Bermudian Weddings

SPRING/SUMMER 2017

www.bermudianweddings.com

DESTINATION BERMUDA:

From Bermuda to Nantucket & Back

Real Weddings Three local weddings sure to inspire

VENUE CRUSH

All the locations we are crushing on!

FR

!

E E

ON THE COVER: Photograph by Two & Quarter Photography of Jo Howarth and Graham Frith. Sere their Real Wedding on page 42.

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 EDITION www.bermudianweddings.com

FEATURES Nantucket & Back

Always a favourite family vacation spot, Bermuda was an easy choice for Megan & Tyler’s destination wedding

25 We Love This

Wedding For...

Three recent weddings whose style we just love!

33 Real Weddings

From a casual raft up in Somerset to a full-on party in St. George’s, we have three local real weddings sure to inspire 34 Paige Belvin & Aaron Eversley 38 Erica Fulton & Tim Davidson 42 Jo Howarth & Graham Frith

46 Venue Crush

All the beautiful locations we are currently crushing on!

48 Fabulous Fort Hamilton 50 New & Noteworthy: Civil ceremonies can now be held outside the Registry General’s office 52 Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa 53 Island House 54 Coral Beach & Tennis Club

FIONA WOODWARD Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS: Gabrielle Boyer, Laura Bell, Cassandra Ortega, Zeudi Hinds, Gavin Howarth, Amanda Temple, Becky Spencer, Meredith Andrews, Ann Spurling, Two & Quarter, Nina Cotterill, Donovin Seymour, Charlotte Jenks Lewis

DETAILS 8 10 12 16 18

Wedding Day Beauty Saying Yes to the Dress!

Pretty Palettes Eat, Drink & Be Married Gift Guide

DEPARTMENTS 56 Wedding Album 62 Parting Shot

4 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

LAURA BELL Art Director laura@thebermudian.com

THE

PUBLISHING COMPANY

Published by The Bermudian Publishing Company Limited, P.O. Box HM 283, Hamilton HM AX, Bermuda. Tel: (441) 232-7041. Fax: (441) 232-7042.

E-mail: info@thebermudian.com. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission by the publisher. All product specifications were correct at press time. Merchandise shown is subject to availability while quantities last. The publishers cannot be responsible for the contents of any advertisement and readers are advised to use their own discretion in responding to same.

www.bermudianweddings.com

PHOTOGRAPH GAVIN HOWARTH

23 From Bermuda to

TINA STEVENSON Publisher tina@thebermudian.com

Plan Your Future Today #OneStepCloser Explore new beginnings in 2017 with preferential rates on an HSBC mortgage.

Save* on interest Market-leading low mortgage rate Same Day Mortgage Pre-Approval available**

Call 299 5959 Visit a branch to arrange an appointment Click www.hsbc.bm/mortgage *Savings will vary based on the value of the mortgage. Applicable for residential mortgages only. **Terms and conditions apply. Issued by HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited, of 6 Front Street, Hamilton Bermuda, which is licensed to conduct Banking and Investment business by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

CAPTURE YOUR WHOLE DAY WITH A DOCUMENTARY EYE

CONTACT: MELANIE FIANDER INFO@FIANDERFOTO.COM 1.441.516.6498

6 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

all the

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMANDA TEMPLE

Details Wedding Day Beauty, pg 8 Saying Yes to the Dress, pg 10 Pretty Palettes, pg 12 Eat, Drink & Be Married, pg 16 Gift Guide, pg 18 www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 7

DETAILS | Wedding Day Beauty

One Beautiful Day Married on January 12, 2016, Carla Lambert and Marcus “DJ Chubb” George share their tips and tricks on looking their best on the big day PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEUDI HINDS 8 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

Carla’s hair was by Raquel at Blueprint Hair Studio and her makeup was by Kyla Tear. Marcus had his hair and beard trimmed by Made 2 Fade.

SHE SAID...

WHO DID YOUR HAIR? Raquel Brown at Blueprint Hair Studio

DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING HAIRSTYLE...

Exactly what I wanted!

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON YOUR WEDDING HAIRSTYLE? I stalked hairdressers for about a year.

When I saw Raquel’s designs at the Orchid Wedding Expo, I was sold. Plus, she enjoys doing wedding hair and it shows.

DID YOUR VEIL DETERMINE THE TYPE OF HAIRSTYLE YOU WANTED? No, I made the veil work for the hairstyle.

WHAT WAS YOUR DAILY HAIR ROUTINE IN PREPARATION FOR THE WEDDING? I grew my hair long for the year and did a relaxer and colour treatment about three weeks before our wedding day. Then, a few days before the wedding, I put a treatment in it. I wanted to have a touch of blue without dying it, so Raquel discreetly ran some blue hair pieces throughout my hair.

DID THE STYLIST COME TO YOU OR DID YOU GO TO THE SALON? Raquel came to my hotel to do my hair and www.bermudianweddings.com

my bridesmaids’ hair.

cleaning a few days before the wedding.

WHO DID YOUR MAKEUP?

DID YOU WEAR PERFUME?

Kyla Tear was my makeup artist.

DID YOU DO A TRIAL WITH THE MAKEUP ARTIST BEFORE THE WEDDING? Yes I did. I had Kyla do my makeup for my job’s Christmas party.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON YOUR BRIDAL ACCESSORIES? I wasn’t fussy about the accessories. I had a look in mind and found some very reasonable accessories online. But I did concentrate on the shoes and found the pair of Jimmy Choos I wanted at Kleinfeld’s!

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON YOUR PARTICULAR BRIDAL LOOK?

I meant to! But I totally forgot. I did have on my scented shea butter though!

WHERE DID YOU GET READY? At the Southampton Princess.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE ELEMENT OR DETAIL OF YOUR BRIDAL LOOK? Definitely the back of the dress! I worked hard in the gym to be able to pull that off.

HE SAID...

DID YOU GET A HAIRCUT BEFORE THE WEDDING?

Many hours on Pinterest and Instagram got me the colour scheme and overall look.

Yes, the day before with my usual barber at Made 2 Fade.

WHAT WAS YOUR SKINCARE REGIMEN LEADING UP TO THE WEDDING? DID YOU USE ANY SPECIAL PRODUCTS?

WHO DID YOUR BEARD?

I had to watch what I ate in order to minimise any breakouts, and I was also drinking water. I had a monthly microdermabrasion treatment at The Reefs. Another important element was scheduling the appointment with my dental hygienist for my six-month

Dion Brangman at Made 2 Fade.

WHAT WAS YOUR SKINCARE REGIMEN LEADING UP TO THE WEDDING? Nivea Face wash.

DID YOU WEAR COLOGNE? Yes. Sexual “Paris.”

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 9

DETAILS | The Dress

Love it?

This dress is for sale!

Helen enlisted the help of her mum and a local seamstress to painstakenly cut out and add the gorgeous lace trim around the hem of her wedding dress.

Saying Yes to the Dress!

The story of how one Bermuda bride found and fell in love with her dream wedding dress IN PREPARING FOR HER WEDDING to Ben Zoellner on May 21,

something A-line, with lace, that wasn’t strapless.” A top with straps was

2016, Helen Jardine awarded plenty of consideration to the style of gown

an important feature because, as Helen says, “I planned on some serious

she wanted and the details it would feature.

dancing…and didn’t want to be constantly hoisting up my dress!”

Having had a relatively short engagement of just six months, the bride

As it turned out, the perfect dress presented itself at the third bridal

decided that one of her first wedding-planning tasks would be shopping

store on the list. The gown was a stunningly elegant number designed by

for a wedding dress. And so, only a few weeks after getting engaged,

Allure and featuring a lace top with a deep V-shaped lace back and a full

Helen travelled with her mother to Boston, prepared with appointments

A-line tulle skirt. Helen quickly fell in love with it and, while travelling

at no less than four bridal shops.

home the next day, “felt such a huge relief ” to have one of the most

Before making the shopping trip, Helen had an idea in mind that “was actually quite specific about what [she] was looking for in a dress:

important wedding-planning tasks so neatly completed.

However, as time went on, Helen began to have small doubts about the

WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA ORTEGA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA TEMPLE 10 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

dress she had chosen. Thanks to plenty of time browsing photos of wedding dresses on Pinterest, the bride began to wonder if “perhaps it was too… plain.” In fact, she had come across a photo of a “gorgeous dress… that had the most stunning lace trim on the bottom of the skirt, which fanned out beautifully in photos.” Helen then showed the photo to her mother, who suggested that they “simply add lace trim” to the bottom of Helen’s own dress.

And so the labour of love and lace began. Helen’s mother ordered a large selection of lace samples, and upon finding one in the right colour and pattern, painstakingly cut out the details. She trimmed “carefully around every petal of every lace flower” and then brought them to a local seamstress, who attached each section to the skirt of the wedding gown for a result that was breathtaking. “She is the absolute best mum!” Helen exclaims.

When the wedding day finally arrived, Helen felt spectacular in her dress, which she complemented with a lace-trimmed veil, all the more because she “could look down at the lace trim and almost feel the love

elegant wedding dress. He thought it was absolutely beautiful and the perfect fit for his bride’s girly style.

When asked for advice for brides-to-be on choosing the perfect dress,

that went into cutting out every inch of it.” It was, all in all, a huge and

Helen suggests: “Don’t rush [it]! Trying to [visit] a bunch of shops in

stunning success.

one day is stressful and can leave your head in a spin. Map out the kind

In reflecting on her beautiful gown, Helen says her favourite elements

of dresses you like before you go, and show the shop assistants. Also, go

were, of course, the lace details. “I loved the openness of the lace back and

dress-shopping as far in advance as possible. I didn’t realise that most

the scalloped edging of the lace on the trim of the skirt. There were little

designers need at least six months’ notice to order your dress.”

sparkly buttons carrying on from the V-shaped back all the way down the skirt of the dress [that] were subtle, but very dainty,” Helen remembers.

And the groom was no exception to all those who admired the bride’s

www.bermudianweddings.com

In a final note, Helen adds: “My dress is actually for sale! A lot of people were mortified to hear that I would sell it, but I would love for someone else to enjoy wearing it as much as I did.”

