The Cayman Islands :: Honeymooning

We’re declaring October Honeymoon month!  Why?  No reason except that it’s a fun and not often blogged about part of the wedding!

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

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!

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Alexis and Elliot, Part 2

I am so in love with this wedding (if you couldn’t tell already!).  Almost next door to the private residence where they had the ceremony is the Reef Grill, where they had their reception.  Afterwards everyone partied the night away at the Royal Palms complete with a trunk full of fun costume dress items. 

What’s that you say?  You want to know more??  Here you go…

Crystal Blue ::  Tell me more about it.  Where did you stay, what were your favorite moments, etc. 

Alexis ::  We all stayed at the Sunshine Suites down the road from the private home.  It’s a great little place, very convenient and just across the road from the beach.  Favorite moments…it’s hard to pick one or two moments from the day.  Just looking into Elliot’s eyes and realizing that our dreams were happening. Every moment that we locked eyes from the vows, to the photos, to our first dance. Each time I felt so safe and so at ease, nothing made more sense than being in that moment with him. 

Crystal Blue ::  That’s so romantic and very sweet!!!  I love all of the personal touches of your weddings and how you designed and made almost everything yourself.  What was your favorite design element?

Alexis :: It’s a toss up between my dress and my invitations!  The dress was only the third or fourth I tried on–I just knew!!

Crystal Blue ::  Well it is absolutely stunning!  Thank you so much for sharing your day with us!!! 

Vendors who made this day happen ::

Coordination ::  Celebrations

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Reception venue ::  The Reef Grill

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Alexis and Elliot

Good morning lovelies!  I hope you had a nice weekend and are ready for some fun today.  I was digging in the Crystal Blue Archives and came across this Grand Cayman wedding we featured back in our early days.  I loved it then and still love it so much now!  This is just part one, come back tomorrow for part two!!

Alexis is a designer so almost all of the elements you see she’s designed and made, including the gorgeous bridesmaids bouquets, invitations, escort cards, and table decor. 

The ceremony was held at a private home on Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.  I have to tell you,  I walk by this home at least once a week and it always catches my attention.  It is absolutely gorgeous in an un-pretentious way and just the perfect place for this fun couple! 

Don’t you just L-O-V-E everything about this wedding???  I do!!!

Back in a bit with some more for you!

photo credit ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Crystal Blue Top 10 :: Excursions to plan for your guests

So you’re coming to Cayman for your destination wedding and you would like to plan an excursion or two for you and your guests.  What to do, what to do…here are our top 10 ideas for you!

10 ::  Without a doubt, Stingray City.  We mentioned the place earlier today and it’s a must-do.  No, you can’t have lunch there or do any shopping, but you can play with the stingrays, feed them, hold them and love them.  It’s all natural habitat, but they are the sweetest stingrays in the world!

9 ::  Nighttime Kayak Tour.  Cayman Kayaks takes you to Cayman’s Mangroves, you hop in a kayak and explore.  Because it’s nighttime, your movement awakens the bioluminescence for an amazing aqua blue glow.  It is a truly one of a kind experience!

8 ::  Red Sail Sunset Cruise.  Whether you charter one of the lovely Red Sail Catamarans or join in with another group, this cruise is sure not to disappoint.  Sail while you watch the gorgeous Cayman Islands sunsets, enjoy a lovely beverage and let your guests get to know each other.

7 :: Deep Sea Fishing.  Charter a boat and take your guests deep sea fishing.  Added bonus…you get to keep and eat anything you catch!!!!

6 ::  Cayman Safari.  If you’re not into the water thing, take your group on a Cayman Safari.  This fun tour covers a number of Cayman landmarks like Pedro St. James, the Botanical Gardens and more.  Enjoy a Cayman Style lunch as well!

5 ::  Organize a Rum tasting.  The Caribbean produces some of the finest rums–why not try them?  Jeremy from Blackbeards would be happy to work with you and organize a rum tasting for you and your guests. 

4 ::  Explore the caves!  If you’re in Cayman Brac, this is something you do not want to miss.  There are several to check out–make a game of it!!

3 :: Go snorkeling.  Cayman boasts some of the nicest reef in the Caribbean and if you don’t dive, you must at least try snorkeling.  Bloody Bay wall off of Little Cayman is one of the best most gorgeous spots I’ve ever been–not to be missed!  You can charter a boat for your group, or go along with others.  You’re sure to spot some beautiful treasures regardless of which island you’re on and what sites you see.

2 ::  Cockails and live music on the Paseo.  Throughout the week this main street of Camana Bay entertains with various different local musical artists.  Take your group here and have some cocktails, nibbles or dinner at Ortanique  .  You all will be sure to enjoy!!

