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cayman islands cayman
IDYLLIC ISLAND WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Wedding&Honeymoon
Content s
10
From Grand Canyon
to Grand Cayman
14
Selecting your Perfect Setting
22
24
Cayman Islands Cake Walk
The Best
Birthday Gift
36
Toes in the Sand
6
Welcome to the Cayman Islands
20 Great Food Makes for Happy Guests
28 All in the Family
32
Unique Gifts from Cayman
35 Kirk Freeport
40Photography
44 Trisha’s Roses
2
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Content s
48
A Proposal
Under Pressure
42
Trash the Dress
56
Meet the Franks
46
Be Our Guest
52Accommodations
65
Cayman Chic
58 Wedding Wellness
60Diving into Love
62 All that Glitters
64 Flower Children
66 Getting Here & Getting Around
68Listings
70Churches
71 Advertiser Index
4
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Welcome
T O T H E C AY M A N I S L A N D S
On behalf of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, welcome to our home set in the heart of the west-
ern Caribbean. Thank you for choosing the Cayman Islands as your vacation destination. There truly is something for everyone here. Grand Cayman is our country’s cosmopolitan capital, overflowing with more than 140
different nationalities that enhance our already rich culture.
For the thrill seeker, there is Cayman Brac, where every attraction is accompanied by a legend crafted in the
way only Caymanians are able to do. If you want to experience true serenity, the smallest of our islands, Little
Cayman, offers a gateway to paradise uninterrupted.
The only parallel to the Cayman Islands’ splendor is the sea that surrounds them. Our crystal clear waters
offer vibrant experiences with the world’s most breathtaking and healthy coral reefs and ocean life. With 365
dive sites here, divers find themselves mystified by the wonders of the deep for days on end. For those who
prefer being above the surface, our watersports range from fast-paced jet skiing to leisurely paddle boarding.
All three islands share one spirit—Caymankind. The warmth found in our people is unmatched. Historically,
the islands were a stop for noble seamen and tradesman alike where they found solace for a few days from
their tiresome activities. Today, we welcome visitors from all over the globe to a place where they feel anything
but foreign. The people of the Cayman Islands will welcome you with our Caymanian warmth and charm.
I hope that the memories you make here will draw you back to our shores. Thank you once again for making
the Cayman Islands your choice.
With Caymankind regards,
Mrs. Rosa Harris
Director of Tourism
Photo by Picture This Studios
It’s so much more than a beach. . .
. . . it’s the ultimate location for your wedding.
We’ll make your wedding dreams come true at our spectacular beach setting.
The Beach • The Restaurant • The Bar • The Venue
345.743.6616 or 345.516.8401 · tikibeachcayman.com · cdms @ candw.ky
Grand Cayman’s newest and most exclusive waterfront venue,
the White House offers an idyllic and enchanting private
setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
T
H
E
white house
G
R
A
N
D
C
A
Y
Located in Bodden Town
M
A
N
345.946.5500 · thewhitehousecayman.com · cdms @ candw.ky
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Wedding and Honeymoon
EDITOR IN CHIEF
LESLIE HURD
PUBLISHERS
GLOBAL DIRECTORIES
HURD PUBLISHING
MANAGING EDITOR
ANDREA MILAM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
BRITTANY CARPENTER
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
JUDI O’DONOGHUE
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
CHARLENE COBUCCI
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
BEST WISHES,
DIANE ALTER
LISA BEAUCHAMP
ASHLEY CATES
MELISSA KENYON
PUBLISHER
ANDREA MILAM
AMANDA WILLIAMS
SALES REPRESENTATIVES
LISA BEAUCHAMP
RENZO ESCALANTE
CHARLENE COBUCCI
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
KAT MCCOURT
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
REBECCA DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY
DEEP BLUE IMAGES
JANET JARCHOW OF
BETTER ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY
DARIA KEENAN OF PICTURE THIS STUDIOS
PICTURE THIS STUDIOS
AARON REBARCHEK PHOTOGRAPHY
MELISSA WOLFE PHOTOGRAPHY
A SPECIAL THANKS
TO THE FOLLOWING WITHOUT WHOM THIS
BOOK WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE:
CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPT. OF TOURISM
CHARLENE COBUCCI
SCOTT TUTTLE
Hurd Publishing
www.hurdpublishing.com • 508.693.7272
Sales & Distribution Inquiries:
[email protected]
345-814-1754.
For press queries, images, or to arrange an
interview, contact: [email protected]
ABOUT THE COVER
Photo by Picture This Studios
Copyright © 2015 by Hurd Publishing. All rights reserved.
Reproductions of any part of this publication by any means
without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.
Photo by Picture This Studios
From the Grand Canyon
to Grand Cayman
By Diane Alter
PILAR HOGANS OFTEN
REFLECTS ON THE WORLD
AROUND HER, THE BLESSINGS
BESTOWED UPON HER, AND ALL
THE WONDERFUL THINGS THAT
LIE AHEAD. THEN SHE THINKS,
“AIN’T LIFE GRAND.” INDEED, THIS
NATIVE OF GRAND CAYMAN
IS NEWLY MARRIED TO HER
SOULMATE AND ENJOYING LIFE
TO THE FULLEST.
Pilar met her husband Tavarus Hogans in 2007 through mutual friends
when she was studying at the University of South Florida. Tavarus was in
the Sunshine State transitioning from
life at Vanderbilt University and a short
career as a professional athlete.
“There was an instant friendship that
grew into a love connection,” Pilar recalls.
Still, Tavarus was a man with a plan.
He had a seven-year rule on dating
before proposing marriage. He didn’t
want to rush anything and he wanted
to make sure it was the right move at
the right time. So, Pilar and Tavarus
dated for years.
One day out of the blue, Tavarus
asked Pilar to accompany him on a
“business” trip to Sedona, Arizona.
“After we arrived in Arizona, we took
a private plane to the Grand Canyon,”
Pilar explains. “We landed on a rock
far up and I stared in awe at the view.
I turned to look at Tavarus and he was
down on his knee holding a brilliant canary diamond engagement ring. Some
tourists nearby were filming the whole
thing for him, for us actually, as our
favorite song played on Tavarus’ iPod. I
was so surprised. We had been dating
for a little more than six years, so it was
short of Tavarus’ targeted seven years.
Everyone around us started clapping. It
was enthralling.”
There was no question where the
two would have their wedding.
“My family is in the Cayman Islands,”
Pliar explains. “That is where I grew up
and that is where I always knew my
wedding would take place.”
Pilar and Tavarus chose the most exclusive Cayman Islands seaside address
10
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
FEATURED
VENDORS
VENUE
Sunset Bay
WEDDING PLANNER
Juliette Heath Ebanks of Five Star Events
PHOTOGRAPHY
Melissa Wolfe Photography
FLOWERS
Uniquely Annz
CAKE
The Cake Studio
MUSIC
DJ TNT
CATERING
Mise en Place
VOLUME I
11
for their wedding ceremony and reception—Sunset Bay on
Grand Cayman. Since Pilar was living in Florida at the time, she
relied heavily on help from her wedding planner, Juliette Heath
Ebanks from Five Star Events.
“I cannot stress enough how amazing Juliette and the
entire crew at Five Star Events were in regard to planning,
organizing, and bringing to life the most magical day,” Pilar
says. “From the start, we felt that we made the right choice
by choosing Juliette as our wedding planner. I consulted with
many other event companies on the island and did not get
that feeling of security, understanding, and confidence that
we got when we spoke with Juliette about our wishes for our
special day. From the beginning, Juliette was on top of it. She
really guided us what to expect and what was needed, and
took over the stressful aspects of planning a wedding. She
listened to our needs and desires and made suggestions and
recommendations that fit us as a couple.”
“It was at times worrisome about how the planning and
decor would all come together with me only arriving just one
week prior to the wedding date,” Pilar continues. “But Juliette
had it all under control as promised and our wedding was the
most enchanting wedding ever. I was astounded by the highquality decor, the organization, the small details, the coziness,
and the intimacy of our wedding. Nothing was too much trouble or too challenging for Juliette. She was just spectacular.”
The couple choose a coastal glam theme for the big day.
“I didn’t want a typical beach wedding,” Pilar says. “I wanted
it to represent the beauty of Grand Cayman by being on the
ocean side with natural colors of the island’s flowers and sea.
But I also wanted to add some glam with sparkles, diamonds,
and chandeliers.”
The duo shined when they exchanged vows on Nov. 15, 2014,
before some 100 guests. Pilar donned a custom-made gown
from designer Inbol Dror of Israel. The ivory-colored dress
with a hint of light pink was a dazzling floor-length, strapless
creation with a sweetheart neckline and mermaid bottom. The
veil was also custom made with a single long tulle and lace
design. Tavarus wore a bespoke charcoal grey three-piece suit
with black lapels and matching bow tie. Flawless orchids and
perfect peonies fringed the stunning couple.
“I recall vividly that he was the only person I could see from
the time I started to walk up the aisle,” Pilar says. “I knew there
were other people there, but my eyes were only drawn to him.
12
He looked so handsome. All I could think about for the entire day
was anxiously waiting to see Tavarus standing at the altar waiting
for me. The feeling I had was fairytale-like and very emotional.”
The reception was catered by Mise en Place. The marvelous
menu included a salad of moro oranges, arugula, avocado, and
almonds dressed with a light tarragon shallot vinaigrette. Entrée
choices were coconut crusted chicken and pan refried mahi filet
with a spicy guava barbeque sauce and mango salsa. Both were
served with vegetables, gungo beans, and rice cakes.
The Cake Studio whipped up the decadent four-tier wedding
cake. The layers were caramel, pineapple coconut with mango,
buttercream, and carrot cake. Swiss dots, lace, and sugar flowers
adorned the icing. Photographer Melissa Wolfe did an amazing
job capturing every important and not-to-be-missed moment. Local DJ TNT had “great energy,” Pilar recalls, and steel pan player
Jimi la Pierre was mesmerizing.
Pilar and Tavarus both agree that what they will always remember most is their Grand Canyon proposal and their Grand Cayman
wedding. Those are two of the best days of their lives.
Yes indeed, ain’t life grand.
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
“THE DAY WAS HEAVEN SENT; MORE THAN I
COULD ASK FOR. NOTHING WAS RUSHED AND EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE. WE TOOK OUR TIME
GETTING READY AND CRUISED AROUND GRAND
CAYMAN, SHARING STORIES. WHEN WE FINALLY
ARRIVED AT THE VENUE, THE PLACE LOOKED
PHENOMENAL. I REMEMBER HOW STUNNING MY
WIFE-TO-BE LOOKED WALKING DOWN THE AISLE,
AND HOW HAPPY I WAS KNOWING THAT I WAS
MARRYING MY SOULMATE IN A BREATHTAKING
LOCATION, AND SHARING THIS MOMENT WITH
THE PEOPLE WE LOVE THE MOST.”
VOLUME I
13
PerfectSetting
Selecting Your
BY ASHLEY CATES
Photo courtesy of The Westin
Congratulations! You’ve accepted the proposal and are now
eager to begin planning your dream wedding. Finding a destination worthy of this occasion may seem like a daunting task.
Luckily, if you love white sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise
waters, the Cayman Islands may very well be the perfect destination for your wedding.
Whether you want to show your guests an exciting vacation,
complete with underwater adventures like scuba diving and snorkeling excursions, or simply want to offer up a venue to relax and
unwind, the Cayman Islands will provide the right setting.
14
“It’s no surprise that the Cayman Islands are considered to be
one of the top wedding destinations in the world,” says Ottmar
Weber, general manager of Tiki Beach in Grand Cayman, which
catered to more than 50 wedding ceremonies and receptions last
year. “We’re blessed with breathtaking scenery and warm breezes
all year round, not to mention some pretty fabulous resorts.”
Breathtaking scenery is one of the highlights at Tiki Beach,
where a beautiful backdrop of stunning Cayman sunsets offers a
picturesque romantic wedding setting. Imagine walking down the
aisle over flower petals under arched palm leaves. Tiki Beach’s inCAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
VOLUME I
15
house events planner can take care of all your wedding needs.
“Our events department can also give you theme ideas from
toga, Hawaiian, even Arabian, all with beautiful decor,” says Ottmar.
Now that you have selected the destination for your big event,
you will need to decide on the right venue to create the perfect
start to your happily ever after story. When selecting a date, you
may consider the weather.
“Although rainy season is traditionally between June and
November, the Cayman Islands are known for beautiful weather
year-round, and we believe that any time of year is perfect for a
Cayman Islands wedding,” says Juliette Heath Ebanks, head wedding and event planner with The White House.
Weather need not be a concern if you’ve selected The White
House for your ceremony, which offers both indoor and outdoor
locations for wedding parties. Get married at the top of the
venue’s sweeping stairway in the magnificent main entrance, or
exchange vows on the beach, with panoramic views of the sparkling blue ocean as your backdrop.
Another consideration should be the size of your guest list.
How many people are coming? This will help determine what
size venue will best accommodate your group. Your preference
between a well-known hotel brand or a smaller, boutique option may also help you choose the location for your ceremony
and reception.
If you’re planning a larger party, opt for a venue like Sunset
Bay, an exclusive and unique venue that offers a picturesque setting among lawns, private and well-kept gardens, and a private
beach. The photo opportunities are endless, especially when
it comes to getting the perfect sunset shot. Mise en Place, the
Sunset Bay’s in-house catering company, covers all the food and
beverage needs for each wedding and can recommend the best,
most reliable, and affordable companies for photography and
wedding planning.
Photo courtesy of Cayman Turtle Farm
Photo courtesy of Tiki Beach
Photo courtesy of Catch
16
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
This is your time to celebrate!
Book your bachelorette parties, wedding rehearsal
dinners and special celebratory events at Ortanique and
let our planners take care of all the special details.
345.640.7710
ortaniquerestaurants.com
We’ve got the groom covered
With spectacular views and sun-drenched greens, this championship course is a must for any
golfer. Come practice at our full service facility, take lessons from a PGA Golf Professional or play
on our challenging but fun 18-hole course. North Sound Golf Club offers a broad range of play
packages for visitors and Cayman residents.
CAYMAN’S
ONLY 18-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
VOLUME I
345 947 GOLF (4653)
northsoundclub.com
17
It’s not uncommon for venues to offer assistance with other
aspects of your wedding. Rum Point Club works with many different planners and vendors, and they can arrange spa treatments,
hair and makeup appointments, lunches and dinners, watersports
activities, and more. The tropical feel of this open-air restaurant
and venue is ideal for the laid-back couple. Its proximity to Stingray City can make for an interesting post-wedding activity.
