Adriana Weddings | Destination Weddings | Issue II

ADRIANA

powered by Adriana Weddings

TimelessInspiration for the wild at heart.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

1

2

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

3

4

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

IN THIS ISSUE 86

58

WEDDING PLANNING

15 20 28 30

DRESS SHOPPING NY BRIDAL FASHION WEEK IINVITE WITH LASER CUT LUXURY TO HAVE & TO HOLD

EXPERT INTERVIEWS

192 202 220

PHYLICIA ELLIS JACQUELINE VAZQUEZ STANLO PHOTOGRAPHY

208

116

176

98

INSPIRATION

158 ROMANCE AT REX RESORTS 166 TROPICAL ELEGANCE 176 EVENING CHARM 226

HIDDEN GEM

CARIBBEAN LOVE

58 74 86 98 116 132 146

TOUCH OF BEAUTY

208

THE BRIDAL BUZZ

AW SPECIAL TREATS

238 246

SWEET ADVICE VENDOR GUIDE

GIANNE & BRENT - T&T JULIA & LIAM - MEXICO ASHLEY & LANCE - DOM REP LORI & MARK - T&T MELANIE & JEF -BELGIUM MICHELLE & PATRICK - CAYMAN IS. MELISSA & BRADLEY- BAHAMAS

COVER STORY Our gorgeous cover is from our Real Wedding feature of “Kathy & Sheldon” that was shot on a luxurious boat in Chaguaramas, Trinidad & Tobago. It was photographed by JULIE CHARLETT PHOTOGRAPHY of Trinidad & Tobago.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

5

Hi darlings! I have been back and forth with this letter for some time now, and I’ve run out of time as we’re about to hit Publish on this remarkable Issue! I must admit that even last year was challenging for me around this same time, as it’s so difficult to find the right words to describe how I feel about what I do at Adriana Weddings, and how much sharing the love stories of hundreds from around the world has changed my life. I hope that this Issue encourages and inspires you to live a more purposeful life, filled with endless love and passion.

I should firstly say a huge hello to all of you exquisite readers and brides to be! I hope that by just one look at the cover, that you can get a feel for the type of beauty that you can expect to see in this year’s Issue of ADRIANA. We’ve packed it with lots of colour, tropical inspiration, and even some dark and moody photographs for those who prefer that amazing style. We’ve tried our best to capture the raw, authentic emotion and moments that always blow us away, and remind us of how beautiful this life full of love truly is.

If it’s one thing I’ve learnt from 2018, is that once you put your mind to something, anything is possible. I had envisioned a life of travel, wander, and complete freedom, and that is exactly what I have. I have the best husband in the world, who is supportive, passionate and driven. He is definitely my superman, and is the type of person who has encouraged me to live my best life. To all of my beautiful Adriana Wed brides, this is my wish for you – to find a partner who loves every bit of you, inspires you to be the best version of yourself, and is strong in every sense of the word. Some days are not easy, and having someone near who can just hold your hand in those trying times, reassuring you that it will all be alright, is the most important thing ever.

So, at this moment, I am sitting in my office. I am in tears because I am so proud of my team for creating a Digital Publication that we can not only be proud of, but completely inspired by. I am in tears because the love stories that we’ve shared are sweet, special and real. I am in tears because in a world filled with so much hate and negativity, I am still determined to showcase love. True love.

Hope you enjoy ADRIANA (Issue II) lovebirds – she’s a beauty!

Elisa 6

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

PHOTO | NCH FILMS & KANISHA CLARKE

EDITOR’S NOTE

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

7

CONTRIBUTORS

JALENE JACOB

Jalene Jacob is a complete powerhouse!

If you haven’t heard of this woman and extraordinary Stationer, then you have no idea what you are missing out on.

Jalene’s taste is flawless, and her use of intricate detail, skillfull design layout, and tasteful personalization has awarded her the top Stationery Designer of the year from the Caribbean Wedding Industry Awards. This talented artist has been featured in Destination Wedding network Adriana Weddings, Weddingwire and Wedding Lovely.

According to Jalene, some secrets to her company’s growth and success as a creative business, is “to always remain relevant, modern, unique and dynamic.

Know what’s trending and bring it to your market in the best way possible. Don’t make the common mistake of trying to imitate the designer next door and lose direction. Remain focused on your own goals and your own motivation.”

Find out more here – https://www.facebook.com/redcarpetweddingandspecialeventsinvitations/

SANDY SARDINHA

Fueled by “Flower Power”, Sandy Sardinha is the owner of Daisy’s Flower Shop & Daisy’s Weddings in the Capital of Paradise – Tobago.

With more than 17 years of business experience behind her. Sandy is the highly sought after, Head Designer and wedding stylist in their wedding department.

A member of the Tobago Bridal Association with Certification from the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Sandy is also a Certified Wedding Coordinator (WPICC) and has ventured into intimate Tobago weddings, providing couples with a quintessential island wedding experience.

Her “To Have and To Hold Collection” – A fabulous faux flower wedding line allows brides and their bridal party to bask in the beauty of their floral accessories a bit longer. She ensures that whichever island they choose one thing they can rest assured about is that their flowers will be exactly what they’ve always dreamed of as it shipped throughout the Caribbean. Captivated by her love of fragrance, Sandy has created a line of curated gifts, which include scented candles and bath and body products inspired by the exotic beauty of Trinidad and Tobago.

Find out more here – www.tobago-flowersonline.com

KERLANGE OCTAVIEN

Kerlange Octavien is one of the top Bridal Consultants in the beautiful Bahamas. She has been assisting brides for many years to find the perfect wedding dress for them, and continues to do so!

As part of the Five Seasons Bridal team, Kerlange travels often to the United States in search of the best bridal designers to cater to Destination wedding brides in the Caribbean, and also frequents New York Bridal Fashion Week.

She is talented, passionate and absolutely adores any and everything weddings and bridal fashion. She has also worked on countless projects with some of the best wedding magazines and blogs in the world such as Munaluchi Bride and Destination Wedding network Adriana Weddings, and as such has built up quite an eye for Editorials.

Find out more here – https://www.facebook.com/fiveseasonsbridal/

ABOUT OUR DESTINATION WEDDING FAMILY Adriana Weddings is an online network of wedding planning inspiration geared specifically toward destination weddings in the beautiful Caribbean. We offer meaningful letters of love from newlyweds who hosted their amazing weddings in the Caribbean; words of encouragement to those seeking a little assistance at this precious time of their lives; fashion advice for the modern bride and hope for those who are just as in love with marriage as we are.

Our mission is simple – to inspire.

8

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

ADRIANA MAGAZINE | www.adrianaweddings.com

CARIBBEAN

EDITOR- in- chief Elisa Clarke

CREATIVE DIRECTOR K’ron Clarke

EDITOR Joshua Sylvester

ASSISTANT Christian Sylvester

advertising inquiries e: info@adrianaweddings.com p: 1.868.484.9388 w: adrianaweddings.com/advertising

submissions Please email us at adrianaweddings.com/submit-a-wedding

digital publishing Adriana Weddings Media

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

9

10

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

11

ADRIANA WED LOVES

PROMO

LUVO CINEMATOGRAPHY T&T- based Luvo Cinematography specializes in making dreams a reality. With a huge heart, and incredible talent, this photography/ cinematography team has decided to give away a FREE Engagement Session to ONE lucky couple!

So don’t wait, sign up now for a chance to WIN!

Tobago Beckons!

Inspirational florals by Daisy’s Weddings has become a MUST for Destination Weddings in Tobago, and we couldn’t agree more.

Grab your own dreamy bouquet and more from Daisy’s Weddings now. daisysweddings@gmail. com

www.luvocinematography.com

CORDIAL AFFAIRS Now is the time to indulge in the finest of wedding stationery from one of the very best stationery designers from Bahamas! Their promotion is almost too good to be true, but don’t just take our word for it, head on over to www.adrianaweddings.com to find out how you can WIN some special gifts from Cordial Affairs. https://www.facebook.com/CORDIALAFFAIRS/

PROMO

Everything about Debbie Cake Artistry’s work is simply divine.

Check out more from this extraordinary cake artist now for your Destination Wedding.

www.instagram.com/debbiecakeatristry

12

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

PROMO

KYLE ARCHIBALD PHOTOGRAPHY Passionate, funny, and extremely talented, Kyle Archibald Photography has it all. You’ll get an opportunity to view some of his outstanding work in one of our Destination Wedding Styled Shoots in the magazine, and you won’t be disappointed, we promise! Get ready lovebirds, because Kyle Archibald Photography will be gifting ONE lucky couple with 20% off his wedding packages for their 2019 wedding anywhere in the Caribbean & Mexico! Click the image to sign up for a chance to WIN! www.kylearchibald.com

PROMO PIXA PHOTOBOOTH Who can resist the fun that a photo booth brings? It’s just the BEST! Get in on the action for your wedding day, and sign up on www.adrianaweddings.com for a chance to win a FREE Photo booth for your wedding day from PIXA Photobooth! www.pixaphotobooth.com

PROMO HERRO STUDIO Capturing the most precious of moments is what Herro Studio is known for. Their style is exquisite, and their love for weddings is indescribable. They have decided to gift 5 lucky couples 15% off their Cinematography for their 2019 wedding! Click the image to apply! http://www.vimeo.com/herrostudio

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

13

14

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

DRESS SHOPPING ADVICE

from the Experts WRITER | KERLANGE OCTAVIEN

DRESS DESIGNER | MAGGIE SOTTERO

A

s a bridal consultant, and after many appointments, there is nothing worse than seeing regret in a bride’s eyes on her wedding day as she realizes that the dress she has purchased is not the right dress for her. Buyer’s remorse is an all too real occurrence in the bridal industry, and unfortunately realizing this on your wedding day is really too late! At Five Seasons Bridal, it is our mandate to ensure that our brides are happy from the moment they wake up to the end of their wedding day, and this all begins with a successful bridal consultation. Every week, at least 20 brides and their entourage make their way to our boutique with hopes of saying YES TO THE DRESS and just like them or even more so, I am excited for the journey. Seeing a bride have THAT MOMENT, whether there are tears, a sigh of relief or plain shock, never gets old, besides being the most magical moments you could ever experience it also reassures and reaffirms that we are doing what we were meant to do!

Here are a few tips for you brides to be when dress shopping:

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

15

THE MOMENT IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE Many brides believe that they have to have that stereotypical emotional outburst inclusive of tears from their entourage when they find the dress, and while that is great for ratings on our favorite Friday night past time, that isn’t always the case for most brides.

You don’t want to miss out on a beautiful gown just because you did not react the way you assume you ought. Trust your gut, trust your entourage and in some instances trust your mirror (smile). All the proof you need is right in front of you! you don’t need to try on every single dress Contrary to popular belief, your first dress can be THE DRESS! Listen we get it, this is your first time trying on wedding dresses and you want to have the full experience, not to mention you want to know that you have made an enlightened decision.

HOWEVER with seasoned bridal consultants who have years of experience, the first dress can be THE dress. sometimes your bridal consultant knows best After talking with you and listening to both your needs and wants, your bridal consultant has a pretty good understanding about what you want and what should look great on you! Suffice it to say that it may not coincide with the laundry list of details you may have for your wedding dress and so we like to throw “LEFT FIELDERS”. This is a dress that is completely contrary to the list but a dress we know will knock your socks off! It is so much fun watching a bride that comes in

adamant about what she wants, and then she falls completely in love with something completely different. be flexible Life is unpredictable – and weddings are even more unpredictable! As much as your bridal consultant / wedding planner may try to give you all your heart desires there are just somethings we cannot bend to our will. Designs will be discounted, it may not come in that color, that size may not be available…things will go wrong!

Even though it sounds impossible – stay calm, our job is to override all those speed bumps and present you with options that will make all of those hurdles obsolete!

ness, you can literally see and feel the hope die as the “peanut gallery” brutally kills the bride’s potential choice. It is IMPERATIVE for you as a bride to understand your body and what looks best on you, to remember that despite all the negative comments you’ll be the one walking down the aisle, and that WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE. At Five Seasons Bridal, we know that “too many chefs in the kitchen spoils the pot” so we suggest that you bring two of your most trusted confidants to have as your sounding board and be there for you as you say, “YES TO THE DRESS!

leave the entourage home I have watched time and time again as brides get their dreams crushed by the comments of their overly opinionated and sometimes negative posse. This is one of the most heartbreaking things to wit-

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

17

18

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

As a bridal consultant it always feels like the first time to me, building that report with a bride and her family, trying on dress after dress and then that moment when it gets quiet and she looks at herself in the mirror and you see it, she knows it and so you ask, are you saying yes to the dress?‌.and just like she said to the man on bended knee‌.YES! Therein lies the reason and the magic behind why we do what we do.

