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!

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:

************************************************

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.

First, I have to confess, burnt orange calla lilies are one of my favorite flowers–especially when coupled with something light green.  So, when I saw these photos I couldn’t resist sharing.

Second, I’ve said it before, but you just cannot beat Seven Mile Beach.  I challenge you.  You can’t do it.  The water is crystal clear, the sunsets are magical and the sand is so white and fine it’s like walking on powder.

Last, but certainly not least, the reception.  The group had a lovely dinner at Morgan’s Harbour with musical stylings of Hi Tide.  You can see things got a little windy and chilly (well, it’s all relative, isn’t it), but everyone still had a fantastic time!!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Accommodation :: Grand Cayman Beach Suites

Decor and flowers ::  Celebrations

Music :: Harpist, Eugenio Leon (Ceremony);  Hi Tide (Reception)

Photography :: David Wolfe Photography

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

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

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

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

The wedding was held at Grand Old House in Grand Cayman just a couple of weeks ago.  I had the opportunity to meet this couple and let me tell you, I have never seen two more smiley and energetic people in my life!   Being around them, I couldn’t help but be excited for them and their big day!

So many elements of this wedding were personal to the bride and groom, including the vows they wrote for each other…on their iphones.  I like to think I’m technologically savvy, but when they took their phones out to read their vows I was pretty impressed!

Kristin ::  The most memorable moment of the day was during the ceremony.  I was tearing up while Howie was non-stop laughing.  I looked around and everyone was also crying & laughing at the same time with us. It was so emotional!!  I remember thinking he was so cute  and after his said his vows I asked the officiate if I could kiss him.  He told me I had to wait! 

We’ll be back in a little while with more–don’t miss it!!

photo credit :: Craig Wolfrom

This cute couple did just that.  After disembarking their cruise ship, they headed up to the Wharf for a lovely daytime ceremony and lunch reception. 

I love the variety of color in this wedding.  Celebrations worked with the couple on coordination and design and used the blue to reflect the gorgeous water used as the backdrop with the oranges, yellows and greens really adding a tropical effect to the design. 

A few words from the bride and groom…

Crystal Blue ::  Why did you choose Grand Cayman for your wedding destination?

Kristen ::  As a child, my family used to vacation in the Cayman Islands.  At dinner one evening and Kristen stated that she wanted to get married there one day.  Following their engagement, Joe and Kristen decided on a destination wedding and could not think of a better place to celebrate their day.

Crystal Blue ::  How did you choose to travel by cruise ship?

Kristen ::  That was THE hardest decision in the entire planning process.  We wanted our guests to have a vacation with a wedding and decided a cruise ship was the best way, for our group, to do this. 

Crystal Blue ::  Can you describe your day in three words?

Kristen ::  Perfect, Beautiful and Simply-Cayman!  We just had a great day and our guests had so much fun dancing all afternoon!!!

Providers who made this day happen :: 

Coordination, decor, event rentals and floral ::  Celebrations

Photography ::  Aaron Rebarchek Photography

Music ::  One World

Venue ::  The Wharf