Melissa + Mahdi PT.2 | Negril, Jamaica

MEET THE ALSTONS! We're getting into the nitty-gritty of Melissa + Mahdi's Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica destination wedding planning story! - here’s part 2!

We could’ve found venues at home...it would have been more expensive and it just wouldn’t have been poppin’...we had to force grown folks to get passports... and that was the dope part about it!
— DESTICOUPLE MELISSA + MAHDI

*Photos courtesy of Team DWP Studios


EPISODE 49

How The Alston’s Planned Their Destination Wedding @ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica - PART 2!


HEYYY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!

WELCOME BACK to the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
I hope that you are having an amazing time planning those destination weddings of yours! Your day is about to get better because I am soo excited to share OUR FIRST DESTICOUPLE interview with you - I’LL SAY IT AGAIN…

DESTICOUPLE!!!

IT IS MY ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE ALSTONS!

DESTIBRIDE Melissa + DESTIGROOM Mahdi planned their destination wedding at the magical Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica and you get to hear allll about EXACTLY HOW THEY DID IT - (and we get super detailed)!

If you’re in the DESTILOVERS Community you’ll know that I’ve been wanting to get a DESTICOUPLE on the show since forever and I’m so happy we now have one for really 2 reasons:

  1. It delivered exactly what I wanted it to - the perspectives of the DESTIBRIDE,

    as well as her partner, which in this case - is a DESTIGROOM

    AND

  2. Having a DESTICOUPLE as an example should help others agree to be
    interviewed together too - I can’t wait to do this again!

Don’t forget that all details and a photo gallery of THE Alston’s magical wedding are waiting for you below.

ANNNNDDD If you have any questions, make sure you drop them in the comments below and we'll answer them.

And if you LISTEN to the podcast - no worries…you can ask yours in the DESTILOVERS Community - make sure you tag me so I see it - or send me a DM on Instagram @desti.land

And whether you love to watch or listen - be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you know the exact moment a new episode goes live!

This gorgeous couple experienced so much - that we had to make their interview a 2-parter. I needed to make sure you and your Bridefriends could reeeallllly take in all this destination wedding planning magic.

SO THAT’S RIGHT - IT’S A TWO-PART INTERVIEW!

AND THIS IS PART 2!

We're getting into the nitty-gritty of Melissa + Mahdi's destination wedding weekend!

Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:

We chatted about:
💕 Budget (how did they pay for it?)
Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕 Decor (they bought those where?)
Their unexpected (and wildly entertaining) destination wedding packing and decor story!
💕 Traveling (how did they get everything to their destination?)
💕 A yacht party
💕 Details on the dreamiest CASTLE destination wedding
💕 Choosing their destination wedding date
💕Their Pattoo Castle Destination Wedding Review
💕ANNND so much more...The Alstons' showed the love!

Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
@ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica?

Click Play and find out how Melissa + Mahdi planned her destination wedding
at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!

Enjoy!


WATCH MELISSA + MAHDI’S INTERVIEW!

YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!

Apple Podcasts  |  Google Play  |  Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube

THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: APPY COUPLE


DESTICOUPLE: Melissa + Mahdi Alston


Destination Wedding Date: September 19, 2019

City & Country:  Negril, Jamaica

Venue:   Pattoo Castle

Host Resort: Azul Beach Resort, Negril

Wedding Budget: ~$80,000

Number of Guests: 127

Bridal Party: 9 Bridesmaids + 9 Groomsmen

THE ALSTONS

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
(both originally from Connecticut)

Fun Fact: they starred on HGTV’s


You can get the rest of Melissa + Mahdis destination wedding details, photos, and alllll the other goodies in Part 1’s Show Notes.

DETAILS!

All details + a photo gallery of Melissa + Mahdi’s wedding are waiting for you in Part 1’s Show Notes!


LINKS MENTIONED:

Omi’s favorite wedding website company: Appy Couple

Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY

Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!



SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DESTIPARTNER: APPYCOUPLE

DESTIFACT:
We used Appy Couple for our wedding and there’s a complete walkthrough in the DESTILOVERS Community!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
APPYCOUPLE!

APPY COUPLE is a modern wedding website and interactive app that practically builds itself and lets you manage and share important details of your destination wedding with ease and style. And let’s be honest, Desti weddings require more care and details and Appy Couple is the perfect choice if you want to Invite and Impress!

SEE MY APPY COUPLE WEBSITE!

I GAVE A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH OF MY WEDDING WEBSITE (with tips of course!)IN A RECENT DESTIHOUR in the DESTILOVERS Community too!
find out more information about my favorite wedding website + app for destination weddings and let me know if you have any questions!


xx, Omi


Thank You Melissa + Mahdi!

We appreciate you being my very 1st DESTICOUPLE interview!
We’re officially Bridefriends Forever
xx, Omi


Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!

Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!



SHARE THE LOVE!

Read More

DESTICOUPLE Melissa + Mahdi | Negril, Jamaica

MEET THE ALSTONS! Our 1st DESTICOUPLE interview shares the story of a breathtakingly beautiful destination wedding at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!

We could’ve found venues at home...it would have been more expensive and it just wouldn’t have been poppin’...we had to force grown folks to get passports... and that was the dope part about it!
— DESTICOUPLE MELISSA + MAHDI

*Photos courtesy of Team DWP Studios


EPISODE 48

How The Alston’s Planned Their Destination Wedding @ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!


HEYYY DESTIS + BRIDEFRIENDS!

WELCOME BACK to the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!
I hope that you are having an amazing time planning those destination weddings of yours! Your day is about to get better because I am soo excited to share OUR FIRST DESTICOUPLE interview with you - I’LL SAY IT AGAIN…

DESTICOUPLE!!!

IT IS MY ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE ALSTONS!

DESTIBRIDE Melissa + DESTIGROOM Mahdi planned their destination wedding at the magical Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica and you get to hear allll about EXACTLY HOW THEY DID IT - (and we get super detailed)!

If you’re in the DESTILOVERS Community you’ll know that I’ve been wanting to get a DESTICOUPLE on the show since forever and I’m so happy we now have one for really 2 reasons:

  1. It delivered exactly what I wanted it to - the perspectives of the DESTIBRIDE,

    as well as her partner, which in this case - is a DESTIGROOM

    AND

  2. Having a DESTICOUPLE as an example should help others agree to be
    interviewed together too - I can’t wait to do this again!

Don’t forget that all details and a photo gallery of THE Alston’s magical wedding are waiting for you below.

ANNNNDDD If you have any questions, make sure you drop them in the comments below and we'll answer them.

And if you LISTEN to the podcast - no worries…you can ask yours in the DESTILOVERS Community - make sure you tag me so I see it - or send me a DM on Instagram @desti.land

And whether you love to watch or listen - be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you know the exact moment a new episode goes live!

Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:

We chatted about:
💕 How they met
💕 Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕 Choosing their destination wedding date
💕 Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕 How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕 Dealing with incompatible wedding vendors
💕 An unexpected destination wedding packing and decor story!
💕Their Pattoo Castle Destination Wedding Review
💕and so much more!

Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding
@ Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica?

Click Play and find out how Melissa + Mahdi planned her destination wedding
at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica!

Enjoy!


WATCH MELISSA + MAHDI’S INTERVIEW!

YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!

Apple Podcasts  |  Google Play  |  Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube

THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE’S SPONSOR: APPY COUPLE


DESTICOUPLE: Melissa + Mahdi Alston


Destination Wedding Date: September 19, 2019

City & Country:  Negril, Jamaica

Venue:   Pattoo Castle

Host Resort: Azul Beach Resort, Negril

Wedding Budget: ~$80,000

Number of Guests: 127

Bridal Party: 9 Bridesmaids + 9 Groomsmen

THE ALSTONS

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
(both originally from Connecticut)

Fun Fact: they starred on HGTV’s


THE BRIDE

Hair: Neahlis

Makeup: Brushed by Nicole

THE GROOM

shout out to Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc.

