Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Love in the Bahamas: A Wedding in Abaco

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I first met Angie in 2008. We’d been email pals for the year prior, as introduced by our mutual friend and her colleague Erica, and I was working on some Bahamas coverage. I flew to meet her in Abaco, she held my fin as I overcame my fear of the ocean and got my diving certification, and we’ve been close pals ever since.

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

In the years that followed, we’d make several jaunts to the Caribbean together—St. Kitts, Bonaire, Aruba, the Bahamas again—as well as see each other in our own home states (Tennessee for me, Florida for her). What I’m saying is, Angie is my people, and when she got engaged last Valentine’s Day, I knew SVV and I would do what it took to make it to her wedding.

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

That was last month. As the former publicist for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism—and the 700-island nation’s biggest cheerleader—there was only one place Angie truly ever considered getting married. And it wasn’t easy; it was downright opposite if I’m being honest. Rather than harp on all the shortcomings of the resort during her wedding week, head over to her blog to read about the fiascoes behind the scenes and then come back here to see just how beautiful a day she managed to create despite everything else.

The Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

SVV and I arrived the Tuesday before her Friday wedding. We had planned to do some diving, some SUP, some kayaking—none of that happened due to resort construction and high-speed winds, so instead, we just chilled at the resort. I’m not going to lie: It was nice not having an agenda for a change!

The Bahamas | Traveling from Grand Bahama to Abaco
The Bahamas | Traveling from Grand Bahama to Abaco

We’d never met Rick before, but immediately I could see why Angie fell in love with him. He’s charming, funny, outgoing and good-looking to boot—how could you not like this guy? Total hunk, right?

The Bahamas | Traveling from Grand Bahama to Abaco

Abaco is definitely a sleepy island, but it’s the sleepiest in October when much of the place shuts down for renovations. Last time I was in the area, we stayed at Green Turtle Club, but unfortunately it was shut down for maintenance. For those heading back to these parts, I’d definitely recommend checking it out or renting one of the many Airbnb rentals on the isle.

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Luckily, Angie had planned dinners or get-togethers most nights, so we had plenty to do once evening rolled around.

The Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

The bar and restaurant at the resort we were staying at wasn’t open (see: construction) so we wandered down the coast a couple times for meals at Coco Beach Bar, which was both delicious and had awesome service.

The Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

We also had dinner at the Tipsy Seagull, another casual bar and grille, twice. And maybe a rum punch or three. Though Abaco is the Bahamas’ second largest island, Treasure Cay doesn’t really have a ton of dining options, so we stuck to those two for the majority of our meals those four days. There are more bustling areas on the island, but you need a rental car to get around and it’s expensive to do that, so most of us just took an $85 cab to and from the airport and then stuck to walking.

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

The Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Back at the resort, we all watched with bated breath as the construction crew soldiered on: Was it going to be ready by the big day? Things weren’t looking so good for awhile—but in the end, they finished it with just hours to spare.
The Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

When Angie floated down the aisle, the stress of the rest of the week melted away (at least I hope it did; it sure seemed like she was Zen!). She was a glowing bride with perfect hair and makeup, as always.

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I mean, Rick, you weren’t bad yourself, buddy.

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

There was a Bahamian minister set to perform the ceremony, only—sike!—Angie’s brother Hodgie stepped in to do the honors instead.

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

In my mind, I always thought he was going to be the one who officiated Angie’s wedding, so it only made sense to me that he was standing up there with her and Rick. And he was the perfect officiant, too. I think you have a second career to fall back on if you ever need, Hodgie!
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

After the short beach ceremony, we all went into the pavilion for cocktail hour and passed apps before moving onto dinner and dancing.

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Of all the destination weddings I’ve been to, this was my first ever on the beach. And what luck Angie had with absolutely perfect weather: not too hot, not at all cool, just perfect balmy October warmth with a slight breeze.

The Bahamas | Traveling from Grand Bahama to Abaco

SVV even met a cousin he didn’t know he had! This is BA, the photographer and a fellow Dutch “van” from New York. Can’t you see the family resemblance?

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

We had already spent four nights prior in the Grand Bahama area—more on that next week—so the morning after the wedding, it was off to the airport and back to the United States. Despite the resort’s shortcomings, SVV and I had a great and much-needed break while in Abaco—it’s so rare that we not only travel together but don’t have an agenda and also don’t have Internet access—and I’m so happy for Angie and Rick. To many years of excellent adventures! And just think: Marriage will be a breeze after the ordeal you endured to make it official.

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco
Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

Love in the Bahamas | A Destination Wedding in Abaco

COMMENTS
  • November 26, 2015

    Wow!! it feels like heaven on the earth. The couple looks amazing together, I heard a lot about the Bahamas and their beauties.

    • November 27, 2015

      Aren’t they the prettiest couple? They definitely did the setting justice!

  • November 26, 2015
    Jade

    you and Scott look like models! Maybe it’s the beach glow but hello babe alert!

    • November 27, 2015

      Um, this is why we’re (best) friends. I love you!

  • November 26, 2015

    It’s great that you gave their wedding story a positive swing! Your pictures are gorgeous!

    • November 27, 2015

      Thank you, Dominique! I so appreciate that!

  • November 27, 2015

    I always love your photography but wow, you and SVV took amazing photos (especially of each other!) on this little getaway. Wish I could have been there with y’all <3

    • November 27, 2015

      I so wish you had been there! We’ll make up for it next year: #VineyardBound2016 😉

  • November 27, 2015

    I love your photography <3
    Wow!! it feels like heaven on the earth.

    • November 27, 2015

      Thank you so much! It is indeed a gorgeous setting and hard to take a bad photo 😉

  • November 27, 2015

    What’s not to love about Bahamas? Absolutely nothing. It really shows a happy couple and a girl who fulfilled her childhood fantasies. To be wed in such a beautiful and lovely place.

    • December 1, 2015

      I agree, Marie! Have you been before?

  • November 30, 2015

    You captured our day so beautifully and I second Jade’s comment: babe alert! I love all the shots of you and Scott. As usual, our Bahamas trip was a comedy of errors but what’s new?! Par for the course as far as you and me are concerned!! Fingers crossed we can make Martha’s Vineyard work… we need another trip with you guys where construction isn’t the main event 😉

    • December 1, 2015

      HA! We should have expected as much, right? Martha’s Vineyard for your (almost) one-year, for sure!

  • December 1, 2015

    Thank you i also wish Angie and the husband happy marriage.

  • December 1, 2015

    Beautiful pictures!

  • December 6, 2015

    Beautiful bride, friends, family, destination and gorgeous photographs!

    • December 10, 2015

      I so agree: She is the prettiest, inside and out! Thank you for your sweet words, as always, Karla =)

  • August 15, 2017

    Beautiful couple, may your marriage be blessed with happiness, peace and wonderful children.

  • January 11, 2018

    Great couple indeed. Looks nice and lovely !

  • January 3, 2024
    Sydah

    Wow, what a beautiful story and beautiful wedding and people too.

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