Joevel and Reginald's Sexy + Intimate Greek Destination Wedding Features a Diamond Inspired Gown & Candlelit Reception

In this article

Quick Facts:
How did you meet?
Tell us about the proposal.
How did you know they were “The One”?
Did you incorporate any culture in the wedding?
The couple's first look...
It's all about the details.
Describe your wedding style.
Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
It's official!
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
The Reception
Still looking for more gorgeous Greek destination wedding inspiration?
Vendors:

Joevel and Reginald’s journey to their Greek destination wedding (featured in Issue 33!) began when they met at the same event in 2012. After a few months of texting, the couple finally said yes to their first date.

With their relationship in full swing and after deciding to travel to St. Lucia for her 35th birthday, Joevel sat down with Reggie to have an intimate dinner to celebrate surrounded by the breathtaking Piton mountains. During their dinner date, Reggie got to work setting the stage for his perfect surprise proposal by getting Joevel to film a cute video of their surroundings. Little did she know he had other things in mind: a beautiful surprise proposal at the Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel!

The couple then decided to celebrate their vows by traveling to the iconic island of Santorini in Greece. Cavo Ventus, with its amazing views and 200-year-old stone mill, was their luxury venue of choice, where the bride’s exquisite vision of delicate roses to compliment the natural beauty and serenity of their outdoor wedding was realized.

Describing how their location of choice was so important, Joevel explained, “I got married in Santorini, Greece! My destination wedding has left an indelible mark and will remain an unforgettable memory!” With the mesmerizing Aegean Sea in the background and nods to Joeve’s Dominican culture, this Santorini wedding was a magical experience with memories that will last a lifetime.

Keep scrolling for all the details from their Greek destination wedding!

*Pre-order a copy of Issue 33 on our Muna Shop.

Couple: Joevel Edwards & Reginald Mcknight
Location of Wedding: Cavo Ventus, Santorini, Greece
Wedding Date: September 24, 2024
Photographer for Wedding: Phosart Photography and Cinematography
Videographer: Lifestyle Photography Santorini

Quick Facts:

Wedding flowers: I chose to limit the number of flowers at my wedding, opting for just enough to enhance the overall atmosphere. I chose pampas grass, quicksand roses, Vendela roses, and light pink roses for the floral arrangements at my ceremony and for my bridesmaids’ bouquets. These roses were selected for their representation of everlasting love, beauty, utmost respect, timeless grace, enduring love with gentle strength, and elegance. It was important for my flowers to reflect who I am: beautiful, elegant, and graceful. For my bridal bouquet, I decided on white roses, which symbolize love and new beginnings.
Favorite item on the menu: The entire menu was Chef Kiss!! I particularly enjoyed the Black Angus Fillet accompanied by Potato dauphinoise, asparagus, and vinsanto sauce, all expertly prepared by Mario Restaurant. The Angus fillet was cooked to perfection, so tender that it practically melted in my mouth, bursting with flavor and cooked with love. My guests thoroughly enjoyed the culinary offerings, including the late-night snacks. For the late-night option, I opted for the classic gyro, as it is simply irresistible. Have you ever tasted a gyro from Greece? It is truly exquisite.

This Greek destination wedding (ft. in Issue 33) features sexy and intimate details with a diamond-inspired virtually designed wedding dress!

Quick facts continued…

Bridesmaids & groomsmen gifts: I treated each of my bridesmaids to an overnight stay at Kokkinos Villa, which included champagne and wine. Also, a personalized bag filled with personalized hangers, pajamas, robes, slippers, and a champagne flute. In addition, I provided hair accessories, Nyx Tiramisu lip gloss, earrings, and a bracelet. Furthermore, all bridesmaids were gifted Pandora charms, while my maid of honor received a bracelet from Tiffany and Co. My husband presented each of his groomsmen with personalized cigars.
First dance song: For our first dance, we chose “First Time” by Teeks. Upon first hearing this song and truly absorbing its lyrics, I found myself eagerly anticipating the moment I would be embraced by my husband.
Advice for brides: Organizing a wedding can be quite stressful; however, the rewards are significant once the day arrives. Remember, dear bride, that you are beautiful, and this occasion is centered around you. Do not allow anyone to detract you from that. Embrace your day and relish every moment. You have accomplished a great deal and reached the culmination of your efforts. Now is the time to celebrate and enjoy all that you have been anxious about over the past year!

How did you meet?

Our story is well-known to those who are familiar with it, we did not meet in person initially. He observed me and overcame various obstacles to obtain my phone number, leading to several months of texting before we finally met face-to-face. I am grateful for his unwavering determination; he remained persistent and continually demonstrated his commitment to our relationship.

Wedding newspapers are such a fun detail to any ceremony!

The year was 2012, and my friends and I, known as B.A.B.E., organized a cookout in my aunt’s backyard located in East Orange, N.J. During the event, Reggie noticed me as I mingled with guests but was unable to approach him due to his demanding work commitments and the need to leave early. Consequently, he requested his friend Keith to obtain my phone number from my friend Samaiyah, initiating a connection. You know a hook-up, lol.