To book your consultation with Five Seasons Bridal, visit WWW.FIVESEASONSBRIDAL.COM

Ny BRIDAL FASHION WEEK

20

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

21

As the Fall/Winter 2019 Collections made their way down the runways at made. This season we saw a shift from the classic silhouettes to a more Designers explored their creativity, bared it all, and designed exquisite gow the perfect dress! We found the dresses to be wearable, yet with similar s a desire to find the “perfect dress�, then you must check o

berta b 22

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

t New York Bridal Fashion Week, our hearts became weak, and our year modern sensibility that we could not help but fall absolutely in love with. wns fit for fashion loving queens and the every day bride to be looking for silhouettes to that of recent couture. If you’re a fashion loving woman with out these gorgeous Bridal Collections for more information.

br i d a l

berta bridal www.berta.com PHOTOGRAPHY Collin Pierson Photography

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

23

jessica bedard shoes www.jessicabedardshoes.com

ol i a zav o z i n a OLIA ZAVOZINA www.oliazavozina.com PHOTOGRAPHY Kathy Thomas Photography

j e s sic a bed 24

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

k i rs t en pa ig e kirsten paige www.kirstenpaige.com PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Magers Photography

a r d shoe s A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

25

26

dany mi A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

dany mizrachi www.danymizrachi.com PHOTOGRAPHY SY Photography

izrachi A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

27

“The entire suite was nothing short of magnificent.�

28

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Invite

WITH LASER CUT LUXURY

WRITER | JALENE JACOB

COMPANY | REDCARPET WEDDING & SPECIAL EVENTS INVITATIONS

O

ut of all the existing stationery designers,when a couple entrusts you with the task of creating their wedding invitation, it is a responsibility that the experts at RedCarpet Wedding & Special Events Invitations take seriously. The outcome is usually one that not only captures attention, but one that stuns guests. It is usually one that would not be tossed on the pile of post-dated magazines, mail and daily gazettes, but one that would be displayed as a daily reminder of the big event, as guests wait with bated breath.

The invitation suite for Ian and Salisha was nothing short of RedCarpet’s reputation of pure excellence in creativity. It was done on the backdrop of the traditional Hindu wedding, and it all started with the creation of a customized mood board, which guided the design process.

With the famous red and gold colour scheme remaining consistent, the Hindu traditional ceremony is one of the most sacred, respected luxurious and timeless celebrations of love and unity one could ever witness. It is always one that reflects magnificence and grandiose.

As trained professionals of design, the RedCarpet team understood the major role the invitation had to play in introducing this traditional celebration. It was the guests first insight into the lavish affair, and therefore, it had to set the right tone.

Enclosed in packages of shimmering gold, nothing would prevent one from breaking the seal right away. The aura of luxury was distinctive. A diamond band embellished the front, which opened into a golden gate fold laser cut pattern. Red shimmer cardstock

formed the canvas for the luxurious metallic gold foil font. Metallic foil stamping was used to imprint the details that would not only inform and invite, but would reflect the character of the momentous occasion. Gold glitter and gold mirror cardstock formed additional underlying layers, creating a three-dimensional effect that would appeal to the tactile and visual senses.

If your wedding or other special event means the world to you, it is important that your guests feel the same. One way to relay that message is to send them an invitation the speaks for your event, one that reflects its style and degree of grandiose. If you are wondering how to pull this off successfully, the couture designers at RedCarpet Wedding & Special Event Invitations would be thrilled to assist you.

They’ll create more than your invitation, but an entire stellar event stationery suite.

At RedCarpet Wedding & Special Events Invitations, the designers are convinced that the secret to great stationery is in selecting the right colours, textures, materials, embellishments and patterns, and combining them with extreme expertise.

What sets RedCarpet apart and leads to repeatedly awesome reviews, is its flawless use of intricate detail, skilful design layout, and tasteful personalization that would make yours stand out and ensure that it is memorable.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

29

30

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

TO HAVE AND

to Hold WRITER | SANDY SARDINHA

PHOTO | RHEMA BAKSH PHOTOGRAPHY

our Bridal Bouquet is possibly one of the most important elements in your “Big Day” celebration. The fact that it will be highlighted in almost every photograph (no pressure), is all the more reason to ensure it’s going to be something you want “to have and hold.” Wedding trends come and go, but at the end of your “Big Day” it’s really what resonates with your personality that’s going to win!

Y

Ideally, you should choose your wedding dress first as the lines of your gown should dictate the style and shape of the bouquet to complement your dress. Make sure it won’t hide any pretty details. Consider the fact that you will be holding your bouquet for most of the day, so, be certain it’s not too heavy or cumbersome.

Here’s some advice to help you select the perfect blooms for your bouquet.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

31

NATURAL BEAUTY

SUN-KISSED

With so many beautiful wedding venues in Tobago it’s no wonder some brides stick to the age old adage-“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Tobago’s sunsets are stunning!

• Verdant-Dramatic combinations of foliage can create a breathtaking bouquet.

Consider: Succulents, eucalyptus, asparagus fern, and italian ruscus.

• Delicate- Gypsophila (baby’s Breath), artfully arranged in a round bouquet is just the right touch for a rustic wedding.

• Classic White-It’s always a fine day for a white wedding in Tobago! Try utilizing cream, ivory and white blooms to give your bouquet depth.

Consider: Orchids, roses, lilies, callas, gypsophila and tube roses.

32

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

• If you want your bouquet to have a sun-kissed undertone then the colour palette to choose should comprise of coral, yellow, red and pink.

Consider Sunset hues of Callas, protea, roses, hypericum, asters, sunflowers and Peonies. Tropicals to consider include anthuriums, heliconias and ginger lilies.

beachy keen

purple passion

Life’s a beach in Tobago and many a bride envisions her dream wedding on the beach.

There are some brides, and you know who you are, who’ve said yes to the colour purple long before you’d been proposed to! For them no other colour will do.

• SANDY TOES & SALTY KISSES Consider: all the options in the Natural and Sun-kissed category juxtaposed with shades of blue. For a unique option, why not carry a sea shell bouquet.

• REGAL-Hues to choose: Lilac, plum, violet, purple, and magenta.

Consider: Orchids, lisianthus, stock, thistle, hydrangeas, statice, asters and carnations.

Just remember, if this all seems too overwhelming we are always available for a consultation to help you create your perfect bouquet “to have and to hold!”

SANDY SARDINHA, Head Designer Daisy’s Weddings.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

33

34

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

36

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

37

over C

38

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Story

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

39

40

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

&she l d on

k at h y

photog r aphy by jul ie cha r l e t t photo g r a phy

el zorr o | trinidad & tobago

Wedding Date: 8 August, 2018.

Guests: “Sheldon and I wanted to have a small, intimate and cozy wedding. We actually started at 50 persons but it was very hard narrowing down the list and we ended at 70.” Decor: “El Zorro is a beautiful vessel and she didn’t need any help in showing off her beauty. When we saw her years ago we knew that that was where we wanted to get married and it was a reflection of both of us and our personality. We wouldn’t need any décor and when she has all her lights on in the evening, she shows off her splendor. The one thing we knew was that I wanted everyone to dress in white, we wanted it to be simple, comfortable, no frills.

Anyone who knows us as a couple knows we want everyone to have fun and enjoy.” Wedding Dress: “According to Darcel I had ‘a say yes to the dress’ moment and I ignored it! I knew it had to be red but we had a totally different dress done and I did like it but then during a fitting I saw a dress Darcel had on the mannequin and I was in awe. Darcel wasn’t designing the dress for anyone in particular and I asked her if I could try it on. It was the wrong colour, but it was so gorgeous and fit amazingly.

At that moment I still hadn’t changed my design but I kept on dreaming about that dress. On the 4th August I went to pick up my wedding dress. I

tried it on and I didn’t feel like me. It was a beautiful dress, fit perfectly, but it just wasn’t a reflection of me or my personality and most importantly I didn’t feel amazing. I took the dress and left and it bothered me all day until I called Darcel back that evening and she knew it. She just said come in the morning and we will make you feel and look amazing. I don’t know how but she knew I wasn’t in love with my dress. So, we decided to start over and without a fitting, a hesitation or any doubt she did the dress I wore.

I had ALL faith in her. I went to her on the evening of the 7th put on my dress and fell in love and the rest is history. Venue: “Sheldon and I frequent DDI on our boat, and over the years every time we passed EL ZORRO we commented on how much we loved her and if we ever got married that there was where it should be and so when we started planning our wedding, where else should we have gone but on El Zorro.” Fondest memory: “There are so many I can’t just pick one, the moment I saw Sheldon, his speech knocked me out of the park, or that he was still able to surprise me at the end of the night with fireworks!”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

41

42

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

43

44

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

45

46

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

47

48

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“Sheldon and I were able to agree and talk all the way through our planning process. even if you don’t agree, discuss and communicate. Don’t let others overwhelm you. There is no need to get confused by what other people want for you or what others perceive a wedding should be because when it’s all over, it just the two of you, and you want to think back and have no regrets and smile because you had a BLAST on your day.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

49

“Sheldon picked OUR CAKE about 3 years ago. He had seen a sushi cake online and we thought it was such an out of the box idea and of course we both love sushi! He then decided that our wedding caKE could only be a sushi cake.”

50

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

51

52

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

CREDITS WEDDING DRESS

VAN DER VLUGT WEDDING PLANNING

EVENTS BY TRICIA EVENT RENTALS

GASP!! EVENTS LTD. CAKE ARTISTRY

Chef Lamell FLORALS

Sandees Floral & gourmet gifts CATERING

Jeanine Navarro/ Flambe Infusion Ltd MAKEUP ARTISTRY

Katrina Laydoo mua HAIR STYLING

Cahoots

INVITATIONS/ STATIONERY

D INK POt MUSIC/ DJ

KERN CROSBY - LENNOX & BRAD GUEVARA GROOM ATTIRE

AINSLEY’S & SOLOMONS RINGS

DIAMONDS BY LAUREN IN NEW YORK SHOES

STEVE MADDEN

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

53

54

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

55

each day we are inspired by your love stories. we feel so blessed that we get an opportunity to share in your memories, joy and love. it gives us a sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of our mission, and a vision for what the future holds. we all EXPERIENCE THAT FEELING - that desire to find love, become one with another, and to grow in that love. each engagement and real wedding that follow represent this desire. from nathan and keishanne’s garden wedding in the bahamas to greer and fayez’s elegant celebration at the hilton in trinidad and Tobago, and many more. it is our wish that they show you that at the end of the day, all that matters is you and the love of your life, and that the real journey has only just begun.

56

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Real

Weddings

ALAN FRESNEL PHOTOGRAPHY A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M 57

Trinidad & Tobago

GIAN

NNE

&br e n t

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY

JANE DECLE PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING PLANNING

SIMPLY ORGANIZED WEDDINGS DECOR & EVENT RENTALS

BOUGE EVENTS WEDDING DRESS

milla nova FLORALS

SANDEES FLOWERS MAKEUP ARTISTRY

SARAH D’ABADIE HAIR STYLING

EMILY QUESNEL VIDEOGRAPHY

WENDELL MITCHELL VENUE

BOQUERON WEDDING CAKE

AISHA BENSON CATERING

BOOMERANG CATERING BRIDESMAID DRESSES

ALFRED SUNG RINGS

JAMES ALLEN & ANGARA (BRIDE) | BLUE NILE (GROOM) BAR SERVICE

ultimate bar services GROOM & GROOMSMEN ATTIRE

CALVIN KLEIN

THE BRIDE’S GORGEOUS SHOES ARE FROM MICHAEL KORS

“I actually chose my dress in 45 minutes and knew it was the one! I had 4 other appointments booked for that day in Miracle Mile, but I didn’t need to try any others on. It was the fourth and final dress I tried on and just knew it was all me!

My mother, sister and maid of honor were there with me and they all agreed.”

60

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

61

“the proposal was romantic and perfect. We were finishing the renovations of the house we were going to live in and he called me into the bedroom after a long day. He had bouquets of red roses, candles lit and spelt out on the bed using Lindt chocolates were the words “Will you marry me?”

62

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

63

The bride attached her great aunt’s rosary to her stunning bouquet

“our first look before the church was my favourite. It was a moment when we got to be alone with the photographer enjoying that very special time together before the craziness of the day began.”

The groom wore a postman blue Calvin Klein suit with ALDO shoes

64

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

65

66

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“Jane Decle was our photographer.

She is very talented at what she does and has a great eye for spectacular shots.�

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

67

68

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

69

The decor theme was rustic glam, with whimsical lights and gold accents to complement the cabin like venue

The bride chose a naked cake with simple greenery, minimal flowers and a gold stand as it suited her theme

70

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

CREDITS INVITATIONS

VISUAL TECHNOLOGIES MUSIC/DJ

DJ GONZO CAKE ARTISTRY

Aisha Benson SHOES

MICHAEL KORS HONEYMOON

SECRETS MONTEGO BAY (JAMAICA) GUEST ACCOMMODATION

HILTON TRINIDAD & CONFERENCE CENTRE

“Hand all the responsibilities over on the day to your wedding planner and do not worry about a thing, as the day flies by and you’ll want to do it all over again when you wake up the following day.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

71

picturesque setting with a touch of glamour at the cove atlantis, paradise island!

72

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

73

Mexico

&l i a m

Julia

74

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY

quetzal WEDDING

photo

VIDEOGRAPHY

REELOVE

WEDDING DRESS

EMMY MAE BRIDAL VENUE/ CAKE/ CATERING/ BAR SERVICE/ DECOR/ GUEST ACCOMMODATION

VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA FLORALS

VANESSA JAIMES FLORAL DESIGN MAKEUP ARTISTRY & HAIR STYLING

STYLING TRIO

WEDDING PLANNING

Tania Arcos & Karen Lozada MUSIC/ DJ

On the One GROOM & GROOMSMEN ATTIRE

Ralph Lauren

INVITATIONS/ STATIONERY

PAPERLESS POST RINGS

Owen & Robinson, James Avery, Qalo

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

75

The bride’s ring was from Owen & Robinson and the groom’s formal band from James Avery & Qalo for his every day ring.

These tropical beauties were from Owen & Robinson

The bride wore a lace Emmy Mae gown and fingertip veil

76

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Wedding Date: 14 April, 2018.

Proposal: “Liam and I met in October 2008 at an international training event. He was working in England, and I was working in Texas. Even though we made an impression on one another, we lived 5000 miles and continents apart. As time passed, we maintained a friendship. As more time passed, we fell in love.

We officially became a couple in September 2014, and Liam moved to the US in June 2015. After convincing everyone that it would be years before he proposed, Liam planned the most perfect proposal on our July 2016 trip to Italy. There were 4 of us on the Italy trip - Liam, me, my best friend Rachelle, and Rachelle’s husband Casey. Throughout our journey, marriage, weddings, proposals, etc. were a topic of small conversation. Liam continued to insist that we wouldn’t be engaged for years, nor wed for even longer. However, on an evening trip to Positano, he pulled off the greatest surprise. We found a quaint restaurant on a small hill to sit and enjoy a meal. After a bit of heavy conversation (religion and politics), Rachelle asked us to lighten the mood by telling our love story. Happily, we obliged and told our tale while finishing dinner. When Liam turned toward his jacket (which I thought meant we were ready to go), I stood to leave. As I turned back towards him, he got down on one knee and proposed. I cried. Rachelle cried. Casey cried. It was an incredible evening.”

Decor: “My colour palette was navy, mint, white, natural green, driftwood. The inspiration was natural and neutral We wanted everything to be cohesive with the natural surroundings. The purpose of our decor was to accent our ceremony and reception without being a focal point.We used flowers for the ceremony altar and aisle, bridal party, family, guest book table, receptions tables, and dining table. In keeping everything natural and neutral, the designs were a combination of white and green. Our table arrangements were also accentuated by geometric candle holders, driftwood, and succulents. My bridesmaids and I had king proteas in our bouquets as a standout floral. They were bold and beautiful without being overdone.Special Surprises: “Each guest received a personalized goodie bag upon their arrival. The bag itself was monogrammed and included necessities for the week (propel water, gum, shout wipes, advil, tylenol, tums, sunscreen, aloe). My personal touch was a mini

bottle of Tito’s vodka, and Liam’s personal touch was packets of Yorkshire Gold Tea. We had a choreographed first dance that was simple and traditional but very much represented us. We nailed it!” Hierloom Pieces: “I wore pieces from my grandmother’s jewelry collection during the wedding. Liam’s every day ring is engraved with the phrase ‘We got this’. Throughout our journey, when encountered with obstacles, we’ve always reiterated to one another ‘We got this’. As long as we’re in this together, everything will be perfectly fine.” Venue: “Before even getting engaged, we knew we would have a destination wedding. We live in Texas, where I mostly grew up, and Liam is from England.

If one group of people was going to have to travel, both groups were going to have to travel.

When deciding where we would host our wedding, we took into consideration trip duration, overall cost, and where we felt people would want to vacation. Choosing the Viceroy to host our wedding was an easy decision.

We knew we wanted a more intimate hotel (boutique, private, off the beaten path, etc.) that would provide our guests with an amazing experience. We narrowed the options list down and sent RFPs to several resorts in the area.

The Viceroy came out as the best all-around, and we booked it sight unseen. When we finally got to visit the resort, it was magical. We were beyond excited with our choice! The customer service, villas, ambiance, and food were impeccable. Not to mention, the wedding coordinators were absolute gems; working with them was a dream.” Advice for newly-engaged couples: “At the end of the day, it’s all about your love for one another. Don’t lose sight of why you’re actually getting married during the planning phase.” Photography: “While we hadn’t planned on doing engagement photos, Ches and Heather convinced us to do an Impromptu session and we fell in love with them. Liam and I aren’t particularly keen on taking loads of photos - we’re a bit awkward when forced to stand and model – and they made us feel at ease. They were able to capture us in a natural way, and we didn’t feel like we were actually posing for photos. Quetzal Wed Photo is beyond incredible. Choosing them was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

77

“The only time we both had any inclination of nerves was during our first look. It was quite an experience for us to be a bit worked up about seeing one another. It made for a very special moment.�

78

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

The groom wore a Ralph Lauren double-breasted jacket with Ralph Lauren chinos and a Ralph Lauren white button up. His shoes were Bertie braided loafers. He also had a navy cravat

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

79

80

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“seeing julia in her dress for the first time was my favourite moment. she looked so, So pretty!�

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

81

“We invited close to 50 guests t attend, including ourselves. As from around the globe, we felt everyone to spend time getting prior to the wedding so that, c there would be no strangers. A was to have everyone sitting at one big happy family, and that w number. Plus, the weddings we’v were smaller and more intimate

“Liam and I love to dance, and we absolutely knew we wanted a live band at the wedding. After doing a Google search, reading some reviews, and listening to a few YouTube recordings, we decided to meet with On the One; I am so glad we did!”

82

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

to the wedding and had 33 s people would be traveling t keeping it small would allow g to know one another come the day of the event, Additionally, our dining plan t the same table for dinner like worked best with a smaller ve enjoyed attending the most e.�

“Our grand send-off was set to be to a fireworks display.

Unfortunately, the weather did not permit.

Instead, the band played Proud Mary, and we had one last dance session.�

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

83

84

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

85

Dominican Republic

86

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

&l a nc e

a shl e y

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASIA PIMENTEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Dreams Resort & Spa La Romana | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Wedding Date: 7 April, 2018.

Proposal: “We started discussing marriage very early in the relationship. About a year after we began dating we started looking at engagement rings together. I would give Lance ideas of ring styles I liked, and this was so much more than just about the “look” of the engagement ring. Lance REALLY wanted to find a ring that he felt like provided me the look I wanted, something that stood out, but also stayed true to his upbringing. He grew up in a small town in Nebraska and always wanted to be someone who put focus on simple things in life which meant he did not want something too extravagant. Our jeweler at Wedding Day Diamonds was SO helpful through this process and kept an eye out for THE perfect center stone that stood out and helped Lance stay true to his roots. A year after our first time looking at engagement rings, Lance picked out the engagement ring (about a month before Christmas and our anniversary). He had planned on proposing Christmas morning by putting the ring in the bottom of a coffee mug. The jeweler called a few days before Christmas to let him know that the ring was in. All of a sudden it was as though the ring all of a sudden was burning a hole in his pocket! Lance HAD to propose as soon as possible. So, he made a special dinner and opened a very specific bottle of wine we had saved for months, and when I arrived home from work Lance was waiting at the top of the stairs on one knee eager to propose!. Since our family lives all over the country, we quickly Facetimed everyone we could to share the news!

It was the perfect fit for us and represented how we enjoy spending our time most, in the simplicity of our own home where the relationship, not the things, matter most!” Decor: “I have a background in interior design, and believe that God and nature always provide the best color palette.

Inspired by the sand on the beach, the greens and browns in the palm trees, paired with hints of pink in the sunset and white in the clouds, we wanted all things neutral using green, white, and pink as accents.” Advice for newly-engaged couples: “Planning a wedding is exciting and stressful all at the same time. Your conversations quickly go from “what do we want to do for date night?” to “we need to sit down and look at the seating chart” or “let’s go through the budget”. Pretty soon it seems like all you do is talk about the wedding...

The best advise that was told to us was “anything that ends up going wrong the day of will just be a funny memory to look back on. At the end of the day, you’re still married!” We weren’t even a bit nervous because come rain or shine at the end of the day, we’d be on our way to forever with one another!”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

87

The groom’s suit had a custom note on the inside which now has their wedding date in it

88

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“I LOVE MY DRESS! once I walked out the expressions I received from my sisters and especially my niece who told me I was a princess made me realize it was time to save up for thIS dress! The assistant at the shop looked at the tag and luckily enough for me it was available off the rack which scored me a 25% discount and I carried it home with me on a plane the next day!�

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

89

“Once we started communicating with Yessica about our wedding plans and sifted through photos of the resort’s ceremony and reception location we felt like Dreams Resort & Spa La Romana was truly a “Dream” destination wedding!”

90

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

91

“Spending time with friends and family and saying our vows” was the groom’s favourite moment. He said that they had spent many long drives back to Nebraska finding the perfect words to say to each other that day, so it was just perfect

92

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

”The most important thing for us in a photographer was to capture candid moments with our family. We cared more about raw emotion than posed photos and you could tell that asia & niko excelled in that type of work.”

The bride’s favourite moment was spending QUALITY time with both of their families, uninterrupted for days

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

93

“there was No grand exit! We took the reception to the discoteca at the resort! No one wanted to stop dancing!�

94

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

CREDITS VIDEOGRAPHY NCH FILMS WEDDING PLANNING Yessica de Jesus, DREAMS RESORT & SPA LA ROMANA WEDDING DRESS ENZOANI, BRICKHOUSE BRIDAL FLORALS CARIBBEAN CELEBRATIONS BRIDESMAID DRESSES BILL LEVKOFF, DESSY, AFTER SIX, ALLURE RINGS WEDDING DAY DIAMONDS HAIR & MAKEUP ANNA NUET GROOM ATTIRE JOS.A.BANK, Kohls, DSW INVITATIONS/ STATIONERY SAVE THE DATE & INVITATIONS, PAPER DAINTY EVENT RENTALS CARIBBEAN CELEBRATIONS SHOES Etsy - BeNelipots

TRANSPORTATION Amstar

LIGHTING & DECOR Here Comes the Bride Sign: Etsy – Elegant Signs Flower Girl Basket: Etsy - RaggaWedding

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

95

96

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

97

Trinidad & Tobago

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JULIE CHARLETT PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING DRESS

dhGATE WEDDING CAKE

Sweet New Branch/ Dulce Maria Cabrera Laurayne WEDDING PLANNING

Nicha Cockburn INVITATIONS/ STATIONERY

DESIGNED BY BRIDE, PRINTED

BY DUANE ALI FAVOURS/ GIFTS

Sasha Aqui, Moira Littlepage, DHgate

98

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

&m a r k

lor i

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

99

100

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“We love to hike especially with our dog, Bailey. We went up to the tracking station in Chaguaramas, which is where we first started hiking. We finally made it to the top and wanted to get a photo, so I set up my phone to record a video (that way we can pose and then when we stop recording, we can screenshot the frame that we liked the most and we wouldn’t have had to wait for the camera timer). We both knelt down to be close to Bailey, I stood up, Mark didn’t and then he popped the question. It was perfect- a place that we both love, just us three- no big crowd.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

101

“My favourite memory was the first dance. My brother and his band sang Ed Sheeran’s ‘Kiss Me’, our guests had sparklers lit all around us and it was like we were in our own little world for a romantic moment.”

102

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Wedding Dress: “I had known long before getting engaged that I had never wanted to blow a huge part of our budget on a dress I’d never use again. Of course, I had many ideas on Pinterest but it came down to what I could find on a small budget and what I loved. A client of mine recommended I look on DHgate.com for a dress. I had my reservations but I fell in love with the dresses I chose. We had a small, intimate church ceremony during the week for which I got a simple dress, that was only US$120 and for the reception, a much more sparkly number within the same price range.” Special Surprises: “My brother, Anthony Borde performed at the reception. It was absolutely wonderful and added a personal, intimate touch. He and his band, including Marie Carter (which was a surprise even to the bride) sang for the first dance, for the father/daughter and mother/son dance (Hotel California) and then continued to sing some songs that both Lori and Mark love like “One Day” by Matisyahu and “tear in my Heart” by 21 Pilots, and some crowd favourites like “Africa” by Toto and “Late December back in 63”, which was a lovely surprise to Lori’s mom as it is one her favourite songs. From the feedback from the guests of all ages, they loved that the songs weren’t just specifically to one age group, but for everyone to enjoy.”

Wedding Planning: “Nicha Cockburn offered her services as soon as we got engaged. She is a very good friend of mine, and we were so happy to have her plan it. She gave amazing advice along the way, kept her cool when I needed it most and, on the day, she handled everything perfectly. Advice for newly-engaged couples: “Don’t take it too seriously. The wedding is one day, the marriage is a lifetime.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

103

104

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“Our reception was done at my grandparent’s house, where my parents had gotten married 33 years prior. There have also been 6 other weddings there (all family members). my grandfather likes to boast that no one who ever got married there ever divorced so it must be lucky!�

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

105

106

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

The groom’s attire was purchased from Stephensons in Trinidad & Tobago “Our favourite shot from the wedding so far, is a gorgeous image that Julie captured of us. By this point, my feet were killing me and so I kicked off my shoes.

