We're Getting Married!

We met how most people during COVID met - online. We socially distanced on our first date by skydiving. Skydiving is a huge passion for Scott, but terrifying for Toni. To Toni, the pandemic signaled a good time for risk-taking and trying experiences out of character. Toni was intrigued by Scott's passion for life and his child-like joy was addictive. Scott was impressed that Toni was courageous enough to do back to back dives. We bought a house together 6 months later like crazy people, and 4 years later we are getting hitched.

For the July 4th weekend, Scott planned a trip for Toni to San Diego- a city close enough for Toni to enjoy sun, beaches and sailing trips. Initially Scott wanted to propose during a sailing trip July 1st, but made the wise decision to hold off due to being surrounded by boats with bachelorette parties flashing boobs as they passed by. So Scott improvised the next day by making a reservation to a restaurant (Eddy V's) that he believed would have a beautiful view of the ocean. Unfortunately, the restaurant had 2 locations in San Diego. Instead of a beautiful ocean view- it was a fantastic view of the parking lot with a table setting of sparkling stars and a rose laid out. Toni was quite aware that Scott would be proposing that weekend as he dropped habitual hints of a proposal and ring leading up to the night of the proposal. She could tell it was a huge deal for him because he had been nervous all day and because he was quite upset about the mix up with the dinner location. However, Scott moved passed the mix up and mustered up the courage to get on one knee and propose. Toni said YES!!

Scott was adamant that we needed to hold a wedding for our family and friends to bear witness to our commitment. We discussed where and when we should have the wedding. Scott's family and friends are all based in California, while Toni and her family are originally from Jamaica. Initially, Scott explored Jamaica as an option because he wanted to learn the origin of his future wife and her family. If we are being honest, Scott wanted the opportunity to step foot on paradise and experience the island breeze and legendary beaches (read in Toni's voice). Toni, however, insisted that the distance may pose a significant challenge for her future in laws (Scott's mother and grandmother). After exploring a few local California wedding venues and attending a wedding expo, we quickly realized that local venues could not hold a candle to Jamaica. Toni came around to the idea of having a wedding and enlisted both her mother and father to help with locking down a venue in Jamaica. The only deal breaker for Toni was an "all inclusive" resort. We want our guests to experience the beauty of the island beyond the resort. Toni did an incredible amount of research on the island venues (according to Scott). In her top 5, were Strawberry Hill (in St. Andrew, the parish where she was born), Devon Hall, Cliff Hotel in Negril, Rose Hall Great House and Half Moon (both in Montego Bay). Half Moon won based on distance from airport, flight costs, closeness to a beautiful beach, things to do around the area, and the beauty of the resort. We can't wait to share this next journey with you all!