Cayman Islands Inpsired Story Board :: Aqua and Red

Aside from being the best color combo of all time (I mean after all, my wedding was designed in this color scheme!), aqua is of course the inspiration for all things Cayman Islands.  Red just looks really good with it.

photo credit ::  favor and tall centerpiece, Project Wedding; all others, Martha Stewart Weddings

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Amy and Daniel

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope you all had a good weekend!  So, for today’s wedding…you all know I love small weddings and this is one of them.  In addition to that, you can’t beat the location and to top it off, I love the colors as well.  Hoping you love this as much as I do!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Coordination, floral and decor ::  Celebrations

Food and Beverage ::  Luca

Photography ::  Aaron Rebarchek Photography

Venue ::  Caribbean Club (beachfront villa)

Cayman Islands Inspired Storyboad :: Marigold

This time of year in Cayman, like in many places, it is H-O-T hot and Humid with a capital H.  As a result, us locals try to stay inside as much as possible and spend time with our air conditioning.  This leads me to today’s board…

One of the rooms inside my house, the room where I do most of my work, has marigold walls.  So, when I was looking up and thinking about today’s board, I figured, hey, why not?

Here you go–enjoy!

photo credit ::  top two photos, Martha Stewart Weddings;  remaining photos, The Knot

Cayman Islands Engagement Shoot

I love today’s engagement shoot–not only because the couple is gorgeous but because the photography is amazing!  Rebecca Davidson really did a number with these two folks…I just can’t get enough of it!!!

Wishing you two all the best for your wedding day!!! 

photo credit ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Josephine and Stephen

I have been waiting for AGES to feature this wedding and am so excited to share with you today!  Everything about it is different and beautiful and I hope you love it as much as I do!!!! 

First, the couple…HELLO magazine models (well, actually the bride is).  Second, the colors–WOW is really all I can say about that…just too beautiful! 

Let’s get you started with some of this eye candy by Aaron Rebarchek :: 

Isn’t that aisle just beautiful?  I told you it was different than what we usually show here!

Josephine’s favorite design element was the bridesmaid bouquets.  Check them out below!  Lime green mums with teal ostrich feathers against the bright purple dress–again, I say, WOW!  It’s not often that you see weddings with this amount of color and I love it!

No detail was left unnoticed at the reception.  Lush linens, peacock feathers. chandeliers, candelabra and more.  Each of the tables were named after famous couples from history as opposed to the standard table numbers. 

Providers who made this day happen :: 

Cake ::  Celebrations

Ceremony Venue ::  Church of God Chapel

Design and decor, floral, event rentals and coordination ::  Celebrations

Hair ::  Spa To Go

Photography :: Aaron Rebarchek Photography

Music ::  Suite Elite and One World

Reception Venue :: Grand Old House

Transportation :: Grand Limousine

Video ::  Picture This

Cayman Islands Inspired Storyboard :: The Cayman Sea

Without fail, every time I get a glimpse of the Cayman Sea (which, by the way is every day…don’t be jealous!)  I want to jump right in and go for a swim.  While I may not always have my swimsuit in hand, the colors always dazzle and really sparkle in the sun.  The Cayman sea brings the perfect color palette for your Cayman wedding–starting with a very light aqua blue and darkening into the depths of the deep blue sea.  I’ve put together a story board that reflects these amazing blues…I hope you enjoy–I’m going for a swim!

 

 

photo credit:
top row, second from left:: David Wolfe, third and fourth across:: The Knot
second row, first:: The Knot  second and third:: David Wolfe                                                                                                                                                                                                                         third row, first:: Jim Gates  second:: Wedding Channel, third from:: The Knot                                                                                                                                                                                   fourth row,first and second:: The Knot, third courtesy of Danielle Cococcia, last:: Rebecca Davidson

Crystal Blue Top 10 :: Frequently Asked Questions

Of course you will have questions.   You are planning a wedding, something you may not have done before.  The wedding is in the Cayman Islands, somewhere you may never have been before.  Ask away!!  Here are my top 10 (in no particular order) most frequently asked questions from brides getting married in the Cayman Islands.  Feel free to leave your questions in a comment below and I will do my best to answer them!!

10.  Q:  If I get married in the Cayman Islands, is it legal in the United States?

         A:  Yes, as long as you have applied (and been granted) a marriage license by the Cayman Islands Government, a Cayman Islands  Marriage Officer has witnessed your ceremony and you and your witnesses have signed the marriage certificate provided by the Cayman Islands Marriage Officer.

9.  Q:  Do you have photographers in Cayman or do I need to bring my own?

     A:  We have many extremely talented photographers in Cayman and we fully 100% endorse their art!!  All you need to do is check out the Crystal Blue Provider page for photographer information!

8.  Q:  What is the best time of year weather-wise to have a wedding?  

      A:  Although I am not claiming to be mother nature and can’t predict the weather, there are some general rules of thumb.  Rainy season technically begins May 1 and ends November 30.  That doesn’t mean we have torrential rain every day…typically there is a shower once a day for about 45 minutes.  September and October are generally rainier than the other months.  February through April are absolutely gorgeous and typically the most popular months for weddings.

7.   Q:  Is there ferry service to the Sister Islands (Cayman Brac and Little Cayman)

       A:  No, they are too far for a ferry, but we do have daily flights into and out of both sister islands.