Planning your Cayman Islands destination wedding should be
fun and carefree. After all, you’re planning your special day alongside professionals who are excited to assist you in creating your
dream wedding. Enjoy the anticipation that leads up to the day
you board your plane and head to the Cayman Islands. Everything is waiting for you there.
“It’s hard to pinpoint one thing that makes the Cayman Islands
such a special place for such a special occasion,” Monique
Jackson of Mise en Place says. “It’s the people, the weather, the
picturesque beaches, and scenery.”
Photo courtesy of Rum Point Club
Photo courtesy of The White House
Photo courtesy of Pappagallo
18
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Photo courtesy of Save the Date
VOLUME I
19
THE FOOD WE EAT IS CLOSELY ENTWINED
WITH OUR EMOTIONS, SO IT’S NOT
SURPRISING THAT THE FOOD YOU SERVE
AT YOUR WEDDING IS WHAT THE GUESTS
WILL BE TALKING ABOUT LONG AFTER
YOU’VE SAID “I DO.” YOU’LL WANT TO
CHOOSE WISELY WHEN IT COMES TO A
CATERER, AND ON GRAND CAYMAN, THAT
MEANS CHOOSING MISE EN PLACE.
Great Food Makes for
Happy Guests
By Andrea Milam
Started in 2002 by Sean Collins, this high-end catering company aimed to fill the high demand on island for professional
and exciting personal chefs whose skill in the kitchen could transcend to event catering. Thirteen years later and with hundreds
of weddings under their belt, it’s safe to say that this catering
company has accomplished their goal.
Mise en Place offers a comprehensive yet flexible menu for
both your wedding food and drink. Their qualified, experienced
staff will work closely with your wedding planner, equipment
rental company, and other vendors on almost every aspect
of your big day. They have their own private wedding venue,
Sunset Bay, but no matter where you decide to get married on
Grand Cayman, you can be sure that Mise en Place will turn out
an unforgettable menu.
“We have been entertaining in Grand Cayman for more than 12
years now, and we think that our experience, attention to detail,
and team of qualified local and international professionals have
made a name for us over our years of service,” says Monique
Jackson of Mise en Place. “We pride ourselves on attention to
20
detail and our great reputation.”
If that doesn’t have you convinced, a free menu tasting prior to the
wedding allows you to be certain you’ve made the right choice.
The Mise en Place team is willing to go the extra mile for their
clients. This was never more obvious than at a recent wedding they
catered for cruise ship passengers—a tricky feat in itself due to the
tight, strict time frame, where there’s no room for error.
“During their reception it started to rain and because we were
outdoors, our team had to stand in the rain while covering the
food table with umbrellas,” says Monique. “The wedding couple
saw this as going above and beyond. But really, we like to think
that every couple leaves their experience with us feeling special and well taken care of. Nothing is too much trouble on their
special day.”
You can help ensure your day goes off without a hitch thanks
to these tips from Mise en Place. Have a realistic idea of your
budget, and make sure your wedding ideas are in line with that
budget. Do your research when it comes to the weather, though
ultimately, rain can fall even on the historically most sunny day,
so be prepared. You should also look into bank holidays, local
festivals, and other situations when businesses and government
offices may be closed. Start your planning at least a year in advance to ensure you can secure your preferred accommodations,
venue, and wedding planner, and to allow Mise en Place the time
to create a unique, memorable spread for your special day.
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
VOLUME I
21
Photo courtesy of Cracked Conch
Cayman Islands
Cake Walk
By Diane Alter
Indeed, there are few things the soon-to-be-married plan
more for than a show-stopping sweet treat to end their wedding day. And for guests, cake is the event’s kryptonite, the
elixir, and the dopamine. Yes, thanks to recipes of sugar, spice,
and everything that tastes good, cake has been scientifically
proven to boost mood levels and spark feelings of contentedness. To be sure, not many things are more comforting than a
slice of a made-to-order wedding cake created with the freshest
and finest ingredients, and a good sprinkling of romance.
“At Pappagallo, we’re of Italian heritage, so we love great
food and great ingredients is our conviction,” said manager Vico
Testori. “We want every wedding cake we create to wow our
customers. While we do our fair share of weddings, we don’t do
a tremendous number. That allows us to truly concentrate on
the ones we do take on, and to give each couple extra special
attention. Our pastry chef Kishore Pal, aka KP, doesn’t do anything that’s cookie cutter-like or strictly by the book, especially
when it comes to his fabulous cakes.”
Incredibly ornate, overly decorated cakes may be a thing of
the past. KP is seeing a notable shift toward simplicity.
22
MATTERS OF THE HEART HAVE LONG BEEN
FODDER FOR NOVELISTS, PLAYWRIGHTS,
MUSICIANS, AND TV WRITERS. THEY’VE
ALSO BEEN A FAVORITE FOOD-FORTHOUGHT FOR BRIDES, GROOMS, AND
PASTRY CHEFS.
“Outside appearances aren’t everything,” Vico shared. “What’s
inside is key. Every cake we make is special and unique. We’ve
recently been receiving more and more requests for our naked
cake. This is a one-or two-tier cake, usually chocolate, layered
with complimentary flavorings like Kahlua or espresso. The icing
is usually a modest buttercream coating with a few finishing
touches of some flowers or a cake topper. While unassuming,
it’s still a very popular crowd-pleaser that satisfies all palates
and fits in well with all budgets.”
For show-stopping cakes, few can top the gourmet wedding
cakes created by Paula Stonoga of Mise en Place’s in-house
bakery, The Bake Shop..
“People often mistake gourmet cakes for regular cakes that
have elaborate decorations,” Paula explained. “Yet the art of
baking is ‘eating’ with the eyes and having pleasure in the palate. I take special care to create a balance of flavors. Stylistically, my cakes are decorated by hand using expert skill and
craftsmanship. Since they are typically used for very special
occasions like weddings and formal gatherings, these types of
cakes require a skilled hand when it comes to decoration. I don’t
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
use molds or special cutters; all my work is handmade and handpainted.”
As a preference toward simplicity is on the rise, so is the number of cakes that couples are opting to have at their wedding.
In addition to the cake that’s customarily cut at the reception,
couples are branching out to offer their guests a wide range of
sweet treats.
“A large cake table gives you the opportunity to create a visually
stunning display at your reception, which means you get another
place to show off your wedding colors and theme,” Paula said.
One perk to offering more than a single wedding cake, Paula
explained, is that brides and grooms can choose multiple cake
flavors, removing the pressure of having to decide between
traditional vanilla, decadent chocolate, or carrot cake with creamcheese frosting.
“Guests love to have a mini-bite of desserts,” Paula said. “I
recommend between two to four mini-desserts per person. Other
spotlight trends are the metallic cakes with vintage style, naked
cakes, and the traditional white-on-white wedding cake.”
Paula, who attended the prestigious SENAC pastry and baking
school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, said her favorite cake is an almond
cake with Sicilian lemon ganache and red berry homemade jam.
Chef Gilbert Cavallaro of Cracked Conch says he has noticed a
shift to “lighter” cakes with fruity fillings and fluffy fondant icings.
“Many of the couples that come to us have some idea of what
kind of cake they’d like,” Chef Gilbert said. “Others have no idea
at all. Together with our pastry chef Senthil Muthiah, we work
with them, guide them, and make sure their wedding cake is a
divine standout.”
Indeed, Chef Senthil is a genius in design and his forte is working with different flavors for cakes that are unforgettable. The
way Chef Sentil pours, stirs, and chops is like music. Watching
him prepare a wedding cake almost makes you want to dance.
Without question, it takes all five senses to taste Senthil’s wedding cakes. All look too perfect to eat and practically unreal. But
tasting them is what makes them real and appreciated.
The era of the cookie-cutter, tried-and-true wedding cakes with
a traditional plastic figurine on top is so yesterday. With a little
inspiration, some planning, and a great pastry chef, your wedding
cake can make a statement that says you cared that your guests’
last bites at your reception were marvelous and memorable.
Photo courtesy of Cracked Conch
Photo courtesy of Pappagallo
Photo by Aaron Rebarcheck
VOLUME I
23
The Best
Birthday Gift
24
By Andrea Milam
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
EVERYONE HAS THAT ONE
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIFT—
THE GIFT THAT WAS TRULY
MEMORABLE, THE GIFT
THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. FOR ANITA BUTANI,
THAT GIFT IS HER HUSBAND.
ANITA AND JONATHAN
DSOUZA MET AT HER 26TH
BIRTHDAY PARTY.
“My cousin and I decided to throw
this massive joint birthday party inviting
everyone we knew,” Anita recalls.
On the guest list was Angie, who had
studied abroad with a very good friend
of Anita’s. Angie had just moved to New
York to start her residency; as it turns out,
Jon was a fellow resident.
“Jon had just come off a 12-hour shift
and he came to Angie’s on-campus
apartment, settled on the couch, and
announced that he wasn’t leaving,” Anita
says. “Angie, this tiny 100-pound girl, says,
‘No, we’re going to the party,’ and she
dragged him out the door.”
Anita noticed him from across the room
that night at the party, but the two didn’t
interact until a brief conversation at a
subsequent party the next night. Facebook messaging between Anita and Jon
followed, leading to Anita joining Jon the
following weekend at a friend’s birthday
get-together.
“He and I sat down at that party and literally proceeded to talk for the next four
hours,” Anita says. “The rest is history.”
Over the course of the next seven
years, Anita’s east coast Indian-American
culture and Jon’s midwestern roots
melded beautifully, and their families grew
quite fond of one another. Marriage was
on Jon’s mind when Anita’s sister got
married in December 2011—a “quintessential Washington, D.C. Indian wedding with
500 guests and great speeches, dances,
food, and vibes,” Anita recalls. Three
months after the impressive celebration,
Jon proposed.
With Anita’s sister’s wedding fresh
in their minds, the couple decided they
didn’t want to attempt to replicate such
a memorable day, so they opted for a
VOLUME I
FEATURED
VENDORS
VENUE
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven
Mile Beach Resort & Spa
WEDDING PLANNER
Mary Ann Mehigan of Celebrations Ltd.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rebecca Davidson of Picture This Studios
MUSIC
DJ Ravi
25
destination wedding. Anita’s sister had honeymooned on Grand
Cayman, and the photos left an impression on Anita and Jon.
“These pictures were spectacular,” Anita says. “Perfect blue
ocean, white sand;” I’m in cold, rainy D.C. saying, “I just want to
go there.”
With Jon’s blessing, Anita, her mother, and her sister took
over the task of wedding planning. Grand Cayman covered all
the bases for their destination wedding—exotic and different,
yet a short flight from Washington, D.C.; beautiful weather; and
the hotel capacity to hold all of the couple’s guests.
Next on the list was selecting a wedding planner that
could accommodate the events typically associated with
an Indian wedding. That job went to Mary Ann Mehigan of
Celebrations Ltd.
“She knows everything about the island and is such a warm
person,” Anita says. “I felt like she was really organized and on
top of things, and she got what I had in mind for the wedding.”
Anita took two pre-wedding trips to the island to ensure that
all the important pieces of the puzzle were put together. She
sought out a variety of venues for the various wedding week
events, the perfect hotel to encourage mingling among the
guests, and a chef who could turn out Indian food that would
impress. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort
& Spa covered all of the bases, with plenty of space for the
26
guests to spend time with one another, and a South Indian chef
“who makes extraordinary Indian food,” Anita says.
Finally, with all the hard work behind her, it was time for
the fun to begin. The festivities kicked off on Thursday, with a
poolside cocktail party at the Westin, where multicolored paper
lanterns set the mood and calypso drummers and a fire dancer
provided entertainment.
The following morning, a South Indian brunch was served
in a nod to Jon’s family as Anita’s hands and feet were decorated with henna. That night, the guests gathered at Tiki Beach
for a white party, where Jon and his mother both sang songs
that brought the crowd to tears, and DJ Ravi kept the guests
moving late into the night. A bonfire added to the atmosphere
as guests enjoyed s’mores, bananas flambé, and fun favors like
glow stick aviator glasses .
The day of the wedding, March 16, 2013, dawned bright and
beautiful. A mandap—a traditional Indian four-post decorated
structure where the ceremony was to take place—was constructed on the Westin lawn with white cloth, glittering beads,
and a chandelier hanging in the middle.
Shortly before sunset, Anita and Jon gathered to take photos
in the warm late afternoon light with Rebecca Davidson of
Picture This Studios. And then, it was time to say “I do.” One
year to the day after Jon had proposed, the couple were wed
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
under the mandap. A priest who’d conducted many ceremonies
in Anita’s family married the couple while his wife, a religious
scholar, translated the ceremony and explained the meaning
behind the rituals.
“That was really nice for the folks in the audience who were less
familiar with a Hindu wedding ceremony,” says Anita.
The reception followed, where guests danced among the
cherry blossoms—a nod to the timing of Jon’s March 16, 2012 proposal, when the cherry blossoms in D.C. were in full bloom.
Anita credits the large team of Cayman businesses that helped
make her wedding to Jon an unforgettable event.
“Rebecca is the best photographer on Grand Cayman,” Anita
gushes. “She really understands how to take beautiful pictures.
Mary Ann and JoAnn Brown of Celebrations Ltd. were absolutely professionals, able to handle anything that came their
way. They totally blew all my expectations out of the water. I
can’t say enough good things about DJ Ravi; he really makes an
event. We still have guests raving to us about the Sangeet on
Tiki Beach. And the Westin was just the perfect place to have a
destination wedding.”
More than anything, it’s the welcoming nature of Caymanians
that has stayed with Anita in the years since her wedding.
“Grand Cayman is a really special island,” she says. “The people
are so warm; they just go out of their way to make your experience totally unforgettable and unique.”
VOLUME I
“GRAND CAYMAN IS A REALLY
SPECIAL ISLAND. THE PEOPLE
ARE SO WARM; THEY JUST GO
OUT OF THEIR WAY TO MAKE
YOUR EXPERIENCE TOTALLY
UNFORGETTABLE AND UNIQUE.”
27
All in the
Family
By Andrea Milam
28
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
RENNY POWERS AND PAUL RAYMOND HAD
BEEN A PART OF EACH OTHER’S LIVES FOR
AS LONG AS THEY COULD REMEMBER. PAUL
WAS THE BROTHER OF RENNY’S BEST FRIEND.
THE COMFORT AND FAMILIARITY THEY
SHARED WITH ONE ANOTHER EVENTUALLY
DEVELOPED INTO SOMETHING NEW,
SPECIAL, AND EXCITING, AND BEFORE THEY
KNEW IT, THEY WERE IN LOVE.
