1. Real Weddings

Lauren & James: A Destination Wedding in Negril, Jamaica

Lauren and James met during their sophomore year in college, and although Lauren asked James out several times, he always politely declined. After gra

Lauren and James met during their sophomore year in college, and although Lauren asked James out several times, he always politely declined. After graduation, James moved to Boston for law school where Lauren was living. It was then that he finally asked her out -- and she jumped at the chance to go on a date with her longtime crush. The Bride Lauren Wahtera, 29, nurse practitioner The Groom James Czapla, 29, attorney The Date April 26 Four-and-a-half years later, Lauren and James were living in Boston while she was in graduate school. They talked about marriage and Lauren figured James would propose when she finished school. But on a random Tuesday night in November, James took Lauren out to a romantic dinner and for a walk around their neighborhood. They stopped in front of the house Lauren lived in when they started dating, and James dropped to one knee and proposed. They later wed in an oceanfront wedding in Negril, Jamaica.

The cocktail hour was held on a modern stone patio by the pool. Steel drums played while the guests sipped drinks and enjoyed the ocean views.
As the sun set, candles, tiki torches, and twinkle lights lit the ethereal scene as guests dined and danced on the balcony of the picturesque Rockhouse Hotel.
Lauren and James exchanged vows at the Oval Stone Deck.
James' four groomsmen sported tan suits with baby blue ties while he wore a matching suit with an orange tie with blue flowers.
Lauren weaved her hair into a low bun and accented the classic look with a white flower and a floral lace-trimmed veil.
They said I do overlooking the ocean just as the sun set.
The Ceremony
The couple kicked off the reception with a dance to Sweet Thing by Van Morrison, and then the DJ played their favorite tunes from an iPod throughout the night.
Square programs with orange print and a floral motif were fastened to Hawaiian-style fans and placed on each seat.
Teal napkins and white menus printed with a teal floral design adorned each place setting and added to the tropical Jamaican vibe.
Guests dined at long rectangular tables with wicker chairs overlooking the ocean.
Cream table cards featured a floral print design around the edges.
The bridesmaids donned bright berry cocktail dresses in different silhouettes.
Hand-calligraphied escort cards featured the same floral design that was on the menus, which tied the ceremony and the reception together seamlessly.
The bride's rose and orchid bouquet was wrapped with natural-colored raffia.