The Southern Travel Agency team recently had the pleasure of planning a very special travel experience — the destination wedding at Sandals Emerald Bay for Matt, our founder Mike and Lauren’s eldest son! Matt wed his beautiful bride Kyndall at the stunning resort, and it’s safe to say they had a blast. We talked with Kyndall and Matt about why they chose this Sandals resort, what their wedding day was like, and what honeymoon moments they’ll never forget. Read on for Matt and Kyndall’s love story, more destination wedding at Sandals Emerald Bay photos, and an insider look at this top-notch resort.
All photos by Tram Tran
Matt and Kyndall’s Destination Wedding at Sandals Emerald Bay
Where Is Sandals Emerald Bay?
Located on the Island of Great Exuma in The Bahamas, Sandals Emerald Bay is just a short flight from many East Coast cities. But it feels worlds away. In fact, Matt and Kyndall picked Sandals Emerald Bay over many other luxury resorts in large part thanks to its location.
“This place feels homier than some of the larger islands in the Bahamas,” said Matt. “It’s a smaller, more intimate island. It seemed like everyone knew one another, and it really felt like a community. You really feel like you’re a part of something here.”
It seemed like everyone knew one another, and it really felt like a community. You really feel like you’re a part of something here. — Matt Kerbelis
Sandals Emerald Bay’s oceanfront location on Great Exuma also means it boasts some fabulous beaches. In fact, Matt and Kyndall think it’s home to “the best water in the Caribbean.”
Sandals Emerald Bay Wedding: An Oceanside Ceremony to Remember
Matt and Kyndall got to take full advantage of the breathtaking turquoise waters with an oceanside ceremony during their destination wedding at Sandals Emerald Bay. The couple tied the knot with the Bahamian waters as their background, with their 36 guests seated before them.
The elegant wedding ceremony was just what Kyndall and Matt envisioned — but what they really loved was how easy it all came together. That’s thanks to the dedicated Sandals staff.
“The Sandals staff could not have done a better job,” said Kyndall. “They took care of all our concerns, and they didn’t want us to worry about anything. We finalized all the small details the day before the wedding ceremony, and then they handled absolutely everything on the day of wedding.”
Sandals Emerald Bay Restaurants: Elegant Atmosphere, Exquisite Food
After their destination wedding at Sandals Emerald Bay, Kyndall and Matt stayed a week longer at the luxury resort to relax and unwind — and indulge! The couple had fun trying many of the Sandals Emerald Bay restaurants.
Their Foodie Review?
It was all top notch. But a couple of special restaurants really stood out.
Both agreed that the French restaurant La Parisienne was among their favorites. The white-gloved service and impeccable décor made the couple feel like they really were eating at one of the best restaurants in Paris.
The aromatic Indian fare at Bombay Club also got top marks. Matt loved the authentic flavors and uncrowded, intimate feel of the restaurant.
You can’t really go wrong with any dining choice, however. Said Matt: “Anywhere you chose felt like you were eating at a top-notch restaurant.”
The Best Rooms at Sandals Emerald Bay: Breathtaking Oceafront
Since it was an extra special stay, Matt and Kyndall sprung for one of the best rooms at Sandals Emerald Bay. Their butler-level suite boasted plenty of space and gorgeous views out over the sea — perfect for these two beach lovers.
Butler Service
The couple loved the butler service that came with their room, too. It just made their wedding and honeymoon stay that much more stress-free, especially when it came to dining.
Butler service at Sandals Emerald Bay made their honeymoon stay that much more stress-free. Click To Tweet
“Our butler took our breakfast orders and made all our dinner reservations,” explained Kyndall. “He recommended which restaurants we should go to. He would even decorate the tables for us – it was so romantic!”
The Perfect Mix of Leisure and Adventure
Matt and Kyndall loved their stay at Sandals Emerald Bay because there was just so much to do. That included doing absolutely nothing at all, in the most gorgeous of settings.
“If you’re a true beach bum, this is the place for you,” said Matt. “One day we just napped on the beach and drank champagne all day long – it’s exactly what you would want to do right after your wedding.”
“One day just napped on the beach and drank champagne all day long – it’s exactly what you would want to do right after your wedding.” — Matt Kerbelis
When they weren’t lounging seaside, Matt and Kyndall took advantage of the all inclusive Sandals Emerald Bay snorkeling, golf, and water sports like paddle boarding. Things heated up when the sun went down with rousing night life and a sophisticated piano bar.
Really, though, it all came down to staying in a pure island paradise.
One of Matt’s favorite moments came right after the wedding ceremony. The couple’s photographer led them to a seaside cliff right at sunset for a private photo session.
“All I could hear was the ocean waves crashing, as I stood on this cliff with my beautiful bride,” said Matt. “I didn’t want to move it was just so perfect.”
Matt and Kyndall’s Sandals Emerald Bay Destination Wedding Features
Here are the destination wedding features Matt and Kyndall enjoyed:
- rehearsal and rehearsal dinner,
- bonfire on beach,
- destination wedding ceremony,
- cocktail reception,
- dinner reception, and a
- music DJ.
Let Us Plan Your Dream Sandals Emerald Bay Destination Wedding or Romantic Escape
At Southern Travel Agency, we love planning Sandals vacations — our clients consistently tell us that Sandals resorts deliver an exceptional luxury experience, going over the top to make a vacation a relaxing and memorable one. Our Sandals wedding experts would love to help you plan a romantic getaway to Sandals Emerald Bay! Just get in touch with our online travel agency or our local agents in Augusta, GA, to start planning today.