6.  Q:  I’m coming on a cruise ship, can we get married the same day we arrive?

      A:  Yes, the Cayman Islands do not have a residency period requirement in order to apply for a marriage license. 

5.  Q:  Should I ship my dress down or carry it down?

      A:  Well, this one is totally up to you, but my two cents…carry it.  It’s a rare occurrence, but with couriers it is a   possibility for things to go missing or get damaged.  You don’t want to take that risk, especially with your dress.

4.  Q:  What is the best time of day to get married?

     A:  Most couples opt for sunset time which varies depending on the time of year.  My suggestion is to discuss it with your photographer or on-island planner as they will be able to tell you when the best light is for your photos.  Legally you can be married anytime between 6:00am and 8:00pm

3.  Q:  What about help with planning and designing my wedding.  Do I have to do it on my own or are there people who can help me with the details of the wedding?

A:  The Cayman Islands have some amazing talent to assist you with whatever your planning and designing needs may be.  The providers you see on Crystal Blue have been invited as members because of their proven high quality standard and are ready to help make your wedding spectacular!

2.  Q:  Can I have a wedding on a Sunday?

      A:  Yes, you can, however, keep in mind that live music must not be played in places licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.  If you are having a wedding on a Sunday and would like music, discuss this with your on-island planner or your venue contact as they can apply for a special exemption.

1.  Q:  Are there a variety of locations to have a wedding and reception or is it just the beach?

     A:  While our beach is GORGEOUS, that is not your only choice!  We have locations with decks overlooking the water, gardens, rooftops and more.  Have a look at the venues section of the membership for more information.

That’s the 10 for today!  Of course there are so many more questions people have, but these are some that I come across more often than not.  If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will get back to you! 

 

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Amber and John

I love this wedding.  The story is fantastic and the photos are beautiful.  This great couple lives here in Grand Cayman so, like me, they get to experience paradise EVERY DAY!  (Sorry, don’t be too jealous!)

Two things I always ask about when chatting to these couples is first, tell me about the proposal and second, tell me about the funniest moment of your day.  After all, there is more to a wedding than flowers, a gorgeous dress and the first dance……

So, John told me about the proposal and let’s just say it involved some additional effort….

John ::  I proposed to Amber on Saturday, February 21st which was exactly two years after we met. We kayaked to a small secluded beach around Grand Cayman.   We were looking for sea shells when I caught her by surprise and told her I found a really nice one in the rocks…..then I popped the question.

Shortly after she said yes, I noticed that the kayak was no longer where I had tied it up.  It was drifting out to sea so I had to dive in and frantically swim to get it about 100 yards offshore.  I made it and Amber was on the beach cheering me on!! 

Now this piece made me laugh out loud…I am a sarcastic person and sometimes people don’t get my humor so you may not find this as funny as I did…

CBWS ::  What was the funniest moment from your day?

Amber ::  During John’s speech he described meeting my Dad for the first time and how my Dad nonchalantly showed John his impressive gun collection.

Go Dad–I love that!!

Providers who made this day happen :: 

Accommodation and Ceremony Venue ::  Caribbean Club

Coordination, flowers and equipment rentals ::  Celebrations

Hair and Makeup ::  La Mer Spa

Photography ::  Aaron Rebarchek Photography

Reception Music ::  One World

Reception Venue, Food & Beverage, Cake ::  Luca

Cayman Islands Inspired Storyboard :: The Natural Beauty of Cayman

While the Cayman Islands are most well known for the crystal blue sea and the white sand beaches, there are many other natural attractions on each of the islands.  More known for the wildlife, Cayman Brac is a place to explore!  With the gorgeous bluff and the interesting caves Cayman Brac is a beauty all of it’s own!  The following story board was inspired by the Brac’s natural surroundings.

1st row, centerpiece:: The Knot, coconut:: Danielle Cococcia, program::The Knot, canopy:: The Knot

2nd row, grass: A Thousand Words Photography, fan: The Knot, program:: Wedding Channel, bamboo centerpiece:: Wedding Channel, boutonierre:: The Knot, jam with raffia: The Knot, centerpiece: Wedding Channel

3rd row, garden: Meg Paterson, leaf place setting: Wedding Channel

The Cayman Islands :: Honeymooning

Gorgeous sunsets + fruity drinks + a whole lot of fun = The Perfect Honeymoon.   Here’s Crystal Blue Wedding Studio’s top 10 for honeymooners…

10 :: Go for a helicopter ride and get dropped off at  Pappagallos where you can enjoy an amazing Italian meal in a natural Caribbean setting.

9 ::  Book a couples massage at the spa or with Spa To Go (they come to you!)

8 :: Take a trip to Stingray City…an experience you will not find anywhere else! 

7 :: Visit Boatswain’s Beach and the Turtle Farm for a day filled with uniquely Caymanian experiences.

6 ::  Listen to some live music at Camana Bay’s “Live on the Paseo” and “Pan on the Paseo”

5 ::  Go diving on Bloody Bay Wall (Little Cayman).  

4 ::  Test your talent at karaoke on Friday night at Little Cayman Beach Resort .

3 :: Explore the caves, wildlife and breathtaking views from the bluff on Cayman Brac.

2 :: Take in the absolutely gorgeous sunsets on any of the three Cayman Islands

1 ::  Grab a beach chair and sunblock and just RELAX!

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