Seeking Wedding Planning Help + Advice

Hi, I am new to the forum. We have decided on a beachfront wedding set for 10/20/06.

We are considering Compass Point, The Reef Resort, Marriott, or Westin; we'll decide on the location based on the price of the wedding planner/ceremony Embarassed

.

I am considering planning this myself because we aren't having guests, a reception, or anything complicated: just the two of us on the beach at sunset. However, neither of us has ever visited, I don't know how to "claim" a location, and I'm not sure how to obtain the required two witnesses. Has anyone ever totally done this on his/her own without visiting the island first?

I wanted Celebrations Ltd, but $1250 is too much money for what we want. I'm still considering Heart of Grand Cayman, and have emailed the coordinators at the Marriott and Reef Resort. However, I am starting to feel that the simplicity of our situation doesn't necessarily require a planner, if i can find some good information. Our requirements basically are: location, officiate, witnesses, simple flowers (I thought I could just visit a florist an hour or two before the ceremony). We are deciding between C. Platt and R. Davidson (since she is highly recommended per this site) for photography - this is by far the most important element for us.

I appreciate anyone's input or suggestions. I'm feeling a little lost and intimidated right now.

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 1:36 pm Post subject:

Hi Dez...

Don't be intimidated.

Our wedding specialist will probably chime in soon to assist you. While the Reef Resort is a nice laid back quiet place (just got back from there), it is on the East End of Grand Cayman. If you were planning on sunset over the Carribean during your ceremony you won't find it there. Sunrise there is nice though Razz

Congratulations and you have picked a wonderful destination for your wedding.

Antoinette

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:13 pm Post subject:

Hi deziree -

I would highly recommend the Marriott on Seven Mile Beach for your special occasion. They have a professional wedding planner on site and you can also work with Celebrations. They will not be that expensive with your Activity Guide discounts, just mention to them that you are a member of our message board. Wink

I'm sure our wedding specialist Michelle will have much more information to add. Very Happy

Welcome deziree! How exciting! I think Grand Cayman is paradise and a perfect place for your special day. spin

Many of our visitors are able to plan their own wedding through all the helpful info provided here. I actually did decide to go with a planner but only because we had 40 attendees coming and couldn't image day of the wedding decorating and prepping the facility never mind myself. That being said I'm hands on myself and found this very hard. Wink

Here is an option-Celebrations first quotes are high. If you hire the officient yourself that knocks off a 450. Give them a photo of the exact bouquet or ask them for some suggestions on less expensive arrangements. (keep in mind your flowers are shipped on the island so this raises your expense)Sometimes a simple bunch of 1 kind of flower will give you elegance at a good price.

I do Love Compass Point, The Reef Resort, Marriott, and Westin. All of these will be a bit more expensive then if you did a reception on the beach by the Wharf or in front of the Marriott Courtyard. Most of the Hotels do have wedding packages you can purchase which includes all your needs, which may be a good choice for you.

There are a few others marrying this year who did all the planning from this CAG website. So it is possible!

Location...lets hear details of what you would like Morning (pictures come out best) Sunset also nice ..these will help me help you choose a spot.

officiant I have 2 contacts.

Witnesses: Obtaining the required two the hotel staff or coordinator or resturant owner will not have any problems doing this for you and can be provided at a minimal expense if any.

Simple flowers You will need to prepare this at least a few days before. That way it can be delivered to your hotel day of in a timely manner. palm

Photographers: C. Platt actually has some good feedback here and R. Davidson was my choice and I have not only had the pleasure of her work, but her personality helps sooth the soul.. this is by far the most important element for me. Cool

Please don't feel intimidated and ask away....I love helping out all Cayman Activity Guide members. (but must admit I LOVE LOVE Love helping out bride or Grooms-to-be.) heart

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 1:10 pm Post subject:

akatora: I'm anxiously hanging on your every written word re: your most recent trip to the Reef Resort. Thanks for pointing out the sunset thing - should have been obvious, but I never thought about being on the East End while the sun sets in the west! D'oh! Embarassed

Joe: thanks for the warm welcome. I actually put the Marriott on my list because of your enthusiastic endorsement of them on this forum. Hope to work something out with them.

