Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Jillian and Bryan

Happy Friday!  Today we’re sharing Jillian and Bryan’s wedding with you.  This one is full of DIY, Love and F-U-N! 

We had a chat with the Bride about the details and here’s what she said…

CBWS ::  Why did you choose Cayman as the destination for your wedding?

Jillian :: Grand Cayman, in our opinion, is unlike any other island destination.  You cannot go anywhere else and find the same hospitality, environment, and beautiful, natural surroundings.  We both have very small families so we wanted to go away to a place that would still feel like home.  We found that in Grand Cayman at the Marriott Beach Resort and Grand Old House.  We recommend these two places to any couple thinking of marrying in Grand Cayman, and we certainly recommend the island for any couple unsure of a destination wedding location.

CBWS ::  Tell us about finding the wedding dress?

Jillian :: This is a memory that will stick with me forever.  Because my mother and sister do not live very close to me, Bryan and I actually did a little dress shopping on our own.  It was just so difficult to get everyone in one place.  I actually found a dress that I loved.  Much more casual than the one I ended up with.  When we were finally able to schedule a time that we could all be in the same place, we set up a couple of appointments, one at the location of the dress that I had originally liked, Nicole Miller, and then one at Priscilla of Boston (per my sister’s recommendation).  We went to Priscilla first.  My mother brought her close friend Yolanda.  She came equipped with Sharpie’s and paper plates.  She proceed to make judging cards (putting 1-10 on each of the plates).  When I would try on dresses, they would rate the dress.  When I put on the (I think 6^th) dress, before they could display their score, they all began to cry, as did I.  Slowly they all raised “10”s.  It was a wonderful moment.  After the paperwork was signed, I called the other location and cancelled.  I knew as soon as I put THE DRESS on at Priscilla that it was the dress that was meant for me!

CBWS ::  What was your most memorable moment from your wedding day?

Jillian :: The most memorable part of our day was probably our vows.  We both wrote our own and did not share them with each other or anyone else until the Ceremony.  It was a very emotional moment that we were able to share with our guests.   My favorite design element was really all the decorations that my sister created.  The Grand Old House did a wonderful job with providing her with the canvas, and then she was able to take it to the next level.  The centerpieces, programs, chair décor, place cards, guest book table, etc. all fell into place and matched our personalities well.

CBWS ::  In retrospect, do you have any thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

Jillian ::  We had the wedding of our dreams thanks to all parties involved.  We seriously do not have one thing we would have changed.  I never thought a wedding could run so smoothly or be so beautiful, but it was all we wanted and more.  To all the soon-to-be Brides and Grooms out there, Grand Cayman is the place to get married…hands down!  You can’t go wrong with staying at the Marriott, marrying at the Grand Old House, and having Rebecca Davidson capture all the special moments!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Accommodation ::  Grand Cayman Marriott and Beach Resort

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Venue, Food and Beverage ::  Grand Old House

**All decor, invitations, place cards and menus designed by the Bride, Groom and Family members.

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 :: Kristin and Howie

Weddings in the Cayman Islands do not have to be all sea shells and tropical colors.  This wedding is a perfect example of finding one element (in this case it was the cake) and basing the entire design around that one thing.  The color was red accented by silver, the couple was full of energy and laughter and the guests had a spectacular time!

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

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Noel and David

Happy Thursday my darlings.   Hope the week is going well.  Some fun from a fantastic couple to keep this week happening for you!  I’m on a Grand Old House kick this week, so here’s one more to round things out.

Noel and David were married just a couple of weeks ago and even the staff at Grand Old House were talking about how much fun their wedding was!  The weather was a little tempermental that day, but that didn’t stop the ear to ear smiles and the great fun had by everyone! 

Before things started at Grand Old House, Rebecca Davidson took the couple to a few favorite spots to get them warmed up. 

I chatted to Noel to find out more about their wedding…here’s what she said!

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

Noel :: We choose Grand Cayman for three reasons.  First Grand Cayman is a desirable tropical destination because of the unique activities available such as Sting Ray city and diving.  Also, it is a higher-end island, meaning the restaurants, hotels, and services would be first class.  Third, it was central to both west coast and east coast guests. 

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

Noel ::  The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa

Crystal Blue ::  Apart from the wedding which was of course the main event, did you plan any other fun activities for your guests?

Noel ::  The first We started things off with “Welcome Bags” for our guests.  Each contained personalized, custom-made beach towels, personalized water bottles, and custom-made drink tickets for our cocktail party held the first night at the Westin.  The second day’s events involved a chartered fishing boat for all of the men to go deep sea fishing while the girl’s had a bachelorette celebration under cabanas set up at the Westin. Spa services were provided on the beach under the cabanas.  The day after the wedding a group excursion had been arranged with Captain Marvin’s Watersports to go to Sting Ray City, and to snorkel for conch and starfish.  This was a highlight for the guests because we had the boat reserved entirely for our friends and family.  Some members of our family and friends had never even met, so after this experience they went home with new friendships and great memories. 

Crystal Blue ::  What was the inspiration for the design of your wedding?