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 11

DETAILS | Pretty Palettes

Dusty Rose & Indigo Glenisha Robinson and Warren Simmons Jr. were married in a Bermuda spring garden-themed wedding on April 1, 2016. In keeping with the tones of Bermuda’s natural beauty, the couple included hues of dusty pink, indigo and gold throughout their day, creating a theme that was both natural and eye-catching. The colours of Bermuda’s scenery, along with plenty of spring blooms and small potted plants, completed the garden theme and created a colour palette that was more than worthy of admiration!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZEUDI HINDS 12 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

Available exclusively at The Bermuda Perfumery and at fine retailers

Stewart Hall – 5 Queen Street, St. George

DETAILS | Pretty Palettes

Baby Blue & Buttercup In a relaxed, beach style wedding at Coral Beach and Tennis Club, Darcy Mentovai and Andrew Lawton were married on June 5, 2016. Their celebration featured hues of pale yellow and sky blue throughout, a colour palette that we couldn’t resist looking at more closely! “I wanted my colours to capture the essence of summertime at the beach: light blue for the sky and water, pale yellow for the sand and sun, and white for crisp airy brightness,” said Darcy.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAVIN HOWARTH 14 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

It’s your day... make it perfect

LIDO COMPLEX E L B OW B E AC H B E R M U DA AWARDED BEST OF BERMUDA 2016 FOR THE BEST WEDDING LOCATION

Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Bermuda, overlooking the breathtaking South Shore, Lido Complex provides multiple options to suit any wedding style, taste and size. Award winning cuisine, professional service and attention to details guarantee that your special day will be as you have dreamed of and more. Ceremony, cocktail reception, dinner, rehearsal party, post wedding brunch, formal and elegant or casual and relaxed – it’s all here, in one location, at Lido Complex.

60 South Shore Road Paget PG04 |

TELEPHONE 441

236 9884

For more information please email sales@lido.bm or visit www.lido.bm

FOURWAYS INN Travel back in time to Bermuda’s historic and charming Fourways Inn restaurant, built in 1727.

Fourways offers the services of having your wedding on our picturesque grounds, with the option of a reception in our newly-renovated Palm Garden. Enjoy an intimate setting, perfect for your honeymoon at our Cottage Colony.

Let us take care of all your needs to make your wedding dreams come true – all you have to do is say I do.

1, Middle Road, Paget, Bermuda |

TELEPHONE

441-236-6517 |

EMAIL

info@fourways.bm

For more information please visit www.fourways.bm

W W W. D I N I N G B E R M U DA . C O M

DETAILS | Food & Drink

Amp up your wedding day glam with sparkeling chandeliers

Eat, Drink & Be Married On April 30, 2016, Sacha Kessaram and Ross Mancell were married in a beautiful Bermuda wedding, with 200 of their closest friends and family in attendance. The couple hosted an outstanding “Garden Chic”-themed reception that impressed us just as much as it did the wedding guests! Featuring natural greenery, cream-coloured flowers and sophisticated metallic accents, the scene of the celebration was stunning. The festivites were brought together by fantastic live music and a Barcelona-themed menu that left all the guests delighted. In this interview, the bride, Sacha, reveals her inspiration for the couple’s beautiful reception.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA TEMPLE 16 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

VENDORS Wedding Planning Kathleen Dodwell of Bermuda Event Solutions Reception Location Private home in Hidden Cove Cakemaker Serge Botelli Caterer Serge Botelli Flowers Michelle at Flowers by GiMi Entertainment Working Title Rentals Flowers by GiMi Favours Sally Godet

WHAT KIND OF FOOD DID YOU SERVE AT YOUR RECEPTION? We got engaged in Barcelona, so we tried to keep a recurring theme throughout the wedding. The tables were named after areas of Barcelona that we had visited, and the food was “Barcelona themed.” We had a gorgeous buffet which featured a steam ship of beef, antipasto platters, various salads, and two huge skillets of paella.

Everyone always tells me they never had time to eat at their own wedding—I made the time and it was so worth it! Chef Serge Botelli made my food dreams come true.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE MENU? The paella made it notably Barcelona-themed, which made it quite memorable.

I was also a huge fan of the cake!

DID YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL? Yes, it didn’t have a signature name, but it was modeled off my favourite drink in Barcelona—cava sangria. And it was perfect!

WHAT KIND OF CAKE DID YOU HAVE? It was strawberry short cake! Three layers of www.bermudianweddings.com

it, except for the top which was fruit cake. We froze that and will either bring it out on our first anniversary or at the christening of our first born.

never stopped, and the dance floor was never empty. I definitely attribute a lot of the energy and magic of the day to their music.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR TABLE SETTING STYLE AND COLOUR?

We had speeches, but we broke them up over two nights. We had our best man and maids of honour speak on the night of the rehearsal dinner, and then my father and Ross’s godfather spoke on the night of the actual wedding. We chose to do that for two reasons…one because my maids of honour were nervous about speaking in front of a 200-person crowd, so the more intimate setting of the rehearsal dinner made them feel much more at ease. Secondly, speeches at weddings can get really long and boring for guests! Having it broken up over two nights kept the energy up, and there was never a lull. It also brought that sweet, sentimental element to the rehearsal dinner. I’m really glad we did it that way.

I had a vision, and our wedding planners helped it come together. They knew pretty much exactly what I wanted.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE DETAIL OR ELEMENT OF YOUR RECEPTION? I don’t think I have a favourite detail…I just felt it was perfect. I kept telling myself in the days and weeks leading up to it that it’s just another day because I didn’t want too much pressure on the details. I think that’s how brides get disappointed. It was really just about me and Ross having a good time and celebrating each other with each other and all the people we love. And we got that, so we’re really happy and will always look back on that day with fondness.

DID YOU HAVE A BAND OR A DJ? A band! The best band—Working Title.

Now that I think of it, they were a pretty excellent detail…They were on point! They

DID YOU HAVE SPEECHES?

DID YOU GIVE PARTY FAVOURS TO YOUR GUESTS? Yes, we had little jars of locally-made loquat jam by Sally Godet. It was a spring wedding, so that felt appropriate.

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 17

DETAILS | Gift Guide

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1. Bermuda Shell Texture engagement ring in 14K rose gold. Price upon request.

Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery boutique, 7 Reid Street, Hamilton. (441) 2369009. www.alexandramosher.com. hello@alexandramosher.com 2. An elegant timepiece checks off all the right boxes for a wedding present for the husband-to-be. Cartier’s Drive is wedding-suit-ready, thanks to its sleek shape and alligator leather band. Available exclusively at Astwood Dickinson at US retail prices, without sales tax. Starting at $5,950. Astwood Dickinson, Bermuda’s Premier Jeweler. 25 Front Street, Hamilton. (441) 292-5805. www.astwooddickinson.bm. info@ astwooddickinson.bm 3. Boule Vase, available in small and large. Silver Plated Brass, designed by French-German designer, Olivia Herms for Skultuna. $208 for small, $325 for large. &Partners, 46 Par-la-Ville Road (between International Imports and Front Street). (441) 296-5250. www.andpartnersbermuda.com. peter@andpartnersbermuda.com 4. Fera Collection Large Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver & Pink Sand, $385. Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery boutique, 7 Reid Street, Hamilton. (441) 236-9009. www. alexandramosher.com. hello@alexandramosher.com

18 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

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5. Discover Lili Bermuda Gift Set, for Him: Lili Bermuda will send you a gift certificate for a 100ml Fragrance bottle of your choice and a Fragrance Library, which contains vials of our eight fragrances for men: Cedar, Navy, 32°N, 64°W, Somers, Fresh Water, South Water and Calypso. Once you try all of the fragrances, redeem the gift certificate for the 100ml - 3.4 oz. fragrance of your choice. It’s that easy, and so much fun!

The shipping cost is included for both shipments. Lili Bermuda. $125. The Bermuda Perfumery (St. George’s) and Lili Bermuda (Hamilton), (441) 293-0627. www.lilibermuda.com 6. Say “I Do” to an engaging assortment of romantic extras for the bride-to-be. Take the Cake 8x10 Picture Frame, $75; Ring it Up Ringholder, $30; Garden Drive Jewelry Box, $40. A.S. Cooper’s & Sons, Ltd. 59 Front Street, Hamilton. (441) 295-3961. www. ascooper.bm. info@ascooper.bm 7. The Original Bermuda Collection makes a wonderful gift for any couple tying the knot in Bermuda. With unique designs specific to the island, this collection is handmade in 18kt solid gold and master crafted on-site at Astwood Dickinson. A variety of designs, sizes and items including pendants, bracelets, cufflinks and more are available. Bermuda Hibiscus, starting at $475. A.S. Cooper’s & Sons, Ltd. 59 Front Street, Hamilton.

(441) 295-3961. www.ascooper.bm. info@ascooper.bm

www.bermudianweddings.com

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8. Discover Lili Bermuda Gift Set, for Her: Lili Bermuda will first send you a gift certificate for a 100ml fragrance bottle of your choice and a Fragrance Library, which contains vials of 11 fragrances for ladies: Coral, Pink, Lily, Petals, Oleander, Passion Flower, Alegria, Paradise, Fresh Water, South Water and Calypso. Once you try all of the fragrances, redeem the gift certificate for the 100ml - 3.4 oz. fragrance of your choice. It’s that easy, and so much fun! The shipping cost is included for both shipments. $135. Lili Bermuda, The Bermuda Perfumery (St. George’s) and Lili Bermuda (Hamilton), (441) 2930627. www.lilibermuda.com 9. Bermuda Pink Sand Moongate necklace, handmade in Bermuda by Jennifer Rodrigues Designs. Legend has it that if newlyweds walk through the Bermuda Moongate they will be blessed with good luck. $150. Available at The Bermuda Craft Market, Dockyard and The

www.bermudianweddings.com

Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. (441) 232-1884. www.jrdesignsbda.com 10. Black Seal cufflinks available in polished silver. Made

by Walker Christopher Ltd. under license from Gosling Brothers Ltd. BLACK SEAL and BLACK SEAL DEVICE are registered trademarks of Gosling Brother Ltd. $275.

Walker Christopher, 9 Front Street, Hamilton. (441) 2951466. www.walkerchristopher.com. walkerchris@link.bm 11. Beautiful and simple baguette diamond stacking ring in rose, white or yellow gold. $900 each. Walker Christopher, 9 Front Street, Hamilton. (441) 295-1466. www. walkerchristopher.com. walkerchris@link.bm 12. Handmade quartz pendant necklace, inspired by Bermuda ocean colours. Perfect for bridesmaids, the necklace can be personalized with an initial. $95.00.

