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 Michael

We’re back this week after a fantastic week at Engage!10.  Let me tell you, we’re rejuvinated, remotivated and excited for some changes we are going to be making to make your experience at Crystal Blue more meaningful and exciting!!!

Today, we are sharing Trish and Michael’s wedding with you.  Melissa Wolfe did a great job at capturing all of the details of this fab wedding and Trish and Michael were kind enough to share with us their thoughts and the story behind the couple!!

I always wonder why people choose Cayman as their destination….here’s what the couple said:

I wanted a Caribbean island with white sand and clear blue water.  I knew (only from one visit via a cruise ship, a lot of pictures, and word of mouth) that Seven Mile beach offered that.  Compared to many islands, travel was easier for our 24 guests that came from 7 different states.  We also wanted an English speaking island/country where the marriage ceremony would actually be legal.  I don’t think we could have been happier with the choice of any other island.

(I think it was a perfect choice, too!!)

The couple exchanged vows on Seven Mile Beach, at the Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa.  After the sunset, they enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing beachside!

The bride hand stamped all of her stationery with the palm tree logo she found.  This added a beachy look to the day while keeping the elements classy and coordinated.  They chose pink to compliment the aqua color (my fav!) which made a beautiful color combination. 

The cake was made by the fantastic pastry chef at the Westin and decorated with local bougainvillea. 

All in all, it was a great night!  The group danced the night away under the stars and the bride even got to play DJ for a while!  Congratulations to you both and thank you for allowing us to share your wedding!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Accommodation ::  The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa

Flowers ::  Celebrations

Food, Beverage and Venue ::  The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa

Photography ::  Better Angle

Rehearsal Dinner ::  Deckers

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Heather and Ryan

I have been dying to post this wedding for so many reasons.  Could it be the beautiful couple?  Yes.  The gorgeous decor?  Yes.  Three different dresses?  Yes.  Basically, it’s everything!!!  I hope you enjoy!

This lovely couple chose Cayman for their destination wedding after many years of visiting Grand Cayman as a family.  The Bride’s family are regular visitors to Cayman and introduced the groom to this amazing island just a few years ago.  He fell in love with it just as quickly as she did, so when it came time to get married, they just knew. 

The couple chose the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman for their wedding location.  Seven Mile Beach was the backdrop for their ceremony, following on to the Grand Terrace for the dinner and the Grand Ballroom for the dancing.  All of their guests wore white which further illustrated their love and support for the happy couple.

No detail was left to chance and special touches were everywhere.  Above, the cake topper from the Bride’s parent’s wedding was on display next to the guest book-scrapbook.  The place settings were complete with a personalized, letterpress menu for each guest.

During dinner, the guests were entertained by fabulous band, Bona Fide then worked their way into the South Beach themed ballroom to dance the night away!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Coordination, Venue, Food and Beverage ::  The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

Hair :: Spa Esprit

Music :: Ceremony, Eugenio Leon (Harpist); Cocktail hour, Mike Lamay (Steel Drummer); Dinner, Bona Fide

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson

Rehearsal Dinner :: The Wharf with decor by Celebrations

Videography ::  Picture This

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Natalie and Matthew

Hi everyone!  Sorry for the quietness yesterday…was feeling very under the weather and had to get some rest.  Back today, though and have a fantastic real wedding of Natalie and Matthew! 

The colors of the wedding were sea glass inspired light green and blue and no detail was left to chance.  Even the bride’s beautiful necklace was coordinated with the sea colors. 

When speaking with Natalie, she told me the color palate inspired everything–from flowers to decor and even the guest’s attire.  To keep in line with the themed color palate, they had touches of starfish to complete the beach look.

For the ceremony, the couple enjoyed the music of Kate Allenger of Cayman Violin and also had a sand ceremony to illustrate their unity.   The reception was around the pool area at the Westin–absolutely beautiful.  Tables were dressed with blue orchids, green napkins and starfish.  Even the cupcake tower was appropriately themed.

As the sun set over the horizon, the couple danced their first dance…can you think of anything more romantic??

Providers who made this day happen ::

Beauty :: Spa Esprit

Coordination, Floral and Decor ::  Celebrations

Music :: Ceremony, Cayman Violin;  Reception, One World

Photography :: David Wolfe Photography

Venue, Food and Beverage ::  The Westin

Cayman Islands Beauty Provider :: La Mer Spa

Pamper yourself before (or after) your wedding.  Have a mani-pedi, a couple’s massage or your hair and makeup done for your big day.  You will get top notch service for any of these treatments (and more) at La Mer Spa.  Located in the Grand Cayman Marriott, La Mer is a full service spa with an amazing team of people.

For more information about La Mer spa, click here.

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Julia and David

Today’s real wedding is a mixture of fun colors, tradition and a whole lot of class.  I love the details of this wedding (and I know you will too), so let’s get to it!!

The ceremony was held at one of the cutest churches ever, Elmslie church.  I personally love ceremonies here–the church is so quaint and, I guess, just a nice change from the beach.

After the ceremony, the couple took off in the Cayman Carriage, horse and cart.  So adorable and romantic!!!  All they need now is a bit of snowfall and a big red blanket and it would be a scene out of a movie!

The reception is loaded with details from a clear top tent with crystal chandeliers, to beautiful centerpieces, coordinating stationery and the cake…can you tell I’m in love???

Wishing you two all the happiness!  Thank you for sharing your day!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Catering ::  Mise En Place

Design and decor ::  Lions Productions

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Transportation ::  The Cayman Carriage Company

Ceremony Venue :: Elmslie Memorial Church

Reception Venue :: Private home

Cayman Islands Inspired Story Board :: Driftwood

If you’ve ever been to any of the Cayman Islands you will see driftwood signs EVERYWHERE!  In Little Cayman and Cayman Brac you will be invited to paint your own piece of driftwood and hang it up where you are staying making the bar or restaurant very fun and personal!  Today, I’m inspired by driftwood and the rustic look of it. 

Enjoy!!

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Ashley and Andrew

Today’s wedding is choc-o-block with gorgeous detail and beautiful colors!  Espresso Brown, Lime Green and a splash of burnt orange really worked for the decor–and it doesn’t hurt that the couple is absolutely stunning!! 

The ceremony took place on Seven Mile Beach with the reception at the Wharf Restaurant.  Celebrations did another beautiful job with the decor and flowers–I just love those roses!!

The couple looked after every detail from coordinating menus and programs to even the cute birdcage card holder for their well wishes.  The tables were dressed with coordinating linens and napkins and no detail was left without thought.

Thank you, Ashley and Andrew for sharing your day with us! 

Providers who made this day happen :: 

Design and decor, floral ::  Celebrations

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Venue ::  The Wharf

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