A couple who married in Antigua and Barbuda has raised approximately US$8,000 for the Sunshine Home for Girls after asking guests to donate instead of buying traditional wedding gifts.

Shurell, an accountant at the United Nations who was raised in Antigua, and Jim, a data-solutions professional in the insurance industry, hosted 113 guests at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa on Oct. 23. More than half travelled from the United States.

The celebration, themed “Passport to Forever,” included a fundraising effort for the Salvation Army-run home, which provides care and protection for girls facing difficult circumstances.

Before leaving Antigua, the couple presented US$5,000 in cash to the Salvation Army. The remaining funds were earmarked for a refrigerator, furniture and other essential supplies.

The wedding also involved local businesses providing photography, makeup, catering, transportation, hairstyling and planning services.

Contributors included Ché Antigua, Zoé J. Richards Photography, Aperture Productions, Vanilla Orchid, The Cookie People, wedding planner Paul Aflak, The Cutting Edge and LJB Transportation & Logistics.

Guests enjoyed food from Ollyn Martin’s food truck, while Grandma Mirie and her granddaughter Tiffany prepared local agro-products for the wedding gift bags.

“It was an amazing experience for us and our guests,” the couple said. “What a foundation on which to start our life together.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Couple raises US$8,000 for Sunshine Home for Girls through Antigua wedding.