1609 Design, Old Cellar Lane, 47 Front Street, Hamilton.

(441) 336-1326. www.1609design.com 13. Bermuda wooden spoons (Bermuda cedar, spice and cypress). Hand-carved by Alex Davidson for &Partners. $25 to $200. &Partners, 46 Par-la-Ville Road (between International Imports and Front Street). (441) 296-5250. www.andpartnersbermuda.com. peter@andpartnersbermuda.com 14. These Bermuda-inspired hand-cut cedar ornaments make a delightful contribution to a tablescape or favour bag. Available in many uniquely Bermudian shapes such as the fitted dinghy, Gombey, Moongate, Bermuda shorts, Bermuda onion, longtail, lizard and many more!

3 for $9.95. Custom ribbon and bulk discounts a possibility with advance planning. Flying Colours, 5 Queen Street, Hamilton, (441) 295-0890. sarah@flyingcolours. bm

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 19

Our Homes Should Tell Our Stories

L

ocals and visitors alike know to come to the Island Shop

of tableware with a Pottery Barn or Williams Sonoma catalog in hand

for unique giftware. Many, however, might not realize

and that a neutral palette seems to be the order of the day. White

that the store also offers a wedding registry. This facility

earthenware, clear glassware and simple profiles abound. There is a

enables the ‘guess work’ to be taken out of the determination of wed-

freshness to this aesthetic, and yet there still exists the desire for some-

ding gifts and offers uniquely local options.

thing more personal and intimate.

Barbara Finsness is the owner, designer and creative designer of the

Barbara believes that we are all called to be artists in our everyday

business, with three store locations across the island. She has created

life, called to create our own language, our own style. Our homes

innumerable ceramic and linen collections during the business’s15-year

should bear the imprint of this language and choice and they should

history. All of these collections have reflected the flora, fauna and

tell our stories. Particularly, our environment and life here should be

architecture of Bermuda and are only available here on the island. Her

inspired by the sea, sand and sky.

imaginative pieces reflect her emotional engagement to her island

One might be elegantly functional in their taste, but still have talent

home and are whimsical but practical. They reflect her belief that life

for creating a poetic space, with the additions of colorful and unusual

should be beautiful and vibrant, that colours exist to be enjoyed.

ceramics and textiles. There is a boundless creativity in this universe—

She realises that many people today are determining their choices

why not bring some of it to your own table?

Barbara and her knowledgeable staff at the Island Shop are happy to consult with couples during their decision-making process either before or after the wedding. Given enough planning time (6 months), ceramic pieces can be personalized and designs for stationery or wedding favours can be offered. Appointments are recommended.

THE ISLAND SHOP • 3 QUEEN STREET, HAMILTON, BERMUDA • TEL. (441) 292-5292

You have one daY. We’ll make it perfect.

Amazing “Ahh” moments.

Destination Weddings Rehearsal Dinners Ceremony & Reception Venues Guest Accommodations Event Planning Assistance

441.234.0331 events@cambeach.bm w w w.cambr idgebeaches.com 22 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

DESTINATION BERMUDA

From Bermuda to Nantucket & Back Always a favourite family vacation spot, Bermuda was an easy choice for Megan and Tyler’s destination wedding WHAT BEGAN with a Moscow mule on a rainy Memorial Day weekend in Nantucket, culminated in the merging of two families that shared a love for Bermuda. “We met through mutual friends in 2013. I saw Tyler from across the room and told a friend of mine, ‘I’m going to marry that kid,’” said Megan. “Both Megan and I had grown up vacationing in Bermuda. Within the first three minutes of meeting, we were sharing our stories of the island and it was evident how special a place it was to each of us,” added Tyler.

“I knew I wanted to ask Megan to marry me in Bermuda and after about a year and a half of dating, I knew it was time,” said Tyler. “We were in Bermuda at Megan’s parents’ home for Christmas and New Year’s. We lucked-out with unusually warm weather for that time of year and had an exceptionally crystal clear day on the day before we were due to go back to New York. My favourite time of day in Bermuda is when the sun is setting low on the horizon, so I asked Megan to come to the beach with me to enjoy the sunset. We went down to Mid Ocean where, after several minutes of nerves, I told her that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her and asked her to marry me.” Of course, Megan said yes. “It all happened so quickly but it was the happiest day of my life—except for our wedding day.”

The couple settled on a casual, simple yet elegant wedding on the shores of Bermuda. “We wanted our wedding to reflect who we are as people and who we are as a couple. Bermuda is an important place for the two of us and our families. Sharing the same love for the island made it an easy choice.”

Not living on the island full-time, Megan and Tyler knew they needed expert help with planning their nuptials and enlisted the aid of Nikki Begg

WRITTEN BY GABRIELLE BOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA TEMPLE www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 23

of Bermuda Bride. “We visited Bermuda at least seven times (maybe eight or nine times!) during the course of planning our wedding, but Nikki was the most valuable resource we had. She was our saviour and we couldn’t have planned a more beautiful wedding without her,” says Megan. “Nikki advised us not to check the weather during the week of our wedding, but we’re human and I checked the forecast at least 400 times! The day of our wedding turned out to be the most perfect, most beautiful weather I have ever seen in Bermuda.”

With 148 family members and friends in attendance, the couple wed on June 11, 2016, at Holy Trinity Church in Bailey’s Bay. “The church is so beautiful and with such an incredible view. Our ceremony was short but filled with love and family and was everything we could have dreamed of and more.”

The bride wore a breathtaking Oscar de la Renta gown with a sweetheart neckline, and carried a bouquet of mixed white and cream flowers. The groom kept it casual in khaki pants, a collared shirt, Hermes tie and navy blazer.

After saying, “I do,” the newlyweds and their guests were transported to Rosewood Tucker’s Point where a beach-side seated reception awaited them. They dined on a summer salad, surf and turf and a simple but impressive four-layer vanilla wedding cake. “We were blessed with the most incredible weather,” recalls Megan. “I remember looking around at the dance floor and couldn’t believe how unbelievable it was to be with the love of my life and all of our family members and friends in our favourite place. It was perfect.”

24 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

We Love

THIS WEDDING FOR...

Every couple has a unique vision for their wedding day.

Here are three recent Bermuda weddings whose style we just love!

WRITTEN BY GABRIELLE BOYER www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 25

WE LOVE THIS WEDDING FOR

THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHY STYLE

Andrew and Rebecca said their I dos on the sand at Mid Ocean Club.

“ANDREW AND I KNEW that we absolutely needed to be overlook-

beach, so why not?” said Rebecca.

ing the ocean on our wedding day; that was really important to us,” said

As for the bride and her maids, simple and chic was the intent. “The

Bermudian bride Rebecca Gregory. “Mid Ocean Club made it possible

wife of one of Andrew’s longtime friends is an amazing designer based

to have both the ceremony and reception ocean-side, which made it an

in New York City. I was struggling with trying to find a dress I liked, so

obvious choice for us.”

I enlisted Kaelen’s help. After sending sketches back and forth, choosing

The couple was wed with their toes in the sand on the Mid Ocean beach

fabrics and materials, and a few trips to New York for fittings, I had my

on August 20, 2016. They made their vows under a cedar arch (hand-made

dream dress. The fabric was elegant, but very lightweight for the hot,

by the groom) with 190 seated family members and friends looking on.

humid weather and the low back cowl kept me cool.” The bridesmaids

“We decided early on to go with an overall theme of a nautical, beach

wore blush-coloured floor-length dresses, which they chose together. “I

wedding. We wanted a colour scheme that would play into that and

didn’t want the girls to go completely bare-footed, as I wasn’t planning

blend with Mid Ocean Club’s natural surroundings. We chose navy blue

to. I found gorgeous sole-less sandals from Barmine, on Etsy, for them

to mimic the ocean, blush to replicate the tones of the pink sand and a

and I wore a pair of silver sole-less sandals from another Etsy store—they

creamy white to play to the clouds. It was perfect!”

jingled when I walked, which was a playful touch.”

Andrew Cottingham and his groomsmen were appropriately

To avoid the risk of guests overheating during the ceremony, the

dressed in custom white-collared shirts from itaylor and traditional

couple provided ice water and lemonade on the beach and the wedding

navy Bermuda shorts from The English Sports Shop, but opted to

programmes were adhered to Popsicle sticks and made sturdy enough to

forgo jackets, socks and shoes. “It was the middle of August and on a

use as a fan. “When it comes to weather-contingency space, Mid Ocean

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECKY SPENCER 26 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

“We chose navy blue to mimic the ocean, blush to replicate the tones of the pink sand and a creamy white to play to the clouds. It was perfect!”

Club is accommodating, booking out the Club House restaurant for the

of the groom’s surfboards was used to create the seating chart; a nod to

ceremony and reception in case of bad weather. I tried to keep in mind

his passion for surfing and the couple’s shared love of the water. “For the

that no matter what happened weather-wise, our day was to celebrate our

décor, we opted to keep it simple and allow the dramatic seascape and

love for one another and our families joining together, but admittedly,

sunset to take centre stage. After dark, the tent was illuminated with hun-

I’m glad we got the beach wedding we planned.”

dreds of twinkling lights and lit tiki torches. At every table, there was a lit

The bride carried a large bouquet of blue hydrangeas on her walk down the aisle which she chose to compliment the blues of the Atlantic and

candle in a hurricane lantern with pink sand, sea shells and starfish.”

The couple was thrilled with the outcome of their day, calling it perfect

the August sky. “I couldn’t wrap my head around spending thousands on

and everything they had hoped for. “It was amazing,” says Rebecca. “We

flowers that wouldn’t last once the wedding was over, so I chose to keep

had the best band, D.I.A. (Devil’s Isle Audio), that kept all of our guests

it simple with only one main flower feature, that being large, pomander

on the dance floor all night. Everyone had a great time and the sound of

balls of white flowers, which hung from shepherds hooks lining the aisle.”

the waves on the shore while we celebrated throughout the afternoon and

In addition, the bridesmaids carried bouquets of blue and white hydran-

evening with our friends and family was exactly what we hoped for when

geas, which carried out the chosen colour scheme beautifully.

planning our beach wedding.”

