Reef & Rum

CANCELLED: Welcome Reception: A Tobago Wedding

Choose Your Island Experience

Merci Buccoo

Wedding Day --  We Jammin' Wit D' Jenkins!

Ceremony

Reception

FILL OUT YOUR T&T ARRIVAL FORM

Trinidad and Tobago now requires the <a href="https://travel.gov.tt/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">online arrival form</a> to be filled out ahead of your arrival. Please be sure to fill this out accurately and BEFORE you arrive to T&amp;T. Have your QR code ready for when you go through customs. Visit: https://travel.gov.tt/en

Welcome to Tobago | Trinidad & Tobago

We’re so happy you’ll be celebrating with us in Tobago, one of the most beautiful places in the world and part of the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. We suggest arriving on Wednesday, April 15th, since we’ve planned plenty of adventures to help you experience the best of Tobago—without having to organize too much by yourself. That said, come whenever you’re able, and most importantly, be there for the wedding on Saturday, April 18th!

Please visit the "Schedule of Events" tab for specific details for each day. Otherwise, you can see the general overview below. 

Timeline Of Events

Our Wedding

Shania and Matthew met in college at The George Washington University in 2016, but it wasn’t until 2017 that the sparks really flew. They started as friends, but Matthew swears their first “date” was a burger and milkshake on campus—though Shania might argue it was just two friends sharing a meal. Either way, the rest is history. While Shania came to D.C. drawn by its energy and politics, Matthew—born and raised in the city—showed her the real D.C.: the neighborhoods, the hidden food spots, and the community that made her fall in love with the city in a whole new way. In return, when Matthew took his first trip to Trinidad in 2018, he fell in love right back—with the island, the culture, the warmth, and, of course, the food. Since then, he’s been practicing his best Trini accent, learning recipes from Grandma Lucy, and fully embracing all things Trinbagonian.In 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, they moved into their first place together… and added their furry first-born, Huey P, to the crew. A few years later came their second, Nina Simone, completing the little family. These days, Shania and Matthew love doing workout classes together, discovering quaint neighborhoods and farmers markets around Northern Virginia, brunching their way through weekends, and yes… making regular trips to Costco.Fast forward to today—they’re happily settled in Arlington, Virginia with Huey and Nina enjoying their best pet “DINK” lives, living life on their own terms, and excited to celebrate the next chapter—with all of you.

Where it all started...

Our Story

Schedule of Events

Please note that upon RSVP, we will send communications out regarding contact information and other specific details.

Thursday April 16th: Reef and Rum | 10:00 AM -5:00 PM

We’ve made a little shift to our Thursday plans—and trust us, it’s all for more time, more vibes, and more fun together. We’ll now be kicking things off earlier in the day with a beach meetup before heading out for an extended glass-bottom boat experience. From beachside bars with frozen pina coladas and food available for purchase, this is the ultimate experience and one of the world's most photographed beaches. Chairs and umbrellas will be available for rent. From there, we’ll explore Tobago’s famous reef and the Nylon Pool—expect snorkeling, stunning blue waters, and plenty of good energy all around. Transportation will still be provided, departing the hotel at 10:00 AM, with a quick stop at the grocery store so you can grab any drinks or snacks you’d like to bring onboard. We’ll have coolers, ice, and cups ready for you. We’ll set sail at 2:00 PM, giving us even more time to enjoy the water and soak in the beauty of Tobago. As the sun begins to set, we’ll head to No Man’s Land for a true island-style lime—complete with music, games, drinks, and incredible local food available for purchase (think traditional BBQ and Trini favorites). This will be our official welcome moment—so come ready to mingle, dance, and ease into the weekend the Trinbagonian way. Details: Transportation will depart the hotel promptly at 10:30 a.m. We recommend eating breakfast beforehand. We will stop at the grocery for everyone to purchase their preferred alcohol, food, and drinks to bring on board. On board, we'll have ice, coolers, and cups for use. The beach will also have food and drinks for purchase, and so will No Man's Land. The boat will leave at 2:00 pm. and return around 5:00p.m., where transportation will be nearby to bring everyone back to Mt. Irvine Hotel.

CANCELLED: Thursday april 16th: Welcome Reception

Due to unforeseen changes with our venue, we’ll no longer be hosting the Thursday all-white welcome reception as originally planned. We truly appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to spend even more time together during our extended Thursday boat day and throughout the weekend!

Friday April 17th: Choose Your Island Experience

1. RELAXEnjoy your stay at the beautiful Mt. Irvine Bay Resort. With food and bar service on site, you can't go wrong! The pool has a view of Tobago's largest coral reef. The hotel is also within walking distance to another popular Tobago beach, Mount Irvine, where you can enjoy a quiet swim and enjoy local seafood at the beachside restaurants. When you get to the beach, let them know your room number and they will happily set you up with chairs and umbrellas! 2. The Adventure ExperienceFor the explorers: Join a guided waterfall hike, swim with stingrays, or embark on a cultural tour with Nature Therapy TT, a local family friend offering an authentic look at Tobago’s natural beauty and heritage. If you're interested in this option, please reach out to Shania directly by March 15th, 2026.

