WEDDING IDEAS

Cheryl’s maids carried small arrangements made by the bride’s friend of one magnolia and a peacock feather. The bridesmaid bouquets matched Cheryl’s bouquet, which was also made up of feathers and magnolias.

David wore a black suit with a white shirt and tie and all-black Converse shoes. His nine groomsmen wore their own black suits with green patterned ties (gifts from the groom) and classic, black-and-white Converse shoes.

The bride‘s gown featured a straight neckline with ruching, but Cheryl’s mom altered and removed the ruching and added an antique broach to the bodice to give it more of a sweetheart neckline. Each one of Cheryl’s eight bridesmaids wore a strapless, tea-length, deep jade-colored dress with an Empire waist.

White lights were strung from round pillars and white paper bag luminaries were placed around the pool and walls of the patio. Guests dined on honey-baked ham, roasted herb chicken quarters, seasoned vegetable medley, and Bahamian peas and rice.

To cut down on costs, Cheryl and David opted out of a DJ or band and instead downloaded songs onto their iPod, which played nonstop throughout the night. They opened up the dance floor to Michael Buble’s version of “You and I” by Stevie Wonder.

Cheryl & David in Nassau, Bahamas

Cheryl and David celebrated their wedding at a family home in Nassau, Bahamas.

Photos By: Adam Barnes Photography, Lynchburg

Location: The bride’s aunt and uncle’s home, Nassau

When one of Cheryl’s coworkers introduced her to her cousin, Cheryl thought she recognized David from somewhere. Turns out that David wasn’t just her coworker’s cousin but Cheryl was also a friend of David’s brother. They soon found out they had even more in common, and two years later, David surprised Cheryl with a proposal and the perfect ring.

The Bride Cheryl Pesce, 24, student
The Groom David Smith, 29, plumbing construction supervisor
The Date March 17

Cheryl and her mom did all the planning themselves. What ensued was a beautiful destination wedding in the Bahamas at Cheryl’s aunt and uncle’s house with a tropical palm tree motif and a green and bronze color scheme.

-- Anja Winikka