FUN FAMILY ISLAND WEDDING| DESTINATION KAIBO CAYMAN ISLANDS | TRACY + TROY

Planner : Elina Zavala | Kaibo Weddings & Events

Officiant : Donovan Myers

Brides Dress :  Katie May from Altar Bridal 

Groom Suit : David Donahue from Genos Clothier

Brides shoes :  BellaBelle

Wedding sign: The Poppet Studio

DJ : DJ Craig | Oneworld Entertainment

SLIDESHOW

How did he pop the question?
Troy asked me to marry him on vacation in St. Croix. The two of us were on a sailboat sunset cruise for what I believed was to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. Our kids and families were watching from a bluff above the cove where the captain had anchored the sailboat. Troy got down on one knee on the bow of the boat, I happily said YES!! Everyone, but the bride was in on the surprise. It was amazing and very romantic.

What photography related advice would you offer to a couple?
Make sure you plan out a timeline for yourself and wedding party for the wedding day. Keep in mind the photos that you know you want to capture. Look through other couples photos and pick out your favorites and make a list for your photographer. If you want more options for scenery and backdrops you will want to secure a full day session and do the “First Look”. We booked a 1/2 day and no first look, we really wanted the 1 traditional component of our wedding day to be that we didn’t see each other until I walked down the aisle. It worked out great for us but, it did limit the backdrop and different landscapes for our pictures. Make sure to communicate with your photographer, that is the key!

What advice would you offer other couples planning a destination wedding?
Research, research and more research, ask lots of questions. Find a few key vendors at your destination and ask for recommendations and referrals from past clients. For us, it was Rebecca Davidson and Elina at Kaibo, our wedding venue. Rebecca was the first vendor we booked after the site. The photos and capturing the day was at the very top of our list.

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?
Only change would be to capture us in a few more of the beautiful natural backdrops and maybe the full day with Rebecca.

How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?
As we mentioned, Rebecca was the first vendor we booked. I did a lot of research but when you look at the photos there was no comparison. She was very quick to respond to our inquiry and once we spoke on the phone I knew we were in great hands! Rebecca actually helped all throughout the planning process giving ideas, suggestions, recommendations for vendors and even for the catamaran cruise we took the day before the wedding. She gave us a detailed timeline and worked with us on so many other details. On the day of the wedding Rebecca kept things light and fun and running on schedule. Although, rumor has it she may have surprised the groomsmen a bit when she showed up to take some pre-wedding photos of the guys getting ready. Good thing she has a good sense of humor! 🙂

What was your favourite moments from the wedding?
Troy’s – Seeing Tracy as she first walked down the stairs and then down the aisle.
Tracy’s – Saying our vows to each other. I also had a few minutes and a glass of wine with my Dad upstairs waiting for the ceremony to start. While upstairs, I did sneak a peak over the balcony and saw for the first time Troy in his suit and the entire lovely set up with all our guests, took my breath away!
Both of us -We both loved and were so touched by our friend James McCarthy’s personal message. Lots of laughs and a few good tears too. Also, all of our children’s toasts at the reception…. love that they all had their own styles and expressed their love for us and our family.
Party highlight was all 30 of our guests on the dance floor dancing together doing the Cupid Shuffle, hope there is video of that! Ending the night with wish lanterns for all was a fun touch and good luck.

How did you feel during your vows or just before you walked down the aisle?
Tracy – I felt a little nervous before ceremony but mostly about saying my vows without any blunders. I got really excited as we started walking down towards the ceremony. Once I saw Troy I just felt calm and happy. Troy- Excited and peaceful

What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples for planning their wedding?
Do not get too worked up with every tiny detail. Less is more and people can not take in too many details at once, concentrate on the things that are really important to you both. Enjoy the day it goes by so fast. Lastly, the pictures and video are what you will have to look back on to remember your special day.

How would you describe your overall wedding experience?
Amazing! Could not of gone better. Maybe a little cooler and some breeze but, can’t control the weather. Wish we could do the night again and again so we could spend more time with each of our loved ones and remember every detail.

What made you choose the Cayman Islands for your destination wedding?
I had been traveling to The Cayman Islands with my family since I was a teenager. Troy and I first vacationed there in 2013 and again in 2014. We love everything about the island, especially the crystal blue waters. The Cayman Islands are very safe, clean and friendly.

How did you find your photographer? Online research? Word of mouth?
On line and word of mouth