Saturday April 18th: Wedding Day! | 3:00 p.m.

Get ready for a true celebration—Tobago style. The ceremony and reception will overlook the stunning Buccoo Reef, with incredible views and even better food. Think traditional fete energy: music, dancing, laughter, and liming late into the night as we celebrate island-style with everyone we love. Details: Please see the 'Wedding Day' tab for more details on the day.

Sunday April 19th: Recovery and Departures

We hope the vibrant spirit of Trinidad and Tobago left its mark on you—and that you’re not too hungover to make your flight! As you head home, may you carry a bit of the island’s warmth, rhythm, and joy with you. We’re endlessly grateful that you made the trip to celebrate with us—your love, laughter, and presence made this weekend one we’ll cherish forever. If you're planning to stick around for an extra day, you can find the newlyweds and their families hanging out at the beach or poolside!

Getting To Tobago

Flying to Tobago is easiest with a little planning, and we've got you covered!

Option 1: Fly to Trinidad, then TobagoDirect flights to Trinidad are available from major cities like Toronto, Miami/Ft Lauderdale area, Newark/NYC area, and Houston, Texas. Once in Trinidad, you can catch a short connecting flight to Tobago through Caribbean Airlines. Flights between the islands are frequent and convenient, but can sell out quick. Purchase them in advance, and be sure to give yourself time between arrival in Trinidad and departure for Tobago. Your airport codes will be POS to TAB. Option 2: Flying straight to TobagoIf you'd prefer to book all your flights together rather than separately arranging the Trinidad-to-Tobago leg, using a platform like Expedia can do the work for you and help simplify planning. Please note that Tobago's new airport just opened, so you might get lucky with a direct flight to Tobago from the NYC/Newark or Miami/Ft Lauderdaleareas. We highly recommend using a search engine like Expedia or Google Flights to help simplify your options, then booking your preferred way - whether that's through the engine or through the airline. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out for help! Your flight helpers: Shania: (732) 788-7486 and Brie: (732) 788-7485

Getting to Tobago

Wedding Party

Lodging

Bookings NOW Available 

As of Thursday, January 27th, Mt. Irvine is experiencing website booking issues. Until they can rectify this issue, all guests can directly email: <a href="mailto:reservations@mtirvine.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reservations@mtirvine.com</a> and cc: <a href="mailto:salesandmarketing@mtirvine.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">salesandmarketing@mtirvine.com</a> using the same booking code - JENKINS to confirm your reservations. The same special discounted rates will apply to all categories given. Room Rates (USD) (Exchange rate: 6.7993 TTD = 1 USD) Golf ViewSingle: $151.50Double: $181.66Triple: $211.78 Garden ViewSingle: $190.19Double: $225.84Triple: $261.52 Sea ViewSingle: $220.32Double: $256.00Triple: $291.65 Standard CottageSingle: $227.15Double: $262.59Triple: $298.42Quad: $334.15 Superior CottageSingle: $276.36Double: $312.06Triple: $347.74Quad: $383.57

There’s a variety of options to suit every traveler. Whether you’re flying solo or as a pair and prefer a cozy standard room, or coming with a crew and want extra space or a villa-style setup, there’s something for everyone! The Details: - Rooms will start at around $160 USD per night, and will be available for booking through March 15th, 2026. - Breakfast is included in each booking. Breakfast is buffet-style, featuring a mix of traditional American foods and local delicacies. - In addition to breakfast, the hotel has onsite lunch and dinner options, whether you want to order room service, sit at the restaurant, or order through poolside service or at the swim-up bar. - The hotel also has a 'snack' bar, where you can grab snacks, sandwiches, and small market-style options -- perfect for on-the-go before an activity or before heading to the beach! *If you are traveling from the United States or Canada: For safety and logistical reasons, we kindly ask that you do not book Airbnbs or off-site accommodations. Due to safety considerations and our coordinated shuttle schedule, we are unable to provide transportation from Airbnbs or other accommodations. Staying in the block makes travel simple and keeps everyone together and on time for the festivities. If you are not seeing a room or villa style of preference at the hotel, kindly reach out to Shania so she can request additional options from hotel staff.

<a href=" https://book.travelbookgroup.com//premium/index.html?id_stile=17107&amp;lingua_int=eng&amp;id_albergo=22569&amp;dc=8150&amp;generic_codice=JENKINS" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Please use the unique link to book your room</a>. You can also use the discount box and enter the code 'JENKINS', which will direct you to our blocked dates. Please note the following booking terms:- A non-refundable one-night deposit will be charged within 48 hours of booking to guarantee the reservation- The outstanding balance will be paid upon check-in- Book your transportation to and from the airport directly through the hotel (transportation will be provided for the other wedding events)

Mount Irvine Bay Resort

GETTING AROUND

Transportation will be provided throughout your stay to help you get to the key events. If you’d like more flexibility, drivers and car rentals are also available directly through the hotel. Contact information for the on-site coordinator and booking details will be shared closer to the wedding.