Immediately following the ceremony, the couple and their guests

Rebecca and Andrew’s advice to engaged couples wanting a beach

enjoyed a buffet dinner under a seated tent overlooking the south shore.

wedding of their own: “Have a weather-contingency plan, use speakers

“Many of our guests had food allergies or restricted diets, so we chose to

for the ceremony in case your guests can’t hear over the surf and honestly,

serve gluten-free and vegan options, so that everyone got their fill.” One

just go for it—it’s your day.”

www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 27

WE LOVE THIS WEDDING FOR

THE ISLAND CHARM

Their mutual love for the water led to Reilly and Alex getting married on Long Island.

“WE MET ON THE WATER,” recalls Bermudian bride Reilly Ingham.

The couple wed on May 14, 2016, in front of 150 guests and overlook-

“We were introduced through mutual friends on a boat over Cup Match.

ing the Great Sound. “Our guests were picked up by boat and brought

Our first date was a sunset boat cruise through Paradise Lake.” Naturally

to Long Island for 11:00 a.m. I got ready on the island and watched

for Reilly and her now-husband, Alex Smith, tying the knot on or near

everyone arrive from the porch. It was so much fun to wave to the boat as

the water was a must. “We chose Long Island because we wanted some-

it arrived.” The groom and his groomsmen took their own cruise on the

thing different, but our love for the water was really the driving force.

lakes before arriving at the picturesque island for the nuptials.

We also wanted a daytime wedding to keep, somewhat, with Bermuda

Within the wedding ceremony, the couple incorporated a stone cere-

tradition, so we decided to have the ceremony at noon and a late-lunch

mony, something that was important to the bride and amalgamated their

reception.”

love for the ocean. “I love collecting stones whenever we go to the beach.

The couple called on Emily Boden of Bermuda Event Solutions and Kaitlin Mulderig to coordinate the wedding of their dreams. “We were going for ‘casual elegance’: refined, yet with a relaxed and romantic vibe.

During our ceremony, we encouraged each of our guests to take one, make a wish and then throw it into the ocean.”

Immediately following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests

We love ‘darties’ (day parties) and wanted to create the same casual and

were seated for a lunchtime reception. “We incorporated a mix of long

fun atmosphere for all of our friends and families.”

farm tables and round tables, each decorated with natural linens and

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLOTTE JENKS LEWIS 28 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

“Being outdoors on Long Island, with the view of the Great Sound in the background as we said our vows surrounded by the people we love, it was perfect!”

bamboo plates and adorned with centrepieces of potted plants, grown by

the night, after which we took a boat cruise through Paradise Lake and

my dad and Suzan Sickling, and bud vases with colourful flowers. Alex

back to town.”

and Matthew Strong (from Das Fete, event design and production) built

When reflecting on the highlights of their day, the couple agree that

the farm tables—we kept the one that we sat at and signed our initials

having a wedding that lasted the duration of the day and night and played

and wedding date on the bottom.”

host to their love of the water was insurmountable. “It was so special and

During the reception, guests dined on gourmet sandwiches and

fun to end the night on the water with our closest friends—a place we

family-style side dishes from Miles Market. Wine was on the table and

love to be. Being outdoors on Long Island, with the view of the Great

traditional Bermuda wedding cakes (pound and fruit cake) were sliced

Sound in the background as we said our vows surrounded by the people

and served. Twisted Spoon Cocktail Co. was on hand, providing specialty

we love, it was perfect!”

craft cocktails to keep the party going.

“After lunch we danced, played lawn games such as corn hole, giant Jenga, and Left Centre Right dice game. We continued to celebrate into

www.bermudianweddings.com

The couple’s advice to others tying the knot: “On your wedding day, soak up all the love, excitement and happiness! It’s about enjoying the time with the important people in your life, so have fun and celebrate!”

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 29

WE LOVE THIS WEDDING FOR

THE GARDEN THEME

BERMUDIANS Sierra-Renae DeSilva and Steven Roy were married in

low-key details for their special day. “Much of our décor was made by our

the late afternoon on September 3, 2016, on the lawn at Astwood Park,

planners, including painted wine bottles and mason jars that adorned the

overlooking the deep blues of the Atlantic. “We are laid-back people; we

tables. Family friend Ronnie Lopes hand-carved the arch we stood un-

wanted something simple and natural and a garden theme fit the bill,”

derneath to say our vows; that was really special. And in lieu of a wedding

said Sierra-Renae. Following the ceremony, 170 family members and

suite, we opted for paperless e-invitations—go green!”

friends gathered at Café Lido at the Elbow Beach Hotel to fete the couple and celebrate their nuptials.

The bride had a passion for flower crowns so wearing one was a must on her big day. “I absolutely love flower crowns and couldn’t image get-

Choosing to abstain from pomp and pageantry, the couple opted for

ting married without wearing one,” said the bride. “They suited our gar-

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NINA COTTERILL 30 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

den theme perfectly. Sophie and Luna is a small company based in London that makes flower crowns using a mixture of dried and preserved Sandra Blanco, constructed a bespoke crown for me using red roses and a variety of dustyrose-coloured flowers from around the world. I absolutely fell in love with it; it was everything I imagined and more!

“As for the girls’ crowns, another of my

PhOTOgraPhS By gaVin hOWarTh

flowers. The company’s founder and director,

Bermuda Event Solutions

bridesmaids, Emma, chose them individually, selecting each to suit the girls’ different styles and personalities.”

Not to leave out the guys, the couple discovered the perfect set of ties to tie in with their theme. “We wanted the guys to have something fun and colourful to add to their traditional attire,” said Sierra-Renae. “We found Steven a tie at The English Sports Shop, adorned in a festive motif of flamingoes, parrots, cocktails and palm leaves in vibrant, bright colours. We knew it was perfect as soon as we saw it and Steven, along

It’s in the Detail...

Bermuda Event Solutions is a full-service wedding and events coordination company. Whether you are planning a destination wedding or you live locally we will make it our priority to give you the wedding you have always dreamed about.

P. O. Box 495, Devonshire DV BX, Bermuda T. 441. 236.9469 E. info@eventsolutions.bm www. weddingsolutions. bm

with his groomsmen, wore one on the day.”

www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 31

Call Nik Bhola at 441 236-2233 or email nikbhola@coralbeach.bm to make your reservation or for more information. facebook.com/coralbeachclubbda

@CoralBeachBDA #CBC

PHOTOGRAPH BY TWO + QUARTER

Real Weddings From a casual raft up in Somerset to a full-on party in St. George’s, we have three real local weddings sure to inspire you to find your own unique wedding style.

WRITTEN BY LAURA BELL www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 33

34 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

REAL WEDDINGS

Paige & Aaron August 6, 2016

B

ermudians Paige Belvin and Aaron Eversley met while in

memories for me and holds a special place in my heart, as it did for my

college in Halifax. Dating on and off for nine years, the couple

dad. As we flew toward the beach I was distracted by a crowd of people

grew up together and into their sweet family before tying the

below. I then found myself reading the words in the sand—in true Paige

knot on August 6, 2016.

fashion, I didn’t get it was for me until I turned to see a huge cheesy grin

“Through the nine years together, we experienced a lot and grew

together,” said Paige, who works at WindReach Bermuda. “We lost loved ones, had really hard times and really great ones. We even grew into a

on Aaron’s face and a ring box on his lap. We flew in safely and joined all of the family and friends on the beach for bubbly after!”

“I told her I wanted to get her a ring early summer 2015,” said Aaron.

family and welcomed our son three years ago! No matter what, we always

“I am not very traditional—if you can’t tell (laughs). But I also told her

ended up coming back to one another and I think that was all we needed

because we actually have very different taste. She has very simple taste

to know.”

while I like a little more. So we visited Davidrose to talk about and design

Aaron’s good friend being a pilot, Aaron organised an aerial tour with Blue Sky Bermuda for November 21, 2015, while unbeknownst to Paige, her family and friends were writing “Will you marry me?” in the sand

a ring. They are really the best! Even with this in the works, she didn’t clue in about the plane—which we all definitely thought she would!”

Being the non-traditional couple they are, Paige and Aaron planned a

at Grape Bay Beach. “I grew up on Grape Bay and so did my father, we

completely low-key and very apropos ceremony on the water. “Our cere-

moved shortly after he passed away,” said Paige. “The beach holds so many

mony took place on our family boat Just Jane which my family creatively

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO & QUARTER PHOTOGRAPHY www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 35

Paige and Aaron were married on Just Jane (renamed ‘Just Married’ for the day!). Above: Their son London Adam served as ringbearer. Left: The bouquet featured greens out of the mother of the bride’s garden.

changed for the day to Just Married,” said Paige. “The idea came about

After the “I dos” the couple sneaked off with their photographers,

because we both didn’t want a big wedding, but still wanted to celebrate

Mark and Ally Tatem of Two + Quarter, to take some photos and enjoy

it and let those closest to us be a part of it. We didn’t want the pressure of

some newlywed time together. They returned to a full-on raft-up party

spending money or making too much of a fuss over details.

with about 100 of their closest friends and family. “We cut our cake,

“There were seven of us on Just Jane—one of my sisters and her husband who were our witnesses and drivers; our son, London Adam, who not only gave us the rings but held our hands throughout the ceremony as

made by one of our closest friends (champagne icing, the best!), and then jumped in for a swim too as the sun went down!” said Paige.

The day was just perfect for the laid-back couple who wanted little

he was just as much part of the marriage; Anthony Ball who married us;

more than to celebrate their love with the people they loved. For Aaron

and Merle Swan Williams (aka “Aunt Meryl”) who supported our union.

the best part of the day was “seeing everyone and hopping from boat to

“We organised two charter boats, Attitude Adjustment and Double

boat just after we said ‘I do.’ Embracing the love and support from every-

Play, for friends and family, while others brought their own boats and

one. I honestly was someone who never thought they would get married,

they all tied up so our reception was essentially a raft-up!”

so it was an amazing feeling.”

36 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

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“We did sneak off to take some brilliant pictures but also to soak in the moment of saying ‘I do’ together. When we came back, everyone was swimming and partying!”

DETAILS Wedding Date August 6, 2016 Ring Bearer London Adam Ceremony Location Great Sound, off of the Somerset Railways Flowers Fresh from the garden Cake Katie’s Cakes (Katie Titterton) Officiant Anthony Ball Invitations Website design by Anna Terceira at SJD World Groom’s attire A.S. Coopers Men Rentals Attitude Adjustment and Double Play charters Photography Two & Quarter

“I would agree with Aaron that was by far one of the best parts!” said

easy transition when the wind caused them to shift locations. “We were

Paige. “We came into this idea wanting nothing more than to celebrate

meant to raft up off of Cambridge beaches, Somerset, and of course it

our love. Our loved ones, however, organised so many little details on

was a super windy day out of the west,” said Paige. “Somehow though,

the day that helped make it so perfect. Small surprises throughout the

everyone got the word out to each other and changed location in the lee

day—from giant swans on the back of the boat to personalised stickers on

without us even knowing. Someone phoned my sister on our boat and

champagne glasses—made it all more memorable!”

everyone was already in the new location and tied up. It was brilliant. Our

Another special detail included the bouquet created by the bride’s crafty mom featuring greenery from her garden and a few small white

no-plan, plan, worked!”

While the couple admitted having someone delegated to organising

roses. “The night before, we went out and clipped things from her garden

the raft-up ahead of time would have made things easier on the day and

and she pieced it all together. It was one of my favourite parts,” said Paige.

they wished they had started earlier to allow more time to mingle after

Of course, outdoor weddings are not without their challenges when it comes to weather, but this couple’s super laid-back plan allowed for an www.bermudianweddings.com

the ceremony, overall their day was just perfect. All summed up, Paige and Aaron said it was a day full of “love, natural beauty and excitement!”

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 37

38 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

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REAL WEDDINGS

Tim & Erica June 18, 2016

D

espite Bermuda being so small, two people can still know

ing him daily. “I knew then that we both really liked each other and by

each other all their lives but never truly meet until the time is

the time we got together I knew that we were both in this for the long

just right. Such is the case for Bermudians Erica Fulton and

haul,” she said.

Tim Davidson.

One year later on April 5, 2016, Tim suggested a walk in the garden

“As with most Bermudian families, we have known each other for most

of our lives,” said Erica, the executive director at WindReach. “Tim was in my brother Richard’s year at Saltus and our parents are also good friends so we floated in similar circles but never really spent time together.”

That is until a mutual friend decided to play matchmaker and organised a dinner in early March 2015. “We sat beside each other for the evening and clearly had a connection. But it wasn’t until the end of April that we actually got together as a couple,” she added.

Tim, who works in investments, took his time to get to know Erica.

to “feed the turtles and throw the ball for the dog.” It was the perfect moment for his proposal.

“It was a really beautiful evening so we climbed the folly beside the ponds to look out over the harbour,” said Erica. “When I turned around Tim had dropped down on one knee with the ring held in his fingers. I was totally shocked—but of course quickly said yes!”

Wasting no time, the couple quickly set upon planning a June wedding, intentionally keeping it an intimate affair with a larger celebration planned for the fall. “We knew from the beginning that

The couple did things “just as friends” until she went to Japan in April

we wanted a really small wedding but we also wanted to make sure

with a friend and spent most of her time talking about Tim and messag-

that we were able to properly celebrate with the rest of our family and

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH ANDREWS www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 39

Far left: The bride arrived at St. Mark’s Church with her family via horse and carriage. Middle: Children played a big part in the intimate ceremony.

Top: Bridal bouquet by Suzan Sickling. Above: The bride’s father, Dr. Ian Fulton jokingly asked her if she wanted to make a run for it as he walked her down the aisle.

friends,” explained Erica.

ceremony, including the children who Reverend Musa involved in the

The bride decided early on that she didn’t want to spend too much on

service,” said the bride. “Our mothers and a few close family friends are

her wedding gown. “I felt pretty adamant that I did not want a traditional

talented flower arrangers and so they did all of the flowers in the church

wedding dress and I was keen that whatever I wore was simple and didn’t

which was also really special.”

cost a fortune,” she said. “On a trip to Boston with my mother I bought

At the reception, held at Erica’s parents’ home in Smith’s, the adults

a full-length, high-waisted white skirt that I just loved. My very talented

enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while the children played games on

sister-in-law, Shirene Fulton, who is a dress designer, then made me a top

the lawn. “The children took part in a treasure hunt that my dad had put

out of a vintage dress that she had. It was so special for me to work with

together and we laid out plenty of arts and crafts to keep them occupied!”

her on that; she thought of every detail and even included a piece of lace

said Erica. “As we were only 18 adults for dinner we all sat at one table,

she still had from her own wedding dress from when she had married my

overlooking the North Shore and the sunset.”

brother 12 years prior!”

With the help of friends Selange Gitschner and Matt Strong who

Although her “dress” was unconventional, the bride and her par-

run Das Fete, an event design and production company, the décor was

ents kept with local tradition and arrived at her family church—St.

stunning. Festoon lights framed the table, decorated with a full length

Mark’s—via horse and carriage where she walked down the aisle with her

runner of white roses enhanced with greenery and lit with candles created

father, Dr. Ian Fulton. With the ceremony being such an intimate affair,

by florist and family friend Suzan Sickling.

everyone was involved. “It felt like everyone was intimately part of the 40 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

Doubling as their place setting, the guests each received a piece of Yart www.bermudianweddings.com

DETAILS Wedding Date June 18, 2016 Wedding Planning Das Fete Ceremony Location St. Mark’s Church Reception Location Bride’s parent’s home Flowers Suzan Sickling Cake Paula Hayward, Sweet P Officiant Reverend Musa Daba Caterer Chef Ryan Solien, Island Restaurant Group Entertainment at the church: Milton Raposo (piano), Chris Finsness (guitar), Selange Gitschner (vocalist) Bride’s Attire Skirt by Alice and Olivia, top made by Shirene Fulton Groom’s Attire TABS shorts for the reception

“People kept telling us how the day would disappear in a blur so we were both conscious of enjoying every moment.”

Bridal Hair Lorrae at Bersalon Bridal Makeup Myisha Marsh (Polished Beat) Transportation Horse and carriage by Terceira’s; Train by the Bermuda Train Company Photography Meredith Andrews Favours Yart by Stratton Hatfield

by artist Stratton Hatfield as a favour. “Selange had the idea to ask Stratton to create a piece of his ‘yart’ for each of our guests,” Erica explained.

we felt very lucky that she wanted to do that for us.”

The low-key and intimate nature of their wedding day allowed the

“Each piece was unique and Stratton was there on the day to help set the

couple to truly enjoy the moment together with their loved ones. The most

table and make sure that it all looked perfect. On the back of each piece

important element of their nuptials was the small and simple plan they en-

was a little plaque with our initials and the date of our wedding which

visioned from the beginning. “For us that meant that we could just focus on

was a lovely touch.”

the enormity of what it means to be getting married,” said the bride. “Apart

The guests enjoyed dinner catered by Chef Ryan Solien from the Island Restaurant Group followed by a delectable cake by Paula Hayward of Sweet P. “It was a three-tier orange sponge with a silver antique fondant icing,”

from our excited nerves at the church there was never really a moment during the day, or in the lead up to the day, that we were stressed.

“On the morning of our wedding we had breakfast together and then

said Erica. “I love dessert and was thrilled with how delicious the cake was!”

took the dog for a long walk in the pouring rain. It was pretty perfect to feel

Keeping with the family affair, the couple chose Meredith Andrews

so relaxed when making such an important life commitment to each other.

as their photographer. “Meredith is a close family friend; her sister

“People kept telling us how the day would disappear in a blur so we

Charlotte is married to Tim’s brother, and so she has been part of the

were both conscious of enjoying every moment,” she concluded. “By

Davidson family for over 20 years,” Erica explained. She and her husband

having such a small and intimate wedding I think we were able to do

and children, were first and foremost guests at the wedding but she very

that—so I am glad for the advice that was well heeded!

kindly offered to take photos for us. She is an incredible photographer so www.bermudianweddings.com

“It really was a perfect day.”

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 41

42 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

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REAL WEDDINGS

Jo & Graham October 8, 2016

W

hen Canadian Jo Howson moved to Bermuda on her

ourselves. When you can experience the good with the bad and both walk

own in 2011 (“for an adventure!”), little did she know

away stronger, you know you’ve found a team mate for life.”

she would meet the love of her life, St. David’s Islander Graham Frith, almost immediately.

“While Jo was living in Nova Scotia, she was given the name of Steven

For her engagement surprise, Graham organised to “kidnap” Jo from work to celebrate her birthday weekend at The Reefs. The couple enjoyed snorkeling together before heading to Caso’s Point to take in the gorgeous

McGuinness, who had gone to Acadia,” said Graham. “He was my college

south shore view. With the whole place to themselves, Graham got down

roommate and introduced us the first weekend Jo arrived on island. I

on one knee and asked Jo to be “his team mate, best friend and soul mate.”

realised she was something special the moment I met her.”

The ring is a family heirloom that had been passed down to Graham’s

The couple dated for four years before getting engaged on August 14, 2015. “I tell her I would have married her within a week knowing how special she was,” said Graham. “She has it all—brains, beauty and great

mom, Chrissy Frith, by her mother, Mimi. “I knew it was a perfect Jo ring,” said the groom.

On the wedding day, Jo and her bridal party got ready at Tucker’s Point

wit. I knew, though, that it’s always better to get to know someone more

while the groom and his “trouble-maker groomsmen” chilled by the pool

and I watched her grow and fell more in love with her every day.”

at St. George’s Club before donning their Bermuda shorts (in St. David’s

Jo said she knew Graham was the one “when I could be truly honest with myself and him. I knew because it was natural for both of us to be

colours of old gold and blue, of course) and heading to the ceremony.

The couple chose the World Heritage Centre (WHC) in St. George’s

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO & QUARTER PHOTOGRAPHY www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 43

“Growing up in St. George’s made me want

Far left: Jo arrived by boat. Top, middle: Graham wore a unique wooden bow tie. Above: Jo’s engagement ring is a Frith family heirloom.

Left: Proud parents of the groom—Chrissy and Peter Frith.

to share it with everyone. It’s just such a classic part of Bermuda.”

for both the ceremony and reception. “We both liked the traditional

WHC. “Goslings took care of us with their awesome staff and worked

Bermudian building and the character it added to the wedding,” said Jo.

with us to come up with his and hers drinks,” said the groom. “The ‘his’

“My father works in the museum, and we wanted somewhere in St.

drink was a Gosling’s South Shore with a spicy twist of Gombey jam. I

George’s as all our guests were staying in the town,” added Graham.

was looking for something sweet and spicy and it was perfect! ‘Her’ drink

“Growing up in St. George’s made me want to share it with everyone.

was very light lemonade with lime and basil.”

It’s just such a classic part of Bermuda. And my parents’ house is directly across the harbour.”

The couple chose New Catering Bermuda/Bermuda Smokehouse for the food for their 160 guests and they did not disappoint. Canapes

Arriving by boat, Jo walked down the aisle with her father to Elton

included pulled pork and bacon jam shooters, smoked salmon, beef jerky

John’s “Your Song” and the couple said their vows under an arch created

with horseradish and apple crème fraiche, and mini stuffed sweet pepper

by Marguerite at Demco with St. George’s Harbour as their backdrop.

antipasto. The main course included chargrilled fresh seasonal veggies,

The sun was shining and a cool October breeze was blowing adding to the

beef brisket, smoked whole chicken, sweet potato salad and cheesy corn

perfection of their day. “The weather could not have cooperated any bet-

bread pudding. “We had it all served family style as it was Canadian

ter—the sun and cool breeze was perfect,” said Graham. “Especially as we

Thanksgiving and we wanted that style to be incorporated,” said Graham.

had had hurricane Matthew and a tropical storm threatening for a week!”

“So people were mixing and mingling like family at their tables.

After the nuptials, the newlyweds and their guests celebrated with a

“We were a little worried as this was the biggest event they [the cater-

cocktail party outside followed by a family-style dinner upstairs at the

ers] had ever done, but man did they knock it out of the park! From the

44 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

DETAILS Wedding Date October 8th 2016 Maid of Honour Zee (Elizabeth) Verdone Bridesmaids & men Jen Brown, Claire Cook, Leah McNally, Mark Howson, Paul Howson Best Men Ian and Duncan Frith Groomsmen Alex Doyle, Alastair Jack, Gordon Cooper, Steven McGuinness Wedding Planning Day-of was Ginnie Masters Ceremony & Reception Location World Heritage Centre Flowers Demco Officiant Gordon Shaw Caterer New Catering Bermuda (Bermuda Smokehouse) Invitations Lindsey Amerault Entertainment Steve Crawford, Simon Brothers and Scott Roy Bridesmaids’ Gowns Bari Jay, Navy chevron Groom’s attire English Sports Shop Groomsmen attire English Sports Shop’s Bermuda shorts and socks. Vineyard Vines Bow ties Bridal Shoes Steve Madden Bridal Hair Chelsea at Salon Pink Bridal Makeup Kylah Tear Transportation Bridal party arrived by boat. Captain Martin, and first mate Mark Rentals Select Sites, Bermuda Rentals, Undercover Tents and Exclusive Designs Photography Two & Quarter

food to the service, it was absolutely spot-on!”

For the wedding cake, bridesmaid Claire Cook generously gifted the

Even the favours were music-themed—and fun, just like the couple.

“We gave out inflatable instruments,” Graham said. “They were micro-

couple with a chocolate cake with mascarpone icing. “[It was] was to die

phones, saxophones and guitars—we wanted everyone to entertain each

for!” said Jo.

other and show off their instrument skills. It went over so well and every-

To save on costs, the couple chose lots of simple greenery with white

body loved it! What is even better is that since the wedding we have been

and wooden accents to compliment the rustic nature of the venue. “Jo

shown videos and pictures of families still using the instruments, which

and a friend went out a few days before and picked asparagus fern for the

is what we wanted. I love playing air guitar when listening to music,

interior foliage,” said Graham. “We found out later that asparagus fern is

and both our dads and Jo, too. Jo’s dad had brought down the inflatable

the traditional wedding foliage in Bermuda!”

instruments one Christmas and we all loved them and thought it would

For her bouquet, Jo worked with Marguerite to come up with a natural-looking arrangement filled with local foliage and accented with dend-

be brilliant for the wedding.”

With wedding planner Ginny Masters of Weddings With Panache

robium orchids and feathers. The orchids were also crowned in Jo’s hair.

assisting as a day-of coordinator and family and friends pitching in to

Music formed a big part of the couple’s day—from Steve Crawford

help, the couple say that everything ran exactly as planned. “It sounds

playing guitar for the ceremony and the Simons Brothers for the cocktail

cliché, but the whole day we were on cloud nine and it all went as smooth

party to Scott Roy (aka DJ Vibes) for dinner and dancing. “He had

as silk,” said Jo. “I think it ran so smoothly because we were so prepared

everybody up dancing all night!” said Graham.

and everyone was so helpful. Every moment was amazing!”

www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 45

W Once you have booked your venue, it is time to consult on your hair style so there is time to get the perfect colour, cut and image for your wedding day.

We ALWAYS suggest a practice run to be sure you get the desired look you have in mind to minimize stress on the day.

the PERFECT

HAIR for your

WEDDING DAY

We also offer a special in-salon price that combines both the trial and main event for your hair.

From $165.

Whether formal or casual, we can achieve the look you need for that special occasion, no matter what texture your hair is.

Church Street Level, Washington Mall, Hamilton 441-292-8983 • info@headway.bm www.headway.bm

ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE ON BERMUDA’S CELEBRATION YACHT

WWW.UBERVIDA.NET 1-441-236-2222

46 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

VENUE CRUSH

PHOTOGRAPH BY DONOVIN SEYMOUR

From the simple to the sublime, Bermuda has a plethora of beautiful locations to choose from for your big day. And now, thanks to new legislation, civil ceremonies can finally be performed outside of the Registry General. Read through the following pages for more information on all the venues we are currently crushing on.

www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 47

VENUE CRUSH

Fabulous Fort Hamilton A breathtaking example of Bermuda’s natural beauty and a convenient wedding venue, Fort Hamilton proved to be the perfect solution for Kalena and Tyrell’s dream outdoor nuptials.

O

n September 3, 2016, Kalena Astwood and Tyrell Burgess were married in an elegant outdoor ceremony held at one of Bermuda’s most beautiful parks: Fort Hamilton in Pembroke. This gem of the island’s

natural beauty served as the perfect spot for both ceremony and reception, a point that was very appealing to the couple when choosing a venue.

“Although we had explored a few options for the location of our wedding, we ultimately decided on Fort Hamilton because it was centrally located, has a lot of natural beauty, and there was enough space to hold both the ceremony and the reception in the same location,” explains Kalena.

WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA ORTEGA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONOVIN SEYMOUR 48 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

As an additional convenience, the wedding party got dressed at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, where the group was able to relax in the morning and also be www.bermudianweddings.com

readily available for photos throughout the day.

For their ceremony at Fort Hamilton, Kalena and Tyrell chose “a beautiful courtyard on the property with pillars and a built-in aisle.” And although the venue itself would provide a stunning backdrop for any wedding, the couple enhanced their ceremony space with a flower-and-vine-covered arch, under which they exchanged their vows.

In keeping with the outdoor theme of their wedding, Kalena and Tyrell hosted a cocktail-style reception, which featured “a delicious menu with a variety of bite-sized options, soup…a carving station” and an immensely popular dessert bar.

In all, everyone was happy with the success of the event.

Having the ceremony and reception at the same venue worked out very well, not only for the couple but also for the guests, who “didn’t have to travel around too much, and could just enjoy the day.”

And in terms of the planning of the wedding, the bride says it was exceptionally easy. Indeed, Fort Hamilton itself is “so beautiful that it really didn’t take too much to transform it into the perfect wedding venue,” Kalena reflects.

The bride and groom were free to choose how they preferred the catering and tents to be arranged, and the custodian of the fort ensured that there were freshly planted flowers and cut grass for the day of the event. Additionally, there is electricity on the property, so it was possible for them to have a DJ. “Overall, the Corporation of Hamilton was very accommodating, and we found planning the event to be a surprisingly stress-free experience,” says Kalena.

Nonetheless, planning a wedding requires plenty of time and attention to detail, and the couple found the help of an event planner, Flair Event Design, to be invaluable.

“We worked closely with our wedding planner to develop a concept and collaborated through Pinterest to come up with some design ideas. [They] did an excellent job of capturing the rustic look we wanted for our outdoor wedding…[and] even threw in a few surprise elements for us, which really made the day special.”

Fort Hamilton even provided a stunning setting for the

VENDORS

couple’s wedding photos, which were taken at various locations

Catering Kenny’s Kitchen

around the property. “There are so many areas on the property

Dessert Bar Get Cake-Whipped

with different characteristics that make great backdrops for the

Entertainment DJ Rusty G

portraits. Our photographer also had a great eye for finding all of the little nooks that give Fort Hamilton its charm,” says the bride.

All in all, this beautiful park was an excellent choice for Kalena and Tyrell’s outdoor wedding. At every stage of the event, for

Flowers Demco Landscaping Corporation of Hamilton Photography Donovin Seymour Rentals Lambert and Lambert Rentals Transportation Purnell Transport

those planning and for those attending, the venue was impressive.

Wedding Cake Crow Lane Bakery

“The event flowed perfectly, from ceremony to reception,” Kalena

Wedding Planning Flair Event Design

says. “All of our guests seemed to have a great time.” www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 49

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Taking the Civil Ceremony

OUTDOORS

Thanks to the passing of the Marriage Amendment Act 2016, couples can now finally have a civil ceremony outside the Registry General’s office.

Here is what you need to know...

FOR MANY YEARS, if a couple wished to have a civil ceremony in Bermuda, it could be officiated only in the Registry General office. Now, however, with the passing of the Marriage Amendment Act 2016, civil ceremonies may be held at a variety of other locations around the island, namely, a selection of public parks and beaches.

Any one of these beautiful, natural venues may offer the perfect solution for those who would prefer to have a non-denominational ceremony, but not lose out on the one-of-a-kind, idyllic setting that Bermuda has offered to brides and grooms for decades.

And better still, the planning of an outdoor civil-service wedding is relative-

PHOTOGRAPH BY GAVIN HOWARTH

ly simple and cost effective.

WRITTEN BY CASSANDRA ORTEGA

50 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS:

application form (in person or by post) to

receive an official marriage certificate that is

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

the Bermuda government’s Registry General,

recognised and legal world-wide.

Admiralty House Park Arboretum Astwood Park Blue Hole Hill Park Botanical Gardens

First, submit a Notice of Intended Marriage

Within one month of your wedding, you will

along with the application fee, which has a

Obtain written permission from the owner

value of $368 (and includes the cost of the

or occupier of the venue, that is, WEDCO or

marriage certificate).

the Department of Parks.

For more information on fees associated with civil marriage ceremonies, to apply for a marriage licence and to download the

Finally, notify the registrar of the selected wedding date.

The Registry General staff will confirm the

application form, please visit: www.gov.bm/

time of the ceremony. In addition, the couple

content/apply-marriage-licence or call the

Church Bay Beach

is responsible for arranging the logistics of set-

Registry General office at 441-297-7709 or

up and any other features of the wedding. The

Devonshire Bay Park

441-297-7707.

Registry General will only be responsible for

Chaplin Bay Beach

Elbow Beach (the public beach as

Copies of final divorce decrees or death

accessed from Tribe Road 4B in Paget)

certificates, if applicable, must also be included

Ferry Point Park

with the application.

Fort St. Catherine Beach Great Head Park Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Park Horseshoe Bay Beach John Smith’s Bay Beach Jobson’s Cove Beach Scaur Hill Fort Park

If sending the documents by post, address

providing a table, chair and relevant documents for signature.

In the event of inclement weather that prohibits an outdoor wedding, the alternate

your application to Registrar General, Govern-

venue for the marriage will be the Registry

ment Administration Building, 30 Parliament

General. In such cases, the marriage ceremony

Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda.

fee will be reduced to $245, which is the fee

It will take about 15 days for your wedding licence to be issued, and it will be valid for three months. You or a designated person may pick up this licence at the registrar’s office.

applicable to marriages conducted within the Registry General office.

You must have two witnesses over 18 years of age present at the ceremony.

Shelly Bay Beach Somerset Long Bay Beach

CONTACT INFORMATION

Spanish Point Park

• For more information or to book the Victualling Yard for your wedding, please contact

Stonehole Bay St. David’s Lighthouse Park Tobacco Bay Beach Warwick Long Bay Beach.

Stephanie Rodill at srodill@wedco.bm or call 441-239-0518.

• To contact the Department of Parks, please call 441-236-5902 or e-mail parksdept@gov.bm.

For more information on planning the Bermuda wedding of your dreams contact: • Bermuda: Bermuda Tourism Authority, 22 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. Tel: 441-296-9200, www.gotobermuda.com • United Kingdom: Global Travel Marketing Ltd., Link House, 140 The Broadway, Tolworth,

WEDCO Victualling Yard, Dockyard

Surrey KT6 7HJ. Tel: +44 (0) 208 339 6150 • North America: 675 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10017. Tel: 212-8189800, e-mail: fdesk@bermudatourism.com

www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 51

VENUE CRUSH

PHOTOGRAPH BY GAVIN HOWARTH

CAMBRIDGE BEACHES RESORT & SPA

FOR ALMOST 100 YEARS, couples from home and abroad have said “I do” at Cam-

arrange on request.

Cambridge Beaches is a child-free resort,

to host up to 250 guests for a standing cocktail reception and up to 160 guests for a more

bridge Beaches Resort & Spa, a property with

however there are venues on the property

formal sit-down dinner, the catering options

as much celebrated history as picturesque

where children are allowed, such as Breezes

for which are extensive and include everything

acreage. Indeed, if the popular resort’s A-list

restaurant, Long Bay Beach, Sea View Gardens

from a banquet buffet to sushi to brunch.

clientele (read: noteworthy authors, celebrities

and (at times) Tamarisk restaurant—the only

The staff at Cambridge Beaches make it a

and powerful world leaders) is proof of any-

stipulation being that the location must be

rule to host only one wedding per day at the

thing, it’s that the hotel’s beautiful surround-

bought out for the day, which will prevent re-

famed resort. This way, they ensure that their

ings are only outdone by its staff’s attention

sort guest access and allow for wedding parties

focus is solely on the couple getting married

to detail and exemplary service.

to enjoy the venue with children in attendance.

and the couple’s wedding guests. To that ef-

The experienced staff at Cambridge Beach-

fect, it is recommended that couples wishing

Engaged couples looking to wed at the 30-acre, 300-year-old property have various

es Resort & Spa are well-versed in the artistry

to wed at Cambridge Beaches book as early

and diverse settings to pick from, including

required to to deliver the perfect wedding, no

as possible to ensure that their preferred date

the white sands of Long Bay, the lush and

matter the size. On a regular basis, the resort

is available.

lavish Sea View Gardens, and the waterside

hosts both intimate weddings (of 10 people or

Breezes restaurant. In the event of inclem-

fewer) and ceremonies and receptions of up

For more information regarding Cambridge

ent weather, contingency space is always

to 160 people.

Beaches Resort & Spa call Nadja Talevi at (441)

available, as is tenting, which the resort can 52 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

Specifically, newly wedded couples are able

234-0331 or e-mail events@cambeach.bm. www.bermudianweddings.com

VENUE CRUSH

PHOTOGRAPH BY BERMUDA AERIAL MEDIA

ISLAND HOUSE

LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST of Bermuda’s

Depending on the number of wedding

guests on-site at Waterfront Properties, as

Great Sound is Long Island, small in size but

guests, weather contingency space is avail-

well as the use of the events manager to co-

abundant in natural beauty and unequaled in

able at Harry’s restaurant or couples can elect

ordinate venue details, including the catering,

vantage points.

to tent the lawns. The latter can be arranged

bar, staffing, tents and rentals.

Owned by Waterfront Properties, Island House has ever been a popular venue for events but did not host its first wedding

through Undercover Tent Rentals and materials barged to the island in advance.

All catering and bar management must be

Island House features endless settings for the perfect photography session, including the island’s small peninsula (equipped with

until 2015. Now, engaged couples are eager

conducted either through Harry’s restaurant

a little lighthouse!) situated on Paradise

to choose the picturesque property as their

or Miles Market (owned by the same parent

Lake. In addition to the peninsula are nu-

wedding venue.

company), both of which boast a plethora

merous patios, balconies, a rustic arbour and

Couples are able to accommodate 150

of delicious, gourmet options available for

natural surroundings that are just waiting to

people for a ceremony and reception. Cere-

events at Island House. Engaged couples

play host to a bride and groom’s wedding

monies are typically hosted on the Western

work with the events manager Kaitlin Mul-

day photos.

Lawn overlooking Hawkin’s Island, Paradise

derig to come up with the catering selections

Lake and the Great Sound, with seated dinner

and accoutrements that best suit their budget

For more information regarding Island House,

receptions saved for the wider Eastern Lawn

and preferences.

contact events manager Kaitlin Mulderig at

or Upper Lawn which faces the Great Sound. www.bermudianweddings.com

All wedding contracts include parking for

(441) 296-5750 or events@thewaterfront.bm.

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 53

VENUE CRUSH

PHOTOGRAPH BY GAVIN HOWARTH

CORAL BEACH & TENNIS CLUB

SITUATED IN PAGET PARISH and overlooking Bermuda’s famed and picturesque south

tenting if it is required.

Couples looking to say “I do” at the famed

either a buffet, plated service or action stations; hors d’oeuvres; cakes and desserts.

shore is Coral Beach & Tennis Club, a private

property have the option of doing so in a

Coral Beach’s catering team works with en-

members-only club that lends its idyllic and

private cottage, at the Club House or on the

gaged couples to create a wedding day menu

expansive 26-acres to visiting guests, club

beach, the Frozen Hut Deck, the Beach Ter-

that is personal to them and that is sensitive

members and special occasions.

race, the Longtail Terrace, the Croquet Lawn

to allergies and dietary restrictions.

With immaculately landscaped grounds,

or the Wedding Lawn. Parties ranging in size

Since Coral Beach & Tennis Club is a highly

charming cottages, stunning elevations, an

anywhere from 10 to 300 can be accom-

sought-after wedding venue, interested

immaculate and expansive beach, wedding

modated comfortably. A standing cocktail

couples who wish to book a specific date

and croquet lawns, and a marble terrace

reception can be held for parties of up to 300,

for a Coral Beach wedding are advised to do

overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Coral Beach

and a seated dinner of up to 250 guests can

so a year in advance. As regards short-term

has been a favourite for over 70 years with

be held on the beach, on one of the three

requests, the staff at Coral Beach is always

engaged couples, both locals and those from

terraces, under a marquee on the Croquet

happy to try their best to make accommoda-

abroad, looking to wed in Bermuda.

or Wedding Lawn or indoors at the Beach

tions.

Indeed Coral Beach is so breathtakingly beautiful that a couple need not adorn

Terrace or Coral Room.

The talented culinary and pastry teams at

For more information regarding Coral Beach

their chosen site with anything further, but

Coral Beach are renowned for their creativ-

& Tennis Club or to book, contact General

if they wish to, the staff are willing to work

ity and ability to turn out masterful dishes,

Manager, Nik Bhola at (441) 236-2233 or

with couples to meet their needs, including

favoured by all palettes. Couples can choose

e-mail reservations@coralbeach.bm.

54 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

www.bermudianweddings.com

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To discuss your lending needs, visit a Butterfield Banking Centre or contact us on 298 4799.

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WEDDING ALBUM

ARIELLE PETTAWAY & VICTOR FALCAO August 27, 2016 “Most of our relationship has been spent long distance,” said Arielle and Victor. “So our wedding day was not only a big moment for us as a couple but also an opportunity to bring our families and friends together—both literally and figuratively. It was incredible to see everyone laughing, smiling, crying and tearing up the dance floor right along with us. We only wish that the evening could have lasted longer!”

Photo by Moongate Productions

CHRISTINA RICHARDSON & OMAR HART November 10, 2016 “We had a lovely, intimate wedding with a total guest count of 80 people,” said the couple. “We were surrounded by genuine love and support. Despite the rain, wind, lightning, thunder and hail, it was the most amazing and beautiful day of our lives!”

