Love and Festivity Merged for the Perfect Wedding Celebration
More than a decade after their love story blossomed, newlyweds Kim and Shawn Austin returned to Barbados to tie the knot during the Crop Over Festival. Their journey was made possible thanks to Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) All Aisles Lead to Barbados campaign, an initiative that allows couples like the Austins to create and relive unforgettable moments in the Caribbean’s Leading Wedding Destination.
From Feting Fun to Wedding Vows
Although Kim and Shawn didn’t meet in Barbados, the island holds an extra special place in their hearts as it’s one of the destinations they visited early in their relationship in 2017, for the last lap of Crop Over, a colourful celebration of togetherness, resilience, and community. Years later, they returned to the island to mark this full-circle moment, with their love still as lively and enduring as the festival.
For Kim, who never envisioned herself as a traditional bride, this was more than a wedding. It was the realisation of her dream for an immersive, multi-day cultural celebration, reminiscent of the grand festivities of Indian weddings.
To honour both her and Shawn’s diverse Caribbean roots, she infused their stay with Crop Over traditions such as Foreday Mornin’ Jam and the full Grand Kadooment Day experience, inviting over 100 guests to revel in Barbados’ unique cultural offerings.
Reflecting on the experience, Kim shared: “I've been to Crop Over before and enjoyed it. My family's from here and I wanted to showcase the fun, lively Caribbean culture and what Barbados is all about, so people can experience it themselves.”
Their breathtaking ceremony at Colony Club, A Luxury Collection Resort, followed by a warm reception at Waves Resort & Spa, provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable celebration of love and culture.
About The Campaign
This destination wedding campaign, developed in partnership with JetBlue and several local tourism partners, invites couples planning weddings in Barbados with 30 or more guests to apply for special incentives.
All Aisles Lead to Barbados reinforces the island's unmatched prestige as a romance destination, a reputation solidified by Barbados being named the Caribbean’s Leading Wedding Destination for the second consecutive year at the 2025 World Travel Awards.
Designed to showcase these premier wedding offerings, the campaign provides successful applicants with round-trip JetBlue flights, a complimentary five-night stay at a participating property, and a suite of exclusive perks. These include destination planning support, VIP arrival services, airport transfers, spa credits, curated experiences and group amenities.
Industry Impact
The success of the campaign resonated with industry partners, who saw firsthand how it benefits both couples and the local tourism sector. Sophia Marshall, Events Manager at Marriott International, highlighted the impact: “On behalf of Waves Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort part of Marriott’s Barbados Collection, having hosted the first wedding group as part of this campaign has been a rewarding and memorable experience.”
Peter Mayers, BTMI’s US Director reflected: “The response to our All Aisles Lead to Barbados campaign has been overwhelming and undoubtedly exceeded our expectations. Throughout the campaign, we seized the opportunity to showcase Barbados' charm and genuine appeal, and we were delighted to host Kim and Shawn for this special occasion. The campaign has certainly solidified our position as the leading wedding destination in the Caribbean, and we look forward to sharing a slice of Barbados with other couples in the coming months."
The All Aisles Lead to Barbados campaign further elevates Barbados’ established presence as a premier wedding destination. By blending renowned Bajan hospitality with authentic cultural experiences, it builds upon the island’s existing strength and global recognition, ensuring that love stories continue to flourish here. We look forward to welcoming even more couples to begin their forever together in the enchanting paradise of Barbados.
For more information visit: mybarbadosevents.com/allaislesleadtobarbados/