THE BRIDAL PARTY

BRIDESMAIDS

GROOMSMEN

THE WEDDING

Photography: Team DWP Studios

Videography: Elite Media Concepts

Planning, Styling & Decor: : Kara-Ann Anderson @ Petals & Promises

Florals: Floral Fantasies

 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Omi’s favorite wedding website company: Appy Couple

Join the DESTILOVERS COMMUNITY

Everything Else: See all Pink Links above!


SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DESTIPARTNER: APPYCOUPLE

DESTIFACT:
We used Appy Couple for our wedding and there’s a complete walkthrough in the DESTILOVERS Community!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DESTIPARTNER
APPYCOUPLE!

APPY COUPLE is a modern wedding website and interactive app that practically builds itself and lets you manage and share important details of your destination wedding with ease and style. And let’s be honest, Desti weddings require more care and details and Appy Couple is the perfect choice if you want to Invite and Impress!

SEE MY APPY COUPLE WEBSITE!

I GAVE A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH OF MY WEDDING WEBSITE (with tips of course!)IN A RECENT DESTIHOUR in the DESTILOVERS Community too!
find out more information about my favorite wedding website + app for destination weddings and let me know if you have any questions!


xx, Omi


Thank You Melissa + Mahdi!

We appreciate you being my very 1st DESTICOUPLE interview!
We’re officially Bridefriends Forever
xx, Omi


Thanks for Watching + Listening Bridefriends!

Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!



SHARE THE LOVE!

Read More

Desti Lisa's Prep | Santorini, Greece

Part destination wedding, part elopement, all love!

*Photos courtesy of Kapetanakis Studios


How Lisa Prepared For Her Destination Wedding in Santorini, Greece!


DESTI Lisa and her fiancé Ramon planned a romantic part destination wedding / part elopement (a virtual destination wedding, if you will) in Santorini, Greece and Lisa is here to tell us alll about it! If you’re considering (or have dreams of) an elopement - the way they did theirs was pure magic!

This interview was just DAYS BEFORE they were off to their destination and I asked all the questions to cover EXACTLY HOW this couple planned their wedding in Greece!

As a longtime podcast listener, Desti Lisa knew exactly what advice we needed to hear so she spared no detail in this interview! Here are just a few things we discussed:

Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:

💕How to get married LEGALLY in Santorini, Greece!

💕A GENIUS virtual destination wedding / elopement idea!

💕Finding and working with their destination wedding planner

💕Managing their Greece destination wedding costs and budgeting

💕How to make the most of your destination wedding photography

💕Their backstory + reason for having a destination wedding

💕Great ways to make your family and friends happy with your decision

💕Working together to plan their destination wedding - while living in different countries!

💕Lessons learned so far before the wedding

💕so much more!

Soooo…how do you LEGALLY plan a destination wedding in Santorini, Greece?
...And should you?

Click Play and find out!

Here’s how Lisa planned her destination wedding at the
Andromeda Villas
in Santorini, Greece…

Enjoy!


WATCH LISA’S INTERVIEW!


Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to know when Lisa’s POST-Wedding Interview goes live!

YOU CAN LISTEN ON THE PODCAST TOO!

Apple Podcasts  |  Google Play  |  Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube


DestiCouple: Lisa + Ramon


Home: Indiana + Canada

Wedding Destination: Santorini, Greece

Wedding Venue: Andromeda Villas | TripAdvisor Reviews for Andromeda Villas

Wedding Date: July 18, 2018

Wedding Budget: $15,000

Engagement Length: 9 months

# of Guests: O!
*technically…The couple planned a destination wedding for 2 (with virtual guests!)

THE DESTIPROS

Wedding Planners: Divine Weddings Santorini

Wedding Photography: Kapetanakis Studios


FUN FACTS:

💕LISA’S FAVORITE PODCAST EPISODES are:
Episode 3 w/ Ivory Perkins when we discussed destination wedding makeup! 
Episode 19 w/ HitchSwitch to learn about the name change process! 


