Cayman Islands Photographer :: Melissa Wolfe of Better Angle

Re-introducing  you to Melissa Wolfe of Better Angle! 

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Meet Melissa!  Fun, down-to-earth, and ever creative, Melissa Wolfe of Better Angle.  Melissa has been shooting weddings for a while now and I am so happy to be able to introduce you to her!

Crystal Blue:  Melissa, describe your style to our readers.

Melissa:  I like to have fun with the couple and make sure to capture the sentimental moments, the details of the day as well as those unique candids with the guests.  Of course portraits are a must and need to capture the personality of the bride and groom.

Crystal Blue:   Especially for the portraits, since many 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?

Melissa:  Well, it varies with each couple, but I’m relaxed and find it only takes a few minutes to get everyone relaxed and enjoying themselves getting photographed. 

Crystal Blue:  After shooting so many weddings, how do you keep things fresh and new?

Melissa:  Well, I can’t give away all of my trade secrets!  hahah!  I have new things up my sleeve everyday!  Recently, during Pirate’s week, I did a “Trash the Dress” session the day after the wedding.  I hired 10 pirates to join us for the shoot–they “stole” the bride and the groom triumphantly fought back to win back his lady!!

Crystal Blue:  That sounds like so much fun!!  What is the process you to through with each couple?

Melissa:  Again, it varies with each couple.  My only goal is to ensure my clients are 100% satisfied throughout the process and with the end product.  To me it is not good enough for someone to say “the photos are nice”.   I want my clients to be overjoyed with the photos and thrilled they chose me as their photographer! 

Crystal Blue:  Well, based on what I’ve seen, I’m sure they all are!!  If you could give one piece of advice to couples looking for a photographer, what would it be?

Melissa:  Make sure you hire someone with a good reputation for delivering amazing photos and has established experience shooting weddings.  Also, remember your photos are the one keepsake you have from your wedding day so have your photographer present for every moment, of course, as much as your budget allows.

Crystal Blue:  Thank you so much, Melissa! 

Do you have any questions for Melissa?  If so, leave a comment here!  Melissa was the photographer on yesterday’s real wedding.  You can also check out some of her work here.

Crystal Blue Planning Tips :: Welcome Bags

If you are having a destination wedding in the Cayman Islands, in addition to or instead of a favor, consider giving your guests welcome bags upon their arrival. It is such a nice gesture and really makes your guests feel like you were thinking about THEM and appreciate them travelling for your wedding. Here is my top 10 for items to include…

10. An itinerary of events. This does not have to be only hosted events, but meeting places and times as well. A great way to present this is on the back of one of these maps!

9.  A personalized note from both of you thanking your guests for traveling to share in your day!

8.  A little bottle of Tortuga Rum + a can of locally made fruit punch (=rum punch)

7.  A beach towel with “Cayman Islands” embroidered on it

6.  A copy of one of the local Cayman magazines to tell your guests about all of the happening places during their visit.

5.  A Tortuga Rum Cake.  It’s a must.

4.  A “ticket to board” for a pre-arranged snorkeling trip and a disposable underwater camera for your guests to bring along.

3.  Snacks for the beach and a big bottle of water (preferably a re-usable enviro-friendly bottle).

2.  A bottle of sunblock–that Caribbean sun can burn!!

1.  A box of Cayman Islands made salt water taffy (yum!)

What do you put all of this in???  There are so many options, but we love canvas beach totes.  This way, your guests can use them during their trip and easily fold them up to put in their luggage on the way home!  Your guests will be sure to love this little gift you’ve given them!!!

Cayman Islands Inspired Story Board :: Mango

Mango, mango everywhere!  Here in the Cayman Islands we have some lovely mango trees that bear the most delicious mango.  I had some the other day–it was so yummy–so when I was thinking of what color I should use for this week’s story board I figured why not yummy mango??  And besides…I’m on a fruit kick the past few weeks so I thought I’d continue with it.

Cayman Islands Photographer :: David Wolfe

I mentioned last week we would be re-introducing you to our favorite photographers.  Below is our interview with David Wolfe.  Enjoy!

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It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to photographer, David Wolfe!  I started working with David on one of the very first weddings I ever planned.  He doesn’t know this (well, now he does) but before I met him I was a little nervous and quite intimidated.  I had heard so many amazing thing about him and here I was– just a newbie! 

Anyway, when he arrived, I was instantly impressed with his down to earth personality, how he immediately made the couple feel so comfortable and just his overall gentle demeanor.  Then, a few days later, I saw the first of the images.  One word, WOW!!!  He really captured more than just the moments but the personalities of the couple and the emotions behind the moments. 

I recently caught up with David to chat with him more about his philosophy, style, etc.  and here’s what he had to say. 

Crystal Blue:  How long have you been photographing weddings?

DW:  For about 20 years!  I shoot about 60-80 weddings per year, so if you do the math, that puts me up over the 1000 wedding mark.

Crystal Blue:  Wow!  That’s amazing!  How do you keep things fresh and new?