1 ::  Beach Barbecue.  You’re at the beach, so you might as well!  The team from Mise En Place can create a fun and yummy menu.  Pair that with some tiki torches, a steel drummer and a fire dancer and you’re in business!

Cayman Islands Inspired Storyboard :: White Sand Beach

If you have been to the Cayman Islands you know we have the most amazing white sand beaches in all of the Caribbean (in one gal’s opinion!).  My husband and I walk the beach every weekend and every time we go, I am reminded of one of the reasons why I am so lucky to live here! 

These are the things that remind me of the beach–neutral colors, sunsets, shells and pretty, simple flowers. 

Challenge for you…create a story board that makes you think of the beach (doesn’t have to be the Cayman beach!) and send it to us.  We’d love to see what you put together!  (And maybe there’s a little something in it for you….)

photo credit:

first row, chuppah:: www.jimgatesphotography.com, couple:: www.jimgatesphotography.com, hair:: www.theknot.com

second row, couple:: www.jimgatesphotography.com, chair:: Danielle Cococcia, reception:: David Wolfe, starfish: Danielle Cococcia

third row, bouquet:: Rebecca Davidson, sand dollars:: www.theknot.com, orchids:: www.weddingchannel.com, beach:

Cayman Islands Photographer :: Rebecca Davidson

I have had quite a few requests to learn more about the photographers we feature on Crystal Blue.  We thought we’d start by re-posting their introductory features just in case you missed them the first time!  Today, we’d like you to meet Rebecca Davidson!

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I’m so excited to introduce this Cayman Islands photographer to you today.  If you couldn’t tell by her profile photo, Rebecca is FUN with a capital F!  I have worked with Rebecca on countless weddings and always have such a great time with her!  So, without further delay….

Crystal Blue:  Rebecca, how long have you been photographing weddings?

Rebecca:  Can you believe it–15 years! 

Crystal Blue:  That’s incredible.  I know the word passionate doesn’t even begin to describe how you feel about your work.  How do you keep things fresh and new?

Rebecca:  This is challenging.   A lot of brides will say, “I love this shot on your site, I want that!!!!”.  So, what I do is tell the bride and groom I want to create something new and different and specific to them.  I encourage them to let me know what they love and what they are passionate about.  Then the ideas just start flowing.   A few weeks ago I shot a bride and groom and he pulled out his golf shoes for a shot.  The bride wasn’t having any of it!   Anyhow, I convinced her to take a few shots of just their shoes under the dress (the bride with her gorgeous shoes and the groom with his dirty old golf shoes).  They loved one of the shots so much, the ended up using it for their thank you cards!   

Crystal Blue:  That’s fantastic!  Tell us more.  How would you describe your style?

Rebecca:  It is actually hard to pin point a specific style as I would want to list everything I do, emotional, photojournalistic, artistic, traditional, fun etc. and I feel it is almost best to say I adapt to the bride and groom, hugely influence them and bring out their fun and creative side. I guess I would like to be considered their ‘story teller’.  Can that be considered a style? Story Teller!

Crystal Blue:  Well if it wasn’t before, Story Teller is a style now!  What is your favorite part of any given wedding?

Rebecca:  The emotion! Absolutely, hands down. I love it when the bride looks up for the first view in the mirror of her dress, her mother watching from the back.  I love capturing the look when she puts on her shoes. I love love love it when the groom cries or the father of the bride cries. (Or the planner!!!!  Hahaha Yes, I have seen you cry, Danielle! )  It really is an amazing experience and by the end of the day, you really feel part of their family.   Then….. you get to show them their images and they get to relive the whole thing over again.  I love that part!!!  Is that too many favorite things????

Crystal Blue:  Hahhaa, no–you can have as many as you’d like!  And yes, I do get teary at almost every wedding!   You have such a warm and fun loving personality, but since more couples are not used to getting photographed to the extent they are on their wedding day, how do you get them to relax and be themselves?

Rebecca:  I’m a very laid back person, so that immediately relaxes them.  I want to have fun with the bride and groom but I also know it is important to be in the background to allow the natural flow of the family and friends with the couple allowing me to capture those emotions as they unfold.  When I have the bride and groom to myself  is when we have a blast!   After all the fun and creative shots are done is not uncommon for them to say, “That was so much fun!!!We feel like rock stars!”.

Crystal Blue:  That must give you a lot of job satisfaction!  If you could give one piece of advice to a couple looking for a photographer, what would it be?

Rebecca:  When you look at the photographers images, you need to be moved emotionally and be excited by what you see.  Connect with the photographer and make sure you feel comfortable.  Finally, don’t just settle for a cd! This is the most important day of your life!  Let the photographer help you create a ‘piece of art’.  

