The Grand Old House was the venue for Katy and Suren’s beautiful Cayman Islands wedding.
Location of Ceremony and Reception: Grand Old House
Cake Maker: Grand Old House
Pre-dressing Location: Seascape Villa – Private home on Seven Mile Beach
Wedding Planner: Five Star Events – Juliette Heath
DJ: OneWorld – Craig Urchyshyn
Dress Designer – Maggie Sottero
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridal Party Dresses: Donna Morgan in Seaglass
Invitations: Blue Glass Design out of Charleston, SC – Marisa Schaaf
Photographer: Rebecca Davidson Photography
Katy and Suren…”How would you describe your overall wedding experience?”“We really wanted to make our celebration a weekend event for our guests. For us, spending time with everyone was one of the most important things and the main reason behind a destination wedding. It truly was so fun! It felt like vacation with 70 of your favorite people… doesn’t get any better than that! We did a catamaran sail and snorkel with our guests which was one of our favorite things we were able to do. Between all of the wedding events, we were able to soak up the sun and enjoy Seven Mile Beach. We consider it the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean”
How did you two meet?
We met while working at together in downtown Boston. We quickly became good friends, trying new restaurants and frequenting local concerts. We began spending more and more time with each other and finally decided to start dating. Working together held us back at first, but we realized how much we meant to each other and decided it was well worth it and we were right. |
How did he pop the question?
We were on a trip to Belize for the New Year holiday in 2014. Suren proposed the last day of our trip. I joined him on the rooftop terrace of our villa for breakfast and when I got to the top of the stairs he dropped down on one knee. I was SO surprised! And so, so happy. It was the sweetest thing. Later when I asked why he waited until the last day, he said he really wanted us to end the trip on a high note. We certainly did! We celebrated all day and then headed home to share the exciting news with family and friends. |
How long have you been together?
We’ve known each other for 7 years and have been dating for 3.5 |
What was your favorite moment(s) from the wedding?
We loved when we asked for volunteers to take a group shot out on the rocks and ALL of our guests came out for the shot. Rebecca climbing up and perching on the top of the ladder to capture the shot was amazing. Standing there, in front of a gorgeous sunset with our closest friends and family by our side was unreal. We also loved our first look in Camana Bay. Oh.. and the dancing! We wish it never ended!
What advice would you offer to other couples planning a destination wedding?
Go with the flow. It’s going to be beautiful no matter what, so don’t over think the small stuff! |
What photography-related advice would you offer to a couple?
Try to relax and be yourself! Book a photographer like Rebecca who makes you feel comfortable and almost as much fun with it as you do. |
Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?
I got my dress at Alexandra’s Boutique – I knew I wanted lace and I wanted a simple shape. I tried on a lot of different styles, but wanted something light for the beach. When I put this gown on I just felt so comfortable and confident. I just knew! |
How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?
We had a great time. You did such a good job balancing between being there and giving direction and also allowing us to enjoy small moments as a couple. We loved hanging out with you and chatting about Grand Cayman. It’s so easy to tell that you absolutely love your job! |
Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not!
We saw each other before and did a first look. It was nice to have the time with one another prior to the wedding. It allows you to take your time and enjoy that moment while taking some photos without everyone around. After the wedding you want photos, but you’re also ready to mingle with guests and have a glass of champagne! I was glad we decided on doing some photos before hand. |
Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos?
Wear your sunscreen and stand up straight! The only photos I don’t love are the ones where I’m not standing up straight. We wore plenty of SPF to make sure we weren’t sun burnt for photos and didn’t have any funny tan lines. |
Any tips that you have about preparing your wedding party for the photos? What did you tell them, how did you get them to cooperate, what did you do or what would you have done differently?
We didn’t tell them anything! We left that up to you! |
Any tips on what to bring?
Try not to bring too much. It’s going to be beautiful no matter what, so don’t sweat the small stuff. |
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Accommodations for the week – Seascape Villa
Wedding Venue – Grand Old HouseInvitations – Blue Glass Design out of Charleston, SC. The artist is Marisa Schaaf. All of her designs are custom and her calligraphy is all done by hand. We did a custom map and used letter press for our invitation suite. They were amazing. We love her!Bridal Gown – Maggie Sottero
Shoes – Badgley MischkaBridal Party Dresses – Donna Morgan in Seaglass |
Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for? Use this space to talk about favorite shops. You can include where you got your dress, sites you got your veils/décor/accessories, etc.
I got a LOT of decoration type stuff on Etsy. I loved using Etsy and buying from smaller artists from all over the world. The bridal party robes came from a woman in India and the escort holders from Croatia. We also had some paper goods done by some girls in the US.We also got some things from Anthropologie’s BHLDN website. Their stuff is adorable. |
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What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples for planning their wedding?
Take time to stop and look around. The time goes by so quickly. Take a breath, look at what’s going on around you and enjoy! |
What was the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Father-daughter dance? Mother-son dance?
Our first dance was to “Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne. We did a combo – Mother/Son and Father/Daughter and danced to “Stand by Me”. I cried through both! |
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