Communications

Your safety is our top priority, and staying connected will help ensure a smooth weekend. While we highly recommend having an international plan for the duration of the trip, we understand that’s not always possible. Please be sure to download WhatsApp to your devices, as it’s the primary way people communicate on the island. You can connect via Wi-Fi at most hotels, public areas, and restaurants. Upon RSVP, you will be added to the Wedding WhatsApp groupchat, where folks can communicate, ask questions, and more. Outside of the wedding party, you will also have 2 main contacts: Roxanne is our on-site hotel coordinator. She will be accessible via WhatsApp and will be at Mt. Irvine Bay Resort Hotel at all times. Kyle is a long-time family friend of Shania's family. Kyle is a local Tobagonian who can help coordinate additional adventures, island explorations, and more. Be sure to check him out on Instagram and TikTok at @naturetherapyTT!

Lodging & Transportation

Things to Do

Wedding Day at Merci Buccoo

Ceremony to begin promptly at Three in the Afternoon

Timeline: The Wedding will begin with the ceremony, with the cocktail hour and reception to follow immediately after. More details to come as we get closer to the time. Attire: Garden Cocktail: Bring the color! Think Trinidad Carnival meets island elegance. Bold, bright, and full of personality. Garden cocktail style, but with that pop of flair: vibrant dresses, prints, linens, statement pieces, and festive accessories. No all-black, no neutrals -- this is your moment to shine in color. Transportation will be leaving promptly at 2:45 p.m. from Mt. Irvine Bay Resort, and will return to the venue for pickups at the end of the wedding night.

Wedding Day

Questions and Answers

Please read thoroughly before reaching out to the couple

Q: When should I arrive?A: We recommend arriving by Wednesday, April 15th, to enjoy all the pre-wedding activities and adventures we’ve planned. That said, arrive whenever you can, and most importantly, be there for the wedding on Saturday, April 18th! Q: What events are happening throughout the time?A: Please review the 'Schedule of Events' tab. Q: Can I bring extra guests?A: No extra or uninvited guests will be permitted, and we will turn away extras and the parties who bring them. We are very serious about having an intimate wedding. This includes if a person in your party cannot make it -- you may not replace one person with another. Please help us keep the day smooth and free of drama. *This applies to ALL events, not just the wedding day. Q: Can I bring my kids?A: We love your little ones, but our wedding day is a majority adults-only celebration unless your invitation specifically says otherwise. Think of it as a mini-adults-island getaway—plenty of fun, good food, music, and liming… all on us! Q: What should I wear?A: For the Welcome Reception: It's an ALL-WHITE AFFAIR! Think Island cocktail casual—elevated and breezy, polished but comfortable, with tropical flair. This will be on the beach, so wear comfortable shoes! For the Wedding Day: Carnival chic / garden cocktail—bold, bright, and colorful! Think Trinidad Carnival meets island elegance: vibrant dresses, prints, linens, jumpsuits, and festive accessories. Outfits suitable for the weather and dancing. Note that the ceremony is outside and the reception is inside. Q: Should I budget and take out cash?A: Yes! We recommend budgeting around $30–$50 USD per day for food, transportation, and a little extra if you’d like to enjoy optional adventures or pick up souvenirs. While many places accept cards, having cash on hand makes things easier, especially at local spots. The conversion is roughly $1 USD = $7 TTD, and you can get cash at the airport. Q: How are we getting around?A: We'll provide shuttles to and from the events. You should coordinate with the hotel directly on your round-trip airport transportation.

Trinidadian Culture & Tips for Guests

We’re so excited to share our wedding in the Caribbean, and we want everyone to have fun while being mindful of local culture. Here are some tips, norms, and sayings to help you feel like a true Trini: 1. Greetings &amp; Politeness- A simple “Good morning,” / “Good afternoon” / “Good evening” goes a long way.- Trinis are warm and friendly—smiles and polite conversation are always welcome. 2. Language &amp; Sayings- English is spoken, but you’ll hear mostly Trini slang and expressions! - Don’t worry if you don’t catch everything—the vibe is all about having fun, and Trini's love explaining what everything means! 3. Food &amp; Dining Etiquette- Try everything you can! Trini cuisine is bold, flavorful, and a big part of the culture.- Sharing and enjoying meals together is common, so feel free to accept dishes offered by hosts or family. 4. Respect Local Norms- Dress modestly when visiting religious or formal spaces outside of wedding events.- Ask before taking photos of people outside of events, especially in local neighborhoods.- Respect nature and public spaces—don’t leave trash behind and follow posted guidelines. 5. Music &amp; Dancing- Soca, calypso, and parang are part of everyday life. Dancing and moving are encouraged—you’ll catch the rhythm quickly!

Shania & Matthew

Shania & Matthew

Photos