Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Yewande and Olaniyi

I don’t even know where to start with this wedding.  EVERYTHING (and I mean EVERYTHING) was absolutely gorgeous.  First, I fell in love with the bride and groom, then the stationery, then the table settings, then the guests…the whole three days looked so amazing and full of fun!!!

The couple and their “small” group of 100 guests (they are from Nigeria and for them, 100 people was small) spent some time together exploring the island.  The first night they took a sunset cruise on a Red Sail catamaran.  Catered by Mise En Place, this group did not go hungry!! 

The second day started off with some golf and then, in the evening, the group got together for what looked like a GREAT P-A-R-T-Y!!!  With dinner at LUCA, the group danced the night away with the fantastic band, Bona Fide. 

Check out the photos of these two days from their friend and photographer, Wale Ariztos.  He captured some great moments–a ton of laughter, some fantastic dancing AND a fire eater!!!

Then came wedding day….

With everything on the wedding day taking place at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, we were off to a good start.  Add in Yewande’s amazing dress and gorgeous yellow shoes and there was no turning back!!!  Loving the letterpress stationery, although you already knew I was a paper junkie!

And, of course, the DANCING!!! 

One last amazing detail and very special touch…the bride and groom slipped thank you notes to each of their guests during the after party so when they returned to their rooms a Thank You was waiting for them.  I just thought that was SO thoughtful of them to think of their guests in this way. 

Congratulatons Yewande and Olaniyi!  Thank you so much for allowing us to share your wonderful wedding weekend!!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Accommodation and Wedding Venue ::  Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman

Beauty ::  Hair by Spa Esprit;  Makeup by Stephanie Ford-Ramoon

Cinematography ::  Picture This

Coordination ::  Sonal J. Shah Consultants

Decor, Event Rentals and Floral ::  Celebrations

Musicians ::  Cayman Violin (Ceremony); Nicholas Bell (Steel Drum); DJ Zimo (After party)

Photography (wedding day) ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Stationery ::  Saima Says

 

 

Crystal Blue Providers :: Mise En Place and Sunset Bay

We hope you’re hungry because today we are featuring one of the Cayman Islands finest professional catering companies and their exclusive venue.  Mise En Place (pronounced meez on plahs) was created in 2002 by Chef Sean Collins.  Taking your meal and event to a new level, Mise En Place creates not just food, but exquisite dining experiences to stimulate your senses. 

In addition to culinary delights, Mise En Place now offers an exclusive venue, Sunset Bay.  When I tell you this venue is beautiful, that doesn’t even come close to describing how amazing it actually is!  Water, beach, and garden all in one…what more could you want??

So, I had a few questions for the team at Mise En Place and I thought I’d share them (and the answers) with you…

Crystal Blue:  Describe your process with a couple.  How do you create these dining experiences?

Mise En Place:  We meet with the couple (either in person or by phone) and discuss not only the kind of food they like but the style of their wedding, their vision and their overall personalities.  From there we create a menu which includes the food items as well creative service and display ideas for them to review.  After they review it, we can tweak it however they would like to suit their needs and their vision.  It’s important to us that the food fit in with the overall flow of the event.

Crystal Blue:  What do you mean when you say service and display ideas?

Mise En Place:  There are various ways to serve a meal–buffet style, station style or a plated meal, to name a few.  We need to figure out, with the couple, the best style of service for their wedding.  Also, we like to get creative and display our food in different ways–not just on plates.  It allows us to reflect the couples personality and vision to make the entire dining experience personal.

Crystal Blue:  Tell us more about Sunset Bay!  What a gorgeous property!!

Mise En Place:  Sunset Bay is a private residence in the Prospect area of Grand Cayman.  We have been fortunate enough to have been granted permission to use Sunset Bay as a venue for weddings and other special events.  The property overlooks the water, has a beautiful garden as well as a beach and, as the name implies, has gorgeous sunsets! 

