The Love Story
Kassandra & Scott's love story kicked off in 2017 at Virginia Commonwealth University, where fate and a little campus magic brought them together. We bumped into each other more than a few times, but it wasn't long before they became inseparable. From playing in the VCU Pep Band to scoring goals on the same intramural soccer team, they quickly found joy in catching up with each other between classes, studying in the library, to spending every weekend together.
VCU will always have a piece of our hearts, so much so that Scott chose it as the perfect place to pop the question! During a walk down memory lane, he got down on one knee on the bridge, with the city skyline and water creating a stunning backdrop. Of course, Kassandra said yes, and they celebrated with a trip to Disney World before diving into wedding planning!
The Planning Experience
At first, having a destination wedding wasn't on their minds. However, once they compared the cost of a hometown wedding to that of a wedding in a tropical location, the choice became crystal clear—they would have a romantic destination wedding! With the help of their Certified Destination Wedding Specialist, Kimberlee Key, they found the perfect venue for their special day, Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana.
The Celebration
With such a beautiful location, it was only fitting to include the stunning scenery of Punta Cana. The lush grass, crystalline ocean, and vibrant flowers tied their entire ceremony together. They incorporated a few upgrades, including a white dance floor, bistro lights, and illuminated initials, for a more upscale vibe.
The highlight of the night came when the resort's entertainment team surprised them with a lively dance performance during their magical reception. Dressed in vibrant outfits showcasing the colors of the Dominican Republic, the performers lit up the evening with traditional bachata and merengue moves. It was the perfect way to kick off the party and made the night absolutely unforgettable!
The Memories
To sum up their destination wedding in paradise, they described it as "scenic, unforgettable, and intimate." One of their favorite parts of the celebration was spending much-needed quality time with all their guests. Whether it was grabbing a bite at the World Café or soaking up the sun at one of the pools, they truly cherished every moment spent with their loved ones.
Advice For Future Couples
Their advice to couples planning a destination wedding is to trust the process and do your research. Reading reviews and joining a resort-specific wedding Facebook group can be incredibly helpful, even if some posts focus on minor complaints. For us, it was a goldmine of information, especially since we didn't visit our destination beforehand.
Other Vendors:
Photographer: Adventure Photography
Videographer: Adventure Photography
Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero
Dress Boutique: Urban Set Bride
Shoes: Dolce Vita (bride), Flag Ltd (groom)
Jewelry: Amazon
Hairpiece: Amazon
Stationary: Canva
Menswear: Alton Lane