DW:  I always, always, always, try to do something new at every wedding; something that I’ve never done before.  Something even a little bit risky photographically.  I try to push the edges of the envelope with regard to exposure, shutter speeds in particular.  I’m also very open to suggestions.  The guests at a wedding know the couple far better than I do.  They often come up with ideas about a photo that will mean something that I would never have a clue about, so I listen to their ideas and go with the flow.

Crystal Blue:  With Cayman the destination it is for weddings, you may not meet some of your couples until the day of their wedding.  Can you describe the process you go through with the couple prior to and on the wedding day?

DW:  I like to keep things as simple as possible.  95% of the weddings I shoot are booked via email and I don’t meet with them until literally their wedding day.  That’s the first time I see them so everyone is being nice and smiling a lot just trying to make a good impression as you do when you meet someone for the first time.  I just build on that initial encounter and try to nurture a friendship by the end of the day.

Crystal Blue:  If someone were to ask, “What is your Style”, how would you describe it?

DW:  I would say very “clean”, having a strong focus on the subject without distracting backgrounds.  I started out working for real newspapers in Tennessee so the photo-journalistic style is ingrained in me.  “Candids” are my favorite.

Crystal Blue:  Newspapers to weddings….Tennessee to Cayman…interesting!!!  What is your favorite part most weddings?

DW:  Being a part of the party!  Everyone at a Cayman Islands wedding is having fun.  I like to have fun with them!

Too right!!!  Thank so much for chatting with us, David!!!!   Do you have any questions for David?  If so, leave a comment below and we will follow up for you.

To see some of David’s work, visit his page in Crystal Blue Vendors.  David was also the featured photographer on yesterday’s real wedding of Katherin and Matt.

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 :: Gillian and Duncan

Love in the time of …..skype!  This story is a true whirlwind romance with a “made for each other” ending.  Gillian and Duncan’s have known each other since 1969, however, these two love birds hadn’t spent any time together until last summer when Gillian and her daughter visited England.  After the visit, Gillian and Duncan communicated, fell in love and got engaged over Skype!  They didn’t want to wait to tie the knot–Duncan hopped on a plane, came to Grand Cayman (where Gillian and her family live) and two weeks later they were married!

The wedding was beautiful–surrounded by their closest family and friends, Gillian and Duncan were married on Seven Mile Beach with dinner following at Luca.  The wedding dress was un-traditional and casual, many of the men dressed in kilts rented by Kilt Rental USA.  The decor centered around the orange calla lily and the couple were married under a bamboo canopy to frame the ceremony. 

Oh, did I mention all of this was planned in two weeks???  That’s where the whirlwind part comes in!  Wishing this brilliant couple a lifetime of happiness together!!!

Providers who made this day happen :: 

Cake, Coordination, event rentals and flowers ::  Celebrations

Musician ::  Eugenio Leon (Harp)

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Venue ::  Caribbean Club and Luca

Cayman Islands Accommodation :: The Reef

If you read yesterday’s post (I’m sure you ALL did!!) you saw that Rachel and Boris were married and stayed at The Reef on the eastern end of Grand Cayman.  Today, we’re going to tell you a little more about The Reef where it’s all about simplicity and relaxation!

First, The Reef is the only resort where there is an option for an all-inclusive holiday.  All of the rooms are ocean front and comfortably set up for you and your guests.  There is plenty to do at the Reef…diving, snorkeling, swimming, volleyball, or just (as I said before) simply relaxing.

For your wedding, there are plenty of options!  While many ceremonies are held on the beach there is also the large dock where you can exchange your vows.  Depending on the number of people in your party you can have your reception underneath the stars on the beach or inside in the restaurant.  The choices are many and the fantastic staff at The Reef are more than happy to help with whatever you desire.

To find out more about The Reef, click here.

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Sheenah and David, Part 2

We’re back and about to knock your socks off…I mentioned earlier that the reception color palate was a mixture of chocolate brown, ice blue and lots of bling…soooo, here you go!

The couple’s favorite design element was the beautiful lighting throught the room.  I don’t know if I could personally choose a “favorite” element…there are too many to choose from!   Their words to describe the day are magical, memorable and beautiful.  Agreed, agreed and agreed!

One thing Sheenah did share with me was that she promised herself she was going to stay calm and enjoy the day.  In doing so, she not only enjoyed her day but soaked in and remembered all of the details and elements.  I think that is a fabulous piece of advice for all of you brides out there…stay calm and enjoy!!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Coordination, design and decor, floral, invitations and cake ::  Celebrations

Photography ::  Better Angle

Venue, food and beverage ::  The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

Transportation :: Grand Limousine

Music (DJ) :: TNT

Video :: Apex Video Solutions 

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Sheenah and David

Well, you are just going to D-I-E when you see what we have in store for you today!  This wedding is beyond beautiful with every single detail looking just absolutely perfect.  Let’s start with some eye candy and then we’ll get to the details…

The ceremony and reception were held at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman with Celebrations doing what they do best–coordination, design and decor, flowers, invitations and the cake! 

After doing a bunch of research, Sheenah decided on shades of white and ivory for the ceremony and the gorgeous color palete of chocolate brown and ice blue and added a whole bunch of bling to really enhance the decor! 

Come back in a little while for the reception…you do NOT want to miss this one–it’s too gorgeous!!!!

photo credit ::  Better Angle Photography

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