Family Stranded in Jamaica After Wedding as Hurricane Melissa Intensifies

AUSTIN (KXAN) Just days after exchanging vows in a picturesque ceremony, John Wesley and Wendy Smith are bracing themselves for the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The newlyweds, hailing from Jarrell, Texas, traveled to Jamaica with around 50 loved ones from Texas to celebrate their nuptials. Their destination was near Negril, located on the island’s western edge.

“Upon our arrival, we learned that a tropical storm was on its way,” recalled Smith. “Despite this, the island was as stunning as ever, showing no immediate signs of the storm.”

Hurricane Melissa has now struck Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 hurricane, causing widespread concern.

By Sunday, the group attempted to alter their flights to leave before Melissa’s arrival. Unfortunately, the deteriorating weather conditions led to the cancellation of those flights.

Wendy Smith and John Wesley get married in Jamaica before Hurricane Melissa. (Photo credit: Smith Family).
Wendy Smith and John Wesley get married in Jamaica before Hurricane Melissa. (Photo credit: Smith Family).
Wendy Smith and John Wesley get married in Jamaica before Hurricane Melissa. (Photo credit: Smith Family).
Wendy Smith and John Wesley get married in Jamaica before Hurricane Melissa. (Photo credit: Smith Family).

Smith and her family have stayed in a second-floor suite since before the wedding. She said that the resort’s staff worked tirelessly to protect guests, who had nowhere else to go.

“We just watched them go through with lumber and with, all types of, like, equipment,
Smith said. “They worked through the entire night preparing and just trying to protect us and make sure that we’re good.”

As the storm approached Jamaica Tuesday, Smith showed local affiliate KXAN that roof panels and other debris that had been torn off the building. Water around the hotel began to rise and palm trees whipped around viciously.

“We have a retaining wall that’s about 10-15 feet where we are, and it’s protecting us at this point,” Smith said.

Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica around noon Tuesday.

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