Here are some photos of the creations of Mise En Place as well as Sunset Bay.  To find out more about Sean and his team, click here.  To see what Sunset Bay has to offer, click here.

photo credit::

Cake:: David Wolfe Photography

Ceremony::  David Wolfe Photography

Sunset Bay at night :: David Wolfe Photography

Crystal Blue Providers Giving Back

I love to see when Crystal Blue Providers give their time and talent for good causes.  It makes my heart smile to see these amazing people give selflessly to help others.  I couldn’t let it go by without sharing with you some of the details of the National Gallery Fundraising Ball that took place recently in Grand Cayman.

First, some eye candy (or fruit, actually…)

The fundraiser is held each year to raise money for the National Gallery’s educational programs and this year, specifically to fit out the Gallery’s new educational center.  GREAT news for the kids of Cayman!!  Mise En Place catered the event (no, they didn’t serve apples) and Better Angle captured the moments.  Lots of fun was had by all but most importantly, lots of money raised!!

A special shout out to the organizers and volunteers for this event…it of course wouldn’t happen without you!  Natalie Urquhart, National Gallery Director, Fundraising Ball Co-chairs, Jennifer Woodford and Nisha Bismallah, and the amazing team….Marcia Milgate, Jennifer Marshall, Sali Odendaal, Susan Sumley, Gabriela Zamora, Emma Drake and Lesley Arthur.  You guys rock!!!!

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: White sand elegance

I am in love with this wedding simply for these reasons…it adds beauty and elegance to what is already beautiful.  White simplicity against the white sands of the Cayman beaches and the aqua blue of the Cayman waters just makes for a perfect combination for this beautiful couple!

Seriously, what is there not to love about this??? 

Providers who made this day happen ::

Accommodation and venue ::  Villas of the Galleon

Cake ::  Cayke

Catering ::  Mise En Place *

Design, decor, event rentals and floral ::  Lions Productions

Coordination ::  Parfait Weddings & Events *

Photography ::  Better Angle Photography *

* Crystal Blue Preferred Providers

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Agata and Reno, Part 2

I hope you enjoyed some of the details from Agata and Reno’s Cayman Islands wedding yesterday!  Today we’re going to share the portrait session with you along with some of the different and fantastic details that you might not see in photos! 

First, I mentioned yesterday that the vibe was Vintage-Punk.  You may have worked it out already but if not, Reno is in a band (an awesome band, by the way!) that I have gone to see countless times throughout my years in Cayman.  So, when I tell you that these two are rock stars, well, they really are!

Second, these two are vegans and also wanted to  incorporate as many eco-friendly elements as they possibly could.  Living on an island it’s VERY difficult to have a wedding or event with zero carbon footprint, but this couple did their best and made some fantastic choices.  Here are the details:

The sparkling wine we used was Cono Sur, a company that tries to minimize their carbon footprint in their daily operations and their sparkling is vegan (some wines use animal products in the clarification). The red and white were Cooper Hill, organic, bio dynamic, and also vegan.

Beer was strictly Caybrew draft to minimize bottles (CB side note :: Caybrew is a locally made beer who recycles their bottles and their waste-water). Any liquor bottles were crushed and used in some one’s garden. The few cups used were biodegradable/compostable corn product.

All food waste was seperated and composted on site.

For invitations the couple used a web-based invitation and R.S.V.P system instead of printed paper invitations.  Also, the favor was a donation to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand that the couple previously visited.  All of the bridal party steered clear of animal products in their clothing and the groomsmen even wore shoes made with recycled material.

The couple LOVES their dogs and so of course they had to be part of the festivities!  Afterall, they were there for the engagement so it’s only natural they be there on the big day!