💕LISA + RAMON were BOTH in Medical School
and in 2 different countries while they planned their destination wedding!
Lisa was in Grenada and Ramon in Canada.

SO HOW DID EVERYTHING GO?!?

STAY TUNED BRIDEFRIEND!
Lisa and I are going to do a follow-up DESTIChat soon to get her update. We’ll be talking about what went right, lessons learned, and everything in between! So don’t forget to Subscribe + drop your questions in the comments below!


Thank You Lisa!

It was so fun getting a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning and we CAN’T WAIT to hear how everything went for you and Ramon!

You’ll always be our Bridefriend Forever!


Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!

SUBSCRIBE FOR INSTANT NOTIFICATIONS!

Apple Podcasts  |  Google Play  |  Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube


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JAMELLAH | Montego Bay, Jamaica

How Jamellah planned her 78 guest destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters in Montego Bay, Jamaica!

*Photos courtesy of Michael Chen Photography


How Jamellah Planned Her Destination Wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica!


This interview with DESTI Jamellah was EVERYTHING! Jamellah and her husband brought 78 guests to witness their destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica and she tells us alll about how they did it together! Jamellah shared so much destination wedding planning advice with us!

Destination Wedding Planning Topics Covered:

💕Everything before she was on her way to get married including:
💕How they met
💕Her proposal story
💕Why they decided to have a destination wedding
💕Picking their date
💕Planning and saving money TOGETHER
💕How they chose their destination wedding venue
💕How they picked their destination wedding vendors - makeup, photographer, etc.
💕Her Royalton Blue Waters Resort review
💕and so much more!

Soooo…how do you plan a destination wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica?

Click Play and find out how Jamellah planned her destination wedding at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica!

Enjoy!


WATCH JAMELLA’S INTERVIEW!
PART 1

PART 2


DestiCouple: Jamellah + Patrick Owens


Age: Bride, 30 Groom, 33

Hometown: Prince Georges County, MD

Wedding Budget: $15,000

Destination Wedding Date: October 6, 2017

City & Country: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Venue: Royalton Blue Waters Resort, Montego Bay  
[
TripAdvisor Reviews for Royalton Blue Waters Resort Resort ]

Number of Guests: 78

Bridal Party: 7 Bridesmaids + 7 Groomsmen  + 1 Jr. Bridesmaid + 2 Jr. Groomsmen


Photography: Michael Chen Photography

Bride’s Dress: Cherry Blossom Bridal, Washington DC

💕DESTI Note from Bride: Black and Women-owned bridal boutique where they specialize in plus size dresses for women! AMAZING team of stylist!!!

Bride’s Shoes: BLUE by Betsy Johnson

Bride’s Jewelry: Macys

Hair: Loc's Expressions (Mother of the Bride’s salon)

jamellah-how-to-plan-a-destination-wedding-in-montego-bay-jamaica-royalton-blue-waters-black-destination-bride-destiland-desti-guide-to-destination-weddings-purple-wedding-cake.jpg

Makeup: Makeup by JodyB

Styling & decor: DIY!

Flowers: DIY!

DJ: 876 Sounds

Cake + Catering: Resort | Royalton Blue Waters Resort, Montego Bay

Groom’s Attire: ​Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC​

Groom's Accessories:​ Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC​ + AMAZON

Bridesmaids’ Attire: SPOSABRIDAL​

Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Formal Wear Shop in Washington, DC​


Want more pics? ​Jamellah’s Wedding Hash Tag was #OwensLinkUp2017​, check it out on Instagram!


Thank You Jamellah!

