Kendra and Donnell met in the ninth grade in high school in 2003. They casually dated for a year until Donnell officially made Kendra his girlfriend on the eve of her first swim meet of senior year. The couple has been together ever since. Check out their tropical "Forever Young" themed destination wedding at the Moon Dance Cliffs Resort, on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Every moment of their special day was captured by Brian Nejedly of Brian Nejedly Photography
Bride: Kendra NaKia Young, 26, IT Specialist
Groom: Donnell Gregory Young, 27, Licensed Barber/Federal Government
Place of residence: Maryland
Wedding date: 5/3/14
Wedding location: Negril, Jamaica
Honeymoon Destination: Jamaica
Engagement story:
{From the Groom} Kendra’s 25th birthday was coming up and she wanted to take a trip to Atlanta. Knowing that she loves to plan trips and events, I knew I had to make it special. My initial plan was altered due to weather conditions, but thank God we saw a horse and carriage walking the streets on our first night. Prior to making the horse and carriage arrangements, I carried the ring in my pocket throughout the entire day, hoping for that perfect moment to pop the question. Nothing we did that day seemed special enough, so I arranged a time for the horse and carriage that night. I prompted the driver ahead of time of my intended plans. Kendra is a lover of anything aquatic, so I asked him to take us by the fountain so we can take pictures. He did just that and while he was taking pictures, I gave him a little nod, turned to my lovely fiance and began my spiel. I proceeded to take a knee and she turned away from me with tears of joy. After she recovered I asked for her hand in marriage and she proudly said YES!
From the Groom:
The overall experience was a blessing to have our closest friends and family travel so far and have so many people that wanted to share in the experience. The big day I was calm until an hour before the ceremony. I began to feel anxious and once I saw the guests and Kendra started to walk down the aisle, I could no longer act macho, the tears began to flow!
Your best/most memorable moment:
From the Bride- Walking down the aisle felt like an outer body experience. I had dreamed of that moment for years and once I saw my groom I got tunnel vision. Everyone else went blurry and the tears kept flowing.
From the Groom- Seeing her walk down the aisle she was so gorgeous
From the Bride: My wedding experience was amazing and I felt absolutely beautiful! Some of my initial plans were altered that day because the wind was so excessive. The florist wasn’t able to put up the wonderful centerpieces we worked so hard on. The day went by so fast that I forgot to get certain details captured on film so I was a little upset until our guests assured me it was the best and most unique wedding they’ve experienced. Once the photos came in it was the icing on the cake!
What makes your love special?
These days it’s not as common to see relationships still going strong since you were teenagers. In 11 years, life throws a lot your way and we’ve been able to grow and learn together which has made us stronger.
Favorite wedding detail:
We loved our wedding cake topper. Especially since our dog was not able to join us on the big day.
Wedding song:
Anthony Hamilton- Point of It All. The song came out when we were in college and it had so much meaning. We also started a choreographed dance to a remix of songs about halfway through. We’re not the type to slow dance the entire time.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
Having kids and raising them together as a family.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
It’s all about teamwork. Focus on God and each other. The wedding planning process is so stressful and it can break you, if you let it. Everything will not go as you plan so absorb it and remember the guests don’t know if anything goes wrong, only you, so enjoy it!
Congrats to newlyweds Kendra and Donnell! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!
Vendors:
Photographer: Brian Nejedly
Ceremony & Reception: Moon Dance Cliffs
http://www.moondanceresorts.com/cliffs/
Bridal gown: Mary’s Designer Bridal Boutique
Bridal party attire:
Groom’s tux: Jos. A Bank
Cake: Noida Cooke Cakes by Noida
Favors: http://www.beau-coup.com/
Wedding planners:
Kerry Parkinson-Moon Dance Cliffs
Music: DJ Buck
www.jamaicaweddingdj.com
Hair and makeup:
Hair: Bridgett Hall
Heather Smith- In Your Face Beauty Bar
Flowers: Rose Marie
http://www.floralfantasiesjamaica.com/
Stationery: Ceremony Program Fans
http://www.printglobe.com/
Videographer Roxroy Gough
http://www.roxroygoughcinematography.com/
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink
