Jamaica Romance Brochure 2016

Romance

Congratulations on what we’re certain will be the most memorable day of your life.

We’re honoured that you’re considering enjoying your wedding day in Jamaica and beginning your lifetime of happiness on one of the world’s most romantic islands.

With more than 175 amazing attractions, Jamaica offers plenty of glorious settings ideal for capturing every moment of your

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special day. From glorious sunsets to pristine white sandy beaches, tropical rainforests and luxurious venues, it’s safe to say Jamaica suits every taste.

While the island (and the weather) provides the paradise and those never forget moments, we ensure your whole wedding day runs smoothly.

We have a team of professional wedding co-ordinators on hand to provide the highest quality

of service throughout your stay.

Whatever information and advice you need, they’ll be on hand to provide you with every answer – and with a smile too.

So while our team are busy putting the finishing touches to your big day, you can spend more time enjoying our beautiful and spectacular island.

Getting married in Jamaica is easier than you think. There are direct flights available from

the United Kingdom to Jamaica all year round, plus you’re only required to be on the island 24 hours prior to the ceremony taking place.

Speak to your travel agent and book your dream wedding today.

Make it Jamaica, Home of All Right.

Elizabeth Fox Regional Director, UK Jamaica Tourist Board

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WELCOME to the HOME of All Right Imagine a wedding on a private island surrounded by the beautfiul, deep blue sea...

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The mist is drifting across distant mountain peaks and hummingbirds buzz through trees decked with flowers.You stroll with your partner along miles of untouched beaches, discovering coves, lagoons and waterfalls beneath a bewitching sunset.

There is the wonderful warmth of the tropical sun, and music that unifies two souls. You live in the lap of five-star luxury, with sumptuous food and drink to share with the one you love. You walk in the footsteps of royalty and superstars, mingling with the most welcoming people in the world.

When you imagine your wedding in paradise, you are imagining Jamaica – otherwise known as the Home of All Right.

For centuries, the island of Jamaica, in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, has held a wondrous allure to travellers from across the globe. This enchanting country – a “big, little island” at around 4,000 square miles in size – has an international reputation for being home to all the finest things in life. There is no better place in the world to enjoy your most important day.

In Jamaica, it is possible to tie the knot in perfect seclusion, or to throw a rambunctious party for friends from far and wide. You can feast on the most lavish fare, or sample fresh local flavours prepared in the simplest fashion. You can lose yourself in the peace of the mountains, or dance the night away in the home of reggae. Though it is home to the fastest sprinters on the planet, life is lived at the most agreeable pace.

Jamaica offers a wedding and a honeymoon in one: your memorable day can effortlessly extend into the holiday of a lifetime. Nothing is too much trouble in the Home of All Right – we have been welcoming visitors for hundreds of years.

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Making your way The relaxed life in Jamaica, the third-largest island in the Caribbean, feels a world away from the stresses and strains of everyday existence. Yet it is easily accessible from across the world, with three international airports and flights arriving year round. There are then excellent connections to take you to your final destination.

The capital city, Kingston, is in the south of the island, while the popular resort of Montego Bay lies on the northwest coast.

Between them are either the dramatic mountain ranges of the island’s interior – a glorious wilderness of tropical forest and lagoons; rivers and waterfalls – or miles of exquisite coastline, dotted with charming villages and glorious, white sand.

You and your guests can easily explore as much or as little as you like. There are reliable transport links, by road, boat or even horseback and raft. Hike into the Blue Mountains or enjoy a nocturnal exploration of the vibrant metropolis of Kingston proves that the journey is at least as fascinating as the destination.

A place to rest There are hundreds of accommodation options in Jamaica for you and your guests, regardless of your budget. In Montego Bay, for instance, the fivestar opulence of the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall and Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall can accommodate parties of any size, and offers the Caribbean’s only sky-view wedding chapel. Similarly, Sandals Royal Caribbean has its own private island on which you can deliver your vows in front of only those you most wish to share your happiest moment – and the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea. Some of the most attractive places to stay are in the island’s historic villas, now converted into guesthouses and offering authentic hospitality. These can be situated in secluded groves or right on the waterfront, and rooms often have sensational views across mountain landscapes or the ocean.

Across the island there are also self-catering condo complexes available to rent, usually offering access to swimming pools, sport facilities and, of course, the beach. They range in size from intimate guestrooms for one or two visitors, to lavish family retreats.

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A land bursting with flavour Jamaicans know how to enjoy themselves, and the island’s traditional cuisine draws on the bountiful delights of the pristine ocean, combined with home-grown fruit and vegetables bursting with sweet tropical flavours. The spectacular array of restaurants serve piles of the freshest seafood: spiced shrimp, succulent crab, huge scallops and tender white fillets. Tables of fruit offer a rainbow of colours, including the sweetest examples of all the familiar favourites alongside treasures unique to the island, including Jamaican coco, the deep crimson cocoplum, the tangy uglifruit and ackee, the country’s national fruit.

Jamaica’s chefs combine this wonderful natural larder and the island’s wide array of indigenous spices with years of training at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Wedding banquets offer an unrivalled sample of these abundant flavours, delivered with impeccable service. Hotel dining rooms are beautifully appointed, but dinner can also be served on the beach, on a terrace overlooking the sea, on a hilltop or even in a cave.

And when you’re not eating, the refreshment never stops.

The sweet fruit flavours make a perfect accompaniment to the finest Jamaican rum. The island is also home to an assortment of refreshing beers, from the internationally renowned Red Stripe, to hearty locally-brewed stouts. Blue Mountain has also given its name to one of the world’s most celebrated coffees, for a morning pick-me-up or an after-dinner treat.

A home from home Among the many benefits of a wedding in Jamaica is the fact that you will always be understood. The nation’s official language is English, so all important documentation, and all the significant ceremonies, will take place in your mother tongue. Although locals often also speak in Jamaican patois, which will be familiar to anyone who has listened to the wide range of music exported from the island, everybody understands English.

The official currency is the Jamaican dollar, but US dollars are

widely accepted across the island, so the money too will feel familiar.

Yet one significant element will not remind you of home: the climate.

Jamaica is in the tropics, and the average annual temperate is 28C. A wedding and a honeymoon in one Regardless of how many nights you spend in Jamaica, you will always want to stay longer. And celebrating your wedding in the country allows you to also enjoy a honeymoon in an enchanting paradise.

The scope of activities available on the island is exceptionally broad, thanks to the various landscapes and the dedication to welcoming holidaymakers, no matter how they wish to spend their time.

For the newlywed couple, few excursions are more romantic than an exclusive horseback ride and swim. After traversing the picturesque mountain trails, you can remain on your mount’s back as it trots across the beach and into the warm sea, where it will break into a swim.

Other aquatic adventures include rafting along the White River through the green Jamaican glades, or swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove. You can charter a catamaran to cruise around the island, or wonder at Jamaica’s unique Luminous Lagoon at Glistening Waters, where the water itself appears bathed in a phosphorescent light. It is entirely natural and endlessly romantic.

For the energetic, there is nothing as rewarding as a hike the Blue Mountain National Park to the summit of Blue Mountain Peak, the highest point in Jamaica. You ascend the mountain under the cover of darkness, emerging at sunrise above a stunning canopy.

Meanwhile Dunn’s River Falls and Park is a glorious, natural phenomenon: a series of waterfalls and lagoons, falling 600 feet and emptying into the Caribbean. You can also plunge into Mayfield Falls, sharing one of 44 mineral pools or 21 natural jacuzzis. It is easy to see why the Arawaks (indigenous people) named the country Xayamaca, meaning “land of rivers and springs”.

It is possible to employ a guide to provide a complete itinerary, arranging all transportation links and organisational support.

Alternatively, you can suggest all these excursions for your guests

and remain alone together on the beach or at the resort, enjoying the first days of your life together in perfect, tranquil seclusion.

Sights and sounds to inspire Music courses through the veins of all Jamaicans, from the island’s folk roots, through the 20th-century inventions of mento, dancehall and giddy-up, and of course reggae, which defines the island’s sound.

This is the country that gave birth to Bob Marley, and his musical legacy lives on. The entire island dances and sings it way through each and every day. No visitor can leave Jamaica without having felt the cool island vibes. Your wedding is a day to celebrate, and no country in the world can match Jamaica for its willingness to party: people of all ages are drawn together by song and dance.

Entertainment of all kinds can be arranged for your celebrations, from traditional dancers to calypso bands or contemporary DJs. Popular songs in all genres have likely been influenced by the peerless musicians of Jamaica, and you can discover the music’s source as you begin a life in perfect harmony with one another.

Follow the trend Jamaica has its very own Love Guru named Wendy, who has years of experience in planning the most romantic weddings and honeymoons. With Wendy’s help, you can arrange anything from the most traditional ceremony to a more original occasion of your own design.

New wedding trends in Jamaica include “green” weddings, where guests can opt for eco-friendly resorts and wedding locations to match their lifestyles, or opting to tie the knot in venues off the beaten track. Weddings have been arranged at Dunn’s Falls, for example, as well as at the Cave Resort, on the edge of a cliff.

Recently, couples have also taken to using drones carrying Go Pro cameras to create a permanent memory of the day that is unsurpassed for style. The camera can swoop across the resort, over cliffs and along the beach, capturing the full breadth and majesty of your wonderful day.

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couples resortS HHHHH

At Couples Resorts, you will begin your life together in one of the most idyllic settings in the world. On that very special day, we promise to make sure everything is absolutely perfect.

From vibrant bridal bouquets to gourmet menus to thrilling live entertainment – our staff pay special attention to every detail to create an unforgettable occasion.

Your dedicated wedding planner will make all the arrangements according to your specific instructions – leaving you free to enjoy the moment with your loved ones.

Catering to a variety of styles and budgets, our personalised wedding packages offer fabulous choices. Whether exchanging vows on the white sand beach or on your own private island, hosting intimate outdoor dinners or memorable receptions with sumptuous buffets, you will find everything you ever dreamed of at Couples Resorts.

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Wedding Facilities: Ceremony: Yes Reception room: Yes Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes General information Contact: sales@couplesresorts. co.uk Seasonal opening: N/A Telephone: 01582 794420 Address: Crown House, Crown Street, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7JX Email: sales@couplesresorts. co.uk Web: www.couplesresorts.co.uk

couples negril

The Caribbean shores are one of the most beautiful in the whole world, and Negril beach has been voted one of the

best in the world. Step into an 18-acre deluxe paradise, and choose a room facing the serene oceanfront or flourishing gardens.

Revel in the intimate setting; pamper your mind, body and soul at the renowned Oasis Spa. Feast on delectable cuisine created by our award-winning chefs from around the world. Couples enjoy spending a romantic evening gazing at the stars, while water sports enthusiasts and golf aficionados can indulge in an array of all-inclusive activities and classes. For a true Jamaican island escape, transcend to Couples Negril.

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 234 Restaurants: 4 restaurants and Beach Grill Pool: 2 swimming pools Spa: Yes Gym: Yes Golf: Yes Sport: Yes

couples sanS souci

Couples Sans Souci, an all-inclusive holiday resort in the Caribbean, perched on the cliffs of the Emerald Coast, reflects the vivid beauty of the island. Each and every luxury suite encompasses magnificent views of the ocean, and many look out over the vibrant vegetation of the island.

Voted the best dining experience of any resort in all of Jamaica on the Condé Nast Gold List 2005, we have award-winning chefs and gracious hospitality waiting to serve you. Wander along stone paths leading to natural springs, and take a dip in the healing waters known to revitalise mind and body. An all-inclusive trip to the Dunn’s River waterfall makes for an adrenaline inducing experience, or by contrast, Charlie’s Spa at Couples Sans

Souci is a sanctuary of peace and harmony; visit here to discover a new sense of wellbeing in this perfect environment for relaxation.

Hotel Facilities Suites: 150 Restaurants: 3 restaurants and Beach Grill Pool: 4 swimming pools Spa: Yes Gym: Yes Golf: Yes Sport: Yes

couples swept away

Set on Negril’s beautiful Seven Mile Beach, Couples Swept Away is Jamaica’s world-class adult’s only beach resort and hotel dedicated to couples.The seductive oceanfront of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach shows off the essence of

the exotic and unexplored; and nestled between lush tropical gardens and crystal ocean, this Jamaican hotel is an oasis of chic cafes and poolside retreats. Negril’s picture-perfect beach provides the ideal background for a Caribbean beach wedding or just a romantic stroll hand in hand along the shore with your loved one. Whether it’s a blissful spa treatment to soothe the senses, a sunset catamaran cruise across the cerulean Caribbean waters, a delectable candle-lit dinner in an intimate open-air restaurant, or a scuba dive to explore the vast warm waters, you can rest assured you’ll experience the holiday from paradise.

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 312 Restaurants: 5 restaurants and Beach Grill Pool: 4 Spa: Yes Gym: Yes Golf: Yes Sport: Yes

couples tower isle

Once you arrive at your allinclusive holiday to Jamaica at Couples Tower Isle, you’ll know that you’re in a special place and will soon adjust to the relaxing ambiance of Caribbean life. Love food – try our 6 dining areas, and our award winning chef Stefan Spath will tantalise your tastebuds. Enjoy local Caribbean fare overlooking the white sand beaches of Jamaica or feast on gourmet Thai cuisine surrounded by tiki torches under a canopy of Caribbean Stars. We understand that people look for space as well as privacy, that’s why each room has a private balcony for you to enjoy before falling into king sized beds. Tower Isle’s spa has been independently voted by Travel & Leisure as the ‘Top Hotel Spas in the Caribbean,’ ranking us #1 for

the third time. It’s the attention to detail and the quest to find the best adult holiday experience in the world that makes us what we are today.

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 226 Restaurants: 5 restaurants and pool grill Pool: 4 swimming pools Spa: Yes Gym: Yes Golf: Yes Sport: Yes

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secrets st. james montego bay HHHHH

& secrets wild orchid montego bay HHHHH On an island that was once part of the British Empire, Secrets St. James Montego Bay, a AAA Four Diamond resort, presents guests with a peaceful, relaxing ocean front destination. From luxurious suites to the 15,000 sq. ft. Secrets Spa by Pevonia, the resort’s classic décor and contemporary fabrics echo this modern take on the sophistication of the era. For the ultimate in amenities, there’s Unlimited-Luxury®, starting with 24-hour room service, seven gourmet restaurants, eight bars and lounges serving limitless top-shelf spirits, and daily entertainment.

This adults-only resort, beautifully surrounded by the crystal-clear Caribbean, features 350 opulent suites, impeccable service and superior amenities.

Each of the suites feature a king or two queen beds, 24-hour room service, a private and furnished

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patio or balcony, Secrets Box for private room service delivery, daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, bottled water and beer, hair dryer, cable TV, MP3 docking alarm clock, spacious bathroom, slippers and much more.

Guests can enjoy a total of seven gourmet, à la carte restaurants serving a variety of international cuisine, eight chic bars and lounges offering unlimited top-shelf spirits, and an air-conditioned theatre offering a variety of nightly live entertainment. Find paradise at the Secrets Spa by Pevonia or on the green at nearby championship-caliber golf courses.

Right next door to Secrets St James is Secrets Wild Orchid. Set on a peninsula with over a mile of private beach leading into the crystal-clear sea, this vibrant AAA Four Diamond resort offers adults the ultimate in excitement, fun,

romance and Unlimited-Luxury®.

With its welcoming Jamaican vibe, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay offers 350 luxurious guest suites, each featuring British colonial décor, a king-size bed (or two double beds), whirlpool tub, private balcony, complimentary mini-bar and much more.

Facilities are shared with the St James Resort so from the moment guests wake in their sun-soaked suites, days and nights are filled with nearly endless opportunities. Tennis, yoga, scuba diving and snorkelling are just some of the ways to while away the day while the evenings can be spent partying beneath the warm glow of a Caribbean moon.

Secrets St James & Wild Orchid offer three thoughtfully designed, romantic wedding packages Wedding in Paradise, Secrets of Love and Secrets Ultimate.

These packages include a whole

host of extra services to make the day as hassle free as possible; these include brides hairstyling & make-up, private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, photography and video of the ceremony, spa treatments and Wedgwood Vera Wang Love Knots toasting flutes.

And with 3 Wedding Gazebos, 2 of which are on the piers overlooking pristine waters, and abundant options to personalize, couples can find the perfect wedding package then make it their own.

As well as the stunning beach there is an elegant ballroom and terrace for a reception to remember always. The professional wedding coordinator will handle every detail, so couples can focus on each other and nothing else and begin their new life together in a storybook tropical setting.

Secrets SpasOnly Resorts &

Adults

Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay - Stylish. Radiant. Fun. Secrets St. James, Montego Bay - Peaceful. Sophisticated. Paradise.

Hotel facilities Rooms: 350 Restaurants: Offering guests the opportunity to dine at a total of 9 restaurants: 1 buffet, 7 à la carte and a café. Seven restaurants are located in the Promenade, one restaurant located in Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and one in Secrets St. James Montego Bay. Pool: Outdoor Pool Spa: Secrets Spa by Pevonia Gym: Yes The state-of-the-art Fitness Center stretches nearly 140m²/430 sq. ft and offers a variety of cardio-conditioning equipment Golf: Five golf courses including: White Witch Golf Course, Half Moon Golf Club, Tryall Golf Club, Three Palms Ocean Course at Wyndham Rose Hall and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, each considered as one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque and

challenging golf courses.

Sport: Indoor/Outdoor Activities Including: · Ping-Pong · Basketball · Volleyball · Jogging trail · Bicycle tours · Tennis court (lit) · Yoga · Aerobics · Dance classes · Cooking classes · Horseback riding* Water Sports Including: · Water aerobics · Non-motorized water sports · Water polo/pool volleyball · Sailboats and kayaks · Windsurfing and snorkeling · Catamarans* · Scuba diving lessons

Wedding facilities Ceremony: Yes Weddings: Wedding packages are offered complimentary when a minimum room category is booked for a minimum stay.

This package includes: symbolic wedding, wedding coordination with on-site wedding coordinator, sparkling wine toast and cake, bouquet and boutonniere for the wedding couple and discounts on spa treatments. Upgraded packages and renewal of vows packages are available.

Wedding planner: Yes

*additional costs may apply

General Information Address: Lot 59A Freeport, Montego Bay St. James, Jamaica Email: info.sesmb@secretresorts.com Web: www.secretsresorts.com Contact your preferred Tour Operator to book

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Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall The Evolution of All-Inclusive™

HHHHH Sophisticated and stylish, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is an all-inclusive indulgent escape for adults seeking refuge from the rigors of the outside world.

Here, within the resort’s lush grounds, couples and wedding guests can celebrate in a myriad of styles. The resort offers dramatic wedding venues from sea to sky, and the opportunity for couples to enjoy a complimentary ceremonial wedding in one of two ways: For the Couple Only — when staying a minimum of six nights in an upper category suite; or bring friends and family who book a combined minimum of 15 room nights and enjoy the Intimate Elegance Celebration for up to 10 guests. Free weddings include such beautiful extras as a complimentary bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, a signature wedding cake and

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wine toast, a symbolic marriage ceremony and certificate, as well as the services of professional wedding specialists.

In addition, the betrothed can preview the resort with a unique program called Big Day Preview. For $500 USD the couple can experience a two night/three day wedding planning stay prior to booking their wedding. If the couple decides to have their wedding at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall the $500 USD is put towards the cost of their wedding arrangements.

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall offers 234 spacious suites including romantic swim-up suites and elegant Presidential Suites. Guests are free to engage in water sports, indulge in the spa, enjoy a complimentary round of golf at the championship White Witch or Cinnamon Hill golf courses, or simply relax. And when the

night comes, an entirely new group of opportunities present themselves. It’s all part of one all-inclusive price, and part of one unforgettable vacation as well.

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall offers distinctive and unforgettable dining options through its elegant buffet and specialty restaurants, each a unique culinary experience from around the world. With 3 of its own adult-only restaurants and 2 cocktail bars, it also shares another 8 restaurants and bars with its sister resort, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, where guests are also welcome to dine. Romantic and elegant, Hyatt Zilara Rose is The Evolution of All-Inclusive™.

Hotel facilities Rooms: 234 Restaurants: 11 Pool: outdoor pool Spa: yes

Gym: yes Sport: yes Wedding facilities Ceremony: yes - Ocean Gazebo, Wedding Gazebo, Sky Lounge, Beach, Lawn Reception room: Sky Lounge, Beach, Lawn, Indoor Ballrooms Catering services: yes Wedding planner: yes Wedding suite: yes Complimentary Wedding Ceremonies: yes General information Bookings: Karen Stephenson Contact: 876-618-1234, karen. stephenson@hyatt.com AAA Four Diamond Resort

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall The Evolution of All-Inclusive™

HHHHH At Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall you’ll discover incredible wedding venues situated on idealic white sand beaches lapped by the blue Caribbean sea. Here, a variety of wedding packages allow couples to customise the wedding of their dreams....... right down to their own signature drink! Couples can even choose a complimentary ceremonial wedding in one of two ways: For the Couple Only -- when staying a minimum of six nights in an upper category suite; or bring friends and family who book a combined minimum of 15 room nights and enjoy the Intimate Elegance Celebration for up to 10 guests. Free weddings include such beautiful extras as a complimentary bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, a signature wedding cake and wine toast, a symbolic marriage ceremony and certificate, as well

as the services of professional wedding specialists.

In addition, the betrothed can preview the resort with a unique program called Big Day Preview.

For $500 USD the couple can experience a two night/three day wedding planning stay prior to booking their wedding. If the couple decides to have their wedding at Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall the $500 USD is put towards the cost of their wedding arrangements.

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall offers a plethora of accommodations with 387 suites, including romantic swim-up suites. The resort is adjacent to Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and is only 15 minutes from Montego Bay’s Sangster International airport, and only 5 minutes from the championship White Witch and Cinnamon Hill golf courses, where guests can enjoy a complimentary round of golf.

At this paradise of rest,

relaxation and recreation guests of all ages can enjoy the best the island has to offer in all-inclusive splendour. From gourmet cuisine and accommodations to thrilling sports on land and sea, it’s an experience every member of the family will love unconditionally.

You will feel totally indulged by attentive Beach Butlers and rum sommeliers, enjoy complimentary spa access and a 24-hour room service menu that includes chef ’s specials. At every turn, guests receive warm, genuine, exemplary service that comes not out of obligation, but with genuine Service from the Heart™.

Hotel facilities Rooms: 387 Restaurants: 11 Pool: outdoor pools Spa: yes Gym: yes Sport: yes

Wedding facilities Ceremony: yes - Ocean Gazebo, Wedding Gazebo, Sky Lounge, Beach, Lawn Reception room: Sky Lounge, Beach, Lawn, Indoor Ballrooms Catering services: yes Wedding planner: yes Wedding suite: yes General information Bookings: Karen Stephenson Contact: 876-618-1234 - Karen. stephenson@hyatt.com Seasonal opening: always Telephone: 876-618-6404 Address: Hyatt Ziva Rose Rall Jamaica Email: karen.stephenson@hyatt. com Web: rosehall.ziva.hyatt.com AAA Four Diamond Resort

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STEPby STEP

You will want to be prepared for the happiest day of your life, but planning for a wedding in Jamaica need be no more complicated than following a simple how-to guide.

1. Choose your location There are six main wedding regions in Jamaica, each with its own unique feel. Take your pick from: · Kingston: ‘The Heartbeat of Jamaica’ · Ocho Rios: ‘The Centrepiece of Jamaica’ · Port Antonio: ‘Naturally’ · Montego Bay: ‘The Complete Resort’ · South Coast: ‘Off the Beaten Path’ · Negril: ‘Capital of Casual’ There are several hotels in each area that can provide a complete wedding package. Visit www.visitjamaica.com for a full list of our hotels.

2. Choose a package You can save yourself some time if you choose a specialist wedding package from a hotel, or even more if you hire the services of a wedding planner to make all the key arrangements. Everything will be possible. In Jamaica, we like to say, “That’s no problem, mon!”

If you select a destination wedding package, make sure you negotiate for discounted hotel rooms for your guests, and find out what is included. Packages can often include performance of the ceremony, taxes,

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transportation, accommodation, wedding cake, flowers and the honeymoon suite.

If you communicate directly with a hotel, make sure you speak with the representative who will have direct responsibility for your wedding, who will tell you exactly what you will get. Double check if there are any other events planned for that day or weekend to make sure they do not impact on your arrangements.

Jamaica is a tropical destination so make sure you have arrangements for a backup indoor location should it rain on your big day.

Wedding planners are excellent at this – it’s their job.

They can assist with personalising your wedding to suit your taste and it’s worth looking at their website for photos of previous weddings, as well as comments from other couples.

Wendy is Jamaica’s specialist ‘love guru’. She can be reached at https://www.twitter.com/ weddingsinja. Let her help you to plan one of the most exciting adventures of your life. She will suggest your perfect spot to tie the knot, with a picturesque backdrop of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches or an exotic garden.

Whichever route you take, ensure you read all the paperwork carefully and ask questions if there is something that is not clear.

3. Create a budget It is a good idea to create a detailed budget for your wedding, which can help you determine how practical your arrangements are and also guarantee that you factor in everything. It may free up some extra funds to enjoy even more of what the island has to offer, but also ensure you don’t suddenly find out you have over-spent.

Resort weddings in Jamaica are usually affordable year-round, but you might also want to check out the difference in price between high and low season.

A wedding out of peak time can not only help you to save some money but also presents a less busy venue, offering even more seclusion and intimacy. The busiest times of year for visitors to the island are around the Christmas and New Year holiday as well as February to mid-May. It is sensible to make sure you consider every potential cost: the hotel, the airfare, meals, marriage licence and wedding package.

Most hotels can offer you a quote for the whole deal so you can spend less time worrying and more time having fun.

4. Factor in the exchange rate The currency in Jamaica is the dollar and, as with any currency, the exchange rate can fluctuate from day to day. Get in the habit of converting prices into the right currency as this will give you an idea of exactly how much the entire wedding package will cost.

The Bank of Jamaica website (www.boj.gov.jm) shows the daily exchange rate.

5. Give your guests some extra notice If you intend to share you special day with your favourite people, you need to make sure they are all available. Get those invitations in the post sooner rather than later!

Even if you would rather wait to send official notice, consider a “Save The Date” card up to nine months in advance, allowing friends and family as much time as possible to book flights and accommodation. You can follow up with the official invitation two to three months before the big day.

Of course, also ask for an RSVP one month before your wedding date. When you know for certain who is coming, you will be able to finalise your plans and the cost.

6. Plan your island activities Most destination weddings take place over long weekends. To get the most out of your time, plan an itinerary around your wedding day so you can do as many (or as few) activities as you please while you are on the island. No matter what your interest, Jamaica has an activity for you. Visit www. visitjamaica.com to see a full list of activities and attractions.

7. T h i n k a b o u t what to wear When selecting the dress for your bridal party, bear in mind that Jamaica is a tropical destination. Look at the temperature and climate conditions prior to selecting a date as this may determine the type of material with which you will feel most comfortable. For more information on weather patterns in Jamaica, please visit www.metservice.gov.jm.

8. Paying your bills Ensure that you pay all your costs within one month of the wedding.

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Sandals royal plantation The art of stylish hospitality is reinvented at Sandals’ only all-butler, all-suite, all-oceanfront boutique retreat. Sandals Royal Plantation is a romantic, upscale getaway intended for those who are serious about taking life easy. In an unpretentious ambience of classic European elegance, 74 oceanview suites and a stand-alone, three-bedroom private villa offer an unmatched service ratio of staff-to-guests.

When it comes to gourmet dining, top chef Walter Staib designs the award-winning menus at five distinctive restaurants.

The elite Sandals Royal Plantation is also home to the island’s only Champagne and caviar bar, C-Bar*.

And with Sandals’ exclusive “Stay at One, Play at Two” exchange programme, you can experience neighbouring Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, with full access to every amenity from dining to land and water sports, along with complimentary golf at the nearby Sandals Golf^ & Country Club.

With Sandals WeddingMoons®, it’s Your Wedding, Your Style, which means you have the freedom to design every aspect of your big day with ease, comfort and confidence. Sandals’ online Wedding Designer is the perfect

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tool to get you started. Choose from hundreds of floral options, colour combinations and delicate details to make it your own.

Alternatively, they have six pre-designed themes for you to choose from – one of which is completely FREE (value of $500)! For more information, visit sandals.co.uk Hotel Facilities Rooms: 74 Restaurants: 5 restaurants Pool: 1 pool Spa: Yes – Red Lane® Spa* Gym: Yes Golf: Yes^– Available at Sandals Golf & Country Club Sport: Yes – land sports include tennis and a pool table, water sports include aquatrikes, windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving# Wedding Facilities Ceremony: Yes Reception room: There are a variety of locations both outside and indoors Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes

sandals ochi beach resort When you consider all the things that make Jamaica such a spectacular destination – the beaches, the mountains, and the culture – you might think you can’t experience it all in just one holiday. But at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, you can. There are three distinctive experiences to choose from: a seaside garden oasis called the Riviera Seaside Village featuring the hip Ochi Beach Club, the plantation-style Great House Village and the All-Butler Village perched atop a majestic mountain.

At the Riviera Seaside, everything is built to face the sea, with a grand promenade as the centre-piece and luxurious suites right on water’s edge, closer than any other resort on the island.

The Great House Village, offers a rich sense of timelessness and hospitality. Further up the hillside, the privileged enclave known as the All-Butler Village boasts some of the most uniquely romantic suites, all with the exclusive services of personal Butlers.

Whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here.

With Sandals WeddingMoons®, it’s Your Wedding, Your Style, which means you have the freedom to design every aspect

of your big day with ease, comfort and confidence. Sandals’ online Wedding Designer is the perfect tool to get you started. Choose from hundreds of floral options, colour combinations and delicate details to make it your own.

Alternatively, they have six pre-designed themes for you to choose from – one of which is completely FREE (value of $500)!

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 529 Restaurants: 16 restaurants Pool: 7 pools Spa: Yes – Red Lane® Spa (Treatments at cost) Gym: Yes Golf: Yes^– Available at Sandals Golf & Country Club Sport: Land sports include tennis, lawn chess and rock climbing, water sports include windsurfing, paddleboards, snorkelling and scuba diving# Wedding Facilities Ceremony: Yes Reception room: A variety of locations both outside and indoors Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes

*At costs ^Mandatory caddie at costs # Unlimited Scuba Diving for certified divers. Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for beginners and PADI International Dive certification are available at additional costs.

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sandals royal caribbean RESORT & PRIVATE ISLAND Sandals Royal Caribbean is a romantic journey to opposite sides of the world, from its regal British Manor – and mannerisms – to the mysteries of the Orient on a private island located just across the resort’s expansive beachfront.

The opposite side of the globe is reached in minutes by Sandals’ authentic dragon boat, providing a complimentary journey to an exotic private island that appears from another land. Serene pathways, romantic footbridges and Bali-inspired beach bed cabanas put you in a tranquil state of mind.

When night falls, Sandals Royal Caribbean offers endless poolside and beachside pleasures. Dine at water’s edge with open-air views and piano melodies providing a romantic backdrop. Or escape to Sandals Island for authentic Thai food served beneath a pagoda.

Continue your evening at an authentic British pub, raising your glass at the piano bar, or around a romantic waterside firepit.

With Sandals WeddingMoons®, it’s Your Wedding, Your Style, which means you have the freedom to design every aspect of your big day with ease, comfort

and confidence. Sandals’ online Wedding Designer is the perfect tool to get you started. Choose from hundreds of floral options, colour combinations and delicate details to make it your own.

Alternatively, they have six pre-designed themes for you to choose from – one of which is completely FREE (value of $500)!

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 210 Restaurants: 8 restaurants Pool: 7 pools Spa: Yes* – Red Lane® Spa Gym: Yes Sport: Land sports include tennis, basketball and pool, water sports include Hobie Cats, windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving# Wedding Facilities Ceremony: Yes Reception room: There are a variety of locations both outside and indoors Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes

sandals montego bay Everyone loves a true original, so it’s only fitting that the very first Sandals is a masterpiece of design.

Set along Jamaica’s best private beach, Sandals Montego Bay is one of the island’s most playful and captivating hideaways, where the fun never ends.

At Sandals Montego Bay, nearly everything – from rooms to restaurants – has been designed to stretch out along this spectacular beachfront. The style is casually elegant – a high-spirited retreat with poolside parties, uninhibited beach soirees and impromptu moments around every corner.

At this free-spirited beach resort, everything is truly free. So you can let your hair down and do whatever suits your mood.

With Sandals WeddingMoons®, it’s Your Wedding, Your Style, which means you have the freedom to design every aspect of your big day with ease, comfort and confidence. Sandals’ online Wedding Designer is the perfect tool to get you started. Choose from hundreds of floral options, colour combinations and delicate details to make it your own.

Alternatively, they have six pre-designed themes for you to choose from – one of which is

*At costs #Unlimited Scuba Diving for certified divers. Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for beginners and PADI International Dive certification are available at additional costs.

completely FREE (value of $500)!

Sandals Montego Bay is where the beach – and romance – goes on and on.

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 250 Restaurants: 9 restaurants Pool: 4 pools Spa: Yes* – Red Lane® Spa Gym: Yes Golf: No Sport: Land sports include tennis, basketball and volleyball, water sports include wake boarding, paddleboards, snorkelling and scuba diving# Wedding Facilities Ceremony: Yes Reception room: A variety of locations both outside and indoors Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes

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sandals negril resort & spa Perfectly chic and ever-soplayful, Sandals Negril is set on the longest and best stretch of Jamaica’s famed Seven-Mile Beach.

It was created to hug its seaside location, making it truly beachfront, with Caribbean architecture and buildings that are never taller than the highest palm. There are no schedules to follow and no clocks to obey here. So kick back and let your cares drift away in a swaying hammock for two.

Indulge in unlimited water sports, including scuba diving# (free for certified divers, fees apply to others) and snorkelling, as well as every land-based activity imaginable, like beach volleyball and billiards. Seven restaurants serve savoury cuisine ranging from the Caribbean to the Far East with venues set along – and even on – the beach, so every seat offers a view of Negril’s legendary sunset.

With Sandals WeddingMoons®, it’s Your Wedding, Your Style, which means you have the freedom to design every aspect of your big day with ease, comfort and confidence. Sandals’ online Wedding Designer is the perfect tool to get you started. Choose

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from hundreds of floral options, colour combinations and delicate details to make it your own.

Alternatively, they have six pre-designed themes for you to choose from – one of which is completely FREE (value of $500)!

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 226 Restaurants: 7 restaurants Pool: 4 pools Spa: Yes* – Red Lane® Spa Gym: Yes Sport: Yes – land sports include tennis, giant outdoor chess, croquet and volleyball, water sports include aquatrikes, knee boarding, tubing, snorkelling and scuba diving# Wedding Facilities Ceremony: Yes Reception room: A variety of locations both outside and indoors Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes

Sandals whitehouse european village & spa Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa perfectly blends the exotic allure of the Caribbean with the refined elegance of Europe, surrounded by tropical palm groves and a unique twomile stretch of the beach where you can view both the sunrise and sunset. Flowering gardens frame a charming Italian piazza while meandering walkways lead to three architecturally distinct European villages inspired by Italy, France, and the Netherlands.

Here, every room and suite overlooks the unspoiled beach and mesmerising ocean.

Seven restaurants serve mouthwatering cuisine from around the world, while entertainment ranges from a sophisticated piano bar to bonfire beach parties and a twostory amphitheatre.You have four pools to choose from, all just steps from a pristine beach. Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa offers pampering treatments at the award-winning Red Lane® Spa*, along with endless diversions – unlimited land and water sports including scuba diving# (free for certified divers, fees apply to others), tennis, squash, a fitness centre and billiards. This resort is

truly a world unto itself, where time is all but forgotten and the only moment is now.

With Sandals WeddingMoons®, it’s Your Wedding, Your Style, which means you have the freedom to design every aspect of your big day with ease, comfort and confidence. Sandals’ online Wedding Designer is the perfect tool to get you started. Choose from hundreds of floral options, colour combinations and delicate details to make it your own.

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 360 Restaurants: 7 restaurants Pool: 4 pools Spa: Yes* – Red Lane® Spa Gym: Yes Sport: includes bocce ball, squash and volleyball, water-skiing, tubing, glass bottom boat, snorkelling and scuba diving# Wedding Facilities Ceremony: Yes Reception room: A variety of locations both outside and indoors Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes

*At costs #Unlimited Scuba Diving for certified divers. Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for beginners and PADI International Dive certification are available at additional costs.

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Beaches Ocho Rios – A Spa, Golf & Waterpark Resort Located in the heart of Jamaica, Beaches Ocho Rios – A Spa, Golf & Waterpark Resort introduces unmatched levels of all-inclusive luxury and excitement for everyone, especially families. It all begins with their Red Carpet Welcome, with Sesame Street® character greetings for the kids, and sparkling wine and a chilled towel at check-in for the grown-ups.

Your Beaches Luxury Included® holiday then goes on to include the best beachfront in Ocho Rios.

At Jamaica’s largest and most spectacular waterpark, there are 11 exhilarating waterslides to choose from, all leading to endless thrills. Indulge in unlimited scuba diving# (free for certified divers, fees apply to others), extensive dining choices, entertainment for all ages, and nannies accredited by the International Nanny Association.

Beaches Ocho Rios. It’s the perfect place to bring everyone together for the ultimate getaway at Jamaica’s premier family resort.

With Beaches WeddingMoons®, it’s Your Wedding,Your Style, which means you have the freedom to design every aspect of your big day with ease, comfort and confidence.

Sandals’ online Wedding Designer is the perfect tool to get you started.

beaches negril resort & spa

Choose from hundreds of floral Negril invented “chill” – so get options, colour combinations and ready to embrace the laid-back delicate details to make it your own. spirit at this low-rise resort set along the widest stretch of Negril’s famed Hotel Facilities Seven-Mile Beach.The vibe here Rooms: 223 is totally carefree, relaxed, and the Restaurants: 6 restaurants perfect place to spend time with Pool: 5 pools those you love. Spread out over 20 Spa: Yes* – Red Lane® Spa acres of lush landscaping, Beaches Gym: Yes Negril Resort & Spa epitomises Golf: Yes^– Available at Sandals paradise with spectacular gardens Gof & Country Club beside the sea, island architecture Sport: Land sports include tennis, in the vibrant colours of the West shuffle board and table tennis, Indies, arched stone breezeways, water sports include windsurfing, and the sounds of a Jamaican aquatrikes, banana boat rides, Mento band that will have you snorkelling and scuba diving# swaying to an island rhythm.

Anything Else: Kids Camp The perfectly calm sea is made including The Caribbean Adventures for pursuits like waterskiing, with Sesame Street® activities, windsurfing and snorkelling. Of Liquid by Beaches nightclub, course, the exhilarating thrill of Trench Town teen lounge, Xbox water can be found at Pirates 360® Play Lounge, Scratch DJ Island Waterpark, where water Academy® (Additional charge), slides and water cannons offer Bubble Maker Programme and a rush of pure adrenaline, and a Seal Team (Additional costs) meandering lazy river takes you along gently flowing currents to a Wedding state of pure relaxation.

Facilities With Beaches WeddingMoons®, it’s Your Wedding, Your Style, Ceremony: Yes which means you have the Reception room: A variety of freedom to design every aspect outside and indoors locations of your big day with ease, comfort Catering services: Yes and confidence. Sandals’ online Wedding planner: Yes Wedding Designer is the perfect

*At costs ^Mandatory caddie at costs #Unlimited Scuba Diving for certified divers. Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for beginners and PADI International Dive certification are available at additional costs.

tool to get you started. Choose from hundreds of floral options, colour combinations and delicate details to make it your own.

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 186 Restaurants: 9 restaurants Pool: 3 pools Spa: Yes* – Red Lane® Spa Gym: Yes Sport: Land sports include tennis, outdoor chess and mini golf, water sports include aqua cycles, banana boat rides, knee boarding, snorkelling and scuba diving# Anything Else: Kids Camp including The Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street® activities, Liquid by Beaches nightclub, Trench Town teen lounge, Xbox 360® Play Lounge, Scratch DJ Academy®, Bubble Maker Programme and Seal Team (Additional costs) Wedding Facilities Ceremony: Yes Reception room: A variety of locations both outside and indoors Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes

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rondel village HHHH

Rondel Village, is a beautiful boutique resort located on Negril Beach which offers a range of wedding packages.

Always managing to exceed expectations, Rondel Village has received a number of awards over recent years for its outstanding value and customer service.

These have come from wellknown tourism organisations such as; Booking.com, Hospitality Jamaica and Expedia.com. As an environmentally aware resort it currently holds the Travelife Silver Award for Sustainability in recognition of the continued commitment to long term sustainability of the environment and Tourism.

A captivating beach front retreat located on Jamaica's romantic west coast, Rondel Village has 56 vibrant rooms (each named after Jamaican fruits!) which offer the privacy and tranquility amongst spacious, elegant accommodations, surrounded by lush tropical

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gardens or stunning beach views.

Its villas have a wrap-around balcony, modern kitchen which includes staff to cook a meal per day, living room with marble floors and a private whirl pool spa.

Superior rooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors above the villas and new Garden rooms are opposite the beach.

There are two pools on the resort (as well as the beach), and Jacuzzis. The Village Spa offers a wide range of pampering services to relax and rejuvenate the body.

Rondel Restaurant and Bar located by the beach offers sumptuous delights, excellent food and quality service. Family owned and operated our highly trained team members are consistently committed to offering personalized service, which has resulted in a high rate of repeat guests and referrals.

Negril is known for its scenic beauty and ideal location for weddings. Rondel Village is an extremely popular setting for

intimate weddings or up to 100 guests. The majority of weddings are held in the afternoons, when Negril’s spectacular sunset can be enjoyed on this most important of days. There are a variety of different wedding packages, and the resort benefits from an onsite wedding coordinator to customise packages to suit your needs. The hotel also offers a Renewal of Vows Package for this very special occasion.

Reception room: details and capacity - The reception is held under the decorated tents where a buffet style dinner (15 or more people) is provided with covered seating for the required number of guests. Tables are each covered with table cloths and a center piece decoration.

Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes Wedding suite: Yes. One bedroom beachfront villa

Hotel Facilities Rooms: 56 Restaurants: 1 Pool: 2 Spa: Yes Water sport and activities: Yes

General information Bookings: Carolyn Wright Contact: 876-957-4413, gm@rondelvillage.com Seasonal opening: Open year round Telephone: 876-957-4413 Address: Norman Manley Blvd, Negril, Jamaica WI Email: weddings@rondelvillage.com Web: www.rondelvillage.com

Wedding Facilities: Ceremony: Weddings are held inside the courtyard area on the sand with the Caribbean Sea in the background, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Royalton White Sands Immerse yourself in the pleasures and privileges of Royalton's All-In-Luxury concept.

HHHH The unforgettable setting of Royalton White Sands provides the ultimate destination for couples to celebrate their special day in the presence of family and friends. From its expansive lush gardens to the delicate oceanfront, Royalton White Sands creates the perfect setting for any memorable occasion.

Royalton White Sands is an ideal resort for private romance, whether it be a honeymoon, an anniversary, or just a quiet getaway. Stroll the pristine beach at sunset, cozy up under a palapa for two, or enjoy a candlelit dinner. From our beachfront pergola to a lush garden setting, we can accommodate a small intimate gathering or a lavish gala event. Exchanging vows in a breathtaking setting is easy with our wedding planning service and wedding packages can be customized to a variety of tastes and budgets, to ensure every couple begins happily ever after here.

This resort masterfully blends the Jamaica’s unique culture with a luxury product featuring top quality service, great attention to detail and exceptional personalized service.

Fusing sophisticated decor with charming Caribbean flair, each air-conditioned luxury room a combination of accommodations for a maximum of 4 adults in each suite. This vacation spot is ideal for couples, families and groups, and features a separate section Hideaway dedicated to adult only vacations, scheduled to open in Summer 2016.

Treat your taste buds to a flavour sensation as you feast on eclectic cuisines from around the world. Enjoy local and international delights in buffet style or a la carte dining venues, then grab a signature cocktail and mingle with other guests at the many on-site bars. Treat yourself to a mid-afternoon coffee and exquisite hand-made dessert at the café. Royalton White Sands

has culinary creations to delight and impress even the most discriminating palettes.

The Royal Spa is a luxurious full-service health facility where guests are invited to invest in their internal wellness on vacation. Spend a few hours getting pampered with our comprehensive spa packages or drop in for an express treatment. The Royal Spa has a hydrotherapy circuit and a full range of massage, body and facial treatments and our beauty center offers luxurious manicure, pedicure, and makeup & hairstyling services. Couples can spend precious moments together to ensure they return back home refreshed and renewed.

Hotel facilities Rooms: 352 Restaurants: 5 Pool: 2 pools and 1 children’s splash pad Spa: Yes

Gym: Yes Sport: Water sports Anything else: details Wedding facilities Ceremony: Yes Reception room: Yes Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes General information Bookings: N/A Contact: 1-877-687-7793 or via email at weddingplanner@ royaltonresorts.com Seasonal opening: N/A Telephone: 876 632 7401 / 876 632 7410 / 876 684 6201 Address: Royalton White Sands - Montego Bay, Highway A1, Mountain Spring, Trelawny Email: infowhitesands@ royaltonresorts.com Web: www.royaltonresorts.com/ en/white-sands-montego-bay.aspx

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LES&DEE

When you meet someone placing a bet in a Kent bookmakers, you don’t imagine it's going to culminate in a beautiful beachside wedding in Jamaica – but that is precisely what happened to us.

When you place a bet on a horse in a turf accountants in Crayford, Kent, you don’t expect to end up standing on a beach in Jamaica getting married – but that’s exactly what happened. It was like winning the lottery rather than just a few quid. What started in the most modest circumstances became a wonderful, romantic trip to a tropical paradise.

We met when Dee was working in a bookmakers and I placed a bet on a horse race.

After falling in love, I proposed over sausage and mash at our dinner table.

We decided we wanted a small, informal wedding and started looking at venues abroad. As soon as we saw what was on offer in Jamaica – a beautiful beach surrounded by tropical gardens at the Hilton Rose Hall, Montego Bay – we knew we had found perfection. We worked with a wedding co-ordinator to make sure everything was just right.

All the documentation was in English, which was a big bonus as it didn’t require any expensive translations. Our planning company, Perfect Weddings Abroad, were so professional that they took all the stress out of the

day. They were amazingly helpful from first to last.

Dee knew she wanted to feel comfortable for the big day and chose a stunning wedding bikini, with a white lace kaftan, rather than a formal dress. The climate in Jamaica is so pleasant, and the atmosphere so relaxed, that we knew we could go with what made us most happy.

On the morning of the ceremony, we could already see it was going to be a clear, warm, sunny day. We had a relaxing breakfast before the hairdresser arrived to do Dee and her daughter Kyla’s hair. The beautiful flowers arrived at 10am and an hour later we were exchanging vows in front of the Caribbean Sea. It was the only view that could match how magnificent Dee looked.

We only had three guests with us from home (we threw a big party when we got back) but new friends we met at the resort came along to give us support. The whole ceremony was done with dignity, sincerity, love and humour. It was a very special time, and we loved it.

The photographer was brilliant and took more than 200

shots – we had such an amazing backdrop – and we soon had a glass of champagne in our hands as husband and wife!

Of course, we extended our stay in Jamaica to enjoy a honeymoon too – and we enjoyed every minute of it. Nothing was too much trouble for the amazing staff of the hotel, and the restaurants around the area were great as well. The service was incredible and the food was the best we have ever had in years of travelling abroad. The mouth-watering goat curry with yam mash at the Hilton Rose was a particular favourite, and we also got to eat out under the stars at the Three Palms restaurant. They even decorated our dessert plates with a congratulatory message when they knew we had recently married.

We loved the whole ambience of Jamaica. It was very laid back and the people in bustling Montego Bay are incredibly friendly. We enjoyed haggling in the market and also took an excursion to Dolphin Cove to swim with the beautiful, intelligent creatures. They clapped, jumped, kissed us, and pushed us at great speed in the water.

The whole experience was wonderful – as was everything about our perfect wedding.

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PERFECT WEDDINGs ABROAD Congratulations on your engagement! It’s now time to start planning your dream wedding.

Perfect Weddings Abroad, part of the Celebration Travel Group, is the leading Weddings Abroad Specialist in the UK. Voted for the last four years at the British Travel Awards as the Best Specialist Weddings Abroad and Honeymoons Operator.

The UK-based Perfect Weddings

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Abroad team organises weddings all over the world, from intimate 'Just the Two of Us' weddings, to large wedding parties in excess of 100 guests. In-resort they have a network of professional overseas wedding coordinators who meet couples shortly after their arrival, finalise the wedding arrangements, take care of the all-important legal document process and are in attendance on your big day.

Planning your wedding can be a very stressful time, so Perfect Weddings Abroad want to make sure it is as stress free and enjoyable as possible. Unlike high street travel agents or tour operators, they put your wedding first. They book and confirm the date of your wedding, before booking your travel, as the wedding is the most important part.

Perfect Weddings Abroad offer

bespoke wedding packages to suit all budgets plus are members of ABTA and sell ATOL protected holidays. All their packages include setting couples up with their own online profile system. From here you can message your dedicated wedding specialist and receive detailed proposals on different wedding venues. Just some of the other things that come as standard with your wedding package include

checking of your legal documents and your own in-resort wedding coordinator who will help assist with all your final arrangements.

Launched in 2005 and founded

by Directors, Helen Doyle and Danny Waine, Perfect Weddings Abroad began life as a travel agency specialising in weddings and honeymoons. Over the years the company has developed into an online business and almost all of the bookings are generated via the PerfectWeddingsAbroad. co.uk website, as well as growing its network of nationwide weddings abroad specialists.

In 2014 sister company, PerfectHoneymoonsAbroad.co.uk

was launched with dedicated honeymoon specialists offering competitive prices.

For stunning locations with a true Caribbean feel, Jamaica is your perfect destination whether you are looking for a wedding or honeymoon. For weddings, they offer a range of different venues from a garden gazebo wedding to marrying with sand between your toes. For All-Inclusive luxury, Sandals resorts are the perfect choice plus there is the added bonus of receiving your wedding package for free! They are also a great honeymoon choice with being adult only so you can truly relax in peace and quiet. The

Sandals Royal Caribbean oozes British colonial charm which begins with the Georgian-style Great House. This resort has its own private island, surrounded by crystal clear waters and powder white sand. For a tropical oasis, Couples Negril is set in tropical gardens directly on the beach, providing a true romantic setting for you and your loved one.

So whatever the venue or hotel you are looking for, Perfect Weddings Abroad have something for every couple and will endeavour to make your dreams come true for your perfect wedding or honeymoon.

General Information Telephone: 01543 439 398 Address: Perfect Weddings Abroad The Mews Trent Business Centre Eastern Avenue Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6RR Web: www.PerfectWeddingsAbroad.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ PerfectWeddingsAbroad Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PWAbroad

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WOW MOMENTS Overview Wow Moments specializes in coordinating destination weddings throughout Jamaica. We have been planning weddings for over seven years at a variety of locations across the island including Frenchman Cove Resort in Portland, the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, the Ruins at Mona Visitors Lodge, Kingston and the Knustford Court Hotel.

Our sales and 'weddingmoon' specialists will coordinate and plan your big day at the venue of your choice. We partner with venues and vendors of interest to compliment every taste and make arrangements for site visits whilst giving timely advice when needed.

We realize that a lot of people desire an extraordinary experience and want 'unusual' but classy venues for their destination wedding. Wow Moments caters for all styles and designs each event to fulfill the individual wishes of the couple. We are not attached to any particular location and can find the perfect place for any type of wedding.

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We offer concierge services so guests and can sit back, relax and enjoy their special event and we pride ourselves on our ability to co-ordinate events that are beyond the ordinary and create an atmosphere of camaraderie among attendees.

Wow Moments seek to satisfy our clients' needs through tailored packages and our range of services for destination weddings include: Gold Package Coordination · Available for consultation during the initial process of planning · Assist with site visits and selections · Assist with dress fitting · Assist with selection and monitoring of vendors · Monitor attendees and responses Implement ideas, monitor and coordinate day’s activities · Provide timelines for effective precision based on needs of couples · Will not necessarily attend event · Set up activity schedule and checklist for event · Set up timeline for activities leading up to event

Platinum Package Consultation and concierge services · 5 hours of consultation services · Coordinate and monitor timeline · Make referrals · Assistance with planning as many details of the rehearsal, ceremony, reception and honeymoon as required by bride and groom · Arrange for pickup and delivery services for items ordered · Assist with set up and pull down · Provide a timeline to ensure precision · Assist with discretionary adhoc activities Diamond Package Consultation, coordination and concierge services · Unlimited consultation with bride and groom from engagement to wedding day · Full coordination of wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception · Offering concierge services for all pick-up and drop-off needs on the wedding day

Wow Moments is connected to the Association of Bridal Consultant Worldwide Network and an official Branson Entrepreneur in Jamaica.

Hotel facilities Wow moments will give referrals for hotels and venues for your Jamaica destination wedding Sales Specialist for Sandals Group Wedding facilities Ceremony: Choice of ceremony and reception venues are coordinated with the client’s needs Wedding planner: Yes General information Bookings: Veneita Tarrant Contact: info@wowmomentsevents.com veneita2010@gmail.com Seasonal opening: 24 hour service Telephone: 1876-837-0502 Website: www.wowmomentsevents.com Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/wowmomentevents Twitter: https://twitter.com/ WoWMomentEvents

Jennifer&Kevin We knew we wanted somewhere beautiful and exotic for our special day – and Jamaica fitted the bill perfectly.

We didn’t know it at the time, but our first steps towards Jamaica actually started in Zanzibar. Not the African island – it’s a nightclub in Stocktonon-Tees, our home town in the northeast of England, where we met one “merry” Saturday night.

We got together properly about three months later and eventually settled into a longterm relationship. Ten years went past together before I popped the question out of the blue — it was Jennifer’s 30th birthday party at a favourite restaurant.

All of the family were there to see, and Jennifer was the only one who didn’t know it was coming as I had asked for “permission” weeks before. I still can’t believe everyone managed to keep the secret to themselves!

The proposal was quickly accepted and we started thinking of where we could go for our

wedding. Because the whole family had already been involved, we knew they would not be offended if we took ourselves somewhere private and secluded, just the two of us in paradise.

We wanted something we wouldn’t have got in the UK, and so started looking overseas. As soon as we saw the prospect of going to Jamaica, we knew this was precisely what we were looking for. The hotel and wedding location looked perfect, and it would be a wedding and a honeymoon in one.

We got help from Tropical Sky, a travel agency who are experts in arranging Caribbean weddings, and everything was taken care of. We couldn’t quite believe it.

We were going to get married in the Caribbean! Next stop, the wonderful Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and its half a mile of spectacular private beach!

Jennifer ordered her wedding dress online, and added a few personal touches to a light and simple gown. She wore gold jewellery and flip-flops, with lace bare-foot sandals over the top to dress them up. You couldn’t do that in Stockton!

We wanted it to be a relaxed and easy day so we did most of the preparation ourselves. I wore a three-piece lightweight suit – with flip-flops, of course.

The flowers were beautiful and simple – daisies in yellow and white – and the ceremony was in a gazebo by the sea. It could not have been more beautiful. It lasted about 20 minutes, which was perfect in the heat.

We also brought a white cake with some of our personal decorations that was served in the traditional Jamaican way – cut and fed to each other.

We managed to make the most

of everything Jamaica has to offer.

We took it easy for a lot of our honeymoon, but also enjoyed some of the spectacular sights. We went to Dunns River Falls, which starts off on a gorgeous beach at the bottom of the waterfalls and then we took a guided walk up alongside them. It was hard work, but the views were amazing on the way up.

We took a day trip to Negril and stopped off at another gorgeous Jamaica beach on the way. Then on to a shopping centre, where we stocked up on souvenirs and gifts for our friends and family back home. We ended the day at Rick’s Cafe, where we watched the sun set and the daredevils jump off the rocks into the sea.

We would recommend all of the above to anyone visiting Jamaica, and would certainly love to do it all again.

Maybe one day…

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Jamaica Tourism At a Glance L ocation Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea.

T ime GMT+5 or BST+6 I nternational D ialling C ode +1876

S ize 10,991km P opulation Total population last recorded by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica is 2,717,991 in 2013. Please visit the link below for breakdown as well as additional statistical information on Jamaica. http:// statinja.gov.jm/Demo_SocialStats/ newEndofYearPopulationby AgeandSex2008.aspx\ L anguage Predominantly English and the Dialect is Patois.

C urrency Jamaica dollar (JMD) E ntry R e q uirements Valid passport for the duration of your stay.

D riving Drive on the left side of the road. Visitors can use a valid UK licence. To hire a car, visitors need to be 25 years of age or older.

T ravel I nformation Flight times from UK/Ireland, access from airport to main resorts, airlines that fly to Jamaica Thomson Fly Port in UK/Ireland: Birmingham, London Gatwick, Manchester Flight Times: 9 hrs, 30 mins Port in Jamaica: Montego Bay, Jamaica Virgin Atlantic Port in UK/Ireland: London, Gatwick Flight Times: 9 hrs, 30 mins Port in Jamaica: Montego Bay, Jamaica

British Airways Port in UK/Ireland: London, Gatwick Flight Times: 9 hrs, 30 mins Port in Jamaica: Kingston, Jamaica, Montego Bay, Jamaica

ground of the facility. Wedding packages are also provided by our hotel partners who will handle the documentation.

Or visitors can make all the arrangements themselves.

RELIGIONS Predominantly Christianity.

A irlines Virgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com British Airways www.britishairways.com Thomson www.thomson.co.uk

G etting M arried in J amaica Having applied for a marriage licence at the Ministry of Justice in Jamaica, visitors can be married just 24 hours after arriving on the isalnd. The Register General Department and the Ministry of Justice can recommend marriage officers. The required documents are proof of citizenship, which can take the form of a birth certificate. You can also provide a driver’s licence, proof of divorce, death certificate for a widow or widower and a consent letter if you are under the age of 18 years. The Registrar General’s Department can also facilitate a small wedding ceremony on the

For up-to-date information on weather conditions in Jamaica and forecast, please visit http:// www.metservice.gov.jm.

C limate

Kingston (St George's College) (alt. 27 metres)

30

Jamaic a romance

Max Temp. (C) Min Temp. (C) Rainfall (mm) No. of raindays Rel.Hum. - 7am (%) Rel.Hum. - 1pm (%) Sunshine (Hrs.)

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

30.3

30.2

30.7

31.1

31.6

32.1

32.8

32.7

32.1

31.7

31.2

30.6

21.1

21

21.6

22.6

23.6

24.2

24.3

24.2

24

23.4

22.8

21.8

18

19

20

39

100

74

42

98

114

177

65

47

5

5

5

7

8

7

6

9

11

14

10

6

83

82

80

78

79

77

75

79

82

85

84

83

64

64

64

66

68

67

64

66

71

73

69

65

8.3

8.5

8.4

8.6

8.2

7.9

8.4

8.3

7.1

7.2

7.4

7.6

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Published by Pelusa: www.pelusa.co.uk