The Wedding Story of... Melody & Lamar Spencer

What could be more romantic than a getaway to a tropical paradise? Melody and Lamar Spencer found the answer by saying their vows under the warm Jamaican sun with their closest friends and family sharing in their day. 

 

 

 

When two personalities suit each other so perfectly it doesn’t take long to fall in love. “His calm, logical, and understanding personality and my bubbly and carefree attitude really balance each other out,” Melody said. They met at Trine University in February of 2006, and before Lamar left in May for an internship in Florida he had to let Melody know that he loved her. Five years later the couple were enjoying dinner at a local restaurant when Lamar asked for her hand, and she was so overjoyed that she couldn’t stop crying. 

 

 

 

 

The Fort Wayne couple decided to have a wedding-moon at the Sandals Resort on Negril Beach, famous for its stretch of white-sand beaches and turquoise water. The adults-only resort situated along this seven-mile beach proved to be a perfect place to kick back and enjoy a wedding where everything had been arranged in advance so the stress could melt away.  

 

Planning a destination wedding has its own array of complications, but the travel agent and wedding coordinators at the Sandals Resort made everything run smoothly. They were thorough helping them make decisions, and had lots of tips for the pair. Although Melody and Lamar were stressed in the beginning and unsure of how to plan a legal ceremony outside of the United States, the travel agent helped to calm their fears and put them at ease. “I felt more comfortable than ever when departing for Jamaica,” Melody said. 

 

 

 

 

On a warm October day under a white wooden cabana on the beach, the couple exchanged personal vows. “The words were so meaningful when hearing him say them,” Melody said.  “It was truly special!” To tie into their beach wedding, the couple incorporated a sand ceremony. Representing the true blending of their lives, this simple ceremony was visually beautiful and symbolically expressive. 

 

To continue a family tradition, Melody wore her great grandmother’s ring and handkerchief pinned to her garter (her mom and sister had also worn them on their wedding days). She chose a sweetheart fit-and-flare gown with a corseted back and a romantic hint of pink in the side split. A brooch that matched her lace hair comb accented with beads and crystals added a touch of sparkle. Lamar was stunning in a casual white suit. 

 

 

 

 

At the reception, the food was as colorful as the tropical location. Sandals had a selection of themes and décor so that the couple could completely customize their day. With a breathtaking backdrop of palm trees, bright greenery, and the beach, additional decoration was kept simple. Highlighting the natural beauty of the setting, they added touches of purples and greens and the flicker of tea-lights. Fresh magenta dendrobium orchids perfectly complemented the tropical beach theme. The couple enjoyed their first dance to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. The intimate guest list of thirty made the wedding all the more special as they were surrounded by family and close friends, who brought a lot of joy to the celebration. “The people that did go to share our special day with us made it that much more memorable,” Melody said.

 

A wedding and honeymoon rolled into one allowed Melody and Lamar to let go of all their pre-wedding stress and fully bask in the celebration and love of a new marriage. “We had nothing to worry about once we got there and truly just lived in the moment.”