We appreciate you being our Bridefriend Forever and giving us a peek "behind your veil" of destination wedding planning in the lovely Montego Bay, Jamaica!

jamellah-how-to-plan-a-destination-wedding-in-montego-bay-jamaica-royalton-blue-waters-black-destination-bride-destiland-desti-guide-to-destination-weddings-couple-after-beach-ceremony-back.jpg

Thanks for Watching + Listening!

Don’t miss an episode of the
DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings!


SHARE THE LOVE!

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Desti Porsha's Prep | Paris Engagement + Montego Bay Wedding

Following a ridiculously romantic Parisian engagement, Porsha was married in Montego Bay, Jamaica and gives us the rundown 1-month BEFORE her destination wedding!

All photography courtesy of Pierre Torset - Paris Photographer + Jillian Mitchell Photography - Montego Bay Photographer


How Porsha was ENGAGED in Paris, France + PLANNING Her Destination Wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Following a ridiculously romantic Parisian engagement, Porsha was married in Montego Bay, Jamaica and gives us the rundown during the month BEFORE her Destination Wedding! We talk about everything from venue scouting, budgeting, choosing her vendors, pleasing wedding guests and most importantly - Porsha gives us some positive Desti Empowerment Vibes!

Topics Covered:

💕Her proposal in Paris, France

💕Her 5-day venue scouting tour to find her wedding venue + resort

💕Her favorite resorts + wedding venues in Montego Bay

💕How to choose wedding vendors

💕Great ways to make your guests happy

💕Taking care of YOURSELF as a #DestiBride bride

💕so much more!

Enjoy!

WATCH PORSHA’S FULL INTERVIEW ON DESTITV!


DestiCouple: Porsha + Terry

Porsha’s Pre-Wedding Details

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to know when Porsha’s POST-Wedding Interview goes live!


Wedding Date: June 24, 2017

Engagement: Paris, France

Wedding Venue: Tryall Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Resort: Half-Moon Bay

Photography:
Pierre Torset - Paris Photographer

Jillian Mitchell Photography - Montego Bay Photographer

Florist: Tai Flora

DJ: Eddie - Elite Media

Expected Budget: ~$30-50,000

ADDITIONAL MENTIONS

Porsha went on a 5-day scouting trip to find her wedding venue. Here are her Top 3 Resorts:

Round Hill

Half Moon

Tryall


Quote of the week:

Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?
— Danielle Laporte

Thanks for Listening!

Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!

Subscribe for Instant Notifications!

Apple Podcasts  |  Google Play  |  Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube

SHARE!

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JACKIE | Montego Bay, Jamaica

Yeah mon! Invites sent and over 100 RSVPs received…off to Montego Bay, Jamaica they went! Here’s the rundown…

The Nassys Bring 100+ Destination Wedding Guests to Jamaica!

How Did Jackie Plan Her 100+ Guest Destination Wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica?

This #DestiChat is with a Desti couple that brought 122 guests to celebrate their union for an eventful weekend  in Montego Bay, Jamaica! Desti Jackie shares experiences & best advice on destination wedding planning as a Jamaica Desti! She tells us about bridal beauty, choosing her wedding dress, negotiating prices (something I was no good at), saving money. And not sweating the small stuff!

ANNND her husband, Michael makes a cameo and chimes in to share some of his Desti Groom knowledge as well!

They’re such a cute and fun couple.

I think I’m going to start trying to get some full couple interviews too. It could be nice to get both perspectives at the same time.

Like Couple Interviews?
Give us that ❤️ + Thumbs up! Leave a comment letting us know WHEN and WHERE you’re getting married - don’t forget your #IMADESTI hashtag!

So, here you go! Here’s The Nassys…Jackie and Michael!

Enjoy!


Thanks for Listening!

Don’t miss an episode of the DESTI Guide to Destination Weddings Podcast!

Subscribe for Instant Notifications!

Apple Podcasts  |  Google Play  |  Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube


SHARE!

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