Ocean Eden Bay Resort

Pre-Wedding Day Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Join us for our Wedding Celebration!

Our Wedding

Our story began when we met online and instantly connected. Our connection led to our first few dates where we knew immediately there was something special between us

Within months of dating we decided on a bold move of going on an out of state trip to Disney World together. This was when we both knew things were getting very real!

This action, lead to a foundation of travel and exploration in our relationship. A few months after going to Disney World we went to Chicago to watch the fireworks for July 4th weekend. It was here something big happened.... While on the Lake Michigan cruise watching the Fireworks, Tannice tells Victor she loves him for the first time and he felt the same towards her!

We then decided to meet each other’s family. Victor introduced Tannice to his family first, then Tannice hers. Both families welcomed us with open and loving arms.

As time went on we went on many more travels and adventures together across the US and even the world! Traveling for us is a love language.

In mid-2024 we were planning our annual trip back to Jamaica. Knowing that this is the person that he wants to spend the rest of his life with Victor started to formulate a plan on how to propose. He covertly started planning, selected a ring, and picked a resort venue to propose during their trip to Jamaica. Victor was very intentional in how he planned the trip. He ensured he planned the second half of the trip to be at the Venue that he way he could ask Tannice's father for his approval (which was given without hesitation). We head to the resort after spending the Holidays with Tannice's family and Victor had everything in place. He had a photo session set up and ready to go on the last day of the trip. We got to the area by the water he chose and he nervously pulled out the ring. She said yes! That lands us where we are now planning our wedding! We are extremely excited for this new chapter and we chose you to be apart of it! Thank you for loving us and helping to shape us to who we are today. Our wedding is a celebration of our love but also of family and friends. We can't wait to have you attend!

Our Story

Due to damages to Secrets Resort from Hurricane Melissa, the hotel is now closed until further notice. We have selected Ocean Eden Bay Resort instead for our guests to stay! This is a gorgeous all inclusive modern resort only 40 mins from Montego Bay Sangsters International Airport and 20 mins from the wedding venue! The rooms are currently available for 20% discount from now until January 6, 2026! This is an ALL INCLUSIVE hotel which means unlimited food, drinks (including alcohol) and activities are included in the price for the rooms. Minimum 3 nights stay Please note this is an ADULTS ONLY resort. There is another side to the resort called Ocean Coral Spring that is not adults only. Guests staying at Ocean Eden Bay will have access to Ocean Coral Spring Rooms are by availability. Book early to secure the room you want. Thank you all for celebrating with us and for accommodating this unforeseen change due to the hurricane. See you all soon!

Ocean Eden Bay - Adults Only

Book transportation from the airport to the hotel with Real Tours Jamaica. Visit their website to schedule your transfer from the airport to Ocean Eden Bay Resort Jamaica Use our code for discount on transportation: AlamParty Please book airport transfers to hotel at least 48 hours prior to departure to Jamaica

Airport Transfer to Ocean Eden Bay Resort

Please visit the Jamaican immigration website to complete their immigration forms prior to departure to Jamaica. Ensure you have a saved photocopy of the completed form on your phone. This will make your immigration process very smooth! If not completed prior to arrival you will need internet connection to complete the form in the Jamaican airport, which can be challenging

Jamaica Entry Form

Travel / Accommodations

Overview of Timeline The wedding location will be off the resort property on Dairy Road, Discovery Bay, Jamaica Transportation from Ocean Eden Resort will be provided to the wedding venue. The wedding venue is 20 mins from the hotel, traffic permitting. Shuttles will leave Ocean Eden Resort at 3pm sharp. The wedding is set to start at 4pm. There will be multiple shuttles back to the resort from the venue starting at 10pm with the last shuttle at 12am If staying off the resort, please arrange your own transportation to arrive at the venue by 3:30pm. There will be signs directing guests to the property. Please follow parking attendant guide for on site parking

Day of Wedding

Photos

Rakay is Tannice’s sister and is the nomad of the family. Rakay is a fierce protector of her family and friends. She has an infectious laugh and is always down for a good time

Rakay Bennett

Tannice met Yasmin during residency and became very fast friends. Yasmin lights up the room whenever she walks in. She always makes everyone feel welcomed and goes the extra mile for her friends

Yasmin Hasbini

Tannice met Ashley back in 6th grade. They consider themselves long lost sisters. She’s always the life of the party and brings crazy energy

Ashley Henry

Somianne and Tannice have been friends since 1st form (7th grade). Somianne is the friend that remembers everything! She is very compassionate and was always present through some difficult times

Somianne Gayle

Chantae and Tannice first met while in University in 2014. They joined the same sorority and have been friends ever since. Hailing also from Jamaica they quickly bonded over their culture and being immigrants living in Miami where neither of them spoke Spanish. Chantae is always down to go on an adventure or to eat good food!