SHELLNNYNJ: Thanks for all the helpful info. I might try to counteroffer Celebrations. Which planner did you go with?

Location : we just want that turquoise water and white sand - that's it! Smile

We lean toward sunset because we are NOT morning people at all, but if the photos are better, that's a big factor. We are already worrying about squinting and such.

Officiant: Please do send me your recommendations. Very Happy

I do *want* to use a planner, but I feel what we want is so simple I should be able to do it. I'm also really worried that I'll hire a planner whose attention to detail disappoints me and leaves me feeling regretful. I just want a legal marriage and GREAT photos!

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 1:58 pm Post subject:

Marriott Beach Resort Contact: Jennifer Stundon, Conference Services Manager Tel: 345-949-8088 ext 644 Direct: 345-943-2062..Jennifer was a great asset in helping us with the arrival of guests and some extras day of the wedding for the bridesmaids and I....

Reverand Crawford: 345-916-7513 I met with 3, and went with my first appt. Reverand Crawford. He was just a dear man with great personality.

Kay-Annie Reid Celebrations Direct: (345) 324-1919

Celebrations are very detailed...that is one worry you can cross off your list. I emailed them almost daily with exact colors, flowers, ideas, and additional materials that I would be bringing to keep them up to speed. Being they are the largest Party Planners on the island they have a large selection of everything.

KayAnnie was my wedding coordinator. I must add if anyone was put to the test on a wedding day-she sure was. She had found a police escort to get me and my guests to our ceremony site. We had a parade day of our wedding not allowing traffic through main street. The Grooms and groomsman made it for 4 o'clock but the parade caused us behind for almost 2 hours. She did an excellent job in keeping me in the loop and getting me to our wedding...wihtou a single tear!

Be sure to search the Wedding Archives, there are many contacts there as well. In case I miss any... spin

Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 4:59 pm Post subject:

Hi deziree! I'm chiming in here because July 5th was the day I married the man I love, in paradise. We were married on the private beach of The Wharf. Planning for good sunset photos, 5:30 was the suggested time for the ceremony. The sun did not make us squint and it seemed as though everything around us was calm even though he had a tear in his eye and my barefeet were digging into the sand! I spent hours on the internet and made one phone call that totaled $114.00 before deciding to take matters into my own hands using alot of what I learned here on CAG. I contacted David Wolfe last August, he made the date and set the time for me. (We knew we would be on the island from July 2 to July 8.) As Shelly said, the personality was important and we made a good connection via the internet! We really enjoyed working with him that evening as well. He can be reached at: (345) 916-4146 I made an email connection with Cordula at The Wharf by using their website. She ultimately directed me to Reno. I spoke to him once and confirmed via email with Cordula. Reno showed us around on Monday and had everything in order on Wednesday. Reno even allowed me the cool wine cellar to slip into my dress!! We had seven others with us so we had dinner from The Wharf's menu. We ordered a special decorated rum cake which added $100 to our bill. But for nine of us it was just over $600US and worth every penny. Celebrations is just down the street and they delivered conch shells to be used on the beach but I picked up our flowers on our way because I had Del use fabric from my dress to wrap the stems of my Calla Lilies. We paid $262.50 US for a 10 lily bouquet and simple lily boutonneire and the shells. I did all of that ordering via email with pictures of what I wanted, including color On Wednesday at The Wharf Eugenio Leon plays the harp. He arrived earlier to play especially for us and we paid $125US to him. Reverand Crawford is a very dear man, we were instantly connected upon meeting with him on Monday. His office is just across from the Harbor making it close as well. His fee was $250US and the license fee is $200. By meeting with him on Monday and giving him our documents he handled getting the special license. We were relieved to not have to handle the bureaucratic necessities! Everything worked out perfectly. We have beautiful pictures that take me back to that evening everytime I look at them. The only thing we would have done differently is probably go by ourselves!! I applaud you and your fiancee on your decision to go it alone. David Wolfe even told me that sometimes they ask someone on the beach to be the witness!! Best of luck. Valerie P.S. I just remembered that Kay Annie left Celebrations right after Michelle's wedding. And one more note, all of their contact information can be found right here at the Activity Guide site.

Edit: Removed outside link for information already present on this site. - Joe

Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:18 pm Post subject:

vcec75 - Congratulations!

David Wolfe was actually my first choice, but he's out of our budget. Sad

I never got a response from R. Davidson, and have been waiting 2 days for Platt to answer a couple more questions. :| Hopefully, he'll answer soon and we can wrap things up with him.

We've decided to stay at Turtle Nest Inn because of the AWESOME CAG rate we got. We loved the pictures on their site and think it will be a nice, locally-owned place to stay that's out of the way, but not too far out of the way. A great compromise for us between East End & SMB.

I'm still wavering on hiring a wedding planner. Celebrations can't even compete with Heart of Grand Cayman's rates, but I'm still not sure we need a planner. We don't want cake or champagne or anything; even flowers are optional at this point, so I have a hard time justifying all that money. Also, the amazingly nice owners (?) of Turtle Nest have agreed to act as witnesses!

We are getting closer to having all the decisions made. So glad CAG has all this great information!

Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 7:42 pm Post subject:

deziree,

How long ago did you email Rebecca Davidson? She has been on holiday, and may have missed your email. She is very busy, but usually responds within a day or so. Don't give up on her - her work is well worth the wait!!!

Please let me know the timing on your email to her, and I'll do everything I can to help put you in touch with her.

Jen

Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 8:18 pm Post subject:

Hi jlwest73: I sent a request via the Picture This Website she seems to be associated with this past Friday. Maybe that was not the correct way to contact her? She has several glowing reviews on this site and that is what prompted me to try to contact her. Thanks for your help!

Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:27 pm Post subject:

She is on holiday, and was at that time as well, I believe. Was the email address you sent it to:

rebecca@picturethis.ky or was it picturethis@candw.ky

???

Please let me know, and we'll try to figure this out. I know that when she is out, her sister, who works in the store, sometimes answers her emails.

Don't worry. We'll get you in touch with her!

Jen

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:42 am Post subject:

deziree I actually emailed Rebbeca and she responded on holiday to me.

Once you meet you will see what a great person she is. I agree that her staff is always busy. I think she just hired another person on, thankfully.

I told her about you. Just send her an email to the above address...and let her know both Jen & I sent you...maybe put it in the RE: Jen West and Michelle Lontai recommended me to you...That way once she gets back she will respond asap. Smile

I think you will be able to do alot your self. I would suggest to order bouquet from Heart of Cayman, book the officient and thats it. No extra expenses. Just the necessities. Which are Bride to be Groom to be and Officient...and flowers because it is a special Day and you deserve them!

vcec75 Thanks so very much for sharing your day! spin

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:56 am Post subject:

Ohhh, hmm, I went to the Contact page on the Picture This website. The link there emailed to "admin" at_____.ky I'll try both the addresses given here. I'm sure that's what the problem is.

The owners of TNI indicated they have some contacts for an officiant, and I'm waiting to hear back from them on that. With their help (and as witnesses!), I am really starting to feel this is possible on my own. If we weren't on any kind of a budget, I'd probably go with a planner and package in a heartbeat. But, we are on a budget and since we have no guests we only have to please ourselves. I think I can do it!

Thank you all so much for your help!!

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:13 pm Post subject:

deziree - Please use this email for Rebecca:

As mentioned, Rebecca is on vacation and will be returning on Monday.

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 8:44 am Post subject: Planning Update

Things are coming along now, with thanks to this site and the folks at Turtle Nest Inn. TNI is coordinating our ceremony and it's fully customizable to our desires - yay!

We haven't confirmed an officiate yet. Hopefully that will be done soon.

We are going with C. Platt for our photography. I simply didn't have any luck with contacting anyone with R. Davidson/Picture This. We're excited to be working with Mr. Platt.

So far, we're still within budget, too! I can't wait to write our trip report and write about our wedding.

Thank you all for your help.

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