Westin Spa and Resort | The Love Story of Tanya and Jovan

June 3, 2025

Wedding Planner: Valerie Balignasay at the Westin. I can’t sing her praises enough, she was absolutely stellar and made everything stress-free.

Hair: Jackie Soriano

Makeup: Christine Valerie

Flowers: The Flower Dell

Brides Dress: My something borrowed from my sister (More to that story below 😉

Grooms Suit: Calvin Klein Chinos and Calvin Klein button down polo, suspenders from Amazon 😉

The Dress

I couldn’t find the right dress, and my sister got married before I did. I took one of her ”extras” that she didn’t like. I put it on in desperation about 6 weeks before the wedding and it fit like a glove!

Where did you meet

We met in middle school at Triple C and have been friends for about 20 years. We even went to prom together as dates (Jovan being a year ahead). After Jovan’s graduation in 2009 we naturally went our separate ways and pursued tertiary education. We didn’t spend any substantial time together again for about 8 years. Tanya went on to Scotland to do a Masters Degree and Jovan returned to Cayman to work for a few years before returning to Canada to live. It was during a random trip to Canada that Tanya reached out to Jovan to reconnect and it was like no time had passed… and the rest is history. We had our first daughter in 2019 and then welcomed a second in 2022.

Where are you from

Jovan was born in Jamaica, and spent his time between Jamaica, Canada and Grand Cayman. Tanya was born and raised in Grand Cayman!

How did Jovan pop the question

We’re both practical people and getting engaged was not a big, romantic, grand gesture. We were shopping in Camana Bay and as you do, we took a look at some rings at the Mansion. We both looked at each other and Jovan said “that’s a nice one”. I thought “well it’s about time” (it had been 6+ years, I mean come on). The ring was bought and that was that.

Decor

AI rentals arranged the outdoor lighting, and Flower Dell arranged the centerpieces. The Westin provided the essentials like tables, linen, cutlery and the incredibly delicious dinner. It was the perfect match to our “simple and chic” look. Special shout out again to Valerie for putting it all together!

First Look

I did first look with my dad. We 100% cried. It was so special.

Any Axieties?

Nothing brings you anxiety like your sister and MOH calling you midday on your wedding day to tell you she’d managed to lock herself out of the car with your wedding dress inside. I mean come on, of all the days. But in true bride fashion that wasn’t my problem and I left her to figure it out. I wasn’t going to stress myself out – so I opened another bottle and took a sip 😂.

The Venue

I was looking for an all-inclusive package – venue, meals and wedding planner. The Westin checked all the boxes and what an incredible location. Valerie made such a good first impression – we couldn’t resist.

Special Touches

Jovan’s father passed away a few years ago so we honored him with a special seat and signage. It meant a lot to Jovan to have his dad represented at the wedding.

Valerie also gave us a wonderful surprise by arranging fireworks during the reception. It was such a special touch that made the evening that much more memorable.

The Aisle

I was surprisingly calm but so excited to meet my husband at the alter. I just remember thinking “don’t trip, don’t trip”.

The Kiss

There were special instructions – no tongue and for god sakes count to 5 so Rebecca could get the shot! We stopped at the end of the aisle as husband and wife, and did a little second kiss and I remember someone shouting “come on that’s it” and next thing I know que Jovan wrapping his arms around me, lifting me up in the sir and planting a big ole one on me 😂

Photos

Our girls were so excited for the wedding and to be flower girls. Having them in the pictures and surrounding us with giggles and excitement was such a special feeling. I was also happy to have my dad join us as he lived a overseas and we don’t get to spend much time together and take photos.