justine’s bridesmaids!

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email [email protected].