A Caribbean-Inspired Wedding at The US Grant in San Diego, California

Bridgette Wiley’s (28 and a software engineer) Caribbean heritage informed the design of her wedding to Alex Powell (35 and also a software engineer) at a private estate near San Diego. “I’ve always been proud of my Caribbean background: the culture, the beaches, the music, the food and the drinks,” Bridgette says. “There’s never a dull moment when you’re around Caribbeans.” The couple threw a tropical getdown complete with palm leaves, hot pink blooms, dishes served in hollowed-out coconuts and plenty of high-energy island music. For Bridgette's look, “I wanted to make a bold statement with my hairstyle,” she says. The bride rocked baby’s breath in her natural Afro along with a tulle and lace mermaid-style gown. At the backyard ceremony, monstera, banana and palm leaves topped the wedding arch while rustic wood bowls and tropical fruit covered tables at the reception. Before ramping up the atmosphere with Caribbean soca jams, Alex performed Elton John’s “Your Song” on the piano for Bridgette and their guests. “I hadn’t fully anticipated the nervousness of witnessing her reaction,” he says. “It felt as if I was talking just to her.” Afterward, the newlyweds cut into a lemon and lavender cake, which featured cascading gum-paste tropical leaves and wafer paper bougainvillea.