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 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 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

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Angela and Andre

It was a beautiful day with beautiful people and beautiful, simple details.  This intimate wedding was held on Seven Mile Beach during one of our Cayman cold fronts (um…that means it was about 72 degrees) earlier this year.  You can see the band all bundled at the end of the evening…brrr! 

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

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 :: 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

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Rachel and Boris, Part 2

We’re back with more from this “made for each other” couple.  You can see it in the photos, but honestly, the amount of laughing taking place during this wedding was incredible.  Everyone was so happy, relaxed and just excited for the day!

Crystal Blue ::  What was your favorite design element?

Rachel and Boris :: Where do we begin… The invitation set the tone for the wedding.  The invites were square with the trio of colors and one single Palm Tree.  This easily segued into the design elements.  For the ceremony, I walked down an espresso, wooden runway that just popped off the white sand of the beach.  The guests sat on espresso benches with white rectangular cushions.  The square bamboo canopy that we exchanged our vows under was draped in white fabric with the aqua blue ocean as a back drop.  HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THAT?!

Then… The reception.  Our guests sat at a table family style with aqua linen and multiple espresso runners that ran width wise.  Each setting was layered with the trio of colors.   The base linen was aqua, then an espresso pintuck napkin, with white square chargers.  The centerpieces were a line of  white orchids in glass vases with actual espresso beans in the bottom of the vase.  We danced the night away under a clear top tent that faced the ocean with a never ending line of tiki torches that separated us from the water…  The finish couldn’t have matched my inspiration an better and my favorite elements were sprinkled everywhere throughout the night.  There was never just one…

Thank you, Rachel and Boris for sharing your day with us!!!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Accommodation, wedding venue, food and beverage ::  The Reef

Coordination and design ::  Octopus Events

Event rentals ::  Massive Equipment

Floral ::  Every Bloomin’ Thing

Lighting :: Intec Research

Music :: Joyce Fell, Violinist (Ceremony)

One World, DJ (reception)

Photography ::  Aaron Rebarchek Photography

Stationery ::  Octopus Events, Menus and Place cards

Paper Cut Industries, Invitations, Programs, CD covers, Bookmarks and more!

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Maggie and Mason

Thanks for joining us today and we hope you had a great weekend!!!!  We’re so happy to share with you, today, the wedding of Maggie and Mason.  Such a lovely couple, they tied the knot on February 26, 2010 at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman.  Once again, the Ritz Carlton produced a lovely, simply elegant affair!

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

Maggie ::  We knew we wanted to get married on the beach and have heard wonderful things about the Cayman Islands.  We booked it, site unseen, and it was perfect!

Crystal Blue ::  Where did you and your guests stay?

Maggie ::  We stayed at the Exclusive Resorts by the Ritz Carlton.  It was just the two of us and our parents.  Originally we were going to head down without anyone, but after thinking more about it, we knew how important it was to have our parents there.  I’m so glad they were!

Crystal Blue ::  How did you decide on the design for your wedding?

Maggie ::  We chose one of the wedding packages offered by the Ritz Carlton, “Two if by Sea”, so it was easy!  We wanted the overall look and feel to be clean, soft and low maintenance and that was exactly what it was!

Crystal Blue ::  Well you had a gorgeous day and it looks like exactly what you wanted!  What did you do to celebrate after the ceremony?

Maggie ::  We had dinner on the beach, just the six of us.  Then, afterwards we headed up to the lounge where a DJ was playing that night.  We danced the night away and pretended all of the people were there for our wedding reception!  It was great fun!!

Thank you, Maggie and Mason, for sharing your day with us!!

Have you had or are you planning a beach wedding?  We would love to hear from you!!

Providers who made this day possible ::

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

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

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