Chantae Brown

Merek is Victor's brother and best friend since birth. He is the artsy and creative brain of the family, the opposite of Victor, but they balance each other well

Merek Alam

Joe and Victor have been friends since 2011. Being an Episcopalian Pastor he is holy with a sense of humor. He always knows the right things to say to make any situation better

Joe Kennedy

Gabe is Victor's longest friend. They've been friends for over 22 years! Gabe has been with Victor through every major life event. He is the person that will always bring a party to life!

Gabriel Farah

Jayson and Victor have been friends for over 16 years. Jayson is the hospitable friend. He is always fun to be around and makes everyone feel welcomed. 

Jayson Davis

Wedding Party

Registry

WHAT IS SEMI-FORMAL/DRESSY CASUAL?

Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats). Semi-formal or dressy casual wedding attire for women calls for tropical dresses, suits, or jumpsuits. (Feel free to include prints, avoiding anything too loud.) If you choose to wear a beachy dress, specifically, consider a tea-length or maxi look to avoid looking too casual. Not sure what shoes to wear? Dressy sandals, chunky heels, and wedges are acceptable footwear options.       As for men, settle on a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie. Semi-formal gives you flexibility on comfort, but be sure not to dress too casually. While a jacket isn’t required, a breathable sports coat or unique blazer is a fun choice. Additionally, don't be afraid to include prints, but avoid anything too loud that would take the attention away from the couple. On the shoe front, your footwear can be a little more casual, but they absolutely must be a close-toe option, such as a loafer or deck shoe. Again, shorts and sandals are not permitted.

Q + A

Climb this beautiful and iconic waterfall in Ocho Rios

Dunn's River Falls

Bobsled, zip line, swim or ride roller coasters through the mountain! 

Mystic Mountain

Swim with Dolphins and watch them perform! 

Dolphin Cove

Go horseback riding in the water, atv riding or zip line along the ocean!

Chukka Cove

Known as a culinary paradise, enjoy delicious food from the island. Try Tannice’s favorite dish of ackee and saltfish or Victor’s favorite dish of Escovitch Fish or the iconic Jerk Chicken

Enjoy Jamaican Food

Things to Do

Make True Island Connections With These Jamaican Patois Words & Phrases

By K. Williams, T. Thompson & W. van der Hoop. | February 29th 2024

Jamaica has gifted the world more than reggae beats and spicy jerk flavors. The vibrant rhythm of the island lives in the way Jamaicans speak—full of charm, color, and character. Whether in music, playful banter, or clever sayings, their words flow with good vibes and endless smiles.

Jamaicans have a language all their own that brings the island’s energy to life. Known as&nbsp;Jamaican patois, this lively dialect is spoken alongside standard English across the island. While English speakers will find it easy to communicate here, learning a bit of patois is a fun way to dive deeper into the local culture.We’ve rounded up some of the most common Jamaican phrases, sayings, and slang that islanders use every day. The most popular Jamaican slang Without further ado, these are the top Jamaican slang, sayings, and phrases to use when you visit the island: ‘Irie’"Irie" is one of the most recognizable Jamaican terms, capturing the relaxed vibe of the islands. It's commonly used by Jamaicans and other Caribbean people to convey a sense of "All is well." When asked "How are you?" or "How yuh stay?", responding with "Mi irie" is perfectly acceptable, as it means "I'm okay" or "I'm cool." Of course, there are many other phrases used for greetings across the island. ‘Wah gwaan’This phrase is usually said with much enthusiasm and can be a good conversation starter. It’s the Jamaican way of asking,&nbsp;“What's up?” or “How are you?”. You may recall when former U.S. President Barack Obama visited Jamaica and presented a now-famous speech before the end of his second term. He greeted his audience using this catchy phrase, resulting in roaring applause!