Mark was focused on giving his speech, and totally over taking pictures. Luckily, Julie is incredibly patient and sweet and ensured us this was the last shot of the portrait session. She had us hug and look at each other lovingly (which to be honest, isn’t difficult to do) and she had her second shooter, Rhema Baksh (who was also so great that night) drop leaves in front of the camera to create a magical look. She nailed it. She captured what we really feel for each, which is unconditional love, despite feeling very stressed in the moment.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

107

“I got a beautiful bracel that lived next to Mark that had something bor something old and som My veil was ‘something b Matron of Honour, and a blue handkerchief fro grandfather.”

“Dulce Maria Cabrera Laurayne, my cousin designed and decorated our cake for us.

Unfortunately, before the reception, there was a mishap at the venue and the original cake was destroyed. Luckily, Dulce acted very quickly and by some miracle, made us a new cake. That is something that we will always be super grateful to her for.”

108

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

let handmade by a friend k all those years ago, rrowed, something blue, mething new on it. also, borrowed’ from my d my ‘something blue’ was om my deceased

CREDITS GROOM ATTIRE STEPHENSONS EVENT RENTALS PARTY & EVENT company limited HAIR STEFFI STODART MAKEUP ARTISTRY SABRINA LOOK KIN (BRIDE) THE MUA HOUSE (BRIDESMAIDS) CATERING/ BAR SERVICE BOOMERANG CATERERS MUSIC/ DJ DJ GONZO & HANS LIGHTING & DECOR BOUGE EVENTS, RENT A FANTASY, TRUE EVENTS LTD.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

109

www.redcarpetweddingandspecialevents.com

THE AWARD WINNING CARIBBEAN HOME OF LUXURY INVITATIONS AND FINE STATIONERY. Proudly serving the Caribbean and Worldwide from Trinidad & Tobago.

CARIBBEAN WEDDING INDUSTRY AWARDS CARIBBEAN STATIONER

WINNER 2018

redcarpetinvitationstt@gmail.com

1(868) 783- 7972 / 1(868) 296-1416 110

featured on: Adriana Weddings | Wedding Lovely A D R I A N A W E D D I N G SInternationally . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

111

112

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

113

o ur c l i en t s

go

g lo

114

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

ob a l

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

115

Belgium

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY

BRAXTON GARDINER PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY JONATHAN GHERO BRIDE’S SHOES JIMMY CHOO CAKE ARTISTRY AKWAPELA AND LA DUREE CATERING AKWAPELA RINGS PETER POUSSENIER HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTRY HAIR SEVIM - KARLA LEON GROOM ATTIRE BOGGI LIGHTING & DECOR, MUSIC & DJ JL EVENTS

116

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

m el a n i e j ef

&

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

117

118

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“WE WERE ON VACATION IN GUADELOUPE ISLAND WHEN HE PROPOSED. WE WENT ON A CALM BEACH AND HE TOLD ME TO LOOK OUT AT THE SEA. WHEN I TURNED BACK AROUND TO LOOK AT HIM, HE ASKED ME TO MARRY HIM. IT WAS SO CUTE, AND ABSOLUTELY LOVELY. JUST AFTER THAT, THE RAIN BEGAN TO FALL BUT WE WERE SO HAPPY, WE DIDN’T CARE AT ALL.” A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

119

“WHEN I SAW JEF FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE WERE SO HAPPY. I HAD SO MUCH EMOTION! WE BEGAN TO CRY TOGETHER, AND IT WAS SUCH AN ODD FEELING THAT OVERCAME US BOTH, JUST MOMENTS BEFORE SAYING “I DO”.”

“WHEN I SAW MY WIFE FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH HER BEAUTIFUL WHITE DRESS, I STARTED TO THINK “WOW, SHE IS GOING TO BE MY WIFE, I CAN’T BELIEVE IT”.”

120

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

121

“THE SPIRIT OF THE WEDDING WAS “ENJOY THE DAY WITH US LIKE YOU ARE BECAUSE YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.”

122

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“I LOVED MY WEDDING DRESS. AFTER HAVING SHOPPED AROUND QUITE A BIT, I DECIDED THAT I WAS GOING TO MAKE MY OWN DRESS. I ACTUALLY ENDED UP CREATING MY DRESS WITH MY COUSIN.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

123

124

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“MY FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPH FROM THE DAY WOULD HAVE TO BE THE ONE AT THE PORT. THE WIND WAS SO STRONG, AND I WAS SO COLD, but the

image is absolutely breathtaking.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

125

“WE CHOSE BRAXTON GARDINER PHOTOGRAPHY AS OUR PHOTOGRAPHER FOR OUR WEDDING DAY, BECAUSE HE IS THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER THAT I KNOW. I LOVE THE QUALITY OF HIS WORK, AND HIS PICTURES ARE JUST INCREDIBLE. SHOOTING OUR WEDDING WAS A REAL CHALLENGE AS IT WAS 18 HOURS, BUT HE DID IT SO WELL, SO I AM SO THANKFUL THAT WE CHOSE HIM!”

126

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

The couple chose an Industrial theme for their reception at the groom’s office. They used white gold because its pure, beautiful and simple at the same time. I love minimalism, and absolutely love the phrase “less is more”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

127

“DON’T STRESS ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING DIFERENT, THEN DO IT! IT’S MAGICAL if it’s 100% YOU. I ENJOYED ALL OF MY WEDDING DAY.”

128

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

129

Email: makeupbyjodibalfour@gmail.com Phone: 1-868-778-5400 @jodibalfour @jodiBalfour

Email: makeupbyjodibalfour@gmail.com Phone: 1-868-778-5400 @jodibalfour @jodiBalfour

Cayman Islands

& &

M IC H E L L E

m icPAT h el l R IC p

132

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY

guy waller PHOTOGRAPHY, picture this studios WEDDING PLANNING Dora Feher (wedding planner) & Mary Ann Mehigan & V alentina Satanassi, celebrations ltd. (day of coordinators) VIDEOGRAPHY JASON BANAWA (PICTURE THIS STUDIOS) WEDDING DRESS Matthew Christopher, Allegria Bridal VENUE Treasure Cove Villa, Rum Point (ceremony) and Rum Point Club (Reception) FLORALS Celebrations Ltd. CATERING/ BAR SERVICE RUM POINT CLUB HAIR & MAKEUP TRINA & SOPHIE (JACKIE SORIANO)

l Ce K pat r i c k

&

LIGHTING & DECOR CELEBRATIONS LTD. & RUM POINT CLUB

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

133

The bridesmaid dresses were purchased from Show Me Your Mumu

The bride’s gorgeous wedding dress was designed by Matthew Christopher

134

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“Walking down the aisle, getting to see my future in front of me and being able to just be in that moment with the amazing music we had chosen, would definitely be my fondest memory.�

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

135

“My bridesmaids and I walked barefoot down the aisle, but as a gift I had gotten everyone matching Rainbow Sandals.

These hold a special meaning to me because after college I moved to Southern California, and fell in love with this local sandal beach brand and have many, many pairs at home.�

136

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

The couple wanted something that was true to the location.They did very little to dress up the locations, and just utilized the natural beauty

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

137

138

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

The bride’s favourite shot from the wedding was this image above, with the bridesmaids pushing the groom off the pier, and the bride drinking a beer on the side. Doesn’t it just scream fun?!

“The suits were simple canvas from The Black Tux. But the shoes the guys wore, when not BAREFEET, were Moroccan moccasins. THIS was special since we got engaged in Morocoo.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

139

“Since it was a destination, we all headed back to our villas for an after party.

There was some late-night kayaking on the bioluminescent bay, lots of cheersing and some cigars on the villa docks, just lots of good memories.�

140

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

CREDITS SHOES Barefoot / Rainbow Sandals GROOM ATTIRE THE BLACK TUX MUSIC/ DJ Brandon Scott GUEST ACCOMMODATION TREASURE COVE VILLA, BELLAGIO VILLA, SEA COVE VILLA, FLIP FLOP KAI VILLA & OTHERS THROUGH CAYMAN VILLAS & GRAND CAYMAN VILLAS & CONDOS RINGS BARMAKIAN JEWELERS

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

141

Vendor

142

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

r guide Looking for the best Destination Wedding photographer in the Caribbean or Mexico? Are you in Barbados searching for the best makeup artist? Or are you perhaps heading to the Bahamas and are in dire need of a Destination Wedding planner to help you plan your dream wedding?

You asked for it. We delivered.

Adriana Weddings hand picked selection of Destination Wedding professionals from around the world, strictly curated, and carefully edited Vendor Guide & Membership is finally HERE! Yes our team of Destination Wedding experts and editors have made it our mission to find the very best that the wedding industry has to offer to Destination Weddings in the Caribbean & Mexico.

If you think your business offers a premium service and amazing experience to its clients, we would love to have you!

CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR MEMBERSHIP

䌀爀攀愀琀椀渀最 琀栀攀 䜀䰀伀圀 漀渀 礀漀甀爀 猀瀀攀挀椀愀氀 搀愀礀℀ 䨀愀洀愀椀挀愀 ∠ 眀眀眀⸀琀愀洀愀爀愀洀攀氀瘀椀氀氀攀⸀挀漀洀 䔀洀愀椀氀㨀 琀愀洀愀爀愀洀戀攀愀甀琀礀䀀最洀愀椀氀⸀挀漀洀 ∠ 吀攀氀㨀 ⠀㠀㜀㘀⤀ ㌀㐀㘀 ⴀ 㠀㔀㄀㐀 琀愀洀愀爀愀洀戀攀愀甀琀礀 䴀愀欀攀甀瀀 匀攀爀瘀椀挀攀猀 昀漀爀 䨀愀洀愀椀挀愀 愀渀搀 䌀愀爀椀戀戀攀愀渀 䐀攀猀琀椀渀愀琀椀漀渀 圀攀搀搀椀渀最猀⸀ 144

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Trinidad Bahamas & Tobago

146

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

MELISSA

& BR A DL E Y

photog r aphy by sta nlo photo g r a phy

French Leave Resort | baha m a s

Wedding Date: 29 April, 2018. How did you meet?: “We met in college. We met each other our freshman year on our first day in our first class! We became friends that Spring and started dating shortly after.” The Proposal: “Brad surprised me with a weekend trip to Florida and proposed during an evening walk on the beach at sunset. I didn’t expect it at all!” Decor: “We went with tropical elegance while keeping the Bahamian plantation feel that the island of Eleuthera does so well. We went with “less is more” for our décor. We wanted the flowers and lighting to be the main features so that everyone could soak in the beauty of the surroundings. We also wanted to incorporate a few elements from the island, so we used local conch shells as table décor and local purple bougainvillea on our wedding aisle, which are both all over the island!

We really wanted to highlight Eleuthera’s natural beauty.”

Guests: “We had 29 guests. We wanted to have an intimate wedding with family and close friends so we could spend quality time with everyone. Because it was a destination wedding over the weekend we had three days to relax together as a group which was amazing.

We had activities planned for our guests throughout the weekend, such as a local fish fry with a local DJ and dancing on Friday, a fishing and snorkeling boat outing, island tour, or day at leisure on Saturday, rehearsal dinner Saturday evening and our wedding on Sunday.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

147

“We went with tropical elegance while keeping the Bahamian plantation feel that the island of Eleuthera does so well. We went with less is more for our décor. We wanted the flowers and lighting to be the main features so that everyone could soak in the beauty of the surroundings. We also wanted to incorporate a few elements from the island, we used local conch shells as table décor and local purple bougainvillea on our wedding aisle, which are both all over the island! We really wanted to highlight Eleuthera’s natural beauty.”

The bride’s gorgeous shoes were designed by Sophia Webster

The Invitations & Stationery were done by Minted

148

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“my favorite memory of our wedding was the ceremony. looking back it feels like it was a fantasy. To marry the love of my life, on a beautiful pink sand beach, in front of turquoise waters, surrounded by family and friends, was truly a dream I can’t put into words. The feeling was unexplainable, a moment like nothing else. I will always love looking back on it.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

151

Eleuthera stood out to the couple because it is such a beautiful and unique island. They love the glass window bridge which is the most gorgeous phenomenon, and the beaches which are gorgeous with turquoise waters and pink sands!