Just as they were constants in one another’s lives, the Cayman Islands was a big part of Renny and Paul’s life as a couple,
even before they decided to marry there. Paul’s parents have
done business in the islands for years, and the couple had been
diving there several times.
“We just fell in love and decided that was where we wanted to
get married,” Renny says.
The couple was on Grand Cayman scouting for wedding locations when a chance encounter during a dive trip with Ocean Frontiers steered them toward their venue—Ristorante Pappagallo.
“Some of the guys on the dive boat said the food was wonderful, so we wanted to check it out,” says Renny. “They were
under remodeling, but the owner allowed us to come take a
look. It had a great atmosphere; kind of secluded and private
out on the northwestern end of the island.”
Once they had a venue in place, it was time to choose a
wedding planner. At the recommendation of her florist, Every
Bloomin’ Thing, Renny contacted Sarah Parker at Save the Date,
who would become instrumental in helping Paul and Renny’s
wedding go off without a hitch.
“She was wonderful and so accommodating in helping me
start the process,” says Renny. “For the whole year we planned
the wedding, and she was phenomenal. She took care of everything, and reminded me of things I hadn’t even thought about.
I didn’t realize all that was involved, and I couldn’t have done it
without her. Sarah was well worth every dime.”
During the year-long planning period, Renny traveled to
Grand Cayman, suitcases full of wedding decorations in tow.
Finally, as the wedding date grew nearer, Paul, Renny, and about
60 of their closest friends and family converged on Grand
Cayman for what would prove to be a true once-in-a-lifetime
celebration. The two families mingled over a welcome dinner at
Cracked Conch, which was “phenomenal,” Renny says.
The following day, Paul and Renny showed their guests what
they love most about Grand Cayman—the crystal clear waters
teeming with marine life—with a Moby Dick Tours boat trip,
complete with snorkeling stops and a visit to renowned Stingray City.
The day before the wedding, the skies opened up and rain
poured down over the island, as though to ensure the skies
would be clear on Renny and Paul’s wedding day; and indeed,
the day dawned bright and beautiful.
Paul, Renny, and their family and friends—including Paul’s
11-year-old daughter Breanna, who played a significant role in
VOLUME I
FEATURED
VENDORS
VENUE
Ristorante Pappagallo
WEDDING PLANNER
Sarah Parker of Save the Date
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rebecca Davidson Photography
FLOWERS
Every Bloomin’ Thing
CAKE
Ristorante Pappagallo
PRE-WEDDING TOUR
Moby Dick Tours
29
the wedding—converged on the beach at Villas Pappagallo
on the evening of July 13, 2015, to witness the couple officially tie the knot.
The gentle sounds of the guitar played by one of the
couple’s family friends guided Renny down the aisle toward
her soon-to-be-husband. During the nuptials, the couple performed a sand ceremony to highlight their convergence as a
family, and Paul’s mother read a special poem.
Once the ceremony was finished, guests came together at
Pappagallo’s for a reception that got “a little loud and crazy,”
Renny admits with a laugh. “We had fun.”
From the setting to the service to the cake, Pappagallo’s
impressed from start to finish, says Renny.
“We loved the old Hemingway tropical feel at Pappagallo’s
and the service was exceptional,” she says. “At one point late
into the reception, one of the waiters made a little bed by
pushing two chairs together for one of the little boys who
was tired. The cakes were delicious. Some wedding cakes
look great but don’t taste good; our cake was so yummy, we
ate the leftovers every day on our honeymoon.”
One of the highlights of Renny’s special day is not what
most people consider to be the fun part of the wedding—
30
taking portraits with the photographer. But Rebecca Davidson
of Rebecca Davidson Photography made the typically tedious
process entertaining for Renny and Paul.
“My most memorable moment is taking pictures with Rebecca,” says Renny. “It was so much fun to stuff my dress into the
car and drive from location to location. She’s so personable. She
really makes you relax.”
Renny and Paul’s wedding day was as it should be— “the most
perfect day,” Renny says, and the bride heaps praise onto Sarah
from Save the Date for ensuring the day and all the events leading up to it were completely free of stress.
The importance of family to the couple is evident in their
choice to bring Paul’s daughter along with them on their honeymoon at Compass Dive Resort on the island’s East End.
The Cayman Islands have become such an influential part
of the couple’s life that they hope to one day become island
residents—after they see Breanna through her schooling and
college. Paul’s experience as a welder and metal fabricator and
Renny’s skills as a hairdresser could certainly be put to good use
on the island.
“Everyone on the island is so nice and accommodating,”
Renny says. “We miss it already.”
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Save The Date is a wedding and event planning company that specializes in unique and custom events.
From on the day coordination to full planning and design,
we only recommend and work with the best vendors on
island, ensuring quality and the personal touch.
We can source a venue to suit your style, amazing local
cuisine and talented musicians.
Save The Date partners alongside AI Rentals, Caymans
premiere rental service offering a full inventory of tents
and chandeliers to sound and lighting.
From concept to completion we believe in designing
weddings that reflect your personality. We look forward to
combining your vision with our innovation to create your
special day.
Photo by Eduardo Garcia Torres for Launa’s Jewelry
UniqueGift s
from Cayman
WHETHER IT’S DURING THE PRE-PLANNING
STAGES OF A DESTINATION WEDDING OR
AFTER YOU’VE EXPERIENCED THE JOY OF
CELEBRATING YOUR WEDDING, THERE IS
ALWAYS A NEED FOR GIFTS.
By Lisa Beauchamp
Cayman offers an array of unique gifts for you to choose from,
produced and prepared locally by talented artisans, and available
at various locations island wide. Choose from jewelry to wear on
your wedding day or gifts for your bridal party, wedding favors for
your guests, or general personal keepsakes as reminders of your
experience on this paradise island—there are plenty of options.
Here are some suggestions:
clude sculptures and a wide variety of art featuring local animals,
sea life, and flora indigenous to the Cayman Islands.
Launa is happy to create custom-designed pieces for weddings—wedding bands, necklace/earrings/bracelet sets for
brides and bridesmaids, cuff links, or special keepsakes for
guests. Contact her directly to discuss your ideas and she can
turn your visions into a wonderful reality. Contact Launa at www.
launasjewelry.ky.
CAYMANITE JEWELRY
BLACK CORAL JEWELRY
Made from the distinctive Caymanite semi-precious gemstone,
the layers of brown, red, grey, and caramel create a stunning and
unique effect. Caymanian jewelry designer and sculptor Launa
Green specializes in designing and producing her own line of
jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets. Launa cleverly accents her jewelry with black and white
pearls, crystal beads, rhinestones, and conch shells. The blend of
caramel hues within the Caymanite gemstones provides a perfect
complement to any skin tone. Since starting her own company in
2005, Launa has expanded her line of Caymanite products to in-
This distinctive gemstone is regarded as an emotional healer
to bring peace, stimulate intuition, enhance virility and fertility, as well as relieve stress. These are added bonuses to the
physical beauty of this dramatic and exotic gemstone. Available
at Rocky’s Diamond Gallery, you’ll find a selection of earrings,
pendants and necklaces, set in yellow gold and accessorized
with freshwater pearls. It’s a timeless classic gemstone which can
be worn with casual or formal wear; it will never go out of style.
Black coral diving has been banned in Cayman since 1982, which
means old stock Caymanian black coral harvested before the ban
32
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
is rare. However, black coral continues to be a popular gemstone
purchased by visitors to Cayman. Rocky’s Diamond Gallery also
offers beautiful diamond jewelry collections, including Gabriel &
Co. of New York, or choose a loose diamond and create your own
dream ring from a choice of more than 3,000 designs. There are
extensive selections of precious gemstones like sapphires, rubies,
and emeralds, in settings that are both elegant and exquisite. In
addition, you can select from collections of larimar, Caymanite,
tanzanite, pearls, and popular Cayman turtle, dolphin, sand dollar, and starfish-themed pendants, earrings and bracelets set in
yellow gold or silver. Visit Rocky’s Diamond Gallery at 28 North
Church Street, George Town. www.rockysdiamonds.com.
SEVEN FATHOMS RUM
Attention, rum lovers! Be sure to sample the rums there are
fermented, distilled and aged at Cayman’s very own distillery,
Cayman Spirits Company. Traditional West Indian techniques are
used for transforming the sugar cane into young rum. For the
distillery’s signature spirit, Seven Fathoms Rum, the casks of rum
are hidden at sea off the Cayman coast, anchored at a depth of
42 feet—an exact seven fathoms deep—where the hand-crafted
rum enjoys underwater currents that rock the spirit gently and
benefits from consistent temperatures like nowhere on land.
When the time is right, the casks are released and consumers can
buy bottles of the popular Seven Fathoms Rum directly from the
Cayman Spirits Company and local vendors.
Other rums available and distilled by Cayman Spirits Company
are Governor’s Reserve, which offers an authentic Cayman taste
inspired by the variety of flavors characteristic of native Cayman
cuisine. Natural flavors include spice, coconut, and banana.
If you’re not a rum drinker, then sample the silky smooth
premium vodka produced with exceptional purity and clarity by
Cayman Spirits Company. Gun Bay Vodka is chill filtered at nearfreezing temperatures; during distillation, the premium vodka
sifts gently through charred coconut shells, leaving only the pure,
clear spirit. Visit the distillery for a tour, open Monday to Friday, 9
a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Rocky’s Diamonds
Photo by Eduardo Garcia Torres for
Launa’s Jewelry
Personalized Seven Fathoms Gifts
Select from these Cayman-crafted gift ideas which make the
perfect personalized bridal party gifts or guest favors:
• Custom engraved barrel head - can be engraved with a message, names, or dates into a real wood barrel head.
• Custom labeled rum and vodka bottles - put your own design
and special message on your favorite Cayman spirit.
• Custom bottle painting - local Caymanian artist Kara Julian
hand paints clear bottles with designs and messages of your
choice.
• Event space - the distillery itself can be utilized as a unique
event space, or the distillery’s ambassadors can also set up a
rum tasting booth or tent at events around the island.
• Cayman Spirits Company is located at 65 Bronze Road, Industrial Park, George Town. www.caymanspirits.com
CAYMAN HANDCRAFTS
Visit the gift shop at the Cayman Turtle Farm that is a treasure
trove of souvenirs and locally produced consumables and collectibles. There are plenty of choices to suit every need.
Select from:
• Seven Fathoms Rum Infused Coffee – presented in keepsake
wooden barrels, the 100 percent Arabica coffee is caramelized and flavorful, and next to impossible to find outside of
Grand Cayman.
• Cayman Sea Salt – using solar evaporation, the salt crystals
are hand harvested, thereby producing the purest sea salt
VOLUME I
33
Photo courtesy of Cayman Turtle Farm
with its full complement of minerals and the delicate taste of
the cleanest Caribbean Sea. The delicious taste brings out the
best in all recipes. Available in sachets and shakers.
• Hot and spicy – choose between gift sets from the Cayman Islands Sauce Company, which offers sauces like Citrus Heat and
Hotter ‘N Hell. Their Hot Gourmet Pepper Jelly is a spicy treat
served on toast or crackers, or delicious with chicken and beef.
• Nina’s Natural Neem – tropical soaps, body lotions, and a natural hair tonic are made with all natural ingredients and infused
with real fruit juices. Available with scents of musk, mango,
citrus, apple, vanilla, and coconut; the soaps are antibacterial,
antifungal, and antiviral. Recommended for dermatitis, heat
rash, sunburn, eczema, and acne, you can choose soaps and
body lotions to meet your skin’s needs.
• Kara’s Glass Garden - hand-painted by Caymanian artist Kara
Julian, wine glasses, glass tankards, and champagne flutes are
colorfully adorned with orange and pink hibiscus, turtles, and
tropical fish. The gift shop also carries a wide range of souvenirs including maps, prints, soft toys, hats, accessories, wind
charms, jewelry, beach wear, and books.
Visit the Cayman Turtle Farm, West Bay. Open daily 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. www.turtle.ky
TORTUGA RUM CAKES
Photo by Eduardo Garcia Torres for Launa’s Jewelry
The Tortuga brand is well-known by the more than 20 million annual Caribbean tourists and cruise ship passengers. Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes are the number one export of the Cayman Islands.
The Tortuga Original Caribbean Rum Cake is now available in
additional flavors including Blue Mountain coffee, Florida coconut
rum, Florida orange rum, pineapple, key lime, chocolate, and coconut. Vacuum-sealed for freshness, they are the perfect gift to travel
with, including variety gift packs too. For those with a sweet tooth,
there are also selections of gift boxes of Tortuga rum balls, fudges,
and chocolate turtles. Alternatively for lovers of spice, Tortuga
offers sauces in an assortment of flavors—hot pepper, mango, and
ginger, seafood grill spice, jerk, sweet mango, and ginger stir fry.
Tortuga also carries an extensive range of coffees including their
classic blend, plus flavors of rum cream, rum liqueur, chocolate cinnarum, key lime, and Blue Mountain coffee. Visit the Tortuga retail
outlets available islandwide, or www.tortugacakes.com.
Photo courtesy of Tortuga Rum Cakes
34
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A
TRADITIONAL WEDDING GIFT
WITH A CAYMAN THEME, THEN
LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE
EXTENSIVE CHINA AND CRYSTAL
COLLECTIONS AT KIRK FREEPORT.
The name Vera Wang is synonymous with sophistication, as reflected in her range of elegant photo frames, designed for Wedgwood. The selection includes silver frames edged with a love knot,
intricate patterns, and a combination of silver trim with brushed
gold. Also part of the Wedgwood collection, there are jewelry
boxes and candles set in glass jars with ornate lids.
The timeless lifestyle brand of Lalique represents French luxury.
Their range includes a collection of stingrays created specifically
for Cayman, exclusive to Kirk Freeport. The crystal glass stingrays
are featured in deep turquoise, green, and clear, and are a perfect
reminder of a day spent at Stingray City. There are also the fish
sculptures that were originally designed in 1913 by René Lalique
and are an iconic piece in the Lalique collection, available in a wide
range of colors.
If Cayman sea life has caught your attention, then you’ll love the
collections by Herend, which are famous for their supreme quality.
These handmade painted porcelain figurines and home accessories
are collected by kings and queens. The range features exquisitely
painted stingrays, starfish, turtles, and conchs, each hand-painted
with gold accents. The Cayman stingrays are inscribed with a Cayman Islands branding.
Or you may prefer a more colorful memento of Cayman’s sea
life, in the form of a fused glass sculpture created by part time
Cayman resident, art glass designer, Sandy Wallin. Her sculptures
of beautiful sea life are available in a variety of sizes, free standing
or wall mountable; each piece is created from individual pieces of
glasses fused together and accented by hand.
When it comes to selecting a wedding gift, you may wish to
play it safe and buy a more traditional present. At Kirk Freeport,
there are plenty of choices. Select from a Christofle silver plated
cake knife and server, or a set of Waterford or Baccarat crystal
flutes, perfect for any occasion. Choose a dinner set, depending on
your budget, from the collections by Versace, Rosenthal, Haviland, Raynaud, Wedgwood, and Philippe Deshoulieres; you’ll find
designs, colors, and patterns to suit all tastes.
When it comes to buying a Cayman-themed souvenir or wedding
gift, it’s hard to beat the broad selection at Kirk Freeport. The friendly
and courteous staff will advise and assist you on how to safely pack
your purchases. Drop shipping service is available on some product
lines. Check with Kirk Freeport sales consultants for details.
The bride and groom will cherish their memories of their Cayman
wedding forever, so be sure to give them a gift to treasure forever.
Kirk Freeport china and crystal departments: Bayshore Mall and
The Strand. Tel: (345) 949-7477 www.kirkfreeport.com
Kirk Freeport
Cayman Shopping at its Finest
Walk into Kirk Freeport’s Bay Shore Mall location and browse
among their bright and spacious showrooms, where you’ll find a
rainbow of colors displayed in selections of twinkling crystal cut
glassware, fine French porcelains, sea life glass ornaments, and
majestic figurines.
Numerous lines are exclusive to Kirk Freeport, and are inscribed with Cayman Islands signatures, or numbered to represent their uniqueness. All retail prices are shown in U.S. dollars
and are duty free.
Popular with visitors is the Lladró Caribbean theme collection
that includes a turtle, stingray, and a Travel The World cherub Cayman Islands, as well as a calypso musician. Any of these would be
perfect to add to the collection of an avid Lladró fan, or maybe as
a solo decorative item to display and admire.
The Monique Lhuillier range of wedding gifts includes a Sunday
rose bridal bowl and picture frame, made from stunning frosted
lead crystal glass. This is a classic, stylish gift for a bride.
The Snowflake Wishes Collection by Waterford is a series
of collectible flutes and double old fashioneds, celebrating the
beauty of winter by featuring fanciful snowflakes. Each year the
collection is created with a different theme, name, and color.
These are ideal for personalizing a wedding gift with the happy
couple’s wedding year.
VOLUME I
35
Toes in the Sand
By Amanda Williams
36
THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
HAS ALWAYS BEEN EMILY
SAUNDERS’ FAVORITE TIME
OF YEAR.
“My husband jokes that we can’t
get a tree until December 1, and I can’t
start decorating until mid-November,”
she laughs. “I’ve always thought, if my
future fiancé knows me at all, he will
probably propose at Christmas time.”
She didn’t expect it, though. There
had been no dramatic gestures or undue nervousness on Rick’s part. After
bringing home the Christmas tree that
they’d cut down together at a farm, the
couple settled in, popped some champagne, and began decorating.
“It was a Sunday night, so it was unexpected,” Emily remembers, but there
in front of the fireplace, in a simple but
romantic fashion, Rick proposed. “It
had been a nice kind of day. Being in
our house during my favorite time of
year—it was exactly for me.”
After celebrating the holidays and
their recent engagement, it was clear
what the Toronto-based couple wanted
to do, but they weren’t sure how or if
they could go about it. Rick and Emily
had been visiting his aunt and uncle’s
home in the Cayman Islands year after
year, following the same traditions,
and visiting their beloved spots. They’d
discussed getting married there but
they hesitated about planning a pricey
destination wedding.
“I was nervous; it feels a little selfish,”
Emily says. “People are spending so
much time and money.”
But as they talked to friends and
family about their engagement, they
got nothing but positive feedback on
the idea of a destination wedding. The
couple booked the first of several research trips to Grand Cayman and after
another fantastic week on their favorite
beaches, they were sold: they decided
they would have the wedding there in
April of the next year.
The couple planned to spend two
weeks in Cayman, and most of their
guests would stay for five days. They
contracted wedding planner Elina
Zavala of Parfait Cayman to coordinate
the effort.
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
FEATURED
VENDORS
VENUE
Tiki Beach
WEDDING PLANNER
Elina Zavala of Parfait
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rebecca Davidson Photography
FLOWERS
Trisha’s Roses
MUSIC
DJ Craig
One hundred and fifty guests flew in from all over the United
States, Toronto, Vancouver, London, Ireland, and Luxembourg,
to their final destination for the week: the beachfront Plantana
Condominiums. Emily and Rick hosted a casual, Caribbean-style
rehearsal dinner for 130 on the beach at the condos.
“The thing that was the most important to both of us was that
we made all of our decisions with guests in mind,” Emily says.
To that end, the couple planned to hold the ceremony and
reception at the same location, and instructed guests to wear
summer dresses and shorts.
“We did a first look so guests didn’t have this massive gap
between the wedding and reception, and we weren’t getting
married at 2 p.m. in the blazing sun,” Emily says.
The bride, groom, family, and bridal party gathered to take
photos with Rebecca Davidson of Rebecca Davidson Photography during the early afternoon.
“She was incredible,” says Emily. “You want to be her friend by
the end of it. She’s so fun, did everything extremely quickly, and
yet was able to get a ton of amazing photos.”
At 5 p.m., guests boarded chartered buses, while Emily
hopped into a 1950s pink Chevy convertible to go to Tiki Beach,
VOLUME I
where the wedding was to be held. They didn’t want to detract
too much from the natural setting, but rented some simple white
chairs, tables, and an altar from Trisha’s Roses, which also provided floral arrangements for the event. After guests were seated
in the beachside straw hut at Tiki Beach, Emily’s brother began
to play the acoustic guitar as the bridal party walked down the
aisle. The couple opted for a quick, 20-minute ceremony.
After the ceremony, Emily and Rick hosted a cocktail hour
with appetizers, followed by the reception. They did their first
dance immediately when the reception started to Bob Marley’s
“Is This Love,” and as the night continued, they dined as guests
gave speeches. The wedding guests also enjoyed two humorous
emcees, friends of the couple who kept the evening’s program
moving.
In keeping with the casual style of the event, the couple opted
to host a reception that would include both a full bar, and a buffet style dinner.
“Tiki Beach recommended a buffet style—they really excel at
that,” Emily says. “They served jerk chicken, a beef option, mahi
mahi, and a ton of different sides, including Caribbean and more
traditional selections.”
37
After they had finished eating, the couple lead the charge out
to the dance floor, which was not really a floor at all.
“Tiki Beach said, ‘we typically set up a dance floor’ and my
husband said, ‘no, we want to have people dancing directly on
the beach,’” Emily recalls. “My uncle came up to me and said, ‘this
is amazing, I’ve never danced in the sand before!’”
With their growing family in their hearts, and sand in their
toes, the couple and their 130 guests danced to the tunes
of DJ Craig from One World Entertainment Services as they
celebrated the capstone event of the weeklong trip.
The next day, the couple allowed guests to catch up on
rest, but on Sunday, they wanted guests to join them for
one of their favorite traditions. They rented boats and took
more than 100 guests to Stingray City and Rum Point. It
was admittedly a “fairly touristy thing to do, but you just
have to do it when you go to Cayman,” Emily says. “It has
38
the most turquoise blue waters, and there’s huge stingrays
all around you.”
They joined up with their aunt and uncle, as well as some of
their friends, and marveled at their family and friends’ happiness
as they were served Jamaican patties and sandwiches as they
waded in the water. Upon observing the moment, they knew they
had planned the right sort of wedding for themselves and the
people they wanted to share it with.
“That was probably one of the best moments: watching our
dream turn into a reality, and seeing everyone so happy,” Emily
recalls. “It wasn’t about us; it was about everyone else.”
The risk paid off. A destination wedding brought the two, and
their families, together. At the end of the week, on the last dinner
before most family left, an uncle approached her and said the
words that made it all worth it: “This wedding was so much more
than a wedding. It was a family reunion.”
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
“THAT WAS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST
MOMENTS: WATCHING OUR DREAM
TURN INTO A REALITY, AND SEEING
EVERYONE SO HAPPY. IT WASN’T ABOUT
US; IT WAS ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE.”
VOLUME I
39
Photography
AARON REBARCHEK
651.428.7245
[email protected]
BETTER ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Janet Jarchow
345.916.0025
www.betterangle.com
DARIA KEENAN
PICTURE THIS STUDIOS
www.dariakeenan.com
DEEP BLUE IMAGES
245 North Church Street, Grand Cayman
345.916.0016
www.deepblueimages.com
MELISSA WOLFE PHOTOGRAPHY
345.916.8335
www.melissawolfe.com
REBECCA DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY
345.943.3686 / 345.916.1654
www.rebeccadavidson.com
TINA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHY
www.tinafosterphotography.com
Photo by Picture This Studios
40
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Photo by Picture This Studios
Photo by Picture This Studios
Photo by Deep
Blue Images
VOLUME I
41
Dress
Trash the
By Lisa Beauchamp
WHEN EXACTLY DID TRADITION
CHANGE FROM LOVINGLY STORING
YOUR WEDDING DRESS IN A
PROTECTIVE COVER AT YOUR PARENTS’
HOME, TO SUDDENLY PLUNGING INTO
THE OCEAN WEARING YOUR ONE-OFA-KIND VERA WANG GOWN THE DAY
AFTER YOUR WEDDING?
.
Photo by Deep Blue Images
42
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Photo by Deep Blue Images
According to Julie Corsetti and Irene Corti, photographers for
Cayman-based Deep Blue Images, this new tradition known as
“trash the dress” has become commonplace over the past five years.
“Brides realize that they aren’t going to keep their dress to hand
down to their daughter to wear,” says Corti. “They see ‘trash the
dress’ as the perfect opportunity to enjoy wearing the dress again,
feeling like a princess, and then taking some fun photos while
swimming or rolling on the sandy beach with their new husband.
The pressure is off. There is a sense of breaking all the rules and
being mischievous.”
In Cayman, the options for a trash the dress photo shoot are
endless—when, how, and where.
Some couples choose to stage the shoot the day after their
wedding while their guests are still on island so they can participate in the event, while others choose to do it months after the big
day. Overseas brides sometimes return to the island at a later date
armed with their wedding dress on a mission to trash it.
There is no shortage of stunning locations involving water in
Cayman. Seven Mile Beach is the most popular beach option,
where both the sandy beach and the clear blue ocean waters
provide excellent scenery for a trash the dress photo shoot. And
of course, a chartered tour to Stingray City presents the perfect
backdrop for unique photos of the bride swimming with the stingrays. Other options include paddle boarding, jumping off the dock
at Rum Point, sitting on the rocks at Smiths Cove, and swimming
above starfish at Starfish Point.
Having spent the past 10 years specializing in underwater and
above water photography, Deep Blue Images has plenty of experience in assisting couples to achieve the best results from their
photo shoots.
“Couples come here for the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean,” says Corti. “It’s a natural choice to photograph couples
enjoying trashing the dress in the ocean. I have never been asked
for anywhere other than in the water.”
The underwater photos taken by Deep Blue Images are quite
simply breathtaking. Their spectacular photos are achieved due
to their expertise developed over years of practicing their skills
and their many dedicated hours spent underwater understanding
water reflections and lighting. Julie has invested in state of the art
camera equipment; while heavy to handle, the benefits speak volumes in the results. Don’t expect to achieve the same high-quality
effects from your best man or maid of honor taking photos with
their smart phone encased in a watertight cover.
Irene and Julie prepare their clients in advance about what to
expect when posing for photos underwater and offer advice about
keeping their eyes open, how to avoid squinting, breathing, and
feeling comfortable if swimming with marine life.
VOLUME I
“We are women, and we understand that women want to look
beautiful in their photos,” says Irene. “Photos taken underwater can
add weight to your physique, so it’s crucial that we take photos
from the correct distance, the right angle, and in a flattering way
to capture extraordinary images. We want to make people look
their best.”
Photo shoots normally take a couple of hours, and they can
spend up to an hour and a half in the water with their clients.
Selecting a time of day for the photo shoot is an important
consideration too, which is best discussed with your photographer.
Morning light is best for capturing the bright blues of the sky and
the Caribbean waters. Sunset itself will provide you with a picturesque setting of golds and yellows.
If you can’t bear the thought of trashing your beloved gown,
consider buying an alternative, less expensive dress which will look
just as effective and eye-catching in the photos. If you are planning to swim in the photo shoot, opt for a style that will flow and
amplify underwater; avoid a tight-fitting, restrictive design.
This new tradition isn’t for every bride. Some brides feel a sense
of pride and satisfaction knowing their wedding dress is hanging
up in the back of the closet, even if it is squashed between winter
coats and a Halloween costume. There are memories and nostalgia
woven into the silk and threads, which are preserved forever within
this single dress.
For our modern brave brides who wish to trash the dress, dry
cleaning may remove the water stains and sand particles, or the
dress may literally be disposed of.
When it comes to your wedding dress, there is no right or
wrong; it’s your dress and your choice about what you do with it
after your wedding day. But oh, just think what a magical experience it would be to jump into the ocean wearing a long white
gown without a care in the world. Priceless.
43
Trisha’s
Roses
Cayman Islands
Enchanted Florist
By Diane Alter & Lisa Beauchamp
MANY RELATIONSHIPS START AND BLOOM
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM FLOWERS.
SO IT’S NO WONDER FLOWERS PLAY AN
IMPORTANT PART IN WEDDINGS. CHOOSING
THE RIGHT FLORIST WHO CAN HELP WITH
SELECTION, DESIGN, AND COST IS KEY. IN
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, THE RIGHT FLORIST
FOR COUNTLESS COUPLES FOR MORE THAN
THREE DECADES, WHO CONTINUES TO BE
THE KEY TO PERFECT WEDDING FLOWERS,
CAN BE FOUND AT TRISHA’S ROSES.
44
.
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Over the last 35 years, Trisha’s Roses has established an unrivaled reputation creating show-stopping floral designs since 1981.
That’s especially challenging in today’s plugged-in environment
where savvy customers peruse the Internet and assess which
florist offers the best price, value, and service. Trisha’s Roses has
not only maintained an unblemished standing, they have also kept
current and remained very competitive in price.
Trisha’s Roses is bustling year-round thanks to abundant wedding requests. The high season is particularly robust with the
shop regularly supplying bouquets and wedding arrangements to
cruise ship passengers who say their “I dos” on Cayman’s beautiful
beaches and beachfront locations. Local and destination weddings, meanwhile, are consistent throughout the year.
Owner Audry Bodden says her success and longevity lie in
her personal touch. She aims to always be present in the store,
ready to attend to her customers at all times. While she has a full,
capable, and skilled staff of experienced
florists, Audry recognizes many customers
still want to speak with her.
“Listening to customers’ needs is a priority
and meeting those needs is crucial,” she said.
The plethora of referrals, uninterrupted
positive feedback, and completely satisfied
and loyal customers are indeed proof of the
shop’s prowess and attentiveness.
Audry’s fresh-from-the-garden flowers of all
kinds come from some exotic locations peppered across the globe, including Colombia, Ecuador, Hawaii, Holland, Europe, and the U.S. All
are shipped with special attention from Miami.
A significant trend Audry has noticed over
the last five years amid a global recession that
has spared very few is that floral extravagance
has waned. Brides are now opting for simpler,
yet still chic, floral bouquets and arrangements. Recently, however, Audry said she is
receiving more requests for bountiful, cascading bridal bouquets, elaborate table center
pieces, and lavish, decorative arch ways. For
the bridal parties, they are asking for fairytale
but elegant hair accessories and ornate boutonnieres. Still, every bride wants to be unique.
Wedding flowers, Audry explained, are very
personal and intimate. So, she works closely
with each bride, advising them on what works
well in the Cayman climate. Helping couples
pick the perfect flowers is a specialty of
Trisha’s Roses. Audry and her team visit the
wedding location with couples. They assist the
bride and groom from the initial discussion
through the wedding day.
Tropical flowers such as birds of paradise
in fiery orange and ginger lilies are always
very popular wedding choices. Other types
of luminous lilies, romantic roses, heavenly
hydrangeas, and delicate orchids are also
prevalent picks. If a bride specifically request
flowers with a scent, hybrid oriental lilies and
colored-coordinated roses are recommended.
“Every day we are asked to be creative,
whether it is for a wedding, birthday celebration, or funeral,” Audry said. “We want our
arrangements to bring joy to the recipients,
and for the flowers to be admired for their
true beauty.”
VOLUME I
45
Be ourGuest
By Melissa Kenyon
Things to do in
Cayman with your
Wedding Guests
PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING INVOLVES
MORE THAN JUST PLANNING YOUR CEREMONY
AND RECEPTION. YOU WANT TO KEEP YOUR
GUESTS ENTERTAINED AND MAKE SURE THEY
HAVE THE BEST EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE.
.
Photo by Deep Blue Images
Fortunately, this is an easy task with so many wonderful tour
companies and local attractions. Whether your friends and family
want to play golf or swim with stingrays, Cayman has something
for each and every person. With the lush Caymanian flora, lively
coral reefs, and marine life, your guests will fall head over heels for
your wedding destination and all that it has to offer.
RED SAIL CAYMAN
Have you ever fantasized about getting married on the water?
With Red Sail Cayman, your dream can become reality. If you prefer a more intimate ceremony, you can exchange your vows while
you sail on a catamaran on the Caribbean Sea. You really cannot
get any more romantic than that. Or set sail after the ceremony
and host your guests for a sunset cocktail hour.
More and more couples are looking to show their guests a
special experience in Grand Cayman, so they turn to Red Sail to
46
arrange various activities. Some parties will charter a boat for the
afternoon to play with the stingrays at Stingray City, and others will
rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
If you like a little adventure, you can arrange a guided Waverunner Snorkel Safari, ideal for smaller groups up to 24 in size.
Guests will take part in a wet and wild ride along Seven Mile
Beach aboard waverunners and stop at some of Grand Cayman’s
best snorkel sites.
NORTH SOUND GOLF CLUB
Are you hoping to play a round of golf with your friends and
family before or after your wedding in Cayman? A popular choice
among both locals and visitors is North Sound Golf Club, Cayman’s
only 18-hole championship course. While on the course, you will be
surrounded by gorgeous native foliage, including mahogany, coconut palms, and silver thatch. Make sure to look in the trees for local
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
birds, and keep an eye out on the fairways for sunbathing iguanas.
The signature hole, #11, is a long par-3 playing into the wind with
the majestic North Sound as the backdrop. This is the perfect spot
for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
After finishing the course, stop in at the open air bar for a cold
beverage and snack.
Photo by Deep Blue Images
MOBY DICK TOURS
Moby Dick Tours specializes in wedding party tours onboard the
Moby Dick, seating between 30 and 50 people. Your tour can start
in Grand Cayman Yacht Club in George Town, or from Rum Point.
This tour company is a top choice for tours of Stingray City, a
shallow sandbar in the middle of the North Sound that’s home
to many southern Atlantic stingrays. Chartering a boat is a great
way to transport your guests to this favorite attraction, and Moby
Dick goes the extra mile to ensure their guests experience plenty
of interaction with the stingrays. Along the way, you can stop and
snorkel along the reef.
Whether you are at the age of 5 or 95, this experienced crew will
make sure you have a memorable time and leave smiling.
CAYMAN SPIRITS COMPANY
Walker Romanica and Nelson Dilbert began handcrafting smallbatch spirits in 2008 on the George Town waterfront. Their awardwinning Seven Fathoms Rum has become famous because of their
unique process of ocean-maturation. Walker and Nelson were able
to recreate ocean aging spirits though experimentation, and eventually they set up the first-ever undersea rum maturation site.
Some favorites include Governor’s Reserve Coconut Rum, Governor’s Reserve Banana Rum, Overproof Rum, and Spiced Rum. In
2014, they expanded their spirits family to include Gun Bay Vodka,
Cayman’s first premium vodka.
If you are interested in learning more, Cayman Spirits Company
offers tours, which make for a great activity for wedding guests. You can even have a
private party on site to offer your guests an
exclusive experience.
Cayman Spirts are also available for wedding receptions, along with the company’s
signature services like cigar rolling.
CAYMAN TURTLE FARM
The Cayman Turtle Farm is an exceptional
venue for both events and tours. The park
showcases the colorful Caymanian culture
and beautiful outdoors, and offers exciting
animal interactions. The farm is Cayman’s largest land-based attraction, hosting more than
200,000 visitors each year.
While you are visiting the farm, check out
The Breeding Pond, where there are some of
the largest green sea turtles, weighing in at
more than 500 pounds. In the Turtle Touch
Tanks, you’ll find yearling turtles swimming
about, and you are welcome to feel their shells
or pick one up for a photo.
Another great place to grab a photo is at
Smiley’s Saltwater Lagoon, home of the ninefoot saltwater crocodile, Smiley. Watch her
leap out of the water for a tasty treat.
After exploring the educational exhibits,
cool off at Breaker’s Lagoon, a huge swimming pool with two waterfalls and an underwater viewing panel.
VOLUME I
47
Pressure
A Proposal Under
By Andrea Milam
NOAH MILLER’S PROPOSAL
TO ANGELA ANDREA
WAS A HEART-POUNDING
EXPERIENCE FOR MORE
THAN ONE REASON. NOT
ONLY WAS HE ABOUT TO LAY
IT ALL ON THE LINE AND ASK
HIS BELOVED GIRLFRIEND TO
SPEND THE REST OF HER LIFE
WITH HIM; HE WAS TERRIFIED
THE RING WOULD SLIP AWAY
INTO THE CARIBBEAN SEA,
NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN.
Angela had unknowingly selected
her own engagement ring the previous day during a stroll through George
Town, where the couple was visiting
friends who live on Grand Cayman.
“We were going down the strip, looking at all the shops, and she saw this
ring at Colombian Emeralds and said,
‘If we ever get married, that is the ring
I want,’” Noah recalls. “I thought, ‘Well,
I should just buy it and propose to her.’”
The thought consumed Noah as
the couple and their friends continued browsing shops over the next few
hours. The group eventually doubled
back, and as they approached Colombian Emeralds for the second time,
Noah knew he had to act.
“I said I had to go to the bathroom
and I started off in that direction, but
then I went to the jewelry store and
bought the ring while my friend Nick,
who knew what I was doing, kept Angela busy,” Noah says.
That evening, Noah, ever the proper
gentleman, phoned Angela’s parents
back in the states and asked for their
permission to propose to their daughter.
With permission granted, he and Nick
started scheming, coming up with the
best way for the proposal to go down.
The duo decided that Noah would pop
the question at Rum Point during a day
of swimming with the stingrays, snorkeling, and jet skiing. Nick was to bury the
ring’s box on the beach and write “look
here,” while Noah would keep the ring in
a plastic bag in his bathing suit pocket.
A grand scheme indeed, though it led
to added stress for Noah.
48
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
FEATURED
VENDORS
VENUE
Rum Point Club
WEDDING PLANNER
Elina Zavala of Parfait
PHOTOGRAPHY
Daria Keenan of Picture This Studios
SUNSET CRUISE
Red Sail Sports
HAIR & MAKE-UP
Jimmie DeLoach of DeLoach Enterprises
VOLUME I
49
“I was a nervous wreck,” Noah recalls. “I was so worried the
ring would fall out of my pocket in the ocean. I spent the whole
day in the ocean with my hands on my pocket. Ang asked if I
was okay and I said I had a bad headache.”
Finally, the plan was set in motion when Angela was guided
down the beach by Noah. As the sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the beach, Angela took notice
of the instructions written in the sand and began to dig. She
found the box and turned back to Noah, who had dropped to
one knee and was offering up the ring he’d clung to so tightly
throughout the day. Luckily for the couple, the ring had stayed
with Noah—and Angela said yes.
The couple decided they wanted a small, outdoor wedding,
and loved the romance of getting married exactly where Noah
had proposed on Grand Cayman. They worked together, each
of their personalities and preferences emerging in the selection
of their music, flowers, and decorations. Elina Zavala of Parfait
Cayman acted as their woman on the ground, helping the
couple select their vendors.
“We told her what we wanted and she asked the right questions to get us where we needed to be,” says Noah.
As the wedding day approached, the couple and their guests
settled in at the Wyndham Reef Resort. Noah and Angela met
their guests for lunches and dinners as they arrived on island.
In an effort to keep the trip as laid-back as possible, the couple
opted not to schedule several events, but instead provided their
guests with information on local activities, allowing them to
explore the island at their leisure.
“We wanted it to be relaxing,” Noah says. “We didn’t want
to set up a packed schedule with events that everyone had to
attend. Every day, we spent several hours together with our
guests, snorkeling and sitting around talking.”
50
When the day of the wedding arrived, Noah took it easy
while Angela had her hair styled and makeup done by Jimmie
DeLoach. Daria Keenan of Picture This Studios arrived to begin
capturing the day, all while the couple started to worry about
the weather.
“I was getting a little freaked out because it was raining all
morning,” Noah says. “We got in the car to head over to the
Rum Point Club, stopping along the way to take several photos.
As we got halfway there, we crossed this line and suddenly it
was perfectly sunny. When we got to Rum Point, everything
was perfect—blue skies.”
After a short ceremony under sunny skies on the same
beach where Noah had proposed, the group boarded a Red
Sail Sports catamaran for a sunset sail, where guests enjoyed
hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by the Rum Point Club.
The newlyweds and their guests spent a fabulous two hours at
sea before returning to Rum Point for dinner. The group then
released wish lanterns, making a game of it to see who could
get their lantern to fly the farthest. Angela and Noah danced
and enjoyed the company of their closest loved ones, reveling
in their first night as a married couple.
The following morning, the group gathered at Tukka Restaurant & Bar for brunch, reliving the highs of the previous
day. Angela and Noah stayed together for a few extra days on
Grand Cayman, including partaking in the Pirates Week Festival
activities.
“The wedding could not have been more perfect,” Noah
says. “Rum Point Club provided such a wide range of food, so
everybody could pick what they wanted to eat. The way Elina
handled everything took the stress out of it for us. Everything
was smooth, nice, intimate, almost no stress at all. It was very,
very fun.”
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Accommodations
By Ashley Cates
Photo by Picture This Studios
Photo courtesy of The Westin
YOU HAVE SELECTED THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
AS THE LOCATION FOR YOUR BIG DAY. YOUR
DESTINATION WEDDING MAY BE QUAINT AND
INTIMATE OR IT MAY SERVE AS A CATALYST TO
BRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY FROM ALL OVER
THE WORLD TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE.
Regardless of the size of your wedding party, you will be able
to find the perfect accommodations for your guests in the Cayman Islands.
Where you encourage your guests to stay may be determined
by the proximity to the reception site. You’ll want to ensure that
guests know where to book and that they secure their arrangements well in advance of your wedding, especially if you are suggesting a smaller resort during busy season.
Many locations can double as the venue for your wedding and
reception as well as accommodations for your guests. That may
make planning easier and a bit more convenient for those not
familiar with the Caymans. However, if you do select a venue that
does not offer accommodations, consider selecting a resort that
offers a transportation service. This will ensure your guests arrive
at your wedding stress-free and ready to celebrate.
VOLUME I
THE WESTIN GRAND CAYMAN SEVEN MILE
BEACH RESORT & SPA
If you are looking to give your guests a wide array of options while they are visiting the Caymans, the Westin may just
have it all. Featuring the 7,000-square-foot Hibiscus Spa with 13
treatment rooms, two steam and sauna rooms, and a women’s
whirlpool, the Westin Grand Cayman is the perfect place to relax
and rejuvenate mind, body, and soul. The resort also has the largest freshwater pool on the island in addition to 700 feet of Seven
Mile Beach frontage. Red Sail Sports is onsite with a wide variety
of water sport options for your guests to enjoy, as well as sailing,
53
Photo courtesy of Wyndam Reef Resort
snorkeling, and scuba trips that depart directly from the beach.
If your guests want to venture outside the resort, there is dutyfree shopping in the capital city of George Town. Additional attractions include the Maritime Museum, Turtle Farm, Dolphin Cove,
Dolphin Discovery, and of course, no trip to the Cayman Islands
would be complete without a visit to Stingray City and the Tortuga
Rum Factory. Golf is about five minutes away at the North Sound
Golf Club, where guests of the Westin enjoy special discounts.
“Our wedding guests choose the Westin for a variety of reasons, including our romantic wedding venues, our world-class
cuisine, the wide variety of flights that come daily to the island,
and the ease of getting married on island,” says Debbie Hutchinson, destination wedding sales manager at the Westin Grand
Cayman. “However, I think the most important thing is our Westin
associates who go above and beyond to ensure that each guest
creates memories to last a lifetime.”
VILLAS OF THE GALLEON
If you want an option that is less expensive and less crowded
than a traditional hotel in the Caymans, Villas of the Galleon may
provide the perfect accommodations for your group. With 60
villas, consisting of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, your
guests will have plenty of room to spread out. Each villa has its
own private balcony or patio on which to enjoy year-round tropical temperatures and beautiful Cayman sunsets.
Villas of the Galleon is located in between the Ritz-Carlton and
the Westin. There are grocery stores within walking distance, watersports and shopping close by, and snorkeling right off the beach.
TURTLE NEST INN
Affordable and authentic, Turtle Nest Inn is an exotic,
beachfront alternative to larger hotel chains. This intimate inn
offers snorkeling, two freshwater pools, a sandy beach, and
fully furnished apartments and condos. In its three buildings,
there are a total of 18 apartments with stunning Spanish-style
architecture.
Unlike accommodations on the Seven Mile Beach that can be
a bit more touristy, Turtle Nest Inn is in Bodden Town. Just 10
miles from George Town and the airport, it is an ideal base from
which to explore both ends of the island. Staying at Turtle Nest
Inn allows you to access the heart and soul of the island. Grocery
stores, gas stations, and boutiques are close by, yet while on
property, you feel that you are away from the crowds and off the
beaten path.
Photo courtesy of Villas of the Galleon
SUNSET HOUSE
If you and your guests are divers or snorkeling enthusiasts,
Sunset House is the place for you. A quiet location on a rocky
shoreline, renowned for its shore diving, and only a 15-minute
walk from downtown, Sunset House is sure to please the most
avid diver. This venue is known as the Grand Cayman’s hotel “for
divers by divers.”
If you’re looking to get away from the large resorts on the
beach, Sunset House is for you. This family-owned venue is a
more intimate, scuba diving-friendly, boutique-style accommodation with 53 rooms.
These moderately-priced accommodations include round-trip
airport transfers, made to order breakfast daily, and a welcome
drink and gift.
THE RITZ-CARLTON GRAND CAYMAN
Photo courtesy of Marriott Beach Resort
54
With a name like The Ritz-Carlton, this posh resort needs no
introduction. Located on stunning Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz is a
one-stop shop for accommodating your guests and hosting your
ceremony and reception, if you wish.
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
The attention to detail is evident in the guest suites, which
feature a private balcony, goose-down pillows, and marble
bathrooms. The Ritz offers plenty of options to keep your guests
entertained in between wedding events, including a custom tennis program at their five tennis courts, a Greg Norman-designed
golf course, and their signature restaurant, Blue.
GRAND CAYMAN BEACH SUITES
This budget-friendly and low-key hotel offers an understated
luxury right on Seven Mile Beach. The resort’s central location is
convenient to several popular wedding venues. Well-appointed
rooms include a kitchenette, fridge, and dining table. Red Sail
Sports, an excellent choice for a sunset sail with your guests or
for a trip to Stingray City, is onsite at the hotel for added convenience. Guests laud the staff for their friendly, welcoming nature.
WYNDHAM REEF RESORT
Offering both all-inclusive and room rates, accommodating your
guests at The Reef can take away the guesswork of finding meals and
entertainment for your guests during their stay. This resort can also
serve as your wedding venue, and their in-house planner can help you
with everything from the marriage license to the cake. Choose one of
their wedding packages, or design your own custom ceremony and
reception with a Wyndham wedding planner helping you every step
of the way. This resort is located on the island’s East End.
MARRIOTT GRAND CAYMAN BEACH RESORT
Backed by the Marriott name, this Seven Mile Beach hotel
offers friendly staff and beautifully lush gardens that lead to the
stunning beach. This resort can also accommodate your wedding
ceremony and reception; in-house planners will help bring your
dream to life. Choose between the brilliant beachfront or verdant
gardens to say your vows, and let their partnerships with local
vendors work for you.
Your guests will love the spacious rooms, all of which have private balconies. Warm tropical colors complement dark wood for a
calming feel.
SUNSHINE SUITES RESORT
This charming boutique resort is ideal if you’re looking to get
away from the crowds. Located next to the Ritz-Carlton and a
short walk from Seven Mile Beach, the incredible staff will ensure
your guests are comfortable and happy. You’ll find the amenities
you’d expect at a fine resort at a price point that won’t break the
bank. In addition to raving over the incredibly friendly staff, guests
also laud this resort for its delicious food.
COMFORT SUITES SEVEN MILE BEACH
Located a short stroll from fantastic snorkeling at Seven
Mile Beach, rooms at this hotel offer a kitchenette and other
comforts of home. Various room sizes ensure everyone in
your party will be accommodated. A complimentary breakfast helps your guests start the day off right, the hotel pool
is great for a refreshing dip, and Comfort Suites’ proximity to
George Town makes for ideal transportation to your wedding
day events.
Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton
VOLUME I
55
Meet the
Franks
By Melissa Kenyon
56
LINDSEY AND CHRISTINE
FRANK’S LOVE STORY
BEGAN IN TYLER, TEXAS,
IN 2011, WHILE THEY WERE
BOTH WORKING AT A SMALL
LOCAL RESTAURANT.
Lindsey was finishing up the last year
of his degree in business management at
the University of Texas in Tyler, and Christine was a senior at Whitehouse High
School. He was instantly charmed by her
sweet personality and sense of humor,
and she fell for his chivalry and charm.
After Lindsey graduated, he moved
back home to Spring, Texas, to work at
his father’s business. Missing her love,
the next summer, Christine decided to
move closer and pursue a degree in
diagnostic medical sonography in Houston. Little did she know, her man would
soon pop the big question.
With Christine’s all-knowing eye,
Lindsey had to be very sneaky when
planning to ask for her hand. It was
March of 2013 and he had coordinated
with some of her family to be present
during the proposal. Her mom and sister
came down for a “girls’ weekend,” but really they were there to witness this very
special event.
Lindsey asked them to meet him at
the Galleria, where he convinced Christine to go ice skating. All of a sudden,
the pair were in the middle of the rink
and he was down on one knee. She was
completely surprised and overcome
with joy when she exclaimed, “yes!”
The next year, Christine was accepted
into a sonography program, so their
wedding plans were delayed until she
graduated at the end of 2014. But the
saying, “all good things come to those
who wait,” would prove to be true in
their case.
On July 15, 2015, they proclaimed
their vows before both of their families
in gorgeous Grand Cayman. Christine’s
mother and two of her sisters were
married in Puerto Rico, so she could not
imagine saying “I do” anywhere else but
on the beach.
“I was hesitant at first, coming from a
family that owns their own businesses,”
said Lindsey. “There’s always work to be
done, but getting away for a week was
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
wonderful. Everyone took something away from the experience.”
Leading up to the wedding, the couple made sure their families experienced Grand Cayman to the fullest. One of the most
memorable days included a trip to Stingray City, a popular activity for visitors who don’t mind getting up close and personal
with large stingrays.
For the wedding, they decided to keep the occasion small
and intimate, so instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen, their
guests wore shades of blue. This ombre color palette was brilliant and created a lovely effect for photos.
Christine’s dress was utterly stunning, a fitted lace dress with
a low back, perfect for their beach nuptials. To complete her
bridal look, she wore an elegant cathedral veil and classic pearl
earrings, which were a gift from Lindsey. After the ceremony, the
bride swapped her veil for a crown of white flowers.
Despite the heat, Lindsey was handsome as ever in a beige
suit, suspenders, white shirt, and blue bowtie.
“My mom told me I had to wear a suit, so I did,” he said. “Of
course, we got married on the hottest day. My mom and sister
were fanning me during the first look. But it was all worth it.
Everything was perfect.”
The flowers were minimal so as not to overcome Cayman’s
lush foliage and breathtaking ocean blues. Christine carried a
bouquet of white roses with greenery accents, adorned with a
fish charm from Lindsey’s sister, Jessica.
When the time came for this beautiful couple to get married,
they selected the most striking location in front of an oceanfront
villa on Rum Point. Under an arch their families crafted for them,
they stared into each other’s eyes, hand in hand. Forever would
they remember this moment.
“It was a dream come true,” said Christine. “Everything was so
beautiful on this secluded beach. The ceremony was simple. We
just sort of winged it.”
Just a few miles down the road, the party continued to the reception at Kaibo Beach Bar and Grill, where Lindsey and Christine reserved the upstairs balcony and bar. A long table was
decorated elegantly with blue and white linens, and tall white
and green flower arrangements provided exquisite focal points.
With the help of Sarah, Christine’s older sister, they thought of
every detail, even crayons and a crossword puzzle for the kids.
“My sister was so helpful in planning our wedding,” said Christine. “She put time and thought into everything, from our etched
save the date bottles, to the goody-filled canvas bags, to the
uniquely designed hats and koozies.”
Since the wedding, the newlyweds have been enjoying a blissful marriage at their Texas home. They could not have asked for
a more perfect wedding in paradise.
FEATURED
VENDORS
CEREMONY
Oceanfront Villa on Rum Point
RECEPTION
Kaibo Beach Bar and Grill
PHOTOGRAPHY
Aaron Rebarchek
VOLUME I
57
Wedding Wellness
Looking and Feeling
YOUR BEST
By Melissa Kenyon
Photo courtesy of Jackie Soriano
58
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
The days of simply focusing on wedding hair and makeup are
long gone. Now, brides and grooms are moving toward revitalizing the entire body by homing in on proper skincare, fitness, and
mental relaxation.
“Wellness is a lifestyle, and it should be a lifetime commitment,”
says Hibiscus Spa Director Yarlin Fauer at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. “We really focus on the whole
body, not just external beauty. It’s important to maintain your
health from the inside out.”
With the stress that comes with wedding planning, it’s a relief to
know more people are realizing the importance of achieving mind
and body wellness. Overwhelming pre-wedding jitters are inevitable,
but now there are plenty of ways to shake them off and unwind.
“Some wedding parties are arriving a week early to relax and
rejuvenate before the big day,” Yarlin says. “Couples and their
guests are taking advantage of private fitness programs, facials,
massages, as well as spa manicures and pedicures.”
Many professionals agree that hydration is the key to flawless
and healthy skin. To achieve this glow, brides and grooms are commonly seeking a treatment known as the hydrafacial.
“The hydrafacial is one of our most popular treatments,” Janet
Dougall from Beyond Basics explains. “It hydrates the skin through
the infusion of moisture. In addition to this treatment, couples
should avoid overexposure to the sun and consumption of alcohol.”
Beyond Basics is seeing many clients opting for more natural
products such as vegan polishes. And it’s not just the bride and
bridesmaids seeking manicures and pedicures. The men have seen
the light and are finally realizing a little spoiling at the spa never hurt.
“We find that grooms care about their appearance just as much
as brides,” explains Janet. “Besides their best shave and haircut,
we recommend they have a deep pore cleansing hydrafacial along
with well-manicured hands and feet.”
Of course, make-up is still essential to completing the ultimate
wedding look. There are a number of trends that brides and
bridesmaids are following, including the application of airbrush
makeup, which gives that much-desired flawless appearance.
“Airbrush makeup finely mists on foundation, leaving you with a
natural and long-lasting look with practically no touchup necessary,” Jackie Soriano of Hair & Makeup by Jackie explains. “This
approach covers blemishes, redness, and hyperpigmentation
extremely well.”
In addition, eyelashes continue to be a prominent focus when
getting ready to tie the knot. Some women are going to great
lengths and enhancing their lashes with extensions. These extensions give natural lashes extra fullness and length.
Another way to get those luscious lashes is by trying false
lashes. There are a multitude of styles, sizes, and colors to
choose from.
“It’s highly recommended to try false lashes before your wedding
day to see if they work for you,” says Jackie. “They can be applied
differently according to how much drama you are looking to add.”
To top off your wedding look, you should pick a hairstyle that
suits your face’s shape and dress. It’s also important to pay attention to the season. Hair and humidity aren’t exactly friends, so
it’s sometimes best to choose an updo during the warm months.
Hairstyles are always evolving, but extensions are very popular in
the wedding world.
“If you and your stylist feel comfortable with them, go for it,”
says Jackie. “They are a great way to add length, body, and fullness. There is a wide variety of options ranging from temporary
clip-ins to more permanent methods that last four to eight weeks.”
Take it from the experts—wedding wellness is the key to looking
and feeling your best on your special day. Nourish your body, treat
your skin with care, and focus on finding tranquility. Forget about
perfection and just have fun as you prepare to marry your other half.
VOLUME I
Photo courtesy of Jackie Soriano
Photo courtesy of Jackie Soriano
Photo by Lee Lashley
59
Diving intoLove
By Diane Alter
60
SOMETIMES YOU JUST CAN’T
WAIT FOR THE PERFECT TIME TO
FALL IN LOVE. SOMETIMES YOU
JUMP; SOMETIMES YOU DIVE.
That’s exactly how Beccy Simnett
from the U.K., and Erik Soderlund, who
hails from Sweden, did it.
The two met in 2009 when they were
completing scuba diving instructor lessons on Thailand’s exotic tiny island of
Ko Tao, which means “Turtle Island” and
is named for its turtle-like shape. And
like the slow yet determined reptile, it
took a while for the two to really get to
know one another. That would happen
nearly four months later at Erik’s birthday party in the Cayman Islands.
“We finally got to really talk,” Beccy
said. “We found we had so much in
common, shared the same passions,
and wanted the same things. We were
together from then on.”
It was another four years before Erik
popped the question. The two were living in Cayman Brac at the time. Beccy
was heading back to England for a
visit and Erik suggested they spend
a night on Grand Cayman before she
left. Erik booked a magnificent room in
the marvelous Grand Cayman Marriott
Beach Resort, made reservations for a
delicious dinner, and then topped off
the night with a walk on the beach.
“We were walking at sunset along
Seven Mile Beach,” Beccy recalled. “The
setting sun was ablaze with every color
of red, orange, and pink.”
Erik asked Beccy to sit and take
a photo.
“It was indeed a spectacular sunset,
but we have seen so many wonderful sunsets and have a photo album
filled with pictures of setting suns,”
Beccy continued. “But Erik insisted, so
I thought, ‘okay.’ When I turned to look
at him, he was down on one knee holding a big ring box that held a simple
yet elegant diamond solitaire ring set in
platinum. Then, he asked me if I would
marry him. I just laughed and laughed
with happiness until Erik said you know
you have to say yes. And I did. Erik
told me had carried the bulking box
all night long in his back pocket and
did everything he could to prevent me
from seeing it. I was so surprised and
just so happy.”
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
FEATURED
VENDORS
CEREMONY
Tropical Runaway in Cayman Brac
RECEPTION
Secluded Sunsets
PHOTOGRAPHY
Janet Jarchow of Better Angle Photography
CATERING
Brac Reef Beach Resort
The two agreed they both wanted to have their wedding on the
beach. They were already living among the best beaches in the
world, so there was never a question of where they would host the
festivities. The Cayman Islands was their first and only choice.
Their sunset wedding ceremony was held on the pristine and
tantalizing beach at Tropical Runaway in Cayman Brac. With
some 60 guests from all over the world watching, Beccy and Eric
exchanged their vows on August 28, 2014. Beccy wore a long,
white gown from the U.K.’s Venus Bridal.
“My mum packaged it up properly and brought it out with her
to the Caymans,” Beccy said. “The first time I tried it on after
some alterations was just a few days before the wedding.”
The dress fit Beccy like a custom-made glove. Fitted on the top with
a ruffled skirt, the gown was stunning and Beccy dazzled. Erik wore a
smart waist coat and trousers in tan with a white shirt and bow tie. The
five bridesmaids wore long mint green dresses and held pink parasols.
The two groomsmen were dressed in suits similar to Erik’s.
“My favorite color is green so that was our main color with accents of pink,” Beccy noted.
Since Beccy and Erik were both familiar with the island and
had made lots of friends and contacts there, Beccy did not use
a wedding planner. She did have some invaluable help from her
mother, however. Due to the Caymans’ extreme heat, Beccy and
Erik opted for silk flowers instead of live ones. The flowers came
from a U.K. company called Sarah’s Flowers.
“They were absolutely beautiful, and the quality was outstanding,” Beccy said. “Everyone thought they were real. My mum
packed them up in yet another suitcase and hauled them with her
to the Caymans.”
The reception was held at Secluded Sunsets on the north side
of Cayman Brac. Beccy and Eric chose the ideal location for its
unrivaled beaches, crystal clear waters, and peacefulness. The
wedding’s buffet was catered by Brac Reef Beach Resort.
“We had roast lamb, stuffed chicken breast, roasted potatoes,
and made to order seafood risotto,” Beccy said. “We were deVOLUME I
lighted with the menu, quality, and service. A great many of our
guests commented on how splendid the food was.”
The delectable wedding cake, looking almost too good to eat,
was made by Beccy and Erik’s “amazing and talented” friend
Laura Schaefer.
“The icing was white with colorful sea creatures all over it,”
Beccy remembered. “There were three tiers. The top and bottom
were chocolate and the middle was a traditional English-style
Victoria sponge cake. It was amazing.”
Music, managed by a couple friends who controlled the volume
and timing, was a carefully curated playlist created by Beccy
and Erik. It was an assortment of every music genre and artist to
ensure that all the wedding guests were inspired to dance. The
fantastic wedding photos were taken by Janet Jarchow at Better
Angle Photography.
“She was incredible and captured every moment perfectly,”
Beccy said. “We love, love, love our photos. Janet stayed well
beyond the three hours we paid her for.”
Beccy and Erik headed north to Vancouver for a few days after
the wedding and then enjoyed an Alaskan Cruise.
“It was amazing and we ate and drank non-stop,” Beccy
recalled. “We saw whales from our private balcony, went on a
helicopter tour, and also went skydiving.”
Reminiscing about their wedding day, Beccy and Erik said what
they remember most was how well all their friends, both familiar
and unfamiliar to one another, got along. It was like they all had
known each other for years. Perhaps the captivating and magical
Cayman Islands aura was responsible for that. At the end of the
night, the skies opened up and spilled out rain. It was the perfect
ending to the perfect wedding.
“Erik scooped me up and carried me up stairs to our private
suite,” Beccy shared. “It was the most perfect day. It was everything we hoped for and more.”
Beccy and Erik now live in the U.K. in North Devon on the
coast. On December 16, they will welcome a baby boy.
61
Glitters
ALL THAT
By Andrea Milam
Photo by Melissa Wolfe Photography
SECOND ONLY TO THE WEDDING DRESS WHEN
IT COMES TO IMPORTANCE, YOUR WEDDING
DAY JEWELRY IS A PERSONAL EXPRESSION OF
WHO YOU ARE. WHETHER YOU WANT TO AMP
IT UP FOR MAXIMUM BLING OR DELICATELY
ACCENTUATE YOUR WEDDING DAY LOOK, YOU
CAN STAY ON TREND WHILE STAYING TRUE TO
YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE.
Though the traditional white diamond has stood the test of
time and is still among the most popular stone chosen by brides,
more and more brides are opting for a splash of color.
“There is a slight trend toward colored diamonds and colored
stones,” says Rakesh “Rocky” Baxani of Rocky’s Diamond Gallery. “Some women like a yellow diamond on their engagement
ring, while others like precious stones like rubies, emeralds, and
sapphires.”
Kirk Freeport Jewelry Buyer Renee Langevin agrees that tradition still reigns supreme, though brides are putting a modern
twist on classical elements.
“It seems that a lot of brides are opting for the traditional, but
gravitating toward modern interpretations,” says Renee. “The
whole art deco look is coming back into play but with a modern
twist. In the past, vintage meant more floral and very ornate, but
now people are gravitating toward art deco, which has cleaner
lines but still possesses an antique look.”
Pearls, another wedding day tradition, are coming back in a
big way, Renee adds.
“Pearls have been all over the runways for the fall season,” she
says. “People think of pearls as traditional, but there are more
modern silhouettes available now. Mikimoto has some beautiful
options for basic studs, and they also have some drop and chandelier earrings that incorporate diamonds, or sapphires.”
Men’s wedding jewelry remains simple and understated, as it
has through history.
“Men like to be very simple with plain bands, generally in gold,
but sometimes they like tungsten or stainless steel,” says Rocky.
“Men also lean toward simplicity when it comes to diamonds;
they don’t want a lot of diamonds in their wedding band.”
No matter which trend you choose to follow, there are plenty
of tips to keep in mind when choosing the jewelry you’ll wear on
your wedding day.
“Less is more,” says Renee. “Pick a focal point that works with
your dress silhouette and hair options. “If you’re wearing an
updo, wear a nice drop earring that’s a little more dramatic. If
you have a higher neckline on your dress or it’s an illusion type
of dress, you wouldn’t necessarily wear a necklace.”
One trend that brides are moving away from, says Renee, is
jewelry suites, or several pieces of matching jewelry. It’s even
okay to incorporate family heirlooms that don’t match your
selected jewelry at all by finding a creative way to make the
heirloom a part of your day.
“I had a locket that was my grandmother’s that didn’t necessarily match my wedding look,” Renee says. “I pinned it onto the
stems of my wedding bouquet, so there was a part of her there
VOLUME I
Photo by Rebecca Davidson Photography
Photo by PictureThis Studios
with me. Sometimes in the craziness of the day, it helps to have
something familiar like that to keep you grounded, and it can
also be your ‘something borrowed’ or ‘something old.’”
Purchasing your jewelry on Grand Cayman can eliminate the
nerves that come with bringing your wedding jewelry with you
when you travel; worrying that it will get lost in the shuffle can
make for a stressful flight. Luckily, the jewelry stores on the
island are more than prepared to help you sparkle on your wedding day. The island’s tax-free status is an added bonus that can
save you hundreds of dollars.
Rocky’s Diamond Gallery, a small family business, specializes
in custom jewelry, and they also carry more than 3,000 bridal
collection designs that can be further personalized to create
your custom look. Contact them well in advance to have them
create your dream ring from scratch. Rocky’s Diamond Gallery
manufactures their own pieces with service centers in the U.S.,
and they offer a lifetime warranty and lifetime upgrade policy.
“If someone buys a ring from me today, and in five years they
want a bigger one, we give them back full value for the ring they
got five years ago and they can pay the difference on the bigger
piece,” says Rocky. “It’s like cash in hand.”
Kirk Freeport carries several high-end lines including Mikimoto,
Cartier, David Yurman, Cento diamonds by Roberto Coin, Hearts
on Fire, and budget-friendly Swarovski jewelry. In addition to your
wedding day jewelry, you can purchase cufflinks, gifts for your
wedding party, an engraved watch for your groom, and more.
“We have great resources that allow us to customize your
jewelry,” says Renee.
Above all else, make sure your jewelry is a reflection of your
true personality and style, because there’s nothing more beautiful on your wedding day than feeling confident and radiant in
the look that you’ve chosen.
63
Photo by Janet Jarchow of Better Angle Photography
Photo by Picture This Studios
Photo by Melissa Wolfe Photography
Flower
Children
Photo by Rebecca Davidson Photography
64
Photo by Picture This Studios
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
Photo by Picture This Studios
Photo by Melissa Wolfe Photography
Cayman
Photo by Picture This Studios
Chic
Photo by Picture This Studios
Photo by Picture This Studios
Photo by Picture This Studios
VOLUME I
Photo by Janet Jarchow of Better Angle Photography
65
GETTING HERE &
Getting Around
Photo by Deep Blue Images
66
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
THE FLIGHT FROM MIAMI TO GRAND
CAYMAN IS ONLY AN HOUR, MAKING THE
CAYMAN ISLANDS A PERFECT WEDDING
DESTINATION FOR THE HAPPY COUPLE
AND THEIR GUESTS.
The Cayman Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea, ninety
miles south of Cuba, consisting of three islands, with Grand Cayman being the largest and most populated. Cayman Brac and
Little Cayman are known as the Sister Islands, with Little Cayman being the smallest and least developed of the three.
A visit to sun-drenched Grand Cayman is not complete
without exploring the well-known white-sand Seven Mile Beach.
There is an array of shopping experiences, ranging from sophisticated boutiques and high-end jewelry stores to artisan markets
and quaint souvenir shops.
Photo by Picture This Studios
CAYMAN BRAC
The most striking feature of this 12-mile long isle is a limestone bluff that runs down the middle and rises dramatically
above the sea at the eastern tip. Rugged and charming, the Brac
is an ideal getaway for adventurous and nature loving couples.
There are many attractions and natural wonders, spanning from
hiking trails and caves to a parrot sanctuary.
LITTLE CAYMAN
Known for its tranquility and laid back lifestyle, the pace on
Little Cayman is decidedly slower—even the speed limit is just
25 miles per hour. While the island is tiny—just 10 miles long and
one mile wide—it’s big on charm. Couples seeking to get away
from it all should be sure to visit Point O’ Sand on the eastern
tip of the island, where it’s rare to see another soul in sight. Rent
a kayak and paddle over to Owen Island, a tiny, uninhabited
oasis where visitors can swim and chill out on their very own
deserted island.
Getting to the Cayman Islands is now easier than ever. There
are more than 55 weekly flights into the Cayman Islands including 28 flights each week between Miami and Grand Cayman
with connections to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
THE FOLLOWING AIRLINES OFFER SERVICE TO THE CAYMAN
ISLANDS:
US AIRWAYS
www.usairways.com
800-428-4322
UNITED
www.united.com
800-864-8331
DELTA
800-221-1212
VOLUME I
www.aa.com
JET BLUE
800-538-2583
www.jetblue.com
AIR CANADA
888-247-2262
www.aircanada.com
BRITSH AIRWAYS
800-247-9297
www.britishairways.com Cayman Brac and Little Cayman can be reached by scheduled links
with Cayman Airways Express (800-422-9626) or by private charter
with Cayman Airways Express and Cayman Islands Helicopters.
HOW TO GET AROUND
AIR
CAYMAN AIRWAYS
800-422-9626
AMERICAN AIRLINES
800-433-7300
www.caymanairways.com , www.delta.com
BUSES
The bus system is efficient and leaves the depot near the public library on Edward Street, Grand Cayman from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
daily or you can simply flag one down.
BUS DEPOT 345-926-8814
TAXIS
You can flag down a taxi, or have your hotel concierge call
one for you, or hail one at the taxi stands at Owen Roberts International Airport and George Town Seaport on Grand Cayman.
You can also call in at the bus depot and the officer will get one
for you.
CAR RENTALS
Rent a car or scooter while on island and explore at your
own pace. You will require a temporary driver’s license, which is
obtained at any car rental agency by presenting a valid driver’s
license and paying a US $7.50 fee. You must be 21 or over to
rent a vehicle.
67
LISTINGS
ACCOMMODATIONS
GRAND CAYMAN
COMFORT SUITES SEVEN MILE BEACH
22 Piper Way, Grand Cayman
345.945.7300 • www.caymancomfort.com
GRAND CAYMAN BEACH SUITES
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
345.949.1234 • [email protected]
MARRIOTT GRAND CAYMAN BEACH RESORT
389 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman
345.949.0088 • www.marriott.com
PLANTANA CONDOMINIUMS
West Bay Rd, Grand Cayman
345.945.4430 • plantanacayman.com
THE RITZ CARLTON GRAND CAYMAN
West Bay Rd, Grand Cayman
345.943.9000 • www.ritzcarlton.com
SUNSET HOUSE
South Church St, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.949.7111 • www.sunsethouse.com
SUNSHINE SUITES RESORT
1465 Esterly Tibbetts Highway, Grand Cayman
345.949.3000 • www.sunshinesuites.com
TURTLE NEST INN
Bodden Town, Grand Cayman
345.947.8665 • www.turtlenestinn.com
VILLAS OF THE GALLEON
West Bay Rd, Grand Cayman
345.945.4433 • www.villasofthegalleon.com
THE WESTIN GRAND CAYMAN SEVEN MILE BEACH RESORT & SPA
30620 Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
345.945.3800 • www.westingrandcayman.com
WYNDHAM REEF RESORT
1 Queens Hwy., Grand Cayman
1.888.232.0541 • www.thereef.com
LITTLE CAYMAN
LITTLE CAYMAN BEACH RESORT
1128 Guy Banks Road, Little Cayman
345.948.1033 • www.littlecayman.com
SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB
Little Cayman
619. 563.0017 • www.southerncrossclub.com
CAYMAN BRAC
CARIB SANDS BEACH RESORT
195 South Side Rd W, Cayman Brac
345.948.1121 • www.caribsands.com
CAYMAN BRAC BEACH RESORT
345.948.1323 • www.bracreef.com
ACTIVITIES
ATLANTIS SUBMARINE TOURS
South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.949.7700 • www.caymanislandssubmarines.com
CAPT. MARVIN’S WATERSPORTS
P.O. Box 413 KY1-1302 • 345.945.6975 345.945.7306
www.captainmarvins.com • [email protected]
CAYMAN BRAC MUSEUM
Stake Bay Road, 279 Dennis Foster Rd, Stake Bay, Cayman Brac
345.948.2222 • www.gov.ky
CAYMAN ISLAND HELICOPTERS
345.943.4394 • www.caymanislandhelicopters.com
CAYMAN SPIRITS CO. DISTILLERY
End of Bronze Road, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.925.5379 • www.caymanspirits.com
68
CAYMAN TURTLE FARM
786 N W Point Rd, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.949.3894 • www.turtle.ky
MOBY DICK TOURS
Grand Cayman
480.626.5429 • www.mobydicktours.com
NORTH SOUND GOLF CLUB
557 Safehaven Drive, Grand Cayman
345.947.4653 • www.northsoundclub.com
RED SAIL SPORTS
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
877.506.6368 • www.redsailcayman.com
SIX SENSES ECO TOURS
Cayman Islands Yacht Club, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
345.938.3303 • www.sixsensescaymanadventures.com
BEAUTY AND SPAS
THE BEACH SPA
Stake Bay, Cayman Brac
345.925.2772 • www.bracbeachspa.com
BEYOND BASICS SPA
Tomlinson Building 9, Walkers Road, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.94.Laser (945.2737) www.beyondbasics.ky
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY JACKIE
Grand Cayman • 345.516.3076 • www.hairandmakeupbyjackie.com
HIBISCUS SPA
30620 Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
345.945.3800 • www.westingrandcayman.com/spa
LITTLE CAYMAN BEACH RESORT SPA
855.485.0022 • www.littlecayman.com
STYLES BEAUTY SALON
West Shore Center, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
345.949.8809 www.facebook.com/stylesbeautysaloncayman
[email protected]
CATERING AND RESTAURANTS
BEACH HOUSE
The Westin Hotel, West Bay Road, Grand Cayman
345.945.3800 • www.westingrandcayman.com/dining
THE BISTRO
Caribbean Plaza, West Bay Road, Grand Cayman
345.623.6666 • www.thebistro.ky
CATCH RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
Morgan’s Lane, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.949.4321 • www.catch.ky
THE CRACKED CONCH
857 N W Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.945.5217 • www.crackedconch.com.ky
LOBSTER POT
245 North Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.949. 2736 • www.lobsterpot.ky
MISE EN PLACE
3 Red Gate Warehouses Red Gate Rd, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.623.2433 • www.catering.ky
ORTANIQUE
47 Forum Lane Crescent, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman
345.640.7710 • www.ortaniquerestaurants.com
RISTORANTE PAPPAGALLO
Conch Point Rd, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.949.1119 • www.pappagallo.ky
RUM POINT CLUB
Rum Point, Grand Cayman
345.947.9412 • www.rumpointclub.com
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
KIRK FREEPORT
Cardinall Ave, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.949.7477 • www.kirkfreeport.net
THE WHARF
1 West Bay Rd, Grand Cayman
345.949.2231 • www.wharf.ky
LAUNA’S JEWELRY
Camana Bay Craft Market, Camana Bay, Grand Cayman
345.939.8332 • www.launasjewelry.ky
THE WHITE HOUSE
Bodden Town, Grand Cayman
345.946.5500 • www.thewhitehousecayman.com
NKY COLLECTIONS AND NKY MENSWEAR
Camana Bay, Grand Cayman
345.946.8172 • 345.946.8171 • www.nkycollections.com
CEREMONY AND RECEPTION SITES
CATCH RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
Morgan’s Lane, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.949.4321 • www.catch.ky
CAYMAN TURTLE FARM
North West Point Rd, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.949.3894 • www.turtle.ky
THE CRACKED CONCH
857 N W Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.945.5217 • www.crackedconch.com.ky
RISTORANTE PAPPAGALLO
Conch Point Rd, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.949.1119 • www.pappagallo.ky
THE RITZ CARLTON GRAND CAYMAN
W Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
345.943.9000 • 345.623.7489 • www.ritzcarlton.com
RUM POINT CLUB
Rum Point, Grand Cayman
345.947.9412 • www.rumpointclub.com
SUNSET BAY
13 Red Gate Warehouses Red Gate Rd, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.623.2433 • www.sunsetbay.ky
TIKI BEACH
West Bay Road, Grand Cayman
345.326.4805 • www.tikibeachcayman.com
THE WESTIN GRAND CAYMAN SEVEN MILE BEACH RESORT & SPA
30620 Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
345.945.3800 • www.westingrandcayman.com
LISTINGS
TIKI BEACH
West Bay Road, Grand Cayman
345.326.4805 • www.tikibeachcayman.com
ROCKY’S DIAMOND GALLERY
28 North Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.946.7851 • www.rockysdiamonds.com
TORTUGA RUM CAKES
345.943.7663 • www.tortugarumcakes.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
AARON REBARCHEK
651.428.7245 [email protected]
www.aaronrebarchek.com
BETTER ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Janet Jarchow • 345.916.0025 • www.betterangle.com
DARIA KEENAN
Picture This Studios • www.picturethis.ky/blog
DEEP BLUE IMAGES
245 North Church St., Grand Cayman
345.916.0016 • www.deepblueimages.com
MELISSA WOLFE PHOTOGRAPHY
345.916.8335 • melissawolfe.com
REBECCA DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY
345.943.3686 345.916.1654 http://www.rebeccadavidson.com
TINA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHY
www.tinafosterphotography.com
TRANSPORTATION
CAYMAN AUTO RENTALS
Arthur’s Way, George Town, Grand Cayman • 345.949.1013
FLOWERS
CB RENT-A-CAR
Avistar Building 2 Lot 1, Church Close, West End, Grand Cayman
345.948.2424 • www.cbrentacar.com
CELEBRATIONS LTD. WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Kingbird Drive,Unit 121 A Bldg. C Industrial Park, Grand Cayman
345.623.2044 • www.celebrationsltd.com
GRAND LIMOUSINE SERVICES
8B Artco Center, Grand Cayman • 345.943.LIMO (5466) • www.limo.ky
EVERY BLOOMIN’ THING
384 Crewe Road, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.945.1701 • www.ebt.com.ky
MARSHALL’S RENT-A-CAR
Airport Rental Plaza, 257 Roberts Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.949.0550 • www.marshalls.ky
FLOWERS BY DELL
George Town, Grand Cayman
345.925.5799
www.theflowerdell.com
RED SAIL SPORTS
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
877.506.6368 • www.redsailcayman.com
TRISHA’S ROSES
266 North Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.949.2423 • 345.949.7315 • www.trishasroses.com
GIFTS, JEWELRY, AND CLOTHING
ARABUS BOUTIQUE,
Edward Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.949.4620
WEDDING CONSULTANTS & PLANNERS
CELEBRATIONS LTD. WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Kingbird Drive, Grand Cayman
345.623.2044 • www.celebrationsltd.com
FIVE STAR EVENTS
220 Shedden Rd., George Town, Grand Cayman
345.929.7772 • www.fivestareventscayman.com
ISLAND WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
345.547.3141 • www.caymanislandsweddingsandevents.com
CAYMAN TURTLE FARM
786 N W Point Rd, West Bay, Grand Cayman
345.949.3894 • www.turtle.ky
SAVE THE DATE
345.925.4971 • www.savethedatecayman.com
GUY HARVEY’S GALLERY & SHOPPE
South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.943.4891 • www.guyharvey.com
SIMPLY WEDDINGS
One Cayman House, 215 N Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
345.949.9933 • www.cayman-island-weddings.com
VOLUME I
69
CHURCHES
ANGLICAN CHURCH
Church of England St. Alban’s
St. Mary’s (Cayman Brac)
Pastor: Bishop Nicholas Sykes
Tel: (345) 949 2757
Email: [email protected]
www.churchofenglandcayman.com
ANGLICAN (EPISCOPAL)
St. George’s Anglican Church
Priest in Charge: Reverend Mary Graham
Tel: (345) 949 5583
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
First Assembly of God
195 Old Crewe Rd., GT, Grand Cayman
Pastor: Pastor Torrance Bobb
Tel: (345) 9452182
Email: [email protected]
www.firstassemblycayman.org
West Bay Assembly of God
100 Finch Drive (off Stadium Rd.)
Tel: (345) 946-2455
Cayman International Assembly
(Grand Cayman)
Meeting place: Camana Bay Cinema, Grand Cayman
Pastor: Pastor Dave Tayman
Tel: (345) 917 5774
Email: [email protected]
www.ciagky.com
BAPTIST
Cayman Islands Baptist Church
Pastor: Dr. Randy Von Kanel
163 Pedro Castle Road, Savannah
Tel: (345) 946 2422 or (345) 926 2422
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
www.cibc.ky
First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman
Staff Pastors: Thabiti Anyabwile, Dave Jorge, and
Bentley Robinson
920 Crewe Road (Across from the Lion’s Centre and
near the Hurley’s Shopping Centre)
Tel: (345) 949 0692
Email: [email protected]
www.fbc.org.ky
CATHOLIC
St. Ignatius Catholic Church
Pastor: Father Suresh Rajaian 597 Walker’s Road
Tel: (345) 949 6797
Email: [email protected]
www.ignatius.ky
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church
Rev. Blackman Road, West Bay
Tel: (345) 949-6797
70
Photo by Picture This Studios
Stella Maris Catholic Church
Alta Vista Drive, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 925 6215 or (345) 939 6885
LUTHERAN
Safe Harbour Lutheran Church
Pastor: Reverend Edmund Auger
205 Andrew Drive, Snug Harbour
Tel: (345) 949 1835
www.safeharbourlc.com
METHODIST
Wesleyan Holiness Church
Pastor: Reverend Dennis McCoy
150 North West Point Rd, West Bay
Tel: (345) 949 1121
MORAVIAN
Covenant Moravia Church
Pastor: Reverend Gary Gardiner
6 Devon Road, Off Marina Drive, Prospect
Tel: (345) 947 7935
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Agape Family Worship Centre
Tel: (345) 949 2539
Email: [email protected]
www.agapecayman.com
Sunrise Community Church
Tel: (345) 926 7473
Email: [email protected]
www.sunrise.ky
PENTECOSTAL
All Nations United Pentecostal Church
Tel: (345) 949 9533
Email: [email protected]
PRESBYTERIAN &
CONGREGATIONAL
Elmslie Memorial United Church
Minister: Rev. Dr. Dave Hazle
Tel: (345) 949 7923 Fax: (345) 949 1723
Email: [email protected], www.elmsliechurch.org.ky
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
Cayman Islands Conference of
Seventh-day Adventist
Tel: (345) 949 2647
www.caymanadventist.org
HINDU SERVICES
Dr. Krishna Mani
Tel: (345) 945 1565 or (345) 928 4681
JEWISH SERVICES
Jewish Community of the Cayman
Islands
Tel: (345) 526 0572
Email: [email protected]
www.jccicayman.org
Chabad Cayman
Tel: (345) 516 4474
Email: [email protected]
www.jewishcayman.com
Temple Beth Shalom
located on Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 0518
Lynne & George Walton (345) 325 3474
Email: [email protected]
MUSLIM SERVICES
Unit C3, Cayman Business Park
Muzaffar Soomro: (345) 925 0722
Mosque: (345) 329 2079 Email: [email protected], www.isci.org.ky
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Photo by Deep Blue Images
Index ofAdvertisers
Beyond Basics Medical Day Spa.................. 59
Catch Restaurant....................................................3
Cayman Turtle Farm........................................... 15
Cracked Conch / Macabuca.............................5
Deep Blue Images...............................................43
Dept. of Tourism................................................IBC
Destination weddings are a growing trend, and more couples are
choosing the Cayman Islands as their ideal location to make their lasting
commitment. Getting married on these idyllic islands couldn’t be easier.
Here’s what couples will need to do:
Couples, including those arriving by cruise ship for their Cayman
Islands wedding, can marry the same day they arrive in the Cayman
Islands. Just be sure to have the following:
1. A non-residents marriage license
2. A letter from the authorized Marriage Officer who is to
officiate.
Applications for non-resident marriage licenses are US $250, and a
list of licensed Marriage Officers can be obtained from the Passport and
Corporate Services Office. On Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, this is
provided by the District Commissioner’s Office.
Passport and Corporate Services Office
Sussex House, 128 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman
Couples wishing to marry during a vacation or a cruise ship stop may
apply for a special license. Under the law, the governor grants special
licenses, and marriages may be performed as soon as applications have
been processed. The Passport and Corporate Services office handles
applications on Grand Cayman, and District Administration represents
the governor on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
The application, which must be signed by both persons, must give full
names, occupations, permanent addresses and any current temporary
address. It must also name the marriage officer who will perform the
ceremony, state whether either party has been previously married, and
confirm that there is no lawful hindrance to the intended marriage.
The couple may choose to bring the required documents to the
specified government office and make the application in person. Or,
working with their marriage officer, they may fill out and sign the form,
provide the necessary documents, and then turn the process over to the
officer for completion.
The documents required are:
• Proof of identity, such as an original or certified birth certificate
or passport
• Cayman Islands international embarkation/disembarkation card
or ship’s boarding pass
• Certified or original copies of divorce decrees/death certificates
The license fee of CI$150 (US$187.50), plus a CI$50 (US$62.50)
application fee, must accompany the documents. Applications should
be filed at the Passport and Corporate Services office on the second
floor of the Sussex House, George Town, Grand Cayman, telephone
345-943-7678. Persons preferring to marry on Cayman Brac or Little
Cayman should contact the District Commissioner’s office, Government
Administration Building, Cayman Brac, telephone 345-948-2222. The
license must be produced to the marriage officer performing the
SPRINGI 2009
VOLUME
ceremony
and is valid for three months.
Island Weddings & Events............................... 16
Five Star Events.................................................... 13
Kirk Freeport....................................................IFC/1
Launa’s Jewelry....................................................34
Mise en Place.......................................................... 21
Moby Dick Tours.................................................. 47
North Sound Golf Club...................................... 17
Ortanique................................................................. 17
Pappagallo............................................................... 18
Rebecca Davidson Photography.................. 41
Red Sail Sports...................................................... 51
Rocky’s Diamonds.................................................9
Rum Point Club..................................................... 51
Save the Date......................................................... 31
Tiki Beach .................................................................7
The White House....................................................7
Trisha’s Roses........................................................45
Villas of the Galleon........................................... 53
The Westin............................................................. BC
71
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
TYING THE KNOT
IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Butmost ofall
we wish you Love
Photo by Picture This Studios
72
CAYMAN ISLANDS WEDDING & HONEYMOON
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
BEGINS AT THE WESTIN
Live out your wedding fantasies on Grand Cayman’s idyllic Seven Mile Beach.
Let our wedding consultants create an unforgettable and carefree experience,
handling every detail from pre-wedding activities to the reception, so you can enjoy
the Caribbean’s natural splendor together. Begin your happily ever
after in paradise at The Westin Grand Cayman.
EMAIL [email protected]
OR CALL 345.945.3800 EXT. 6003
Unforgettable wedding & reception venues