Rustic & Romantic Jamaican Destination Wedding

Tashauna and Gabriel met in 2009 at Howard University in Washington, DC. Both astute finance majors and children of the Caribbean, Tashauna and Gabriel would frequently crosspaths. Over time, they grew close and became very good friends. In December 2012, they decided to make their romantic relationship official. Check out their tropical, romantic destination wedding, captured by photographer Steven A. Jackson

Bride: Tashauna Martino (Jengelley), 28, Risk Management Consultant

Groom: Gabriel Martino, 29,Real Estate Developer and Entrepreneur

Place of residence: Northern Virginia

Wedding date: April 17, 2017

Wedding location: White Witch Golf Club (ceremony) and Rose Hall Great House(reception) – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Wedding theme: Rustic, romantic, chic

Honeymoon Destination: Jamaica

Proposal Story:
On the morning of January 2, 2016 (while on vacation), at Gabriel’s request, the family enjoyed brunch at one of Tashauna’s favourite places in her parish – the Trident Hotel. He insisted she wear white. The morning was pleasant. Their view picturesque – a historic castle, with the piercingly blue waters of the Caribbean Sea behind them. True to many stories of proposals, nothing went as he’d planned, as Tashauna had felt unwell, and the hotel hosted far more guests than anticipated, certainly not facilitating the small, intimate group Gabriel had hoped would be present. Unnerved, but determined, Gabriel carried on with the mission at hand. Following brunch, Gabriel suggested a walk around the premises, through the lush gardens, to the powdery sands of the beach, Tashauna becoming suspicious at his request for pictures. Gabriel asked Tashauna to stand in front of him for a particular picture. Complying with his request, she was awed as Gabriel got down on bended knee, asking Tashauna to be his “Forever”. Overcome with emotion, she was barely able to prevent her hands from shaking. Without hesitation she accepted his proposal, unequivocally, unquestioningly, “Yes”.

From the Groom:
After a hectic night and a 2 hour nap, I started my wedding day with a 7 AM meeting with my groomsmen. After briefing them on their duties for the day, I took some private time to go over my acknowledgement speech. At about 11 AM, my groomsmen gathered in my hotel room at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort to start getting ready. We then made our way to the other side of town to Seascape Villa where I got dressed. I kept looking at the time as the pressure started to build. At Seascape, I was greeted by my fraternity brothers (Knights Fraternity Inc.) who travelled from all over the world to celebrate this special day with us. Surrounded by photographers and videographers, I started getting ready (with the help of everyone). My bestman, Haniel and line brother, ND did the honors of grooming me. When I was ready, we all left in a convoy and quickly made ourway over to the White Witch Golf Club for a ceremony destined to change my life forever. The day was beautiful. As I approached the venue, I saw friends and family waiting. I went into a private room and had a prayer with my parents and shook off whatever nerves I had and got ready to meet my bride.

From the Bride:
After entertaining our wedding guests at a welcome event on the night before the wedding, I managed to sneak in about 4 hours of sleep. Hair and makeup for the bridal party started at 7 AM, and I had to ensure that everyone was on time. Nervous is an understatement – I wanted everything to be perfect for our big day! After gathering with the family (and those present at my villa) for prayer, I felt a sense of relief. I was ready to take the biggest step in my life and get married! It was a beautiful day! I walked down the aisle to a string quintet playing Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years. The weather forecast had shown a very high chance of rain. We felt raindrops during the ceremony, but that only brought a beautiful rainbow – a covenant of God’s grace. The night ahead promised to be even more wonderful. After guests were entertained by a steelband and drummers (duringour picture taking session and cocktail hour), we made our grand entrance with a fire dancer. It was such joy celebrating such a momentous occasion with our families and friends.

Most memorable moment:

Walking down the aisle and seeing each other for
the first time

What makes your love special?

Our love is centered on God.

Wedding song:

I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
This song speaks to our relationship. We survived years of long distance. We were faced with many trials, but as the songwriters say “we had to learn how to bend without the world caving in.”

Favorite wedding detail:

Favors designed by bride – wedding cake in jars with personalized tags and personalized coffee bags with roasted Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee beans. The string quintet (violin and cello). The groom’s grandmothers making the journey to Jamaica for first time to witness their grandson’s wedding.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

Building a family together, going on adventures, and being there for each other as we achieve our dreams and goals.

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

Live in the moment and enjoy every moment of your day!