Alisha explains that since the couple visits Bermuda frequently, they would have made the trip anyway. On one of their favorite visits, their best man and wife joined them for a taste test of the wedding food.
Craft unforgettable visuals
In their highlight video for the day they remember two special moments, which were true celebrations of where they were. They first staged their wedding ceremony on the “disc,” which is a circular, hotel-owned space that extends out into the ocean and is used for fitness and conference classes. Alisha says that “Dirk, myself and Sergio came up with the concept of the pie formation with Sergio and me at the center, and our guests around us. This had never been done before on the disc.” The staging made for some spectacular bird’s-eye views, but also looked magical from the ground. Guests could see ocean views, and the pink sands.
At the end of the ceremony—which was performed by Sergio’s uncle and mostly Christian in tradition, with a reading in Arabic by one of Alisha’s friends—the newlyweds surprised the crowd with a Gombey processional. As the couple explained to their guests in their wedding programs, this colorful Bermudian folk tradition and performance art developed. Sankofa Bermuda“Centuries ago, Bermuda’s slaves gave artistic expression to freedom and humanity in the face unfathomable cruelty.”
“When Sergio and I kissed, the drums started, and everyone was like, ‘Oh, what is that?!’ Alisha recalled that there was a mystery. “Everyone was in awe. Especially the guests who came from Canada and America, as they had never seen anything like this before.” The newlyweds got up and started dancing. They led the procession down the hill of dancers, then their guests to the reception area in front of Residence.
Vendors to honor the island
The Gombey was not the only Bermudian element at the wedding. The couple brought a cigar-roller from Bermuda. Bermuda Cigar CompanyThe country has a rich history of being a trading hub for Cuban cigars that make their way to the coast. Alisha: “It’s a huge hit. Everyone loved it, because he is so sweet. This adorable man.”
