“We would do anything for one another. We are both strong willed but have huge hearts,”shares Carlye. I immediately see and feel she is a gorgeous Bride, an amazing mother to their sweet little girl, and fierce girlfriend to her tribe of stunning bridesmaids. From the way she talks about Ryan, I already know that their love is passionate and rare.
Born and raised Texan sweethearts, Carlye & Ryan met through mutual friends out at the lake. The rest, as they say, is history.
Oh, there is one more thing that is evident the moment you meet Carlye & Ryan: they have impeccable taste!! I’m absolutely obsessed with the decor the Jellyfish team came up with under Carlye’s guidance. It was so stunning with bold lush greenery, coconuts, and lanterns!
Seriously though, BOHO SWOON!!!!!!!!!!!!
What inspired your colour palette / decorations / any DIY elements / any unique details or traditions?
“My inspiration was the Dominican Republic’s lush greenery. Green is also my favourite color! As for the rest of my palette, I am VERY neutral. My theme was “Modern Jungle” I wanted it to feel like we were in the jungle, by a beach, in a giant treehouse. That’s exactly what I got. A special element was our “Guest Map” Instead of a wedding book, we had an old map of the Dominican printed and laid out on our welcome table. We wanted all of our guest including ourselves to write something special.”
Carlye on the Proposal: “Ryan proposed to me while out on the town after carrying the ring around in his pocket for DAYS waiting for the right moment to ask.”
Yessssss!!!!!!!
Favourite gifts from one another: “Our daughter.”
Carlye: “I love it when Ryan hugs me, rubs my back, and says I love you. All is right with the world.”
Our perfect day together: “Outdoor activities with sunshine with a nice dinner after.”
Favourite guilty pleasure: “Chocolate cake with ice cream & horror movies.”
Carlye: “With Ryan by my side, my life is different in every aspect … better than I could have ever asked for.”
BRIDE & GROOM POST-WEDDING REFLECTIONS:
Most memorable moments from the Day / Wedding week?
“The night before the Wedding, at our rehearsal dinner… While getting ready to walk down the isle… and lastly, the look on my husband’s face as I made my way to the altar.”
Any regrets? What would you have done differently if you could?
“I would have worn higher heels for our first dance so my dress wouldn’t get in the way!
A part of me would have loved to elope; just us two, and left the stress behind.”
What inspired you to have a destination wedding? How did you pick the venue?
“We ALWAYS wanted a destination/beach wedding, even before we were engaged. I actually read Katya’s blog a long time ago when her and Rob had their lovely wedding at Jellyfish Restaurant, Punta Cana. As I read her blog post about how wonderful the team at Jellyfish was, I did some more research, and booked the venue the next day!”
What inspired your colour palette / decorations / any DIY elements / any unique details or traditions?
“My inspiration was the Dominican Republic’s lush greenery. Green is also my favourite color! As for the rest of my palette, I am VERY neutral. My theme was “Modern Jungle” I wanted it to feel like we were in the jungle, by a beach, in a giant treehouse. That’s exactly what I got. A special element was our “Guest Map” Instead of a wedding book, we had an old map of the Dominican printed and laid out on our welcome table. We wanted all of our guest including ourselves to write something special.”
How to stay on budget while still getting the wedding of your dreams …
“Be weary of spending money frivolously months before your wedding. Save anywhere you can that doesn’t have to do with the wedding needs, and find the best prices possible before making a final desicion. My advice is to cut down on dinning out. However, still have a date night one night a week for one on one time!”
Guest list: how did you narrow down your guest list to a reasonable number?
“Ryan & I had 20 guests. It came down to who was able and available to join on our date. We wanted to keep it very intimate with only closest friends & family.”
Communication: any challenges in keeping your friends & family informed about your wedding plans?
“Yes! Download an app on your phone that lets you communicate with wifi or use FaceTime. Just hope you have a good connection. Have a notepad of all your guests’ room numbers and give them a ring to keep them in the loop when you happen to be in your room. (you won’t be there often, it’s the Caribbean!)”
Bridal buys?
“Try on more than one dress, and save your favourite for last!! As for accessories, spend the money on beautiful pieces. I promise it’s worth it and you can do many things with them after. I wore an ivory hat and it took a lot of searching for the right one! My wedding Gown: “WTOO Elise.” I had my seamstress remove fabric to be completely backless, turned the original beaded straps into tear drop straps. I made this dress my own, after finding it in a bridal boutique close to where I live, in Texas.”
Were there any special heirloom pieces used? (Veil / engraved wedding rings / something blue?
“Yes, I was surprised by my big sister with an heirloom white + blue handkerchief to dry my tears that was passed down to me from 4 generations of my family. Also, a very old black & white photo of my Father & my Pawpaw.”
Which image(s) is/are your favourite and why?
“OMG all of them! I cannot just choose a few. These photos are beyond meaningful to me in so many ways. Every time I look at these I get to see my husband, myself, & our daughter celebrating our love for each other all as one. Katya & Rob are incredible photographers!!”
Any advice for future Brides/Grooms?
“Try not to stress about things you cannot control! Be in the moment! It only lasts about 5 seconds and then your husband is carrying you out.”
ALL THE DETAILS
- venue: Jellyfish Restaurant, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- resort Melia Tropical Caribe
- flowers, entertainment, menu stationary Jellyfish Wedding Team
- Wedding Gown: “WTOO Elise.” I had my seamstress remove fabric to be completely backless, turned the original beaded straps into tear drop straps. I made this dress my own, after finding it in a bridal boutique close to where I live, in Texas.
- bride’s shoes: Sam Edelman Yaro Heel
- bride’s accessories: necklaces & attachment back necklace from AmyObridal on Etsy (her jewelry is lovely); ear crawler – Etsy Designbydd
- groom’s attire Studiosuits.com
- bridesmaids dresses: All different dresses to fit their individual personalities ???? (All from Revolve.com & one from Neiman Marcus)
- bridesmaids accessories: only fresh Dominican flowers & greenery
- flowers girl Tea Princess Australia “Baby Chloe Dress”
- Invitations were custom from MoePaperCo Etsy
- Hair & make-up: Carlye herself!
- Cake: Cake Studio Bavaro (Ana Bello)
- decor: Clara Adams & Gianna Martinez
- officiant: Father in law, Tom Esselman
- other Etsy designers: Snugaheart
- rings: Bermuda Jewelry Grapevine TX
- honeymoon: Dominican Republic & Italy
- Favours / gifts: Wedding Party (Custom bags, Bridesmaid custom Robes, Victoria Secret perfume, & NYX matte lipsticks. Custom bags, custom flasks with marvel/dc comic logo’s, & leather wallets. Custom handkerchief for mother of the bride, and mother of the groom.)
Dearest Carlye & Ryan, loving hugs to your beautiful family from sunny Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! Hope you feel our love as you revisit the highlights of your AMMMMAZING Big Day through our eyes. Swoooooooon! Xoxoxo Katya + Rob + family.