Noel ::  Our colors were inspired by the sea glass colors of blue and green.  I just loved the flowers used throughout.  The bridal bouquet was a lush bundle of white cymbidium orchids and sparkling jewels wrapped in ivory silk.  The tables’ floral centerpieces were modern displays of orchids, hydrangeas, and calla lilies which kept the look very tropical, but still very chic. 

I just had to include a copy of their vows.  They are a true reflection of the personalities of Noel and David.  Completely in love and really know how to have fun!!

Providers who made this day happen ::

                Flowers, Design and décor, event rentals: Celebrations

                Invitations and other stationery: Prim & Pixie

                Catering and cake: Grand Old House

               Photographer: Rebecca Davidson

               Accommodations (if applicable): The Westin Casuarina

               Place settings: Shore Chic

Cayman Islands Wedding Venue :: Grand Old House

Grand Old House is a beautiful plantation house found on the South Sound of Grand Cayman.  Established for over 100 years, this venue is a perfect setting for weddings and receptions, small and large.  Overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, exchange vows on the deck at sunset and then enjoy a fantastic meal with your guests under the stars. 

The blank canvas of the Grand Old House deck leaves endless possibilities for you to express your creativity.  Decor ideas, color palates, and overall wedding style can be easily portrayed at Grand Old House to make your wedding unique.

The staff at Grand Old House are top notch and are there to help you with whatever you need.  Offering wedding packages for smaller weddings and for those arriving by cruise ship, you can definitely find whatever you need to suit your style and budget at this gorgeous location.

Find out more about Grand Old House and see more photos from Grand Old House weddings here. 

photo credit ::  All photos from Grand Old House website except couple dancing, Craig Wolfrom

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Laura and Remo, Part 2

We’re back with some more of Laura and Remo’s trash the dress session.  I just loved looking at these photos–the huge smiles on their faces showed just how much fun they were really having!!!  Makes me want to find my dress and jump into the water…well, almost!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Accommodation ::  Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

Coordination, Floral, Design and decor ::  Celebrations

Food, beverage and venue :: Grand Old House

Photography ::  Aaron Rebarchek Photography

Music ::  One World

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Laura and Remo

This sassy couple was married earlier this year and when I saw their photos I had to show you.  Aaron Rebarchek not only did a fantastic job of capturing the personalities of the bride and groom but also shows us some views of Cayman that I thought you might like.

Laura and Remo were married at Grand Old House on Grand Cayman.  This beautiful plantation house has one of the best views on the island–perfect for the backdrop of any wedding.   The tropical colored flowers Celebrations designed for this couple really popped and enhanced the true Caribbean style this couple was after. 

In one of the days following the wedding, the couple had a photo shoot with Aaron  that ended with trashing the dress.  Before jumping into the crystal blue sea they headed to a few ideal locations and really had fun with the shoot!

We’ll be back with some more in a little while!!

photo credit ::  Aaron Rebarchek Photography

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Pam and Ryan, Part 2

We wanted to share more details from Pam and Ryan’s Cayman Islands Wedding with you.  We hope you enjoyed everything so far!  Have a look at these…the first one on the top left is when they saw each other for the first time that day–very cute!  AANNNDDD…checkout that sunset–hello gorgeous!!!

Vendors who made this day possible :: 

Coordination and design ::  Octopus Events

Event Rentals ::  Massive Equipment

Flowers ::  Every Bloomin’ Thing

Music ::  Cayman Violin and One World

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Venue, Food and Beverage ::  Grand Old House

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Pam and Ryan

Hello lovelies!  I hope you had a nice weekend and are ready for some more Cayman Islands beauty this week!!!  Today we are featuring the wedding of Pam and Ryan…one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met! 

This cute couple was wed at Grand Old House, an absolutely stunning waterfront venue in Grand Cayman.  Here  are some of the details to get you warmed up!

I know Pam and Ryan and was fortunate enough to be able to help them with their day and when we caught up to chat, they shared some of their favorite moments and memories…

Crystal Blue ::  What was the MOST memorable part of your wedding day?

Pam and Ryan ::  

We chose to have photos of the two of us taken before the ceremony and it proved to be so exciting and fun to have that time alone together (well almost alone together) before the ceremony. We still had our special moment of seeing each other for the first time but it was a little more private as it was just in front of our parents and bridal party. At the end of the photos we were both so excited for the ceremony, all the nerves were gone and the rest of the day just felt absolutely amazing.

Crystal Blue ::  Everything was really beautiful, tell us about the decor and your design inspiration. 

Pam and Ryan :: (Pam’s)  favorite colors– purple, clover green & cream–were the color palate. We wanted the décor to be bright and happy as the ceremony and reception were held outside overlooking the water. Octopus Events really provided great design on how to bring out these colors throughout the décor to ensure everything flowed together.

Crystal Blue ::  What was your favorite part??

Pam and Ryan ::  Our favorite design element was the reception table décor. The centerpieces were simple and beautiful and consisted of  purple hydrangea, green cymbidium orchids and limes.   We also loved the cream colored pintuck table clothes (selected by the groom) which added a nice texture. All of this was accented by candlelight to give make it a bit more romantic! 

Crystal Blue ::  The whole evening was great!  Let’s not forget the surprise salsa dancers you had–that was such a fun surprise for all of your guests! 

There is still more to see so come back for more soon!

photo credit :: Rebecca Davidson Photography