Bridal Bliss: Melissa and Hervan's Sunkissed Ceremony In St. Lucia Looked Like Absolute Paradise

The exquisite Jade Mountain resort was the backdrop to this couple's wedding day.

By Jasmine Grant · Updated November 3, 2020

Melissa and Hervan met at a family gathering, where Melissa happened to be the caterer. Hervan offered to stay behind to help clean up, but also, to get Melissa’s number. Well played!

Nine months into the relationship, Hervan developed a romantic plan to ask for Melissa’s hand in marriage. At a birthday dinner with all of her family and friends, he got down on one knee. “He made a lovely speech about how much I meant to him,” Melissa recalls. “I was overwhelmed and excited that I had found someone who loved me for me, who wanted to nurture me, and wanted for us to grow old together.”

Initially, Melissa was set on getting married in Europe. Hervan was open to that plan, but knew he could persuade his bride-to-be that his home country of St. Lucia was a better bet. But not just any St. Lucia destination would do. The island’s luxurious, five-star resort Jade Mountain was too breathtaking to pass up. “He clearly knew I would be blown away by Jade mountain, and I was.”

Scroll through for the best photos from Melissa and Hervan’s St. Lucia ceremony.

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Meet The Volneys

Bride: Melissa Marie Berry, diversity consultant, 38 Groom: Hervan Venison Volney, property developer, 30 Venue: Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia Theme: Tropical Wedding Dress: Valdrin Sahiti Photographer: Bernad Rac of Jade Mountain

The Proposal

Hervan proposed to Helen at her birthday dinner where they were surrounded by their close circle. Just as she was about to blow out the birthday candles, Herv gave his special lady the surprise of a lifetime. “It was the only time in my life that I was speechless,” Melissa remembers.

Ready For Forever

Despite some briefly stressful moments while planning this destination wedding, Melissa felt nothing but peace on her big day. “I shifted my energy from any stress I was feeling and I loved it,” she tells ESSENCE.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Melissa’s “something borrowed” turned out to be diamond earrings she loaned from her daughter.

Glitz and Glamour

Melissa’s customized wedding day Louboutins made our jaws hit the floor.

Queen Vibes

Melissa and her bridal party stunned even before getting dressed.

Nature’s Beauty

The views from Jade Mountain are breathtaking. But according to the bride, “pictures and videos will never do the beauty of Jade mountain justice.”

Tailor Made

“It was really difficult finding a dress because I have a big bust,” says Melissa. “I spent a long time looking for a fabulous designer, and I found Valdrin Sahiti in Kosovo. He is just amazing. My wedding dress was custom made and full of glamour.”

Well Put Together

The groom accented his classic black and white tuxedo with a Louis Vuitton belt and matching gold watch.

Golden Ladies

Melissa chose a gold color scheme for her bridesmaids. “The dresses were chosen by trying to accommodate to all of the ladies’ body types,” she says.

Lovely Day

Hervan says everything about their wedding day fell perfectly into place. “The ambiance, the scenery, the weather… it’s like everything had been sketched into perfection.”

A Walk To Remmeber

Melissa was walked down the aisle by her daughter to “I’m Ready by Alicia Keys.

Moment For Life

“I was overwhelmed with emotion,” says Hervan of their ceremony. “My bride was just so stunning on the day and looked amazing in her dress.”

With This Ring

It’s official!

Bragging Rights

“She is a boss, a great mum and an inspiration to many,” Hervan says of Melissa. “She is the definition of a queen.”

Isn’t She Lovely

Hervan lists all the way Melissa elevates him in life. “She is loyal to the core, a nurturer and an absolute boss,” he tells ESSENCE. “She is smashing all of her life goals and as a bonus she is beautiful.”

Landmark Love

The Volneys’ ceremony was outdoors facing the landmark Pitons in St Lucia. The twin volcanic spires are said to have existed for thousands of years.

Love As Deep As The Ocean

The couple relocated to the resort’s beautiful beach to capture a kiss under the sunset.

Island Beauty

“Jade Mountain doesn’t normally have big weddings,” Melissa says. “We kept the décor simple as the setting was so beautiful.”

No Place I’d Rather Be

“I love that Hervan makes me feel safe,” says Melissa. “He is kind and generous! He believes in me and pushes me to do better.”

Love As Deep As The Ocean

The couple relocated to the resort’s beautiful beach to capture a kiss under the sunset.

New Beginnings

There’s no better feeling than riding off into the sunset with the one you love.

The After Party

“About an hour after the wedding, our guests were taken by water taxi to the Anse Mamin beach where the reception was held.”

A Grand Entrance

Introducing The Volneys!

LOVE All Over The World

The Volneys vacationed in St Lucia, Barbados and in Cannes France after their wedding. Next year, they plan on flying to the Maldives for their official honeymoon.