‘Nuff respect’If you hear this phrase while in Jamaica, it most often will relate to gratitude. Nuff respect translates to&nbsp;"Thank you" or "I appreciate it". It's used to show gratitude and admiration for someone's actions, words, or presence. ‘Yuh dun know’This phrase translates to&nbsp;"You already know" or "You understand". It is often used to acknowledge agreement or shared knowledge between the speaker and listener. You might hear this term used at the end of a conversation, as a response to someone saying something like, "Mi soon come" or "Inna di morrows". ‘Yu large’This phrase can be used as a form of affirmation or to give someone credit for something they've done. It can also be used simply to convey&nbsp;respect or admiration&nbsp;within Jamaican social dynamics. Large in this context means significant or important. It can relate to someone's stature, influence, or positive qualities. ‘If a dirt, a dirt’This phrase can be literally translated to, “If it’s dirt, it’s dirt”. It’s a way of saying you have to accept the situation or circumstances you are presented with for what they are. This is one of the newer, trendy Jamaican phrases, and it communicates an acceptance of things that cannot be changed. A well-known alternative for this would be,&nbsp;"It is what it is”. ‘Zeen’“Zeen” is a simple way of responding and agreeing to something that has been said. The English translation for this is “Seen”, but, in practice, it means&nbsp;“Got it”, “Okay”, or “Yes”. “Irie” is a common alternative for this type of response, which we'll explain more about below. Common Jamaican sayings and phrases‘Weh yuh ah seh’The Jamaican phrase “Weh yuh ah seh” is very similar to “Wah gwaan”. In a literal sense, this phrase means&nbsp;“What are you saying?”. In Jamaica, you can use this phrase in casual conversations to ask someone how they are doing. The phrase “Weh yuh ah seh” is sometimes shortened to “Weh yaw seh”. ‘Small up yuhself’You might be left scratching your head if you hear this phrase while on a public bus or making your way around Jamaica. “Small up yourself" is the local way of saying,&nbsp;“Make room”. This phrase comes in handy in crowded spaces among friends or acquaintances. Depending on how it is said, though, strangers may find the request to be rude. So, if you’re on a bus or a taxi or just making your way through a crowded area, you might want to stick with a polite “Excuse me”. ‘One Love’You might have heard this phrase in Bob Marley's famous reggae track "One Love/People Get Ready. The phrase 'One Love' is a&nbsp;greeting or farewell&nbsp;and encapsulates unity, respect, and universal love. It's often used within reggae culture to convey solidarity and goodwill. ‘Mi deh yah, yuh know’“Mi deh yah, yuh know” literally translates to “Everything is okay, you already know.” This can also mean,&nbsp;“I’m doing well”. The phrase is commonly used in response to “Wah gwaan”. Most people who say this will say it very fast, so you’ll have to listen closely to catch on. When you’re saying it, be sure to pronounce it properly and say it quickly, like one complete word: mi-deh-yah! ‘Weh yuh deh pon’“Weh yuh deh pon” translates in English to,&nbsp;“What are you up to?”. This phrase is most often used when greeting a friend. Should you run into a local acquaintance while spending the day exploring your resort or around town, this would be a perfectly welcome conversation starter. If you’re on the receiving end of this question, then you can respond by saying something like “Mi deh yah”. ‘Ya mon’“Ya mon" is right up there with “irie” in terms of popular Jamaican phrases. Though this would literally translate to&nbsp;“Yeah, man”, "Ya mon” can be said to any person regardless of gender or age. In the literal sense, this phrase translates to “No problem” or “Okay.” A good time to use this phrase would be if you’re offered an ice-cold island-inspired cocktail or beer. Then you can respond with an enthusiastic, “Ya mon!” ‘Dead wid laugh’Vacations are all about having unforgettable moments filled with relaxation and laughter. If a particular person or circumstance makes you laugh to the point that you can barely contain yourself, then you might want to use a phrase like “Mi dead wid laugh”. This phrase means&nbsp;“Dying with laughter”. You’re sure to come across many funny and chill people on this island, so we're sure this is one of those phrases you’ll end up using more than once.