152

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“My mother-in-l her pearl neckl Eleuthera that her wedding da father-in-law. B beautiful pearl pre-wedding gi We were all sho beautifully the earrings went t necklace was th addition to fin look. It was suc meaningful sur will cherish fo still shocked o mention it tota as my ‘somethin

law brought lace to t she wore on ay to my Brad gifted me earrings as a ift a week prior. ocked at how e necklace and together. The he perfect nish off the ch a rprise that I orever and I am over!! Not to ally counted ng borrowed!’�

The couple did a sparkler exit, that they ran through at the end of the evening

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

153

CREDITS VIDEOGRAPHY Judah Forbes, NDO Films WEDDING DRESS Rita Vinieris, Rivini Cher dress SHOES SOPHIA WEBSTER FLORALS/ LIGHTING & DECOR MARVA MONROE CATERING & BAR SERVICE FRENCH LEAVE RESORT BRIDESMAID DRESSES BCBG MaxAzria HAIR & MAKEUP LUCENA SAWYER, LUCYLU BEAUTY

RINGS H&A INTERNATIONAL JEWELER (BRIDE), BENCHMARK RINGS (GROOM) GROOMSMEN ATTIRE TED BAKER DRESS SHIRT, BONOBOS TROUSERS MUSIC/ DJ Ceremony guitarist – Ceejay Fowler Reception band: High Rock, 5-piece band which includes Jeremiah Sweeting and Travis Butler GUEST ACCOMMODATION FRENCH LEAVE RESORT

GROOM ATTIRE THEORY SPORTS COAT, ETON DRESS SHIRT, INCOTEX SLACKS, ANDERSON’S BELT, TOD’S DRIVING SHOES

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

155

156

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Styled Shoots

PHOTOGRAPHY: NCH FILMS

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

157

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY BY

RICKY CHASE PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING DRESS JAYE APPLEWAITE VENUE DISCOVERY BAY, REX RESORTS, BARBADOS DECOR & FLORALS WHIRLWIND EVENTS MAKEUP ARTISTRY I HEART MAKEUP BARBADOS HAIR STYLING SIGNATURE STYLES BARBADOS CAKE ARTISTRY WITH LOVE BY ESTHER JAMES INVITATIONS REDCARPET wedding & special events invitations

R

OMANCE AT REX RESORTS

158

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Emulate the tropical ambience of Barbados with our guide to throwing the perfect Destination Wedding at any of the gorgeous hotels from Rex Resorts in the Caribbean.

Just imagine a barefoot celebration styled with sparkling white chiavari chairs, and woven décor elements to create the perfect arch for you and your husband to say “I do” under. Keep things comfortable, warm and inviting for both you and your guests, and embrace the pure beauty and essence of the ocean as it hits the white sandy beach right beside you. Take a gentle look around you, and enjoy the view, because it is one not to miss.

Make it small and intimate as all destination weddings should be, and include cute elements such as fans or even beach sandals for your guests to enjoy. Follow the cues, and keep it tropical with guest attire. If interested, you can also hire a violinist so that you walk down the aisle in the most graceful way possible.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO COMFORT Comfort is always key, both for you and your guests. Accessorize your feet with gems instead of heels, and choose furniture that is cozy but that also suits

160

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“love recognizes no barriers. it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

MAYA ANGELOU

THE BREATHTAKING GOWN WAS DESIGNED BY BRIDAL DESIGNER JAYE APPLEWAITE. FOR THIS SHOOT, WE USED THREE OF HER EXQUISITE PIECES TO SHOWCASE A FEW STYLES THAT WOULD BE PERFECT FOR DESTINATION WEDDING BRIDES. WHETHER ON THE BEACH, IN A GARDEN, OR IN A RUSTIC WOODHOUSE IN THE HILLS, JAYE APPLEWAITE HAS THE PERFECT DRESS FOR YOU.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

161

the mood that you are trying to evoke.

PREPARE FOR THE WEATHER The winds may be heavy since the ocean is quite near, so try to remove any marquee tents, candles, umbrellas, etc. unless they are properly secured. In case of rain, tents may also need to be considered. But, opt for clear tents so that you can still experience the essence of the beach, and all of the natural elements surrounding you. If the weather is perfect, and the sun is out for your special day, then ensure that ample shade and water are provided.

DECOR & DESIGN Styling is not limited to the beach at this lovely hotel. You can also choose to have your reception in the lush garden, with both the restaurant and pool nearby. Keep your floral design simple and sweet, as there is so much surrounding natural beauty. Opt for hydrangeas, calla lilies, baby’s breath and ranunculus for your floral centerpieces and bouquet and live in a tropical paradise even if just for a day. Utilize a neutral grey for your tablecloths to complement the space, and sparkly white napkins for the perfect touch of elegance and luxury.

162

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

THE GROOM When it comes to the groom, his dress code should also complement your heavenly dress.

Since you have opted for a sandy affair, ensure that he chooses to go barefoot as well, or that he wears a very comfortable shoe. We are huge fans of grey and navy-blue suits for destination weddings, since they are just ideal options to match the gorgeous blue sea, but going black is never a bad idea either if this is what he desires. Beachside chic is a must, and later he can keep his attire in place, or even choose to remove his jacket, and roll up the sleeves from his white shirt for utter comfort and ease of movement when the party begins!

Discover the ultimate beachside wedding venue & honeymoon with any of the resorts from Rex Resorts in the Caribbean.

CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

NCH FILMS WEDDING DRESS VAN DER VLUGT VENUE PIGEON POINT HERITAGE PARK DECOR & FLORALS DAISY’S WEDDINGS MAKEUP ARTISTRY JODI BALFOUR HAIR STYLING MARIPOSA CAKE ARTISTRY cake walk tobago

T

ROPICAL ELEGANCE

This special one is for the romantics, the free-spirited brides who dream of sand on their designer dresses and toes, and gems and flowers in their hair.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

169

This shoot has drop dead gorgeous beach wedding inspiration and we couldn’t possibly be more excited to share it with you all. It is full of grace and passion, and a whole lot of whimsy that we know you adventurous brides to be will adore.

This Destination Wedding Styled shoot was curated with the intention of representing pure elegance with a lot of fun! We drew inspiration from the breathtaking Pigeon Point Heritage Park – the white sandy beach, the textures, the movement and colour of the ocean. We created something that felt pleasant and genuine to the environment.

For the ceremony, we created something rustic and simply inspirational. We took our love for adventurous elopements, and chose to design a scene that was stylish, whimsical and ofcourse exquisite! We opted for gold chiavari chairs with a drop dead gorgeous wooden arch with macramé and monstera leaves that you need for your destination wedding at Pigeon Point in Tobago.

Daisy’s Weddings threw in a couple wooden elements and ofcourse lanterns to finish off the look, and OMG were we elated with the final product.

We LOVE macramé for destination wedding décor, as it is so light and airy, and evokes pure bohemian vibes which we know so many of our destination brides adore. wedding dress & accessories

The wedding dress and accessories for our gorgeous model, were designed by none other than Bridal Designer Van der Vlugt. We decided to go a bit off the beaten path from the traditional white to a delicate champagne gown, effortless and refined in every way, and perfect for our vision. No matter the silhouette, Van der Vlugt never disappoints, and always creates masterpieces that

172

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

acentuate the feminine line and induce a bit of romance. makeup artistry

Bright and colourful makeup is always a good idea for these types of events, and artists like Jodi Balfour are essential to produce them. Since the setting is dripping with simplicity and tenderness, choose a look that speaks volumes and enhances your already gorgeous features. hair styling

For a hairstyle that is equal parts modern and bohemian, opt for playful and messy curls. An effortless style for any bohemian bride, this is the perfect do to have fun with while at the beach! Clean looks are also fun to create, but we live for the messy yet kept hairstyles that are only done by the most professional hair stylists in the business, such as Portuguese Mariposa. We were so honoured to work with her, and you will fall in love when you contact her for your wedding day.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

173

The reception was a little different, and certainly portrayed “tropical sophistication”, which we ofcourse LOVED! Pops of orange, pink, red and ofcourse green were utilized in the stunning bouquet and centerpieces, and neutral tones for the linens to complement the overall look. The designer, Daisy’s Weddings perfected the vision that we had for this shoot, and we couldn’t have possibly been more pleased with how the reception décor looked in an often-overlooked spot in Pigeon Point Heritage Park. The centerpieces were chosen as the statement piece for our tablescape, and wow did this custom piece not disappoint. The flowers created had both a traditional and modern touch with a less traditional shape, using a variety of textures and colours to give curiosity to the eye.

If you’ve never been to Pigeon Point, firstly, you need to make this a priority for your next journey, but also, they have the most divine jetty that is by far the most popular spot for wedding and engagement photographs shot in Tobago. As such, we knew that we couldn’t possibly complete our Styled Shoot without stopping off in this lovely spot for our final shots of the day.

The end result was as expected – awe-inspiring.

To work with Pigeon Point Heritage Park, visit WWW.PIGEONPOINT.TT

174

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

VIDEO

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

175

charm

evening CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY BY

KYLE ARCHIBALD PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING DRESS ESSENCE OF AUSTRALIA VENUE HILTON TRINIDAD and conference centre hotel DECOR & FLORALS abfab events ltd.

EVENT RENTALS GASP!! EVENTS LTD., macknun events, bouge events VIDEOGRAPHY HERRO STUDIO CAKE ARTISTRY DESSERT HEAVEN BOUQUET DAISY’S WEDDINGS MAKEUP ARTISTRY Lrc creations (makeup artistry & design) HAIR STYLING MARIPOSA

176

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

m

The effortlessness of a small and intimate evening wedding can help strip awa of love and genuine connection. For this Editorial, we imagined a couple wh nearest and dearest only. With just a few guests in attendance, the couple wo elegance, but most importantly staying true to the very essence of them, and w celebration ofcourse. Whether you wish to have just FIVE or FIVE HUNDRED g

178

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

ay some of the anxiety that surrounds large weddings, leaving the essence ho wanted to have a charming sunset-inspired wedding, surrounded by their ould be free to create a luxurious affair with personalized touches and what makes them unique. Many of these ideas are easily adapted to a larger guests, precious kindness and thoughtfulness can be your focus always.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

179

The design of the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre Hotel was a huge inspiration for us while we designed the vision board for this shoot. it’s dreamy view and tiled floor could not have fit our vision any better. it was the ideal venue to bring our sunset charm to life.

180

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

THE SILVER GREY PATTERNED LINENS FROM GASP!! EVENTS LTD. WERE PERFECT FOR THIS DROP DEAD GORGEOUS BACKDROP. OFTEN OVERLOOKED, LUXE LINENS MAKE SUCH A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO ANY DECOR & TABLESCAPE, AND MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN VISUALIZING THE OVERALL LOOK & FEEL FOR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING.

CANDELIT DINNERS ARE OUR FAVOURITE! WHEN THE SUN WENT DOWN, AND ALL WAS LEFT WERE THESE LIGHTS...OUR LIVES WERE MADE. DON’T THEY LOOK AMAZING? ABFAB EVENTS DID SUCH AN OUTSTANDING JOB CREATING THIS MASTERPIECE, AND CONTINUES TO SURPRISE WITH THEIR CREATIVITY AND PASSION FOR THEIR ART.

182

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

THE BRIDE WORE THE MOST DIVINE ESSENCE OF AUSTRALIA GOWN WHICH WAS COMPLEMENTED BY A WHIMSICAL & LIGHT UPDO

BY ANYA FROM MARIPOSA. ADDING A LUXE ACCESSORY TO YOUR HAIRSTYLE IS ALWAYS A GREAT IDEA, AND MAKES FOR STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS!

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

183

CAKE IS OUR WEAKNESS. WE LIVE FOR THE INTRICATE DESIGNS, TASTY TREATS AND UTTER LOVE THAT GOES INTO THESE SWEET CREATIONS. DESSERT HEAVEN BLEW US AWAY WITH THIS DISPLAY, AND CREATED EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED A DREAMY VANILLA NAKED CAKE WITH FOUR LAYERS OF CUPCAKES FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH GOODNESS!

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

185

“It’s amazing how one day someone walks into your life, and you cannot remember how you ever lived without them.”

COCKTAIL HOURS ARE A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS TO MEET NEW PEOPLE, SO PLEASE ENSURE TO HAVE ONE FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY. ASK YOUR WEDDING DECORATOR TO ORGANIZE A FEW COCKTAIL TABLES WITH LUXE LINENS THAT COMPLEMENT THE RECEPTION DECOR, AND SIP ON A FEW COCKTAILS WITH A NEW FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

189

190

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Visit Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre Hotel, WWW3.HILTON.COM

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

191

192

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

193

BRIDAL FASHION FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY STANLO PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR STYLING APRYLL WEECH HAIR STUDIO MAKEUP ARTISTRY FAB FACES MUA

PHYLICIA

El

llis A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

195

Tell us a little about you and your amazing brand.

I’m a Bahamian bridal wear designer, currently based in Nassau, Bahamas. I’ve worked as a designer full time for 8 years. The brand “Phylicia Ellis” is catered to every woman who wants to feel sexy and exude confidence on their special day.

Working with different women, all shapes and sizes we’ve created gowns for our clients to fall in love with.

Why Bridal? Why did you choose to concentrate on this area?

I actually never saw myself doing bridal until my sister pleaded with me to create her gown for her wedding. After that first gown, I really fell in love with the process, having the creative freedom to incorporate beautiful laces, beading and tons of fabric into one design. I decided to concentrate on bridal because the love I have for it is something that I wanted to share with a few people out of the millions that get married every year.

What’s the process when you design a new collection?

What’s your favourite part?

For my process, I start with rough sketches to form ideas, then I would start sourcing material, and finalize sketches once I’ve selected material. After that I would start the construction process for the gowns. My favorite part of the process would definitely be sourcing the material.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

197

198

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

What was the inspiration for your latest collection?

