• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Home
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • About
  • Submit Wedding

Destination Wedding Details

Inspiration for every detail of your wedding away

  • Shop
  • Real Weddings
  • Vendors
    • Find Vendors
    • Join Vendor Directory
  • Ideas
    • Welcome Bags & Favors
    • Bridesmaid Gifts
    • Styled Wedding Inspiration
    • Cake Ideas & Tips
      • DW Cake Tips
      • Tropical Wedding Cakes
      • Beach Wedding Cakes
      • Beach Wedding Cakes II
    • Save-the-Date/Invitations
      • Personal Destination Wedding Websites
      • Save the Date Ideas
      • Destination Wedding Invitations 101
      • When to Send Invitations
      • At Home Reception Invitations
      • Booklet Invitations
      • Unique Invitation Ideas
      • Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette and Examples
      • Destination Wedding Programs
    • Flowers
      • Bouquet Ideas
      • Bouquet Tips
      • Centerpiece Ideas
      • Beach Wedding Arch Ideas
    • Ceremony/Reception
      • Guest Book Alternative Ideas
      • Program Ideas
      • Unique Wedding Signs
      • Destination Wedding Theme Ideas
      • Creative Ideas
  • Fashion
    • DW Dress Guide
    • Destination Dress Gallery
    • Tips for Buying a Gown Online
    • Men’s Destination Attire
    • Bridesmaid Destination Attire Tips
    • A Guide to Beach Wedding Attire Tips for Guests
    • Destination Hairstyle Gallery
  • Advice
    • DW Planning
      • The Best Destination Wedding Checklist
      • Destination Wedding Planning Tips
      • Destination Wedding Do’s and Don’ts
      • Legal vs Symbolic Weddings
      • Free Planning Spreadsheets
      • Managing Family Reactions
    • Photography
      • Finding a DW Photographer
      • Preparing for Your Photos
      • All about Trash-the-Dress Photos
      • Photography Basics
    • Money Matters
      • Keys to Cheap Destination Weddings
      • Budgeting Tips
      • The Truth about Free Weddings
    • Travel
      • How to Travel with Your Dress
      • Destination Wedding Packing Checklist
      • DW Packing Tips & Advice
  • Etiquette
  • Search
  • Shop
  • Real Weddings
  • Vendors
    • Find Vendors
    • Join Vendor Directory
  • Ideas
    • Welcome Bags & Favors
    • Bridesmaid Gifts
    • Styled Wedding Inspiration
    • Cake Ideas & Tips
      • DW Cake Tips
      • Tropical Wedding Cakes
      • Beach Wedding Cakes
      • Beach Wedding Cakes II
    • Save-the-Date/Invitations
      • Personal Destination Wedding Websites
      • Save the Date Ideas
      • Destination Wedding Invitations 101
      • When to Send Invitations
      • At Home Reception Invitations
      • Booklet Invitations
      • Unique Invitation Ideas
      • Destination Wedding Invitation Wording Etiquette and Examples
      • Destination Wedding Programs
    • Flowers
      • Bouquet Ideas
      • Bouquet Tips
      • Centerpiece Ideas
      • Beach Wedding Arch Ideas
    • Ceremony/Reception
      • Guest Book Alternative Ideas
      • Program Ideas
      • Unique Wedding Signs
      • Destination Wedding Theme Ideas
      • Creative Ideas
  • Fashion
    • DW Dress Guide
    • Destination Dress Gallery
    • Tips for Buying a Gown Online
    • Men’s Destination Attire
    • Bridesmaid Destination Attire Tips
    • A Guide to Beach Wedding Attire Tips for Guests
    • Destination Hairstyle Gallery
  • Advice
    • DW Planning
      • The Best Destination Wedding Checklist
      • Destination Wedding Planning Tips
      • Destination Wedding Do’s and Don’ts
      • Legal vs Symbolic Weddings
      • Free Planning Spreadsheets
      • Managing Family Reactions
    • Photography
      • Finding a DW Photographer
      • Preparing for Your Photos
      • All about Trash-the-Dress Photos
      • Photography Basics
    • Money Matters
      • Keys to Cheap Destination Weddings
      • Budgeting Tips
      • The Truth about Free Weddings
    • Travel
      • How to Travel with Your Dress
      • Destination Wedding Packing Checklist
      • DW Packing Tips & Advice
  • Etiquette
  • Search
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • Advertise

The Last Destination Wedding Before Covid-19 Shut Down the World

You are here: Home / Real Destination Weddings / The Last Destination Wedding Before Covid-19 Shut Down the World

//  by Cynthia // Leave a Comment

It goes without saying that the 2020 pandemic has tested us all in ways we could have never imagined. When faced with unexpected challenges, hardships, and uncertainty, do we choose positivity and love? For Alison and Cody, the answer is YES! When COVID-19 was just starting to become part of a global conversation, this couple’s destination wedding was at risk of being canceled altogether.

When they arrived in Grand Cayman, they were told that their March wedding may have been the last of its kind for the year.  Since then, we’ve heard from so many couples who have had to cancel or postpone one of the biggest days of their life, and our hearts go out to them. But this story had a happy ending.

destination wedding recovery kit topper

Despite several last-minute changes, a shrunken guest list, and a boatload of stress… Alison and Cody pulled off a memorable wedding in Grand Cayman they’ll cherish for a lifetime. These two are proof that life will inevitably be full of ups and downs, but as long as you have your health, your family, and your friends, everything will be okay.   The bride was gracious enough to share her very personal story as well as gorgeous photos captured by their photographer, Rebecca Davis.

Here’s more of the story in the Bride’s words:

“The last wedding?  We were told our wedding could be one of the last of 2020. And it’s only March.

The day was a year and a half in the making (10 years, actually. It was the weekend of our 10th anniversary).

We had coordinated a week-long destination wedding in Grand Cayman with almost 50 guests flying in from all over the United States and beyond. I had every detail planned to ensure once we arrived on the island there wouldn’t be anything to think about. But the first indication that you can’t plan everything came about a month before we left. Our bridesmaid and flower girl dresses had been delayed because Chinese factories were shut down due to something called coronavirus. We found replacement retail dresses and started packing.

Then my grandmother canceled because she was nervous about traveling with the spread of COVID-19. Next, a pregnant bridesmaid was told not to travel because of the uncertainty. We revised the processional and seating charts, and a week before the wedding day boarded a plane to Grand Cayman with our one-and-a-half-year-old son. Even if it was just the three of us, we were going to get married.

And then my fiancé’s parents got the flu and told us they wouldn’t be able to travel. We told the wedding planners and venue we had no idea how many people were actually going to make it. Until guests landed, there was no guarantee they would attend.

Come our wedding day, we were short two bridesmaids, a flower girl, our officiant, my grandmother, the groom’s parents, and numerous other friends and family.

But we had 30 other incredible individuals there to celebrate with us. We felt so fortunate that after all of the time and planning we wouldn’t have to postpone. As we stood at the altar, live streaming with friends and family back home, our son sat content just behind me and filled a bucket of sand over and over as we read our vows in front of an old friend standing in as our officiant. We partied all night, oblivious to the chaos of the world.

The next day the reality of the situation finally dawned on me. The restaurants and resorts were all closing. The island asked everyone who is not a permanent resident to leave. We couldn’t file our marriage license because the offices were closed down. If we didn’t go now, we might not be allowed to return home.

We spent our 10-year anniversary making the 12-hour trip from Grand Cayman to California, feeling lucky to make it back into the states. Our honeymoon was spent quarantined at home with our stir-crazy baby boy.  But it was absolutely perfect. Once the craziness settles, we’ll figure out if we’re actually married, plan another honeymoon, and get back to life.

My heart breaks for the couples who won’t be able to have their wedding day. I can’t imagine having to cancel or postpone after all of the stress and planning that goes into it. I am so grateful for the version we had. For all of the individuals who made the trip, not knowing for certain that they would be allowed to return home after. And, of course, for my husband (actually, still husband to be) for being with me through the unexpected- no matter what. Because that is what marriage is all about.”

covid destination wedding 0024
covid destination wedding 0019

covid destination wedding 0023

covid destination wedding 0026
covid destination wedding 0018

covid destination wedding 0028

covid destination wedding 0030
covid destination wedding 0029
covid destination wedding 0031

covid destination wedding 0033

covid destination wedding 0032

covid destination wedding 0051

covid destination wedding 0070

covid destination wedding 0069

covid destination wedding 0064
covid destination wedding 0063

covid destination wedding 0013

covid destination wedding 0011

covid destination wedding 0003

covid destination wedding 0004

covid destination wedding 0006

covid destination wedding 0071

covid destination wedding 0007
covid destination wedding 0008

covid destination wedding 0009

covid destination wedding 0073

covid destination wedding 0076

covid destination wedding 0074

covid destination wedding 0077

covid destination wedding 0096

covid destination wedding 0079

covid destination wedding 0080

covid destination wedding 0000

covid destination wedding 0099

covid destination wedding 0039

covid destination wedding 0040

covid destination wedding 0043

covid destination wedding 0045

covid destination wedding 0049

covid destination wedding 0038

covid destination wedding 0097

covid destination wedding 0058

covid destination wedding 0056

covid destination wedding 0059

covid destination wedding 0065

covid destination wedding 0085 1
covid destination wedding 0084

covid destination wedding 0089

covid destination wedding 0105

covid destination wedding 0054

covid destination wedding 0090

covid destination wedding 0103

covid destination wedding 0101
covid destination wedding 0102

covid destination wedding 0086

covid destination wedding 0087

covid destination wedding 0091

covid destination wedding 0106

covid destination wedding 0107

covid destination wedding 0108

covid destination wedding 0109

covid destination wedding 0114

covid destination wedding 0113

covid destination wedding 0121

covid destination wedding 0118

covid destination wedding 0123

covid destination wedding 0112

covid destination wedding 0122

covid destination wedding 0125

covid destination wedding 0127

covid destination wedding 0130

covid destination wedding 0128

covid destination wedding 0002

Q&A with the Bride

Why did you choose to have a destination wedding in the Cayman Islands?

We wanted a relaxing vacation vibe and you can’t beat the incredible beaches and safety of Grand Cayman.

How many people attended your destination wedding?

30

What were your sources of inspiration?

The beach was the most important inspiration. Everything was meant to accentuate the natural backdrop without being kitschy.

Was there something unique or special that you incorporated into your wedding?

Since we couldn’t bring our pets we had them hidden in the cake. Cody didn’t know about it until the wedding and was so excited to have them there.

What was the most unique part of your wedding day?

Friends and family who couldn’t make the wedding because of covid were there on FaceTime. It’s amazing what can be done with technology!

What was your favorite part of having a destination wedding?

Hiring people was easy. Meeting and interviewing in person wasn’t an option so everything was done based on reviews and recommendations. With the island being so small, the same names kept coming up over and over.  So it made it really easy to decide on all of the vendors. I booked our photographer, wedding planner, hair and makeup, cake and DJ all in one week.

What was the biggest challenge in planning your destination wedding?

Trying to envision everything based off photos and make decisions without actually visiting the location.

What’s your advice to other couples planning a destination wedding?

Hire a wedding planner and keep it simple.

Vendors

Photographer:  Rebecca Davidson
Wedding Planner: Celebrations Weddings & Events
Bridal Gown:  BHLDN (Conrad Gown)
Groom’s Attire: Cubavera
Bridesmaids Attire: Show Me Your Mumu (Kendall Maxi Dress; Color: Magic Mauve Glimmer)
Venue: Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
Cake:  The Cake Studio
DJ- Oneworld 
Menus/Signs:  Sugar Press
Sea glass Place cards:  Letters from Eden via Etsy
Bride’s Hair Vine:  Brides & Hairpins
Bridal Belt- Sara Gabriel (Product:  Karly Duet)

Related

destination wedding welcome bags

Filed Under: Real Destination Weddings Tagged With: Beach Wedding

Cynthia
Cynthia

Cynthia is the founder and editor of Destination Wedding Details.She has over 15 years experience in the Marketing and Event industry and launched Destination Wedding Details in 2010, shortly after planning her own destination wedding. Cynthia uses her experience and genuine passion, to inspire brides who are planning their dream wedding away from home.

Previous Post: « An Elegant Styled Beach Wedding in Altea, Spain
Next Post: Glamorous Luxe Romantic Wedding in Cancun »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Top Wedding Site

best destination wedding blog award

top destination wedding blog award

Sponsors

Wedding Dresses, Bridesmaid Dresses, & Formal Dresses - Lulus.com




destination wedding vendors
Dessy Twist

Dessy After 6

Costa Rica Weddings


Advertise on Destination Wedding Details

Featured Destination Wedding Vendors

Brittany West| Destination Wedding and Elopement Photographer
Brittany West| Destination Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Hi! I’m Brittany West! Life’s greatest adventure starts at “I Do!” From elo...

DamolaMakeovers Makeup Artistry
DamolaMakeovers Makeup Artistry

Damolamakeovers Makeup Artistry is an experienced and versatile Destination m...

Bride Tribe Travel - a division of Escapes Unlimited
Bride Tribe Travel - a division of Escapes Unlimited

Bride Tribe Travel is a division of Escapes Unlimited AZ created exclusively ...

Villa Punto De Vista
Villa Punto De Vista

If your dream destination wedding conjures up images of pristine sand beaches...

KT Travel & More LLC
KT Travel & More LLC

KT Travel & More LLC is a certified destination wedding, honeymoon, and roman...

Stepping Out - Online Wedding Dance Program
Stepping Out - Online Wedding Dance Program

Stepping Out has created a new and exciting way for you to learn your first d...

Linda Dancer - Honeymoons Inc.
Linda Dancer - Honeymoons Inc.

As a former airline employee who loved to travel and an incurable romantic~ b...

VIP Vacations Inc
VIP Vacations Inc

VIP Vacations would be honored to help you plan your destination wedding! We...

Popular Content

Destination Wedding welcome bags
17 Welcome Bag Items Your Guests Will Love
best destination wedding venues
An Expert Guide to the Best Destination Wedding Venues
Wine Country Weddings destination
This Venue is a Hidden Gem for Wine Country Weddings
Private Costa Rica Wedding Venue
Discover a Private & Luxurious Wedding Venue in Costa Rica
tropical artificial wedding bouquets
These are the Most Authentic Real Touch Bouquets We've Ever Seen
buying a wedding dress online
Guide to Buying a Wedding Dress Online
Destination Wedding questions and answers
Answers to all your destination wedding planning questions
bridesmaid gifts
30 Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
Destination Wedding Guestbook Alternative
11 Awesome Destination Wedding Guestbook Alternatives
best Destination Wedding locations
How to do a Destination Wedding Site Visit
destination wedding website
destination wedding checklist

Follow Us

Featured Posts

Destination Wedding in a Secluded Santorini Venue

Impromptu Elopement on Hanalei Beach

See More

Footer

Ultimate Destination Wedding Etiquette Guide

Get Your Free Destination Wedding Etiquette Guide

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get a free Destination Wedding Etiquette Guide, plus monthly checklist reminders, inspiration, tips and exclusive giveaways!

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • Advertise

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 Destination Wedding Details LLC · Privacy Policy · Cookie Notice · Disclaimers · General Terms of Use · Vendor Terms of Use