‘Inna di morrows’“Inna di morrows” is the Jamaican way to say&nbsp;"See you tomorrow”. It may be used along with other phrases, for example, "Mi a leff, inna di morrows”. Your tour guide or bartender may say this as they sign off their shifts, but you can test it out yourself to let someone know you’ll see them again the next day. ‘Inner luv’“Inner luv” is one of those Jamaican phrases that can help you connect with the locals when used right. This phrase means that one has a deeper love and appreciation for a particular thing or moment. For example, you might say, “Mi have inner luv fi your time”, to compliment the restaurant staff for their service. Using this term conveys that you appreciate something. ‘Mi soon come’“Mi soon come” translates to&nbsp;“I’ll be there soon”&nbsp;or “I’ll be right there”. “Mi soon forward” can also be used in this context. These Jamaican phrases can be tricky as ‘soon’ can mean many things! When you’re soaking up the sun on this sunny isle, you’ll have a greater appreciation of how and why things seem to slow down on ‘island time’. So if someone tells you “mi soon come”, it’s best not to hold your breath. They may arrive in a few minutes, hours, or even a few days! ‘Bun bad mind’This is a commonly used Jamaican term that is meant to convey a distate for bad intentions. "Bun" means to burn, and "bad mind" refers to jealousy or ill intentions. This phrase rejects bad vibes. When Jamaicans say 'bun bad mind,' they're saying no to bad intentions and yes to positivity and goodwill. ‘Mash up’“Mash up” is common in Jamaica and across the entire Caribbean. It can be&nbsp;used as a verb or adjective&nbsp;to mean “Demolish/demolished” or “Destroy/destroyed”. You’ll likely hear this used in reference to something that is in disarray, and the term also carries some level of disbelief or shock. ‘Bless up’“Bless up” is the Jamaican way of saying&nbsp;“Have a nice day”, and the phrase is sometimes used as a greeting or goodbye. “Bless up” carries with it some good Jamaican vibes, and you can use it in conversations to wish someone well. ‘Bredda’Many people ask, "What is the Jamaican slang for friend or bro?" One popular word is "bredda", which refers to a close male friend. It’s&nbsp;a casual and affectionate way of saying "brother" in Jamaican Patois. For instance, you might hear someone greet you in Jamaica saying, ‘wah gwan, bredda?’ This translates to, ‘what's up brother?’ This term is&nbsp;not limited to a person who is a biological brother. ‘Brethren’Similar to the Jamaican slang ‘Bredda’, ‘Brethren’ also refers to a friend. In a way, this can be seen as the plural form of ‘Bredda’ as it refers to&nbsp;a group of close male friends or associates. This term is often used in a community or spiritual context, sometimes meaning fellow Rastafarians or trusted companions. ‘Lickkle more’The English translation for "Lickkle more” is actually&nbsp;“Little more”, but it’s often used outside of the context you’d expect. People normally mean “See you in a little while”, “See you later" or “Goodbye” when they use the term. You’ll hear this often when parting ways with people while on the island.

Good to know:&nbsp;There’s a lot to discover about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beaches.com/blog/jamaica-history/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jamaica, its people, and history</a>. Once you get the hang of the lingo, you can jump right into our post detailing the origins of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sandals.com/blog/flag-of-jamaica-explained/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">flag of Jamaica</a>. Funny Jamaican sayings In addition to the common sayings you might pick up while getting to know Jamaica, you might hear some rather humourous phrases and sayings as well. Here are some that are both catchy and hilarious: "Blabba mout”“Blabba mout” is somewhat self-explanatory and translates to “blabber mouth” in English. This term, both in English and in Jamaican slang, is often used to describe someone who talks too much. Chatterbox is a popular alternative. “Talk and taste your tongue”Truly, no one ever really thinks about tasting their tongue while they talk. This Jamaican phrase, on the other hand, suggests you do so, though not in the literal sense. The “talk and taste your tongue” saying communicates the importance of&nbsp;thinking before you speak. “Every hoe have dem stik a bush”Used as a reassuring phrase for single people, this phrase is a roundabout way of saying, “Don't lose hope!”. “Every hoe have dem stik a bush” translates to mean that&nbsp;there’s someone out there for everyone. “De olda de moon, de brighter it shines”You might hear the phrase, ‘De olda de moon, de brighter it shines” which refers to the wisdom that can come with age. The phrase means, “the older the person, the wiser he or she is.” The sentiments of this Jamaican phrase can often be seen in other cultures through various other sayings. “Sake a mout fish get ketch”There are some Jamaican phrases that will have you either scratching your head or doubling over in laughter. This is one of those! The “sake a mout fish get ketch” phrase is a play on words that people who engage in fishing will understand. It literally means that&nbsp;talking too much can get you into trouble. Expert tip:&nbsp;As fun as it can be to learn a bit of Jamaican patois, it's reassuring to know you won't need to master the language in just one trip. Just knowing a little bit about the local language is usually enough. Of course, if you want to dive a little deeper, you can also explore some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sandals.com/blog/jamaican-culture-and-traditions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jamaican culture and traditions</a>. Connect with the locals using Jamaican sayings and phrasesAcross the Caribbean, every island has its own&nbsp;unique way of speaking, and Jamaica is no different. Start picking up the local lingo even before you land. With the Jamaican sayings and phrases in this post at hand, you’ll be ready to chat like a local and fully embrace the vibes of Jamaica

Tannice & Victor

Tannice & Victor

Photos