Trash the Dress Cayman Islands Style!

So leading on from our fantastic lime and navy wedding yesterday, this stylish couple is also loads of fun!  As such, they could not complete their wedding weekend without a super fun trash the dress session!!!

(Side note…have you ever ridden on one of these things??  I personally have not but it seems like you pedal A LOT and don’t go very far…)

There they go!  Water’s fine, jump right on in!!

Note ::  John Michael’s fins match his tie.  That is TOO cool!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!! 

coordination, floral, event rentals ::  Celebrations

photo credit ::  David Wolfe Photography

Trash the Dress Cayman Islands Style

I’ve been DYING to share this with you for two whole weeks.  I know, that is a long time to be DYING!  So, here’s the story.  Two Mondays ago I spent the morning with an amazing team of people, on a yacht, jumping in the water.  I’m not even kidding–that was my work day. 

Yes, this was a photo shoot with models, not a bride and groom.  The beauty of it, though (well, aside from the actual beauty of it) is that anyone can do the same.  Think about this fun outing for the day or two after your wedding, with your photographer and maybe one or two close friends.  Well don’t just think about it, DO.IT.

Our first stop, Starfish Point.

 We then headed to Coral Gardens, a popular snorkeling site.  This is where the actual jumping in the water happened.  Too much fun!

Sorry, I couldn’t help but give you the “play by play” action!

Last but not least we headed to Stingray City Sandbar.  The perfect place to end your excursion where you can hold, feed and kiss these lovely creatures!

I think I need to do this every Monday.

photo shoot team:

shoot co-producers ::  Jet Fete by Bridal Bar and Crystal Blue Weddings  /photography ::  Beautiful Day Photography

yacht ::  Cayman Elusion by Cayman Luxury Charters /dress ::  Kirstie Kelly Collection / floral :: Celebrations 

hair ::  Kelly Massias / models ::  Cristin Alexander and Dave Connolly / sign ::  Laura Hooper Calligraphy

hairpiece ::  Marina Elena Headpieces

 

 

 

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Sancia and Jurell

Happy Friday!  Hope you have all had a good week and for the Americans a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Now I know you’re all out black Friday shopping but I hope you take a few minutes to read today’s real wedding.  Sancia is an avid Crystal Blue Weddings reader and throughout her planning process we were in touch a few times with questions or to give her some direction along the way.  I was so excited to receive her wedding submission to see how it all turned out and share it with all of you!!

I love the color palate and all of the details (most of which were DIY, by the way!).  Come back Monday to see this couple trash the (second) dress!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Floral ::  Every Bloomin’ Thing

Photography ::  Better Angle

Venue ::  Grand Old House 

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 Real Wedding :: Kalli and Alex

For those who know me know that I am a very family oriented person.  As a new mother, even more so, but even before the little one was born, it has always been important to me to keep close to my family and participate and be present for family events (which isn’t always easy seeing as I live abroad).  So when I heard the story behind this wedding, I couldn’t help but share it with you…it’s all about family!

When I talked with the couple the focus of our discussion was about family.  From the proposal, the engagement ring, the planning and finally the wedding, it was all about family.  I love that.

The bride and groom have known each other since they were 14.  How cute is that??  Before Alex proposed, after asking permission from Kalli’s father, the groom was given a diamond ring that was the bride’s grandmother’s ring (seriously, when I heard that detail, I got a little teary…)

The guests all stayed at the Discovery Point Club on Seven Mile Beach which is also where the ceremony was held.  When I asked this cute couple why they chose to come to Cayman for their wedding, here’s what Kalli said…

“My Nuno (grandmother) was my inspiration. Ever since I was 4, it was a gift to fly down to Grand Cayman to visit Papa and Nuno for a week, once a year. When I was 10, I saw a bride at the Hyatt (now called Grand Cayman Beach Suites), and that was it. I remember my grandmother kneeling down next to me and telling me, that could be me someday. I never forgot it and because of that I always wanted a Cayman wedding.”

Crystal Blue ::  Tell us about your favorite moments from the day.

Kalli and Alex ::  One of the most memorable moments was the ceremony.  The exchange of vows, my husband’s tears and him telling me, all throughout the ceremony, “you’re so beautiful”.   There was not a dry eye in the place, so much love that day. Our first dance was amazing as well.   For my college graduation present Alex organized dance lessons and let me pick the song. I chose “Lucky”, by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, we surprised everyone with our foxtrot to the song.  We didn’t mess up once. Dancing in his arms, we just stared into one another’s eyes with big smiles, we knew all the steps and just were so happy.   It was a great moment.

For the reception, the couple and all of the guests enjoyed a catamaran cruise by Red Sail Sports to Rum Point Restaurant.  Looks like they all had a blast!!!  Congratulations you two!

Providers who made this day happen :: 

Cake :: Treats

Event Rentals ::  Massive Equipment

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Transportation ::  Red Sail Sports

Venue ::  Ceremony, Discovery Point Club;  Reception, Rum Point Restaurant

Cayman Islands Inspired Storyboard :: The Cayman Sea

Without fail, every time I get a glimpse of the Cayman Sea (which, by the way is every day…don’t be jealous!)  I want to jump right in and go for a swim.  While I may not always have my swimsuit in hand, the colors always dazzle and really sparkle in the sun.  The Cayman sea brings the perfect color palette for your Cayman wedding–starting with a very light aqua blue and darkening into the depths of the deep blue sea.  I’ve put together a story board that reflects these amazing blues…I hope you enjoy–I’m going for a swim!

 

 

photo credit:
top row, second from left:: David Wolfe, third and fourth across:: The Knot
second row, first:: The Knot  second and third:: David Wolfe                                                                                                                                                                                                                         third row, first:: Jim Gates  second:: Wedding Channel, third from:: The Knot                                                                                                                                                                                   fourth row,first and second:: The Knot, third courtesy of Danielle Cococcia, last:: Rebecca Davidson

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.

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