The inspiration for my last mini collection was to show the possibilities of stepping out of the box. I’ve realized that people need to see something different to know that on your wedding day you don’t have to wear white, you don’t have to wear a mermaid style dress to be sexy, and a sweetheart gown is not the only option. I wanted to incorporate all of the typical factors in a wedding dress and put a twist on it to show that their are other options, you just have to see what it could look like.

Do you design with a certain type of bride in mind?

Yes, I definitely design with a certain type of bride in mind. A bride that everyone can be.

Who are your bridal style icons, if any?

My bridal style icons would be Berta, George Elsissa and Mary Ioannidis.

If you could design a wedding dress for anyone (celebrity or otherwise), who would you choose and how would you dress them?

I would love to create a wedding gown for Draya Michele. I would put her in something that is sexy but very edgy. Something that works with her overall style that is very effortless.

200

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

What do you think are the most important things a bride should consider when they’re choosing their gown?

The most important thing to consider are comfort and ensuring that you choose the right dress based on your venue.

How do you stay inspired and motivated year after year?

Honestly, my clients keep me inspired and motivated.I’m always reminded how much I love it because of them.

What styles and trends do you think we will be seeing more of in coming years?

I think we will be seeing more of the ball gown and mermaid style gowns, which are the most popular. But there will be variations to the style to make them look unique.

What advice do you have for future brides?

My advice to future brides would be to stick to what you want, not what others might want for you.

It’s your day, it should be just as you want it.

Finally, what can we look forward to next from Phylicia Ellis?

Next would be a bigger bridal collection.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

201

To find out more about PHYLICIA ELLIS, visit WWW.PHYLICIAELLIS.COM

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

203

JACQUELIN

VAZQUEZ Tell us a little bit about your story – How was your love for the wedding world born and how long have you been working in the wedding & event industry?

We interviewed International Master Wedding Planner and Certified Wedding & Event Planner to take a sneak peek inside her world and discover how she continues to design drop dead gorgeous Destination Weddings all over the world.

204

My first career was in Accounting, but I always had a knack for creativity and planning. My passion for planning sparked when I began planning regular social events as well as corporate holiday parties. I experienced my first wedding when assisting a family member with the flow of their wedding. I was then referred my first wedding, and that was the start of the creation of my wedding ventures.

I knew I had the passion for planning weddings after successfully completing my first

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

NE

Z

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARLA TEN EYCK

five weddings for people who were recommended to me, and I did not know. That is when you really know. It is different to manage the flow of a wedding when the client is a friend or family member than a stranger. Out of my 19 years in the industry, I have been planning weddings for about 15 years. Out of all the events we do, 80% are weddings and the rest are social, nonprofit and corporate events.

focus not just on local weddings but Destination Weddings in the Caribbean, NYC, Southern California and beyond. I also specialize in multi-cultural weddings.

I owe my success to the knowledge I have acquired, the support I have, and the amazing network which offers me to have just about any access within arms-reach.

I am now known as an International Master Wedding and Event Planner, as I now have a

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CARLA TEN EYCK

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

205

“It is not easy to plan a Destination Wedding, but with the right network, anything is possible�.

206

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARLA TEN EYCK

You’re always coming up with fresh concepts to incorporate at events; where does this inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from varies areas, but the most important factor of my inspiration is getting to know the client and their end-result. With that said, my first inspiration comes from my clients.

Other ways I get inspired is by traveling, taking time outs, fashion, nature and art. Taking time outs is important because we are surrounded by so many ideas and visuals that to come up with fresh concepts you must take a break.

What do you feel are the most important elements to designing a party or wedding?

Get to know the clients end-result of the event and how it makes them feel, and work with a curated group of wedding professionals who will bring the vision to life.

You have planned such gorgeous events over the years, is there any specific event/ theme that was your favorite? Any wedding that you are particularly proud of?

It is really difficult to pick just one wedding as my favorite, but the one wedding I can say I am most proud of is the recent Destination Wedding I executed this past July 2018 in Puerto Rico which was actually supposed to take place in April 2018. Due to the most devasting hurricane to hit Puerto Rico, concerns about the wedding taking place was on the top of our clients’ minds.

After a few weeks of waiting I was able to touch base with the wedding venue, and a few weeks after that they informed us that they were not re-opening until the Fall 2018. Throughout the communication process, I was also reaching out to the contracted wedding professionals as well as colleagues to keep abreast of the situation in Puerto Rico. I was also gathering information and preparing for the possibility that the wedding would either not take place in 2018 or in Puerto Rico. I was so thankful for my colleagues in Puerto Rico, that I was already working on a plan for the client to push their wedding to July and still have it in Puerto Rico which was what they really wanted. When all was said and done, the new wedding venue was the best option for the couples wedding, and the wedding professionals all went above and beyond to execute a successful and memorable wedding for the couple.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

207

What is the personal touch that can never be missed in any of your weddings?

I would say the personal touch is the transparency of our genuine care and love for our clients. The connection must be mutual for us to fully understand what our clients want.

What were your favorite trends for Destination Weddings in 2018?

Couples doing things their way. I have a love for tradition, but I am also a fan of originality. Also, deep tone colors in tune with the wedding color of the year, “Ultra Violet”, which was captured in our July 2018 wedding.

Do you have any tips for brides to be struggling to choose the theme/ concept for their wedding?

Take a moment to reflect on what is truly important to you as a couple and incorporate that in your wedding.

You want to make sure the guests attending are connecting with your vision, not someone else’s vision.

Hire a professional who can assist with fine tuning your concept and style of the wedding. Any concept can be possible even if you are on a budget, but you have to be transparent, realistic, open-minded and flexible. The final concept may not be exact, but it will have the same feel and style that is also within your budget.

How long in advance should a bride contact you for your services?

Couples can contact me, preferably within a year notice, but I have executed and planned weddings (including destination weddings) within 3 months notice.

What’s next for Lifetime Events by Jacqueline?

Full service Global Destinations Weddings & Events.

And for Jacqueline Vazquez, continue with speaking internationally, creating new workshops, and a few other surprises on the educational level.

To work with Jaqueline Vasquez, visit WWW.LEBJV.COM

208

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

209

Th

bridal

PHOTO: ALEXANDRE JUL

D

estination weddings… When you hear those two words, you picture intimate ceremonies at gorgeous, exotic locations around the world with beautiful backdrops, ranging anywhere from white sand beaches to snowcapped mountains.

Well I’m here to give you the dose of reality that comes with that hashtag #DestinationWedding. If your budget is unlimited, you’re not too worried about the specifics and all your guests are onboard, then great!

However, if you have a set budget and vision for your wedding, prepare to think creatively, compromise, have flexibility, patience and a high tolerance for potentially poor communication…and that’s just for your fiancé! Kidding!

That’s the skillset you will need to communicate remotely with your vendors and planner.

My husband, Niran, and I had decided that we wanted to explore the possibility of getting married in Sint Maarten, but were not entirely

210

sure where to start, or even how realistic the idea would be. We had visited twice before and fell in love with the island and its people, and

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

since our past visits allowed us to have a gauge of potential venues and vendors, I started the research. Google and I were BFFs! With having

he

l buzz

LIEN & CARLOS LIPPAI

vendors to price compare.

Our intent was to have a simple, low cost (ha!) wedding at a villa with our closest friends and family.

Such a darling idea! Once all vendor quotations were received, we decided, YES! This was affordable AND in our preferred wedding location! Based on the quotations alone, the small wedding in Sint Maarten actually appeared more affordable than if we were to have a larger one at home in Trinidad, and that included our flights and accommodations.

Unbelievable!

You know what else is unbelievable? The VERY, NEXT, DAY, Hurricane Irma hit the island of Sint Maarten / St. Martin. We were devastated. Glued to our phones, we watched the disaster unfold. The news stated that the island was in shambles. a tentative month in mind, I reached out to vendors that I found in Facebook groups, Sint Maarten websites, and via recommendations by

Adriana Weddings. Sint Maarten is not a location exclusively known for weddings, so it was very difficult to find a range of

Months later, I decided to check-in with various businesses and friends on the island to see how reconstruction was

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

211

j u l ie

WEDDING DRESS: DAVID’S BRIDAL

ENGAGEMENT RINGS: BRILLIANT EARTH

212

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

progressing, as we had not entirely given up on our dream. We learned budget expenditure [Tip #4]. We meet again, that the potential villa identified for the Google! “What is my Wedding Theme Quiz”. I wedding was closed until further notice, kid you not. I mean, I knew what colour however, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort had palette I wanted and I had an idea of potential suffered ‘minor’ hurricane damage in décor, but I had no clue what ‘theme’ it would comparison with other hotels and locations, fall under. Thank goodness for the internet! and planned to re-open to partial capacity From Vintage to Whimsical, I discovered a vast in a few months. This was great news! This array of potential wedding themes and could was the resort that accommodated us on our communicate our preference along with our previous trips to the island so we were vision for the wedding with my Planner. I soon ecstatic! However, there were two caveats: learned that the planning company’s policy is the resort would allow the event to be held to exclusively manage the vendors instead of once we hired a having a middle man, as it Wedding Planner, would be hard for the Planner and if there were “Look for a Planner to manage reconstruction otherwise. who could think delays, we would need to find an creatively to give However, due to the large alternative in-resort realistic, practical mark-ups from the planning venue to the and relevant company that was not original poolside area catered for in the initial recommendations selected. Honestly, budget, we ended up I understood where for your wedding, negotiating which vendors I they were coming instead of someone would manage independently from. There are some who would just (eg. photographer, hair stylist, things that you can etc.) vs the vendors that the coordinate.” only have so much Planner would manage: all control over. We were those who would be affected still excited! I if the venue at the hotel were immediately secured to change [Tip #5]. the wedding date and organized At this point, I really need to stress this discounted group important bit of information: hire a Planner hotel room rates for our guests [Tip #1] which based on reviews from other couples who had luckily came with some perks for us based similar size weddings [Tip #6]. Look for a Planon the quantity of rooms booked. T-5 months ner who could think creatively to give realistic, until the wedding day! Holy crap!! We had 5 practical and relevant recommendations for months to plan!! your wedding, instead of someone who would just coordinate [Tip #7]. I wish I had. GenerBack into wedding planning mode and I was ally, most of the stress came from the lead up frantic. Sure, I had an initial vision for the to the event. I genuinely thought that I was wedding but that almost literally got blown going crazy from the drastic communication away. Time to rethink! We hired a Wedding misunderstandings as I couldn’t fathom how Planner [Tip #2] where there wasn’t one requests like “please don’t use sand in a jar previously, so I knew that I needed to clearly as table decor” translated to a line item in the communicate my thoughts for her to invoice for sand in a jar as table decor. With understand exactly what our vision was for all vendors, always go through your contracts, the wedding day [Tip #3]. One of the very first quotations and invoices with a fine-tooth questions asked was, “What is your theme?” comb! [Tip #8]. You need to be sure of what Luckily, our communication was done solely you’re paying for, as well as what you’re through emails so that I could take my time to agreeing to. understand and respond, along with having a written record of all decisions made and

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

213

In contrast, the hotel’s Event Coordinator was a dream to work with! Joan Samson at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort provided such timely and relevant information in relation to the hotel reopening, potential venues, food and bar, and everything in between. I could barely even tell that there was a small language barrier as English isn’t her first language. Working with Joan was such a noticeable difference from working with the Planner, that I remained confident that the event would be successful and stress-free.

And it was almost achieved!

likely a sample dress! [Tip #10]. Bridesmaid Laura accompanied me back to Coral Gables for dress alterations at the store and helped calm my nerves when I made the drastic decision to chop off the train. I’ve seen brides with gorgeous trains on their dresses, which are usually bustled or held for the duration of the reception, and I knew I won’t have the patience for that, so off it went. Don’t be afraid to customize your dress for you! [Tip #11]. Speaking of dresses, I was so happy that my bridesmaids loved the large variety of style options that existed for their dresses. Happy bridesmaids = a drama-free bridal party [Tip #12].

Luckily, my ladies (and some groomsmen!) were an awesome I was so happy support system throughout the Trusty and organized that my planning groomsman Sean helped bridesmaids loved adventure. Maid of keep my sanity when Honour Jeanine organizing group rates the large variety together with the flights to/from of style options that for Bridesmaid Karen Sint Maarten so that helped keep my our guests could see existed for their sanity on our 1-day some savings [Tip #13]. dresses. dress shopping trip in Bridesmaid Jameela Happy bridesmaids = Coral Gables, Florida. taught me ‘Flowers 101’ Imagine scheduling to help thoroughly a drama-free bridal just ONE shopping communicate the party! day to find your dream vision to our florist, as dress! You must think I had only known, I’m I’m crazy, but tons of ashamed to say, four research was done in basic flower types the months leading up to the trip, so I knew previously. But exactly what silhouette, material, neckline and amazingly, I was even worse with being sleeve I was looking for. Imagine creative with ideas for décor! scheduling just ONE shopping day to find Pinterest (a web-based pin board) was your dream dress! You must think I’m crazy, added to my BFF list as its content provided but tons of research was done in the months a constant and positive source of inspiration leading up to the trip, so I knew exactly what [Tip #14], including the bridal party’s attire silhouette, material, neckline and sleeve I was and the wedding colour theme! Gorgeous looking for. Some brides may not know until photos and brilliant ideas for the dream they start trying on, and that’s okay! Try on all destination wedding continuously swirled dress silhouettes if you must, but selecting around in my head, and soon it was only a your preferences before trying on too many matter of implementing them, once the costs dresses helps prevent those overwhelming were reasonable. Luckily, with the help of my and indecisive feelings throughout the bridesmaid Rose, we did just that! We ended process [Tip #9]. I would also recommend up sourcing a lot of the décor used for the starting the dress shopping early! Depending reception and bringing them to the island in on what you are purchasing *cough* designer our luggage, as décor options from the dresses *cough*, some locations could have planner seemed to be very limited. Besides you waiting up to a year to collect your dress, the potential of everything moving on as what you are trying on in-store is most ‘island-time’, limited décor options could

214

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

VENUE: DIVI LITTLE BAY BEACH RESORT

A D R I A N A W E D D I N GFLOWERS: S . C OFLOWERS M

BY FLORES 215

MAKEUP ARTISTRY: INGLOT ST. MAARTEN

216

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

VIDEOGRAPHY: PETER SAGNIA

also be a potential constraint for destination weddings in the Caribbean islands, as most couples would opt for a beach-themed or tropical-themed wedding, leaving those options as the potential highlights in a planner’s arsenal. Ask before hiring! [Tip #15].

