Do you want to know the BEST part about destination weddings?  Every single one is different! You don't have to follow any traditional norms—or any norms at all!

You already know I think everyone should have a destination wedding because of how unique and exciting they are, but are they really all that?

Well, don't take my word for it! Checkout Jamonika and Shane's story to see what they thought:

Couple: Shane & Jamonika

Resort: Royalton Blue Waters, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Photography: Hope Stevens, Hope Stevens Photography

What made you choose this resort?

We got an insider tip from our wedding planner that a new resort was getting ready to open in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The reviews for the White Sands portion of the hotel for weddings, and for the hotel itself, were good so we decided to go for it. We also heard great things about the quality of service the Royalton brand provides. I must admit, it was a bit nerve-racking booking the venue unseen, but it totally worked out in the end. 

How did you make the decision to do a destination wedding?

I had always been curious about destination weddings, but because I was afraid of flying, I quickly dismissed that option. After attending a destination wedding in Mexico (Shane' s brother's wedding), I was drawn in by the experience, luxury, and most of all the additional time you get to have with your guests. We wanted our guests to have an unbelievable time, and our wedding to be an event to remember. Conquering a fear and having an amazing wedding experience was of immeasurable value to me, don't let fear hold you back!

Funniest moment of the weekend?

I would say my cousin getting knocked down by a wave and rolling over in the sand, which she couldn't get out of her hair completely for about a week. 

Most memorable moment?

The most memorable moment of the weekend was the reception. The music was great, the food was fantastic, and the staff was fun…. drinks were flowing and the late-night pool party was epic. 

How did you personalize your wedding?

That was the most difficult part for me. I'm a very creative DIY type of person, and having to sacrifice some of that creative control was tricky. I made my own bouquet and the boutonnieres with faux flowers. We added personal touches to our ceremony including a hand washing ceremony, and my bridesmaids carried lighted boxes instead of flowers. We could choose our own color scheme which the hotel worked diligently with us to match, and brought a personalized cake topper with us.

What are three words that sum up the whole destination wedding experience?

SO MUCH FUN

The best part of your trip?

Just knowing that our guests had such an amazing experience and it will be something they will talk about for years to come. 

The biggest piece of advice for couples considering a destination wedding?

Make sure you have an excellent wedding planner and travel agent to ensure the best experience possible. For new resorts, give them about 6-8 months prior to your event occurring, they are making major changes to ensure a positive guest experience for all and it takes a little while.  Be sure to follow up on every request. Somebody can make it happen, and if not you'll have fun anyway!

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.