Providers who made this day happen ::

Catering and Cake :: Mise En Place

Coordination ::  Parfait Weddings and Events

Design and Decor ::  Lions Productions

Event Rentals ::  Massive Equipment

Music ::  Ceremony, Cayman Violin; Cocktail Hour, Hi Tide; Reception, One World

Photography ::  Aaron Rebarchek Photography

Venue :: Sunset Bay

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Agata and Reno, The Details

Beach weddings are gorgeous and of course we love them to bits….it is nice, however, to change it up every once in a while and this wedding does just that…actually this wedding ROCKS THE HOUSE!  I’ve met this couple several times, after all, they live on island and the groom works for one of our fab providers, Mise En Place.  When I heard about this wedding I knew it would be one I would be dying to share with all of you…Vintage-Punk vibe, vegan menu, and eco-friendly elements at Sunset Bay was just the beginning of the puzzle of gorgeousness that took place! 

The lounge area was a hit with all of the guests and Agata’s favorite part of the design!  I can see why!!  I personally love the black chandeliers!

Love the vintage details worked into the bouquets and the centerpieces.  What fun, nontraditional and elegant design!  Come back tomorrow for more and to find out the masterminds behind the scenes!!

photo credit ::  Aaron Rebarchek 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 :: Courtney and Chris, Part 2

Check out some more gorgeousness from this Cayman Islands Real Wedding!  I am in love with every single detail!!! 

Providers who made this happen ::

Catering (including cake and bar) ::  Mise En Place

Coordination, flowers, decor, event rentals ::  Celebrations

Music ::  Cayman Violin

Photography ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

Cayman Islands Real Wedding :: Jennifer and Philipp

Today we are introducing you to Jennifer and Philipp’s wedding weekend!  I say introduce because there was so much fun with this couple and their group, this is just the first post of a few you will see this week.  I was so honored to personally work with Jennifer and Philipp…they are such fantastic people with impeccable style and full of fun  that I just had a blast helping them plan their wedding weekend.

The weekend started when the guests arrived…each welcomed with a bag full of goodies including Tortuga Rum and a can of diet Coke, Tortuga coffee, some snacks and a map/itinerary designed by Laura Hooper Calligraphy.  Everyone stayed at the Caribbean Club and Jennifer and Philipp had a great idea and rented one of the villas to be the “gathering” point throughout the weekend. 

Thursday night everyone enjoyed a welcome cocktail in the Villa and then headed to Ragazzi for a yummy casual dinner.  It was a great way to start off the weekend!  Jennifer and Philipp had David Wolfe document each night (and of course the wedding day!).

Day 2…beach, fun and sun during the day and the white party at night.  The night kicked off with a sunset sail on the Red Sail catamaran.  Mise En Place catered in some apps for the sail as well.  After returning to shore, the guests enjoyed the rest of the evening at the Villa where steel drummers played some tunes, Mise En Place put on some food and beverage and everyone just had a great time! 

Day 3…wedding day.  You’ll have to come back later in the week for these details!!!!

Providers who made Days 1 and 2 happen :: 

Coordination ::  Octopus  Events

Design and Event rentals (White party) ::  Celebrations

Food and Beverage (White party) ::  Mise En Place

Photography ::  David Wolfe

Venue (White party) ::  Caribbean Club

Cayman Islands Real Wedding

Morning everyone!  Hope you are having a great week and ready for some real wedding goodness!!  Today’s wedding is so fresh it’s like eating lettuce right from your garden (after rinsing, of course!).  Not to mention the bride and groom should just quit their day jobs and become models..seriously.

Really–when I first saw this wedding I thought it was a professional photo shoot with fans and other effects.  I love the simplicity of the white calla lily bouquet, just gorgeous.

The setting at Coral Reef House is intimate, beautiful and right on Seven Mile Beach!  One of the few stand alone houses you can rent on Seven Mile and what a perfect stretch of beach. 

Providers who made this day happen :: 

Accommodation and Venue ::  Coral Reef House

Catering ::  Mise En Place

Celebrant ::  Simply Weddings

Coordination, decor, rentals ::  Celebrations

Floral ::  Every Bloomin’ Thing

Music ::  One World

Photographer ::  Rebecca Davidson Photography

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