After meeting at a music festival with friends, Ben Morgan asked Devlin Kenny if she wanted to get a drink. She responded, “Sure! How’s maybe Tuesday or Wednesday?” – before realizing he meant right then from the bar during Vance Joy’s performance. “And that’s how our first date happened!” shares Devlin. “We’ve been together ever since.” Just over three years later, Ben proposed and they began planning their nuptials.
When deciding where to host their wedding, the pair had to make a decision between two very different locations. “Our first choice to make was whether to get married where we live – in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – or where most of our friends and family live in Canada,” remembers Devlin. “We quickly realized Grand Cayman is where our hearts are and where most of our love story has taken place… an amazing opportunity to show our new island home to our nearest and dearest.”
Since their wedding was local to them but a destination for about 90% of their 112 guests, the pair focused their attention on making sure their friends and family had the best time possible. “We were also having a wedding on the larger side for Cayman, so working with vendors who had experience with events over 100 people was key,” describes the bride. “Cassie from Celebrations provided her recommendations, and they were all incredible!”
Desiring a classically elegant vibe that strayed from the expected barefoot beach wedding, finding a venue that complemented their aesthetic was key. “Situated on the southern coast of the island, the national historic site felt grand yet classic,” Devlin shares of Pedro St. James Castle. “With an expansive lawn overlooking the ocean and a gazebo for the ceremony, we knew this was the perfect spot to host our guests.”
Friends and family joined together alfresco for the ceremony at the site’s gazebo. The bride was gorgeous in an ethereal gown, while bridesmaids donned dresses in blush. Since Ben was born in Scotland and comes from a Scottish family, he donned a traditional kilt, something he had always told Devlin he wanted to do. The ceremony florals, including the bouquets, also featured a nod to the groom’s heritage: blue thistle accents with white and blush lisianthus, garden roses, and seeded eucalyptus. To personalize the service even more, the bride and groom shared heartfelt vows they had written together.
When it came time for the reception, friends and family joined together in a large tented structure, which had been built just for the event, as the venue is essentially a blank canvas. “We wanted an elegant wedding design that wouldn’t compete with the natural beauty of our surroundings,” confirms the bride. Thus, natural materials such as wood tables and chairs were incorporated into the décor, and the color palette showcased minimal white, gold, and green accents. Beautiful chandeliers of greenery were suspended overhead, and string lights created a twinkling glow once the sun went down.
Following a delectable sit-down dinner service featuring classic Italian dishes with an island twist, friends and family enjoyed dancing together and celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs. “From the food to the music, the décor, and everything in between, everything felt like us,” affirms the bride.
The pair felt extremely lucky to celebrate with so many loved ones who traveled for the big day – especially as the entire world was about to change. “In hindsight, the most unique and memorable aspect of our wedding was that it happened at all. Just three short weeks later, the world began to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” shares Devlin. “Our wedding was the last time we were able to see most of our friends and family, and we’re so grateful it was for such a happy and memorable occasion.”