Real Wedding: Jill & Jarrod

Couple holding hands on the beach Photo: Michael Weiler from Caribbean Emotions
Where it all started

Jill, a structural engineer, and Jarrod, a truck driver, first met when they were in high school and Jarrod accidentally sent a text to Jill's mom. After Jill replied for her mom asking who it was, Jarrod and Jill began chatting - it turned out that the text had been sent to the wrong person! The two began texting regularly and discovered that they had a lot in common; sparks flew, even though the two had only talked over the phone.

The couple lived over two hours apart (Jill lived in Regina and Jarrod lived in Saskatoon) and even though Jill snuck away once to meet Jarrod in Saskatoon, the distance and school led them to grow apart. Five years later when Jill had finished school and they were both single, Jarrod made a move to rekindle their relationship, and the rest was history!

Bride and groom posing on the beach Photo: Michael Weiler from Caribbean Emotions
Planning the wedding

Jill and Jarrod knew right away that they wanted a destination wedding. Going away on tropical vacations had become a special tradition of theirs, and one that they wanted to become part of their wedding, so that they could share it with their family and friends. The couple had previously visited Punta Cana and fallen in love with the beautiful landscapes and romantic ambiance, so they decided that it was the perfect place for their destination wedding.

Bride and groom posing with their bridesmaids and groomsmen on the beach Photo: Michael Weiler from Caribbean Emotions
Day details

Jill and Jarrod wed on the beach at Riu Bambu in front of 32 of their closest family and friends, with the white sands and sparkling turquoise water providing the perfect backdrop for their big day. After the ceremony they held their reception at the Mamajuana Steak House and danced the night away at their pool bar after party. After the big day was over it was on to their honeymoon at the adults only Riu Palace Macao, the place where the couple had first fallen in love with Punta Cana, to enjoy some romantic time alone together in paradise.

Bride posing in her wedding dress and veil on the beach Photo: Michael Weiler from Caribbean Emotions
Wedding day wear

Jill's gown: Lace bodice and satin skirt with gold waist sash

Jill's shoes: White sandals

Jill's accessories: Long cathedral veil and coloured sunglasses

Jarrod’s attire: Beige pants, white shirt with dark grey cuffs and beige vest

The bridesmaids wore: Long beige or gold dresses

The groomsmen wore: Beige pants, white shirt with dark grey cuffs and beige vests

Wedding bands: White gold

Bride and groom kissing on the beach Photo: Michael Weiler from Caribbean Emotions
Small details

Flowers: White calla lilies and birds of paradise

Hair and makeup: Done by Jill

Photographer: Michael Weiler of Caribbean Emotions

First dance: Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett

Stationary: Programs and schedules designed by Jarrod's sister that included little games and trivia on the back (in case the groom was late, as usual!)

Favours: Personalized tumblers, sunscreen, Advil and sunglasses

Welcome gifts: Postcard for guests to record their favourite memory from the trip, then mail them back to the bride and groom when they returned home

Tips for future couples

"Don't stress and make sure you enjoy yourself! You're on holiday and so are your guests, so don't feel like you need to be entertaining everyone all the time."

You may also like: