My Secret Cove was the Perfect Spot for these British Cruisers

My readers will note that I have not been blogging much of late.  I am going to make a confession.  I don't like blogging on my PC, and it takes forever.  I don't like Windows 7 and I don't enjoy using it. There! So I finally bought an iMac and now I have to learn to use it properly, and hopefully I'll be able to blog frequently and finally catch up on all those beautiful pictures my photographers have been supplying me with.

If this works, I am eternally grateful to Ben and Mari of Beneficial Entertainment Ltd. who actually came and gave me a lesson in using photos with an iMac.

This British bride emailed me a few months ago to say that she would be in Cayman in January with her fiancé, and since her son works on a cruise ship he would be able to be their witness and bring a friend.  I thought that My Secret Cove would be the ideal spot for this small group, and it was really a brilliantly beautiful winter's day in Cayman.

It really makes sense to choose my all-inclusive package when you are just a couple or a small group, then everything goes smoothly and you can relax and let me do all the arrangements (as well as the ceremony).

We always have a lot of fun with the champagne and cork ceremony, and it makes for some pretty good candid shots too.  A wedding is supposed to be fun, I always say, and I am happy when I see the Bride and Groom's faces wreathed with smiles.

Presentation of the cork, then I told them about the meaning of the cork, and why it's important as a souvenir of their wedding ceremony

Now that I have got to the end of this particular post, I can't believe how much easier it is to blog.  I guess Ben Hudson is a really good teacher,and I do appreciate him taking the time to show me how to make this easier.

Canada-Cayman Connection for this Sunset Beach Wedding

Some of my readers will know that my husband Sam, and I met at McMaster University in Canada back in 1971.  This bride works at McMaster University, so we had a little chat about how things have changed at our alma mater.  This couple were on vacation with their little daughter, and also visiting family in Grand Cayman.  They planned an elopement, no one knew they were getting married, in fact the groom's sister was told they were coming to Smith's Cove to have photographs taken.

This wedding was scheduled for 4:30 pm, and the couple were lucky to get some nice bright shots, as well as some fantastic romantic shots, which were almost sepia tone the light was so fabulous.

This wedding took place at My Secret Cove, but after the ceremony our photographer took the couple up on the little bluff  to get these panoramic shots that every body loves.  A bluff is an out-cropping of rock, near the water.

This groom planned a very special "secret dinner" for his Bride at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman.  This is how he decribed it to me...

"(We had) a private serving of cool, moist  towels and champagne on the beach following our pictures, and were escorted from the beach ...in our transportation decorated in purple and white (the bride's favourite colours).  Purple and white rose petals lead a path through the suite to the balcony where we had a private table overlooking the ocean. Out table was beautifully decorated with purple and white rose petals, and had a centrepiece of purple roses and orchids.

A full dinner menu created by the Groom, and prepared by one of the hotel's chefs, included amazing Angus tenderloins and the couple's favourite desserts, cherry cheesecake and bananas foster.  This was topped off with more champagne and wine..."

Altogether an unforgettable evening, and a very happy young couple!

Smith's Cove Beach Wedding, always different, always beautiful

 

Mr and Mrs Smith, married at Smith's Cove, Grand Cayman

 

Well, really the ceremony was held at My Secret Cove, but MSC is so secret we can't put it on the Marriage Certificate, so we had to put Smith's Cove.  The Smiths didn't mind, and they even got a picture with the Smith's Cove sign.

Of course I wanted to get one with me as well. Thanks to my talented photographers, like Yvette McField, photos of me (and my hats) are all over the internet)

This couple from near Norwich, UK were so easy to like, and easy to work with that we have them on our list of favourite couples of all time.

Because the morning was overcast, Yvette took them down to Governor's Beach for a double shoot since they really wanted to get the blue sky and turquoise water in their pictures.

Sunset Beach Wedding at My Secret Cove, Grand Cayman

This couple chose my all-inclusive Sunset Beach package, despite the fact they were having a Banns wedding, that is one of the couple is a resident of the Cayman Islands.  Normally I don't offer packages for local weddings, but it was easier for them to just have me make all the arrangements.  They chose their own photographer, and these photos are by Bernardo Neri.

This bride had her heart set on a sunset wedding, and she got it.  I like to have my couples stand on this little ledge with the sea behind them.  It makes such a lovely picture.

Simple Affordable Fun Wedding in Grand Cayman for Georgia Couple

What a perfect pair!

We really enjoyed helping this couple from Georgia have a great day in Grand Cayman.  I do a LOT of weddings, but some stand out in my mind.  Most of the time it is because of the the chemistry between the couple, and how happy and comfortable they are together.  Sometimes there are children involved, and I like to make sure they have a pleasant and positive experience.  This couple had all these things going for them, and we actually spent the whole morning just chatting and making sure they had a good time. The fact that it was the 4th July helped, because the office was closed and we didn't have anything to do but hang out and enjoy ourselves too,

They selected My Secret Cove, becaise it was a public holiday in Grand Cayman and we knew all the most popular beaches would be chock-a-block with people,

Photographer Mari Abe really got into the spirit of it and encouraged the couple to stike some interesting poses

Back at the office before they headed for the beach, to swim, snorkle and eat the rest of their wedding cake (and I hope, drink lots of Caybrew) we took tons of pictures with my iPad and for the first time, my couple of day sent off pictorial wedding announcements of their wedding to their children and folks back home.

It is very easy to have a cruise wedding in the Cayman Islands, or have a Wedding Blessing or Wedding Vow Renewal on one of our beautiful pristine beaches. Contact me today and lets get started planning your special day.

Romantic Wedding Proposal in Grand Cayman

  This gentleman contacted Simply Weddings and explained that he was bringing his lady-friend to Grand Cayman and wanted to propose in a beautiful, intimate , but outdoor setting.  I thought My Secret Cove was the perfect spot!

The piece-de-resistance was a decorated scroll with a love poem, the place and date.  I think that this Bride-to-be will have a proposal story to share with her friends, and a memory to last a life-time.

This is the second proposal of marriage we have facilitated.  The first was for a gentleman from Germany, traveling on a cruise.  We have also facilitated a bethrothal ceremony for a couple from Singapore who were having a traditional wedding ceremony later on.  Please contact us for all your romantic occassions, including weddings, wedding blessings and wedding vow renewals.  Make sure to visit our Facebook page Simply Weddings Cayman

Your Cruise Wedding on a tropical island, Grand Cayman

Last week there were some issues going on in Belize which affected some of the cruise lines.  We got a call from this couple saying their port call to Grand Cayman was being moved up by two days, and could we still accommodate their wedding. Since we get the couple's application, documents and deposit in advance, it was very simple to move everthing up a few days for their "All-inclusive Cayman Cruise Wedding Package".

We can help you move your while group from the landing to the wedding location, and back to the harbour.  We use one of our Preferred Vendors, Joselene Vegiz who is always dependable and on time.  We realise you only have a few hours to enjoy our delightful capital, George Town, so we try to finish your wedding by 11:00 am so your guests can have time to explore.

These images by Heather Holt,  taken at My Secret Cove and Smith's Cove

From Tokyo to Cayman for a Simple Beach Wedding

When this call came in from Tokyo, and the voice on the other end said he wanted to plan a simple beach wedding in Cayman I said to myself "YES!"  Of course I was very excited, because I work very hard to market my company and my services on the internet.  However, no matter how successfully I market, I'll tell you a secret...nothing beats word of mouth, and a recommendation from someone who has been married in Cayman by Simply Weddings. This gentleman contacted me because I had married friends of his a few years ago.  We really enjoyed getting to know this couple, they were down to earth, easy to please and so easy to work with. 

The wedding took place at My Secret Cove, and  Yvette McField the photographet also took some photograps of the small beach and the rocks at Smith's Cove.

We do weddings for couples from all over the world.  Whatever your requirements for a small, intimate wedding we will be happy to meet with you and perform your meaningful. personalised ceremony.  Check out Packages on our drop down menu to find all the application forms, and to contact us.

Married...With Children (in Grand Cayman)

This family came in on a cruise in early January.  They are from Albuquerque, NM and they wanted something private and rustic.  I thought that My Secret Cove fit the bill, and I was right.  Children love exploring the rocks and crannies there, and they can do a bit of climbing as long as they keep their shoes on.  This little spot also has rock lizards, the occassional iguana, a few roosters wander in from time to time, and of course the little red "love-bugs" which are completely harmless and which live on the "plop-nut" trees.

When there are kids involved in the ceremony, I give them complimentary sparkling grape juice so they can be involved in the toating

The couple brought a Russia religious icon from the 1800's which had been given to them asd a wedding present, and they incorporated this into their ceremony.

Heather Holt was the photographer, and she took the couple oveer to Smith's Cove for some extra shots.  This is one of my favourite views of Smith's Cove.

I liked this jump shot.  This was a lovely family, and we enjoyed giving them a great Grand Cayman experience.  If you have children in your wedding party, please let us know because I like to give the kids a small souvenir of their time on our island.

Stunningly beautiful Cayman wedding for this US Marine

When I first became a marriage officer, many years ago, I often had tears in my eyes at the wedding ceremony.  However, when you do as many wedding ceremonies as I do, I don't get that emotional any more.  This wedding was different, and brought tears to my eyes (and Isobel's).  I think it is way up there in my Top 10 favourite weddings.

I think this couple enjoyed acting up, and we got some very unusual pictures.

These were obviously a very fit pair, I don't think we ever got this shot before

I think you will agree that this Beaufort, SC bride was stunningly beautiful.  Her US marine husband thought so too

Here they are with the obligatory proof shot.  These photos were taken by Yvette McField for Island Photo

The other side of a Smith's Cove, Grand Cayman wedding shoot

This bride hails from Ridgeland, Mississippi

This was one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I have seen, ansd so appropriate for the beach.  The couple came in on a cruise, and got ready in my Bridal Room as part of my All-inclusive Cayman Cruise Wedding  package.  We had the ceremony at My Secret Cove, and then their photographer Heather Holt, took them over to the rocks at Smith's Cove to get some posed photographs on the rocks on that side.

Smith's Cove gets quite a bit of wave action, especially when there is a nor'wester, and the waves carry sand up onto this little cliff. I always think it looks like snow, but under the warm Cayman sun.  My guests from the north like this shot, which I am sure will make their friends envious.

When you arrive in Grand Cayman by cruise-ship, we will pick you up and take you to our office on North Church St. where you can relax and get ready.  Most of our cruise-ship weddings take place at 10 a.m.  By 11:00 am everything is over and you can enjoy the shopping and sights of our capital, George Town.

The reason getting married in the Cayman Islands is so easy, is because we get scanned copies of your documents before hand.  By the time you get to Grand Cayman, and complete the last part of your application process, your Special Marriage License is already prepared and waiting  for your Cayman wedding planner to collect.  All you have to do is relax, and enjoy the day!

Please visit our Facebook page, to see our daily weddings and lots of other photos, Simply Weddings - Grand Cayman Wedding Celebrants and Planners

Romantic Sunset Beach Wedding in Grand Cayman

I have been late in blogging this wedding due to a wedding in the family.  This couple from Idaho were a bit hit with Isobel and I because they were a lot of fun.  Their photographer was Heather Holt, and they got some really good sunset pictures.

They toasted each other with rum shots in these special glasses they found on the internet

This was a special order bouquet, which I thought particularly attractive.

This bride put a lot of thought into her beach-wedding dress, and it paid off with some stunning pictures on the rocks at Smith's Cove

Wedding jump photos are very popular with photographers in Cayman, and once the wedding couple are game (and fit) they can get some interesting shots.

It is often difficult for me to choose which images to use, when as in this case there are so many beautiful pictures to choose from.  Smith's Cove and My Secret Cove are close together, so there is a variety of "mini-sets" to choose from.

I hope you have enjoyed these images and would encourage you to "like" us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SimplyWeddingsCayman

Grand Cayman Wedding Blessing for Lancaster, PA Pair

Couples  get in touch with me all the time to say that they have had a civil ceremony in front of a judge, Justice of  the Peace or Notary Public, but they want a "real" wedding ceremony with flowers, vows, rings, champagne, the works.  Although I am both a Justice of the Peace, and a Notary Public, in the Cayman Islands you have to be a licensed Marriage Officer to be able to perform a legal wedding,  that is, a Reverend, or in my case a Civil Registrar of Marriages.

This couple from Lancaster, PA met in high school and were friends for many years.  They started dating about 4 years ago, and got engaged in front of Cinderella's Castle at Disney World in October 2008.  Exactly 2 years later they were married in front of a judge.

On 9th November, just two weeks after their wedding they had their "Wedding Blessing" at My Secret Cove, in Grand Cayman.  I will do a Wedding Blessing  up to 2 years after your wedding, more than that I will do a Wedding Vow Renewal.

The advantage of doing your ceremony at My Secret Cove is that you can get good pictures at Smith's Cove too, which is right next door.

My mother Francine, was the first Civil Registrar of Marriages in the Cayman Islands.  She has performed more than 2800 wedding ceremonies, and hosts of Blessings and Vow Renewals.  Francine and I cover for each other all the time, and we use the same ceremonies which were written by her husband, and my dad, Vernon.

When I started Simply Weddings in 2008 it was to do cruise weddings for Cayman Weddings, my mother's company.  Although I do a small number of  stayover and resident weddings, my main practice is with beach weddings for cruise visitors.

At your Cayman Wedding Blessing you sign a certificate which records the event, it is witnessed and countersigned by your Civil Registrar of Marriages.  A Wedding Blessing ceremony  gives you the opportunity to have a meaningful contemporary blessing ceremony which you will cherish forever.

A Wedding Blessing Ceremony has all the features of a Wedding Ceremony, except that since you are already  married we do not pronounce you man and wife, and of course it is not recorded.  It is simply a way of marking a momentous occasion with beautiful words spoken to each other with great sincerity, and with an experienced Marriage Officer who guides you through a structured ceremony.

If you are visiting the Cayman Islands, and you have had a civil ceremony, please contact us and we will be happy to talk to you about the options available at a Wedding Blessing.

If you are thinking of a Destination Wedding, Cayman-style...

This morning I was looking at an article which talked about a survey done by the Cruise Line International Association.  The fact that I was most interested in is that cruise weddings have increased 60% in the last ten years.

When you begin to consider a Destination Wedding or a wedding vow renewal, you will see that if you are travelling on a cruise ship you can usually have the wedding on-board ship or at one of the ports of call.  You can be married on board ship by the captain, if the cruise-ship is registered in a country which recognises all marriages in international waters.

Different rules apply for getting married in one of the ports of call.  Some countries have residency requirements ranging from 24 hours to a few weeks.  The Cayman Islands has no residency requirements, you can be married the same morning you arrive if you are visiting on a cruise ship.  The Cayman Islands is the easiest place to be married in the western Caribbean.  We have been catering to Destination Weddings for more than 25 years, when the Cayman Islands were still "the Islands that Time Forgot."

The reason the Cayman Islands has such a long history as a Destination Wedding location, is that we have a strong Marriage Law which was enacted in 1962 and which is based on English Law.  You never need to worry about the legality of your Cayman wedding.  Your Cayman Islands Registered Marriage Certificate is legal world-wide.

Whether you arrive on a cruise, or as a stay-over visitor, you have to be married by a Special Marriage License which cannot be obtained until you are physically on the island.  The easiest way to be married in the Cayman Islands is to contact one of the companies with a Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer, on staff.  Your officiant will do all the advanced work, including securing and checking your documents, and signing off on your Special Marriage License.  Everything will be ready, awaiting your signature when you arrive on the island.  This is very convenient when you are on a cruise and you only have a couple of hours to get everything done, and see a bit of George Town as well.

Stay-over visitors are equally well-catered to.  You can visit us at our Registry Office on North Church Street,  one of the capital's main streets or in some circumstances we will visit your hotel or condo to get the relevant information and signatures needed for your Special Marriage Certificate.

According to the survey mentioned at the beginning of this article, 23% of agents booking cruise weddings say that the top reason clients give for booking is "value".  35% of agents say their clients want to combine the wedding and the honeymoon, and a whopping 80% agents say that the Caribbean and the Bahamas are the top choice for a Destination Cruise Wedding.

Whatever you choice, you never have to compromise on quality when you choose the Cayman Islands for your Destination Wedding.   You can have all the features of your mainland wedding, and if you're bringing guests, well we love a party too!

My Secret Cove for a Romantic Sunset Beach Wedding

There were a couple of things which were different about this wedding.  The bride brought her own planner, and they arrived a few days early and made most of their own arrangements.  This is an option that you have, although most brides just turn the planning over to our wedding co-ordinator, Peggy.  Whatever you choose to do, remember we live here and we co0rdinate  around 200 weddings and vow renewals every year, so we are familiar with all the vendors and can get you the best prices.

Joy presenting the Certificate of Marriage

Because My Secret Cove is near to the popular wedding spot, Smith's Cove, you usually have the option of having pictures taken in both locations.  Wedding photography on the rocks at Smith Cove, with a sunset back-drop are extraordinarily popular with stay-over visitors and residents.

This little ledge is about 10 feet above the water, and a great spot for pictures

Calla lilies are a very popular choice for a bridal bouquet

This bride remembered her garter,  you would be surprised how many brides just forget they are wearing one.

Sunset at Smith's Cove, Grand Cayman

Enjoying a quiet moment at the end of a lovely evening

These pictures by Mari Abe, of Island Photo