Real Beach Weddings: Lauren and Stuart’s Caribbean party

This travel-loving couple found a tropical paradise for their perfect big day. Our WED2B real weddings feature reveals more:

Lauren and Stuart knew straight away they wanted to marry abroad after getting engaged while on holiday in Lanzarote. “We both love going on holiday and visiting new places,” say Lauren. “We were looking for somewhere closer to home but then the travel agent showed us the beautiful gazebo at the Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, and knew this was it! About nine years ago my mum and dad renewed their wedding vows in the Dominican Republic and it was beautiful.”

Dressed to impress

Lauren wore WED2B’s Gaynor dress. “The Bristol store and staff couldn't have done any more for me or been any more patient!” she says. “They encouraged me to try on several different designs and styles that I wouldn’t have dreamt of trying on by myself."

“The minute I stepped out in front of my mum and Stuart's mum in Gaynor we all welled up,” says Lauren. “I immediately felt comfortable in it. It’s also a light, soft dress so I knew it would suit the warm location." The only addition was an extra belt to match Stuart's suit.

Tropical climes

35 of the couple’s family and friends were waiting at the resort’s beach gazebo for the ceremony. “When we first saw everyone in front of the beautiful background of blue sea and white sand scattered with rose petals we were completely overwhelmed,” says Lauren. "We knew we'd made the right decision."

Real Beach Weddings: Lauren and Stuart

After the ceremony there were photographs on the beach before everyone headed to the piano bar for drinks. The wedding breakfast was held at the resort’s restaurant with a table for 35 overlooking the sea. “It looked perfect,” says Lauren, “and if we could do it all again we wouldn’t change a single thing. Everything was better than we had ever dreamed of.”

Did your wedding have the wow factor? If you would like to be a part of our real weddings feature send your favourite photo to info@wed2b.co.uk and we’ll be in touch!