The first few months, he annoyed me with the sweet messages and the “when am I going to see you” conversations. Who knew this was the person I would be spending the rest of my life with? Reggie maintained his interest and eventually arranged to meet me at my workplace. Following our introduction, we both felt a mutual attraction and expressed a desire to learn more about each other, leading us to plan an official date.

Joevel was giving us nothing but glamour in her bridal robe from, The Bridal Shop London.

He chose a charming cave-themed restaurant in Edgewater, NJ, called The Caves (formerly Archetypus). During our dinner, he unexpectedly asked, “Can you take me home?” I hesitated but ultimately agreed, to which he inquired if I was truly comfortable with it. Despite my apprehensions and thoughts about his intentions, my intuition assured me of his harmlessness.

Those familiar with Reggie know that he has a penchant for humor. As we walked to my car, he suddenly paused and declared, “I don’t need you to take me home.” He then opened his trunk and surprised me with Valentine’s Day gifts, apologizing for not being able to celebrate the occasion with me due to work commitments. From that moment on, our journey together began.

Tell us about the proposal.

We chose to celebrate my 35th birthday with a trip to St. Lucia. Unbeknownst to me, this journey would culminate in my engagement upon returning to the United States. Our accommodation was at a luxurious, adults-only hotel, Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel, offering breathtaking views of the Pitons mountains.

On August 24, 2022, my birthday, Reggie orchestrated a romantic private dinner at the cliffside restaurant The Pavilion.

Prior to dessert, he suggested we capture some photographs and videos, a pastime I thoroughly enjoy. I readily agreed and followed his directions. He then proposed that I film a walk-through video around the corner, where the scenery was truly spectacular.

As I approached the viewpoint, I found Reggie on one knee, ring in hand. Overwhelmed with joy, I let out a scream of pure happiness. He transformed my birthday celebration into an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. He made my birthday exceptionally memorable, and I felt like the happiest girl in the world. I was overjoyed to be marrying my best friend.

How did you know they were “The One”?

I recognized he was the right person for me due to his remarkable patience and gentleness. As a Virgo, I tend to be a perfectionist and can be quite demanding. However, he has never made me feel overwhelmed in his presence, I can embrace my playful side and truly relax. He consistently brings joy to my life, reminding me that laughter is essential. He motivates me to reach my fullest potential, regardless of the fear I express to him. From our very first date, his charismatic nature and charm captured my heart. The way he loves me is unparalleled, and I have never encountered such a profound connection. Everything feels utterly ideal. Just Perfect!

Did you incorporate any culture in the wedding?

We integrated elements of my Dominican culture by featuring bouyon and soca music during the reception of our wedding.

The couple’s first look…

It’s all about the details.

Describe your wedding style.

We desired a wedding that was both small and intimate. My vision encompassed a dreamy wedding adorned with numerous candles, striking a balance between elegant yet sexy and classy. Being meticulous by nature, everything had to be perfect! I took on the responsibility of planning and coordinating the entire event, I journeyed with five suitcases brimming with decorative elements to enhance the atmosphere. It’s all about the details.

Describe your wedding dress and your favorite wedding accessory.

The most challenging aspect of having a bespoke gown created is maintaining the confidentiality of the design and refraining from seeking input from my closest confidant, my husband. The gown!

One of the most challenging tasks was to design a dress entirely through digital means.

Given that my designer is based in Haatso Westlands Boulevard Accra, Ghana, Africa, I had some reservations about whether it would fit properly. However, my designer, Sima Brew Fashion Limited, provided reassurance that everything would turn out perfectly. I envisioned my bespoke dress to radiate like a diamond, ensuring it harmonized with the décor while still making a statement. My designer successfully and skillfully transformed my vision into reality and executed an outstanding and exceptional job on my gown!

I did not possess a singular favorite accessory. Each of my accessories enhanced my overall appearance for this significant occasion, including the headpiece sourced from Amazon, the earrings acquired from Shein, and the shoes purchased from Steve Madden. Together, they successfully contributed to the desired aesthetic I aimed to achieve.

What is your best memory from your wedding?

Getting married to my best friend in one of the most romantic islands in the world, surrounded by our close family and friends–I mean, what more could we ask for? I got married in Santorini, Greece! My destination wedding has left an indelible mark and will remain an unforgettable memory!!

It’s official!

One of the most cherished moments of my wedding day was when my father, Leo Edwards, escorted me down the aisle, an experience that filled me with immense joy. He not only accompanied me down the aisle but also covered the expenses for my custom dress. I feel incredibly fortunate and honored to have created such an unforgettable memory. I mean, isn’t that every girl’s dream when having her perfect dream wedding? Well, it was mine!

Elena, the manager at Cavo Ventus, played a significant role in making my experience truly remarkable. Not to mention, the lighting and DJ company, Santorini Events, provided an unexpected surprise that enhanced my reception area significantly. The addition of string lights above my dinner table was the perfect finishing touch, making my day truly special. My wedding was a dream come true on the most magical and romantic love island in the world!!!

A magical golden hour reception full of candles and pretty pink table decor.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?

Effective communication is essential, regardless of how difficult the subject matter is. It is important to engage in open and honest dialogue while consistently showing respect for one another. Additionally, prioritize regular dating. A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even when they struggle to like each other. Happy wife, happy Life!