That’s more than one piece of advice right? Am I in trouble now? Okay one last one…. My favourite slogan….. “Invest in an artist….photography is forever”. Do I talk to much?

Crystal Blue:  You are too funny Rebecca!!!  Thank you SO much for taking the time to chat with us and let our readers get to know you better!  To see Rebecca’s work, click here.  Rebecca was also the featured photographer on yesterday’s Cayman Islands Real Wedding of Marizen and Jamie.

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Trish and Grant

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!  We are kicking off the week with Trish and Grant’s wedding full of fun color and fun people!  Not only did these two get hitched in Grand Cayman but they also got engaged in Grand Cayman!  As if it wasn’t easy enough to choose Cayman as a wedding destination, they now had a meaningful link to the island which made it all the more special to Trish and Grant.

As a photographer herself, the hardest decision for Trish was choosing a photographer for her wedding.  When she came across Rebecca Davidson’s work, she knew Rebecca would be the right person to document their day.  Based on what I’ve seen, I think so too!!

During the ceremony the couple had a sand ceremony.  In non-beach speak, this is similar to a unity candle ceremony without the pesky candles blowing out!  As you can see the couple chose blue and green sand and will have this memento to keep and remind them of the commitment they made to each other. 

A first for me, this couple also had a rock ceremony.  Color coordinated rocks with inspirational words such as “trust”  and “love” were used to symbolize all of the many intricate parts of a marriage. 

The ceremony took place on the beach next to the Wharf and the group enjoyed a beautiful lunch and dancing to the musical stylings of Musical Crew.  Most stayed at The Marriott Beach Resort with a few staying at Turtle Nest Inn and everyone enjoyed a day swimming with the stingrays and playing with the dolphins!  They all had a truly amazing visit in Cayman!

Providers who made this day happen :: 

Coordination, decor and equipment rentals ::  Celebrations

Hair and makeup ::  Focus

Music ::  Musical Crew

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Venue, Food and Beverage :: The Wharf

Videography ::  Aaron Rebarcheck

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Courtney and Adam

Today’s wedding is filled with such tropical goodness, I thought you would all enjoy a look!  From the colorful flowers to the shoe valet to the thatch woven fans the details just scream “beach wedding”. 

I’m starting you off with the old Cayman Craft Market.  The bright aqua building with the tin roof–a great example of old school Cayman architecture. 

And the flowers…so bright and cheerful!  They just make me smile!

Like with any beach wedding, you can leave the stilettos at home.  Shoes are optional and you can check them here!

And my favorite one from these two…the bride and groom, sitting on a sea wall, eating island patties.  Check out their “we tied the knot” sign.  Instead of a guest book, they had their guests write notes on postcards that they hung from the sign.  Very cute!!

photo credit ::  A Thousand Words Photography

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Charmaine and Kennedy

Hope you all had a nice weekend!  We’re kicking the week off with a cute, local, pretty much DIY couple who were married just a few weeks ago.  I loved the details of this wedding and Aaron Rebarchek did a great job of capturing the details…and the moments!

The couple exchanged vows at Caribbean Club on Seven Mile Beach with their reception at Luca Restaurant.  The bride’s friend took care of many of the details, including the flowers–which were just so simple and pretty!! 

When the couple began planning their wedding, they considered having it elsewhere.  However, after exploring different locations, they knew they already had the perfect place…their home, Grand Cayman.  The specific location of Caribbean Club and Luca was also easy.  As one of their favorites, this is also where they got engaged!  It was a perfect fit!

Miss Ann of Celebrations made this fabulous cake–I’m sure it tasted as good as it looks!!  I love the detail–the flowers looked like fabric to me at first, but of course, it’s all pure sugar.  Yum!

The words the couple used to describe the design was simple and elegant.  I think this is such a great example of exactly that–a few key, beautiful elements without going overboard.  Just lovely!

Providers who made this day possible ::

Cake ::  Celebrations

Food, Beverage and Venue ::  Luca at Caribbean Club

Decor and design ::  All DIY with the help of friends!

Photography ::  Aaron Rebarchek

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Kristin and Howie, Part 2

We’re back with more red details from this fun couple! 

During the reception the couple heard from many of their friends and family with heartfelt speeches (all written on their iphones), fun games and dancing the night away.  Bona Fide got the party started with their amazing musical talent and everyone danced the night away!!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Accommodation ::  Grand Cayman Marriott

Beauty ::  La Mer Spa

Coordination and design ::  Octopus Events

Event Rentals ::  Massive Equipment

Floral :: Every Bloomin’ Thing

Lighting ::  Intec Research

Music :: Bona Fide

Transportation :: Grand Limousine

Venue, Food and Beverage :: Grand Old House

photo credit :: Craig Wolfrom

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