A tropical wedding abroad in cerise and sunshine for Gemma and Leigh

YELLOW + CERISE | TROPICAL THEME | BEACH SIDE WEDDING DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | FIREWORKS UNDER THE STARS | STELLA YORK EMBELLISHED GOWN

Gemma and Leigh’s tropical wedding in the Dominican Republic has us feeling inspired. The couple went abroad to the beautiful Dreams la Romana hotel, celebrating their big day in a splash of sunshine. After being engaged for 13 years, there couldn’t be a more luxurious location for the lovely couple to say ‘I do’.

A Stella York gown from Bridal Way, Ramsgate was “the one” for Gemma as soon as she tried it on. She accessorised with a stunning tiara, jewellery and shoes, all from Debenhams. Leigh looked dashing in a grey suit from Next.

The couple were joined by Gemma’s niece Mille as their bridesmaid, and daughter Ava-Sienna and niece Isobel as flower girls. Their son Marley did a fantastic job as page boy, ring bearer and best man.

Surrounded by family and friends, Gemma’s dad walked her down the aisle before delivering her into the arms of her husband-to-be. She carried a beautiful bouquet of mixed blooms in tones of yellow and pink – the couple’s chosen colour scheme for the big day. The ultimate highlight of the day was “saying ‘I do’ and finally becoming husband and wife,” smiles the bride.

The civil ceremony was followed by an evening of celebrating, with the cerise and yellow tropical wedding colour scheme continuing into the reception. Flowers adorned the tables alongside coordinating confetti. The couple also chose cerise chair tie-backs and a cerise tablecloth for their wedding cake to bring their tropical theme to life.

Their first dance was ultra-romantic to John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ – a song that was meant to be after playing when the bride-to-be stepped out in her gown at her final two dress fittings. The party continued with Dominican dancers, a DJ, and a Caribbean band.

The evening reception was made even more special with fireworks. “Everyone dancing under the stars and watching the fireworks” were memorable moments, says Gemma, as were the speeches given by husband, Leigh and son, Marley, remembering a special lady to the couple who sadly passed away shortly before the wedding.

The planning of their tropical wedding abroad was a piece of cake. Gemma says, “I can’t thank our wedding coordinator Jenny enough” from Dreams la Romana who took care of all the details from decorations to a spa booking for make-up. “Everything was perfect!”

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