The Tribune

At exactly 1600 hours (4pm) on January 16, 16 couples across 16 islands in the Bahamas said ‘I do’ simultaneously in their dream wedding ceremonies arranged by the Ministry of Tourism.

Last year, the ministry gave away all-expenses-paid-for destination weddings to 16 US couples as part of its “16 Weddings, 16 Couples, One Priceless Day” promotional social media contest.

The contest offered the 16 couples round-trip airfare for four, meals and accommodation for four. The couples also received gifts, including the bridal gown, tuxedo and the rings.

Couple ‘lost in embrace’ in Bimini

BIMINI – Cristina Gaston and Rodolfo Leschhorn celebrated the theme “Lost in Your Embrace” for their special day. Even though there were rain clouds on the horizon, the gazebo at Resorts World Bimini overlooking the turquoise ocean still offered up a tranquil scene. As the inclement weather rolled in and Bimini Administrator Oscar Munroe preformed the ceremony, the couple was all smiles as they pledged their declaration of love, kissed and embraced each other in the presence of over 100 guests of family and friends.

An islander at heart, Cristina has visited the Bahamas many times and wished that her special day take place in the islands. “We got our dream wedding. It really is better in the Bahamas. It was everything I hoped it would be and more,” she said.

The coupled celebrated late into the night with family and friends.

Texan couple on song for ‘Seaside Serenade’ in Exuma

EXUMA – The pristine, aquamarine waters of Exuma in the Bahamas served as the ideal backdrop for the dream wedding of Texan couple Lauren Gough and Stephen Swangstu.

Kathryn Gough and Judith Swangstu, the mothers of the bride and groom respectively, served as witnesses for the couple, while 12 other family members shared in the intimate, elegant and conch shell-lined beachfront ceremony. Live steel pan music entertained the guests in the “Seaside Serenade” themed ceremony.

Guests were served an assortment of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, red velvet wedding cake, and sipped on green caramel apple martini, the signature drink for the couple.

The couple selected Exuma for the wedding because it is a destination known for its unique ‘swimming with the pigs’ programme – an activity which was a ‘must do’ item on the bride’s bucket list.

“The Bahamas is also the most beautiful place in the world,” said Stephen.

Often regarded as the playground for the rich and famous, Exuma is home to many famous stars including Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage and David Copperfield. A boater’s paradise, rich in culture and history, Exuma is known for its beautiful mid-ocean sand banks, stunning beaches, blue holes, iguanas, bone fishing and breathtaking crystal clear waters.

Abaco lighthouse puts Florida couple in the spotlight

ABACO – The famous candy-striped lighthouse on Hope Town provided the perfect backdrop for the wedding of Wanjira Banfield to Pierre Alex Demosthene. Drizzling rain that started to intensify at exactly 4pm did not stop the wedding. Minister Silbert Mills began the ceremony on time, and as the rain continued umbrellas were brought out to cover the heads of the bridal party.

The Florida couple’s “Light Up My Life” themed wedding that took place atop a hill at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge.

And as an avid traveller, WanJira had already visited the Bahamas in the past and fell in love with the islands on her very first visit. She considers the Bahamas a place where history and the landscape empower beauty, and where each island is as unique as the people who reside there.

“There is simply no other place on this planet that I would love to tell the man who has stolen my heart ‘I do’,” the bride said.