My good friend Marissa was kind enough to offer her brother’s graphic artist skills to prepare some signage for the wedding; from the Bar Menu to the Seating Chart which was only finalized days before the event, the gorgeous signage tied the décor and theme together beautifully.

T-10 days before the wedding! In the latest turn of events, the hotel reached out to explain that, due to a very minor construction delay, they could not host the reception at the previously identified location, and offered an alternative location. Not the kind of news that you want to hear so close to the wedding date!! But this caveat was there from the start so we rolled with the punches. The Planner got on board with the new location and immediately added tent rentals as a line item on the ever-growing invoice as the alternative venue was more open air than the original. Don’t do like us and forget the budget’s contingency markup for the unexpected! [Tip #16]. As It was so close to the date, I checked the weather forecast and it looked clear, so I took the chance to opt

for overhead string lights instead, and only kept the food station tented as the tents would have greatly diminished the overall aesthetic. The hotel understood this and offered a small covered area that we could retreat to for the reception in case of rain.

Always have a Plan B if your event is outdoors! [Tip #17].

Planning ahead to give yourself a few days at the destination for last minute wedding prep [Tip #18] worked great for us! We used the time to finalize small details with the Planner and hotel’s Event Coordinator in person, in addition to putting together our wedding playlist for the DJ. Best Man Narad, together with Jeanine and our close family, took the time one afternoon in Sint Maarten to help package the macaron wedding favours (in honour of the French side, St. Martin) in cute little favour boxes #TeamSXMPrep. We opted for edible favours because, let’s face it, how many wedding or party favours have you had at home collecting dust, before it wound up in the bin? If you’re doing favours at all, I’d recommend something that guests would use [Tip #19]. Most of the guests arrived on the day before the wedding, and knowing that we would be there in advance, #TeamSXMPrep also helped put together some very cute welcome bags!

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

217

BRIDESMAID DRESS: AZAZIE

We wanted guests to have an outline of the wedding day, including ceremony and reception start times, as we had never actually gotten the chance to do wedding invitations with those details, believe it or not.

It was something I always intended to do, but I prioritized ensuring that the guests were informed of the financial aspects associated with the trip via e-vites which contained a 4-page document Niran and Stephanie’s Destination Wedding Packet, as well as assisting with their travel arrangements and group discounts for car rentals. Being a travel agent for approximately 50 persons was no easy feat!

However, it gave me peace of mind and we wanted to show appreciation to those who could make it, by having the travel process as the least stressful item for our guests to organize.

One of the things that you really shouldn’t do the night before the wedding is go to bed late, because you’ll want to be completely refreshed for the day of activity. After a short ceremony rehearsal with the bridal party to ensure that they were aware of their partners and special roles [Tip #20], Karen and I were

218

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

up til midnight re-writing the wedding day’s hair and makeup schedules for 10+ ladies, taking into consideration the timing of the photographer and videographer. Why, you ask? During my make-up trial which ensured that the make-up artist had a good foundation match for my skin in addition to finalizing the ‘bridal look’ [Tip #21], I learned that the make-up company would be sending three make-up artists instead of the two that was communicated to me by the Planner who sourced the make-up vendor. But that was okay! I was so exhausted afterwards that I slept really well!

“Todays the day!!!! Today’s the dayyyyyyyyy,” greeted me at 8:00am on the bridesmaids’ WhatsApp group chat which we’ve been using to stay organized and coordinated thus far [Tip #22]. Jeanine was so excited and I was still half asleep. The Wedding Day. Considering the twists and turns that we went through with the planning, I was bracing for a disaster in some shape or form even though I was outwardly optimistic and excited. I am pleased and relieved to say that the wedding day was amazing! All the hard work and planning paid off! Except for… the lone

“Try on all dress silhouettes if you must, but selecting your preferences before trying on too many dresses helps prevent those overwhelming and indecisive feelings throughout the process.�

HAIR STYLING: GLAMATY

“Ensure that you hire the right photographer for you!” hairstylist was scheduled to arrive at 10:00am due to all bridesmaids, mothers, sisters and flower girl getting their hair styled, with the company recommending 40-minute slots for each person. Promptly at 10:00am, two hairstylists arrived! I would have loved to have been informed just one day earlier, as everyone’s schedule now needed to be moved up to accommodate the two stylists, who were very upset to have to wait longer than 15-minutes for their next client as they both ended up working on the same person to expedite the process.

Thankfully, that was the only major upset on the day. My bridesmaids did a great job ensuring that everyone made it to the getting-ready room as best as they could, collecting the bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and hair flowers when they were delivered to the front desk, keeping me calm and getting me lunch because with all the activity, I forgot about food! It was such an exciting day! It was only when they brought in the flowers, and I saw how gorgeous the bouquets looked, that it hit me. OMG these flowers are so pretty!! OMG I am getting married today!

If you’re wondering about the groom, he was the total opposite: calm and collected, watching the

220

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

World Cup Finals while writing his speech.

Easily, the best vendor that I hired for the wedding was the photographer. His was such a warm and accommodating person, and an absolute joy to work with! I am not someone who is comfortable in front of a camera at all, but you can never tell by looking at the photos. His chipper attitude and heavy French accent worked like magic! Good wedding photography will capture the memories of your special day, memories that you will treasure forever.

Ensure that you hire the right photographer for you! [Tip #23]. Each photographer has their own style. We looked over sample photos and had an in-email interview with ours before deciding that he was right for us. He arrived an hour before the ceremony to do a mini-shoot with my girls in our fancy robes, visited the boys’ getting-ready room for some shots, then came back to ours to shoot the final touches of the bride getting ready.

At this point, I thought, oh no. I hadn’t seen my wedding dress since I packed it in its travel bag [Tip #24] in Miami! I want to give a shout-out to my dress’s travel bag because magically, the dress maintained the shape and was wrinkle-free when I finally took it out to wear! What a miracle! I had

brought a handheld steamer just in case, but the dress didn’t need it. I’m glad that I ended up getting the bag due to my paranoia that the dress might have gotten lost, damaged or stolen in the luggage, especially as it made multiple trips! From Miami to Trinidad to Sint Maarten, then back to Trinidad after the wedding. The videographer was all up in the action too! He arrived earlier than planned to capture some before-the-ceremony snippets for the video. I have to admit, we were on the fence with hiring a videographer for a very long time, before finalizing within weeks of the wedding.

I’ve seen ‘trailers’ and ‘highlight reels’ for other weddings and it never appealed to me, but then I looked at a different perspective. Would I regret not having a video to look at, years from now, capturing the event? [Tip #25]. Yes, yes I would. I wanted a documentary style video that captured the ceremony, the speeches at the reception and the special moments at the wedding, and ended up with a 101-minute movie of the wedding day! No regrets. As a special touch, Jeanine composed the background music for parts of the video and the videographer was overjoyed to work with her original music.

My girls and I arrived in style at the wedding via one of the hotel’s golf carts. I was a little nervous, mostly because I was walking myself down the aisle, but once I made it to the groom’s side, it was all uphill from there. I couldn’t ask for

a more laid-back setting, with refreshing Caribbean breeze blowing through my hair and cool sand at my bare feet for both the ceremony and the dancing at the reception. Would I have done anything differently?

Aside from the tips left throughout this article, I would have catered for more time to get ready. Better to have hair and makeup completed 2hrs+ in advance, giving you a chance to breathe and relax, rather than finishing later. In the rush, we had forgotten to pop the champagne before we left the room!

Life after the wedding has been nothing but happiness and peace. To me, marriage is about having a bestie for life; someone you can share things with, whom you want to have experiences with and build a life together.

To have a partner who will have your back through thick or thin, with knowledge that you will always be on the same team. When we look back on our wedding day we do so not only with fondness, great memories and a gentle reminder of the euphoria that we felt at the time, but also with a sense of contentment that we brought our vision to life in just the way we wanted.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

221

222

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

S TANLO PHOTOGRAPHY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: STANLEY BABB

ADRIANA WEDDINGS SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY WITH STANLEY BABB, ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS.

Born and raised in the beautiful Bahamas, Stanley says that his photography career was something that began out of his family’s lack of good imagery whenever they would go on their travels. He made a decision to purchase his first professional camera, and the rest as they say, is history. We spoke exclusively with the award winning photographer, who shared a bit of his journey to becoming one of the world’s top Destination Wedding photographers, and what his next steps are for 2019!

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

223

Tell us about your amazing business, Stanlo Photography. When did you officially launch?

Stanlo Photography is a Destination Wedding & Lifestyle Photography Company. After officially launching in September 2015, we would love to call South Florida home. Currently we shoot over 50 weddings per year worldwide.

When did you know that you wanted to be a destination wedding photographer?

I honestly didn’t plan on being a Destination Wedding Photographer. It was something that kind of found me.

I’ve always loved the idea of traveling the world, so when the opportunities presented themselves over the past few years, it just seemed so perfect!

224

What was the first camera that you every got? And why?

The first camera I purchased was a Canon t3i, which was solely for hobby and travel usage. My family and I would travel often, and never have good pictures. This ultimately sparked my photography career.

What is your favourite destination to shoot in?

My favorite destination so far for photography would be Santorini. The scenery is honestly unmatched. I can’t wait to go back!

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“I DIDN’T PLAN ON BEING A DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER. It was something that kind of found me.”

Do you have a favourite wedding that ever shot? Tell us all about it, and why it stands out the most to you.

I really don’t have a favorite wedding. Each wedding is just so special for so many reasons. I truly love what I do.

What makes your wedding photography style unique?

Are there any photographers that inspire you? If yes, why?

I am inspired by so many photographers.

It is so amazing to see how differently photographers think, and how creative they can be. I always look for mistakes or aspects that I like so I’m able to improve. I am constantly learning.

Although most people would say my colors and composition, I would have to say my final result. I go that extra mile with every single image that I take, until it looks perfect to me.

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

225

List your favourite 5 things about destination weddings.

Destination weddings allow me to be more creative, form long lasting relationships with clients easier, experience new cultures, relax, and photograph on some of the most amazing backdrops in the world.

How far in advance should a couple contact you for a booking?

It’s probably best to contact us a year in advance. We are almost maxed out at 45

226

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

weddings for 2019.

What’s next for Stanle Stanlo Photography?

We would like to stay c keep traveling the world may even add video on

ey Babb and

consistent and d. Who knows we ne of these days!

““I go that extra mile with every single image that i take, until it looks perfect to me.”

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

227

H idden Gem 228

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NCH FILMS VIDEOGRAPHY NCH FILMS VENUE SUBLIME SAMANA HOTEL & RESIDENCES

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

229

As Caribbean people, our lust for travel feels organic. Maybe it’s the ease of access to stunning beaches and tropical beauty that fuels our sense of wanderlust and our desire for exploration. A couple long flights to a dreamy destination is something that we are so eager to throw ourselves into, just to say that we were able to exist in that location, if only just for a few hours to take in the magic of it all.

The truth is that we are extremely blessed to live in a region that has a myriad of exotic locations just a short distance away. Yet what has truly bewildered me over my time travelling these past few years, is that when it comes to travelling within the Caribbean, it is something that is often overlooked, or seen as a last resort as compared to that of the UK, Australia or even the US which in itself is right around the corner for most Caribbean countries.

My husband and I had the honour of visiting the breathtaking Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences earlier this year, tucked away in the mountains of Las Terrenas. Admittedly it was one of the most adventurous trips that I had ever been on, and something that my husband and I were certainly excited to do. We had both hopped on a plane from Trinidad & Tobago, flew to Fort Lauderdale, since there are no direct flights to Dominican Republic from Trinidad & Tobago, and then took a very short flight over to Las AmĂŠricas International Airport in Santo Domingo. When we arrived, we jumped into our rental car, which we had arranged prior to our arrival via Expedia, and there the real journey began!