Photo by Jo Mar Wedding Photography

56 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

ERIN GRAJEWSKI & GARETH WILLIAMS September 24, 2016 “Unfortunately we had a last minute wedding-week scare (nightmare!), thanks to an unexpected guest— Tropical Storm Karl!” said Erin and Gareth. “But fortunately, what was expected to be a Category 3 hurricane blew over on Friday evening and in the wee hours of the morning of our wedding without causing any damage! We were planning to host our wedding reception at the Beach Terrace at Fairmont Southampton, but were forced to implement our contingency plan on Friday evening when the winds were blowing 40 knots and the tent company was unable to set up for our reception. The wedding day ended up being a perfectly beautiful Bermuda day.

We were able to take our photos outside as planned at our friend’s home, Halycon, overlooking Two Rock and Hamilton Harbour. We hosted our wedding cocktail reception on the terraces of Fairmont Southampton and the dinner and dancing inside in the Poinciana Room. Given the increased humidity following the storm, all our guests appreciated the air conditioning of our back-up plan!”

Photo by Two & Quarter Photography www.bermudianweddings.com

FELICIA BRAUDE & JON STEFFEN September 24, 2016 “Hurricane Karl scared us as we were preparing for our wedding that weekend,” Felicia recalled. “But we were so lucky to have our friends and family on-island after all the fuss! Highlights were the gorgeous skies for our wedding ceremony and a strong post-storm breeze to keep the guests comfortable. They loved the raw-bar buffet from chef Sisk and the hand-rolled cigars by Grant of Bermuda Cigar Company. The Reefs was a stunning location, and Jon and I enjoyed dancing the night away to DJ Allstar and spending time with our nearest and dearest!

Looking out from Coconuts dance floor onto the beach was a memory we’ll always cherish.”

Photo by Gavin Howarth

KATE DUNMORE & ANDREW MCCORMICK September 17, 2016 “I think it’s fair to say that, like me, many little girls growing up dream of marrying their prince charming and having the most amazing day of their lives!” said Kate. “Well, my dream came true on September 17, 2016. The day was absolutely perfect, from the weather to the ceremony to the reception—both of which took place at the breathtaking Mid Ocean Beach Club. There isn’t one thing Andrew and I would have changed about the day. Having all of our closest friends and family there to celebrate our love truly was magical.”

Photo by Gavin Howarth

KIRSTEN FEATHERS & MORTEN FROMBERG DAHL PETERSEN May 27, 2016 Kirsten and Morten were married at Cambridge Beaches. And as the couple summed it up: “The decor was simple whites and greens, the atmosphere was relaxed and loving, and the guests were happy and dear to our hearts.” Photos by Charles Anderson & Amanda Thuell

JOSLYNN CRUTCHFIELD & RAMON CLARKE May 21, 2016 Joslynn and Ramon were married in an intimate ceremony at Jobson’s Cove. “It stopped raining just long enough for us to have the ceremony and take photos!” said Joslynn, happily.

Photo by Ricardo Clarke www.bermudianweddings.com

JILL KEARNS & MILES BREWER October 1, 2016 “Miles and I were married at St. Theresa’s Church and held our reception at the Hamilton Princess,” said Jill. “Although Miles is a born-and-raised Bermudian, I am originally from Boston. Over 100 out-of-town guests flew in for our special day and a whole weekend of events. We took photos with the bridal party on a brief cruise; the bridesmaids wore casual dresses; and corn hole was played at the cocktail hour.

It was an all-around amazing time and truly a taste of Bermuda for our guests.”

Photo by Gavin Howarth SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 57

WEDDING ALBUM LAVONNA THOMAS & JEREMIAH WILSON September 3, 2016 “Seeing the amount of support and love we have from our family and friends was what made our wedding day special,” said LaVonna and Jeremiah. “Acting as our own wedding planners was not easy,” LaVonna added. “But we both agreed that together we created a wonderful day! It was also a special day because we were able to take our relationship to another level after years of loving one another—into a lifetime of love and happiness.”

Photo by Kenneth Fox Jr.

STACEY ARAUJO & RICKY CABRAL October 28, 2016 Stacey and Ricky were married at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Orlando, Florida, on a beautiful fall day.

The outdoor ceremony was followed by cocktails on the terrace and dinner and dancing in the Grand Ballroom. To keep some Bermudian flare, the couple flew in DJ Chubb, and in true Bermudian fashion, danced the night away! Ninety-six of the couple’s closest friends and family travelled from Bermuda and Canada to join in the celebration. A great day was had by all!

Photo by Liga Photography

58 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

MEREDITH DIEHL & RICHARD ROBERTS July 7, 2016 Meredith and Richard got engaged during a trip to Bermuda on June 17, 2015. “My future husband proposed under the moongate at the Royal Naval Dockyard where we had taken our picture on our previous two visits to the island,” said Meredith. “We could not imagine getting married anywhere else in the world other than Bermuda. This island had become our special place, and we couldn’t wait to share it with our family and friends. On July 7, 2016, we were married under a moongate at the Fairmont Southampton, with all of our family and friends in attendance. We incorporated many aspects of Bermuda in our wedding, including giving moongate Christmas ornaments for our wedding favours and Alexandra Mosher pink-sand jewellery to the bridal party. Our wedding was a dream-come-true!”

Photo by Gavin Howarth Photography

LORELEI SATTERFIELD & TIMOTHY TURNER November 17, 2016 “I married my best friend,” said Lorelei. “The Registry General’s office, Spicelands Equestrian Centre, Glaze, Strands, Two + Quarter, and C & C Cab Services were implemental in making our wedding a fairy tale. I felt like a princess!” Tim added: “I married the woman of my dreams! And my beautiful bride surprised me with Peas and Rice from Spicelands Equestrian Centre!”

Photo by Two & Quarter Photography www.bermudianweddings.com

RIO BABON & LUIS TOMAZ April 30, 2016 Rio and Luis were married at St. Patrick’s Church with a reception following at Tom Moore’s Tavern. “What made our day was having our children as a part of our wedding and having family and friends come together to celebrate our commitment to each other,” the couple said.

Photo by Moongate Productions

AFTON CABRAL & BRIAN BOTELHO April 16, 2016 “What made our wedding special was having our closest family and friends there to share it with us.”

Photo by Donovin Seymour

MELISSA SANTORO & DALLAS SINGER August 9, 2016 “Our wedding was so special because Bermuda was where we took our first trip together,” said the couple. “We fell head over heels in love on that trip and were exceptionally grateful we were able to say our vows in a place that is so dear to us. Bermuda will always be our home away from home!”

Photo by Two & Quarter Photography

KELLY ANN PACHECO & JASON SIMONS July 2, 2016 “Saturday, July 2, 2016, was the day my life changed forever when my lover and best friend became my husband,” said Kelly Ann. “Every day I thank my late parents-inlaw for raising such a fine man! My parents got married on July 2nd and it felt very special for me and my husband to commemorate our love and faith on this day. I hope that our passion will be as strong as theirs for many years to come. It was an honour to have our friends, family, co-workers and team mates celebrate with us on that special occasion, which we will remember in our hearts for the rest of our lives.”

Photo by Jamie Macmillan, Moongate Productions

www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 59

WEDDING ALBUM NAJAAT RAJAP & ADAM LYNCH June 16, 2016 “Every bride dreams of a fairy tale wedding and I was lucky enough to get just that,” said Najaat. “Adam and I married on a traditional Bermuda Thursday in the presence of only seven guests, all of whom flew in from England to share our special day.

The intimate ceremony took place on a hilltop at Cambridge Beaches overlooking the ocean. The reception followed with a single long table set in the sand on a private beach just below the ceremony site. The entire experience was magical. Our best memories were of our family sitting around the table with us, everyone laughing and sharing in our happiness, and later dancing barefoot under the stars, sand between our toes, late into the night.”

Photo by Gavin Howarth

MAEGAN FRITH RATTERAY & BERNALLE TANKARD July 27, 2016 “Even though I think all weddings are special in their own way, to me, our wedding was extra special,” said Maegan. “We didn’t do things the ‘conventional way;’ we had our son first. Since he was there at the wedding, he was able to witness his parents’ love for each other and share in it. Gombeys are a big part of Bermudian tradition and are traditional at weddings as well. My husband is a member of the Warwick Gombey Troupe and a firm believer in traditions, so our wedding basically revolved around that—from the invitations right down to the decorations.”

Photo by Kenneth Fox, Perspective Images

60 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

BROOKLYN BEAUCHAMP & ANTHONY DECOSTA May 7, 2016 “I am from Plant City, Florida, and Anthony is Bermudian,” explained the bride.

“We met in college in Florida and were in a long distance relationship for over three years before we got married. Our wedding day was very special to us because it marked the end of our separation and the beginning of the rest of our lives together in the same place. We were so happy to have all my friends and family from Florida attend our wedding in Bermuda, and it was so amazing to see everyone together. Unfortunately, our wedding day was a day of thunderstorms and heavy winds. The bad weather persisted for most of the day, but magically seemed to calm as soon as we began our ceremony. While our pictures were being taken, we were blessed with the most incredible rainbow we had ever seen—directly above us. It was a reminder to us both that even in the darkest of times, we will always have each other, and there will always be a rainbow on the horizon.”

Photo by Jamie Macmillan, Moongate Productions www.bermudianweddings.com

CHRISTINE WATLINGTON (Author of Bermuda’s Botanical Wonderland)

} FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS & HELP WITH DESIGN

for weddings & other occasions }

E-MAIL: christinem@northrock.bm

REBECCA FOGGO & STEVEN BURGESS October 29, 2016 “On my wedding day I married my best friend—and that is the main reason the day was so special,” said Rebecca. “Having the bridal party, family and friends with us also made the day special and one we shall never forget.”

Photo by Joe Marable, Jomar Photography

MARGARET & IAIN GRAFTON October 26, 2016 Margaret and Iain held a renewal of vows at Cambridge Beaches last October. “Being in Bermuda overall was extremely special,” said the couple. “It’s where we spent our honeymoon in 1991, so it was important to come back 25 years later with our grown-up children, Peter and Hollie, to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary with the renewing of our vows.”

Photo by Two & Quarter Photography www.bermudianweddings.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2017 | 61

PARTING SHOT | Jill Kearns & Miles Brewer

62 | THE BERMUDIAN WEDDINGS

PHOTOGRAPH BY GAVIN HOWARTH

more r o f t u o k o Lo dding in e w is h t f o ue! ht e next iss

www.bermudianweddings.com

I

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engagement | bride & groom | wedding party gifts | honeymoon keepsakes

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