230

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

In darkness, we finally arriv the beautifully deceptive bo photographs on their webs Republic for your wedding

When we arrived, we were The hotel was quite quiet a experienced walking to an is simply unmatched.

Since our stay was short, such, we decided to start t opportunity to experience other, and so unique, which Sublime Samana taps into unexpected moments that

ved at the entrance of the gorgeous Sublime Samana. Hidden from the town by dense forest, it’s one of outique hotels that we had ever seen in our lives. It is truly beyond anything that you may have seen in site and social media, or videos that you may have viewed while searching for hotels within Dominican g day or honeymoon. It is magical.

e greeted with the cutest and might I add tastiest guava cocktails that lit us right up after our travels. and peaceful at this time, and the walk to our room was by far the best walk that we had ever ny hotel room in the world. In a heartbeat, you are transported to a place of warmth and comfort that

the very next day we had organized to do a Destination Wedding Styled Shoot at the hotel, and as the day pretty early. We left our room, walked to one of the restaurants for breakfast, and got the luxurious dining, with the sensory elements of nature surrounding us. It was an experience like no h you may think odd coming from a Caribbean person. It is extremely clear that this is something that o, and something that nature-loving couples would simply die for! We were simply bombarded with t took our breath away, and made us crave for more. How fantastic is that?

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

231

232

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Once our glorious meal was finished, we got to work. We met with one of our clients and favourite wedding photographers and videographers in the Caribbean, Niko Chernichenko from NCH Films, and discussed what we wanted to capture from the Styled Shoot. The hotel had organized with one of their wedding decorators to design a couple spots for us, as our job here at Adriana Weddings is to showcase the magic that exists in some of the top venues in the Caribbean & Mexico, and as such this is what we did at the Sublime Samana. Lucky is an understatement!

We spent the day moving from the hotel rooms and spa to all of the possible wedding spots in the hotel, taking photographs and video in an attempt to capture the epic beauty of Sublime Samana.

Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences has many gorgeous spots for your wedding, such as:

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

233

BEACH “The turquoise Atlantic and golden sand along with the ocean breezes create a magical and timeless setting.”

BISTRO & TERRACE “Quaint wood-adorned Bistro together with the terrace overlooking the lush gardens provide an intimate, more formal option.”

LA PALAPA “A covered option steps away from the beach, the Palapa has a more relaxed ambience.”

GARDEN “Surrounded by manicured grass and tropical foliage, the garden offers views of the main pool.”

GAZEBO “In the center of the property and adorned with flowing white linens, the Gazebo provides a modern and magical setting.”

PENTHOUSE “Part of the main structure with a view of the gardens, the penthouse is perfect for an intimate event or meeting.”

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

235

As the day progressed, I thought about the exp islands to not only take part and learn about the your comfort zone and will become a better ver

Visiting the Dominican Republic, and staying at we have been to Barbados and designed anoth professionals and in October for our very first Ne showed us how essential it is to dream BIG, be gems that exist in the world.

236

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

perience that we were having, and it definitely solidified the vitality of traveling to other Caribbean e various cultures, but to also have that invigorating feeling of knowing that you’ve stepped outside of rsion of yourself because of it.

t the breathtaking Sublime Samana ignited a fire inside of us that has us craving more! Since that trip, her Destination Wedding Styled Shoot; New York twice to meet with some destination wedding ew York Bridal Fashion Week, and then to Las Vegas in November for Wedding MBA. Sublime Samana e as adventurous as you possibly can, and most importantly how important it is to seek out the hidden

FOR BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES, VISIT WWW.SUBLIMESAMANA.COM

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

237

238

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

Sweet Advice For

Newly Engaged couples

It’s still so hard to imagine that 2018 is nearly over.

We’ve had such an amazing year, full of inspiration and endless love. We have had the honour of featuring some of the most divine Destination Weddings from around the Caribbean & Mexico, and are still so excited to meet so many more couples in 2019. For our Premiere Issue, we decided to round up some of our favourite real wedding features and share some of their advice for future brides.

So this year, we decided to bring back this special feature, and hope that you all will feel the joy and love that we feel every single time we take a look at any one of these beautiful couples.

sam jackson photography

240

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

“Hire a wedding planner! From the moment we arrived to the moment we left I didn’t have to worry about anything to do with the wedding!

Mary and her team took care of everything. I have heard so many horror stories about how stressful a wedding day is for the bride but with Mary and her team I didn’t have to worry or stress about a single thing. She had everyone in place at the time they were supposed to be.”

AMBER, USVI

“Enjoy your day as much as you can and don’t sweat the small stuff. You can’t please everyone, but as long as you and your husband are pleased you are GOLD.”

LINDSAY VANN PHOTOGRAPHY

BOYKO STUDIO

“Have your dream wedding. Make it happen. You only have one chance and you won’t regret it. Be creative, don’t try to fit the mould. That’s my two cents.”

LORI-ANN, THE BAHAMAS

DIANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

“Take your time – Be patient with planning. You might actually miss it when its over.

Listen to your partner’s wants and needs first. Everyone around you will have an opinion but this is YOUR day.

Brides – it’s not all about you. Your partner deserves just as much input into his day as you do.

No one needs to understand your choices. Do what feels right. Once you two are happy, nothing else in the world matters.

KRYSTA-RAE, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

CHAD MUNRO, PICTURE THIS STUDIOS

BRAXTON GARDINER PHOTOGRAPHY

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

241

242

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

243

244

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

245

Adriana

VENDOR GUIDE

BAHAMAS

CAKE ARTISTRY

CAYMAN ISLANDS

PHOTOGRAPHY

TAKE A BITE BAHAMAS www.takeabitebahamas.com jessicatlfox@hotmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

alfred anderson www.alfredanderson.photography alfred@alfredanderson.photography Braxton Gardiner Photography www.braxtongardiner.com braxtonjgardiner@gmail.com DEDE BROWN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY www.dedebrownweddingphotography.com hello@dedebrownweddingphotography.com EBONI ROBYN PHOTOGRAPHY www.ebonirobyn.com info@ebonirobyn.com LYNDAH WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY www.lyndahwells.com hello@lyndahwells.com MARIO NIXON PHOTOGRAPHY www.marionixon.com PD Photography www.phyliciaduncombe.com info@phyliciaduncombe.com stanlo Photography www.stanlophotography.com stanlophotography@gmail.com

BEAUTY FAB FACES MAKEUP ARTISTRY www.fabfacesmua.com khandisesmith@hotmail.com SARSHA LEPECHE MAKEUP ARTIST www.sarshalepeche.com sarsha@oohlalepeche.com

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE FIVE SEASONS BRIDAL www.fiveseasonsbridal.com tennille@fiveseasonsbridal.com

BARBADOS PHOTOGRAPHY life photography by aniya www.lifebyaniya.com aniya@lifebyaniya.com NWP Caribbean www.nwpcaribbean.com nigel@nwpcaribbean.com RICKY CHASE PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO www.rickychasephotography.squarespace.com rickychasephotography@gmail.com

CAKE ARTISTRY WITH LOVE BY ESTHER JAMES www.withlovebyej.com esther@withlovebyej.com

VENUE REX RESORTS www.rexresorts.com rexresortswebsite@gmail.com

BEAUTY I HEART MAKEUP BARBADOS Ihrtmakeup@gmail.com

WEDDING PLANNING

signature styles barbados leann.signaturestylesbb@gmail.com

AMOUR AFFAIRS www.amouraffairs.com amouraffairs@gmail.com

WEDDING PLANNING

246

PICTURE THIS STUDIOS www.picturethis.ky admin@picturethis.ky

VIDEOGRAPHY

YEISHA FORBES BEAUTY www.facebook.com/skylinemua forbesanika@gmail.com

CHIC BAHAMAS WEDDINGS www.chicbahamasweddings.com marva.munroe@chicbahamasweddings.com

JENNA LEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY www.jenna-leighphotography.com jenna@jenna-leighphotography.com

AMOUR AFFAIRS www.amouraffairs.com amouraffairs@gmail.com

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M

PICTURE THIS STUDIOS www.picturethis.ky admin@picturethis.ky

CAKE ARTISTRY CAKE STUDIO CAYMAN www.thecakestudiocayman.com thecakestudio@gmail.com

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEOGRAPHY BOYKO STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY www.boykophotography.com info@boykophotography.com HDC PHOTO BY HUELLAS DEL CARIBE www.hdcphoto.com info@hdcphoto.com nch films www.puntacanaweddingfilms.com nikolay@dominicanrepublicphotography.com smash studios photography www.smashstudiosphoto.com info@smashstudiosphoto.com

MUSIC PASCAL AUBRION SAXOPHONIST www.puntacanalivemusic.com puntacanalivemusic@gmail.com

BEAUTY MAGDA RICCARDI MAKEUP ARTIST www.magdariccardimakeup.com magdariccardimakeup@gmail.com

VENUE SUBLIME SAMANA HOTEL & RESIDENCES www.sublimesamana.com reservations@sublimesamana.com

JAMAICA PHOTOGRAPHY DAVION FORBES PHOTOGRAPHY www.davionforbes.com info@davionforbes.com

VIDEOGRAPHY DIGITAL VIDEO CONCEPT www.dvconcept10@gmail.comdigitalvideoconcept.com dvconcept10@gmail.com

BEAUTY

vanessa vargas photography www.oochel.com vanessa@oochel.com

TURKS & CAICOS

VIDEOGRAPHY HERRO STUDIO http://www.vimeo.com/herrostudio rizeaboveproductions@gmail.com

CAKE ARTISTRY

VENUE

CAKES TO DI FOR cakestodifortci@gmail.com

DREW MANOR www.drewmanor.com info@drewmanor.com

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PHOTOGRAPHY CHEERS VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS www.cheersvisual.com cheers.hadassah@gmail.com CRESTED LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY www.crestedlightphotography.com info@crestedlightphotography.com

NORTH DECK www.thenorthdeck.com rentals@thenorthdeck.com THE ANCHORAGE www.anchoragett.com info@anchoragett.com

DECOR & FLORALS ABFAB EVENTS LTD. abfabeventstt@gmail.com

DEEDZ BEAUTY CONCEPTS www.instagram.com/DeeDzBeautyConcepts deedzbeautyconcepts@gmail.com

ELISE ROMANY PHOTOGRAPHY www.eliseromanyphotography.com eliseromanyphotography@gmail.com

DAISY’S WEDDINGS www.tobagoflowersonline.com daisysweddings@gmail.com

MEXICO

JANE DECLE PHOTOGRAPHY www.janedecle.com jane@janedecle.com

BAR SERVICE

PHOTOGRAPHY alan fresnel photography www.alanfresnel.com info@alanfresnel.com JONATHAN COSSU PHOTOGRAPHER www.jonathancossuphotographer.com info@jonathancossuphotographer.com martin corr wedding photographer www.martincorr.com martincorrphoto@gmail.com QUETZAL PHOTO www.quetzalwedphoto.com info@quetzalwedphoto.com

LEE TUNG & THOMAS STUDIOS www.leetungandthomas.com leetungandthomas@gmail.com NAALRI’S WEDDINGS AND FAMILY www.naalriphotos.com info@naalriphotos.com

WEDDING PLANNING EVENTS BY TRICIA eventsbytricia@hotmail.com WEDDINGS WITH FLAIR www.weddingswithflair.com

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

recorables photography recordables.es informacion@recordables.es

THE BRIDAL COUTURE BY NIKKI www.facebook.com/bridalcouturebynikky bridalcouturebynikky@gmail.com

WEDDINGDAYSTORY PHOTO & VIDEO www.weddingdaystory.com info@weddingdaystory.com

CAKE ARTISTRY

VENUE VILLA LA JOYA www.villalajoya.com hello@villalajoya.com

PUERTO RICO

A SIMPLE BITE www.instagram.com/asimplebite asimplebitett@gmail.com DESSERT HEAVEN www.instagram.com/dessertheaven868 bakerytreatz1@hotmail.com THE BROWN BOX www.thebrownboxcake.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BOOTH

ESTEBAN DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHY www.estebandanielphotography.com info@estebandanielphotography.com

PIXA PHOTOBOOTH www.pixaphotobooth.com pixaphotobooth@gmail.com

jose ruiz photography www.joseruizphotography.com info@joseruizphotography.com

MUSIC KUMAR SOUND & LIGHTING LTD. kumarsound2014@gmail.com

ACE BAR SERVICES www.acebarservices.com info@acebarservices.com

EVENT RENTAL GASP!! EVENTS LTD. www.facebook.com/gaspeventsltd gaspevents@hotmail.com MACKNUN EVENTS www.macknunevents.com macknunevents@gmail.com perched luxury event rentals www.perched.tt enquiries@perched.tt party and event company limited www.partyandevent-tt.com info@partyandevent-tt.com

INVITATIONS/ STATIONERY JAMOR CONCEPTS jamorconcepts@gmail.com redcarpet wedding & special events invitations redcarpetinvitationstt@gmail.com

HAIR STYLING STYL BAR stylebartt@outlook.com

BEAUTY MARIPOSA anyadasilva@gmail.com the mua house http://www.themuahouse.com themuahouse@gmail.com

248

A D R I A N A W E D D I N G S . C O M