CorinneMurphy

Have you considered a villa vacation experience in St Thomas?

You cannot compare the Ritz with the Mariott. The Ritz by far has the more beautiful property, location, services etc. If you are thinking about the Ritz, I would suggest booking your dates ASAP as they always have limited availability since they cater to corporate events. I have met the wedding planners and they are warm and professional at the Ritz. Food Luck to you in your journey towards planning the DW of your dreams.

I have visited the Mariott FMR and would describe it is a large hotel/resort property. The property itself stretches both on the cliff and one of their Restaurants is on the beach level, open air type. The beach is not the BEST on the island, as is Magen's Bay...your very calm Caribbean Blue, white powder sand and breathtaking scenic beach. The open air bar that is located on the beach level always busy, with many people from the cruise ships present. It is clean, updated, nice landscaping and furniture. Hope this helps you! Best wishes towards your day in Paradise.

Have fun in St Thomas. There is so much to see and do, it will be the perfect way to visualize and begin your dreaming to your own special day in paradise. Well worth the effort in the planning stage. Warmest Regards,

I agree with Petunia regarding an AI. St Thomas has so many venues to choose from, that it would be stiffling to do a AI. AI's are always in the best interest of the resort and not the guests. Whenever, I leave St Thomas, I always feel like I never had the opportunity to try all the venues I had planned on. It is also so much fun to find them, meet different people. Many of our guests that have 'found' St Thomas via a cruise ship experience, always indicate this is how they felt and the reason why they came back. Not enough time to do all the things they wanted to. Hope this helps. I have traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, have experienced both AI resorts, private villas, and Resorts without the AI option. My personal experience is that by day 2, in an AI, I am always anxious to leave and see and experience more of the island, the people, the chefs, activities, etc. etc. Warmest Regards and best of luck towards your DW Day!

I would personally recommend Alain and Soolan of Virgin Island Wedding Photographer, Island Wedding Photography. Very professional, courteous and they have been on-island and in the business for years. Good luck in planning the DW of your dreams! Warmest Regards,

Welcome Diana to the forum and best of luck to your and your fiancee in planning the DW of your dreams. Warmest Regards,

Dear Kelly, Best of luck to you and your fiancee on your wedding day. Frenchman's Reef is so beautiful. For a most romantic meal, try Old StoneFarmhouse. I have enclosed a coupon you can use if you decide to eat there one evening.St Thomas Luxury Villa Rental Offers All The Best!

Best of luck Meghan. You will find the people and venues in St Thomas to be warm friendly and exciting! My best wishes for an incredible day. Most people who find out about St Thomas through their cruise ship experience, always dream to come back one day and spend much more time. Warmest Regards,

Welcome Jackie from New Jersey. I am Corinne from New Jersey. I wish you and your fiancee a beautiful journey towards the DW of your dreams. This is a great place to feel connected with others on your same journey. Warmest Regards

Welcome Kim from Canada! My best wishes towards you and your fiancee in planning the DW of your dreams. This is a great place to share your journey towards your special day. Warmest Regards

Welcome Pam to the forum. My best wishes to you and your fiancee in your journey towards your special day! This is a wonderful place to feel connected with those who are on your same journey.

Welcome Lee from Boston! Best wishes for a wonderful journey towards your special day.

Welcome to the forum and happy planning your dw dream day!

Welcome Brandon to the forum....I hope the last few months prove to be rewarding and joyful!

Welcome! and Best of luck in your journey towards your special day! Corinne

petunia, I am a villa owner, in St Thomas, Peterborg East(this is where Magen's Bay Beach is) right on Oceanside Drive. We have hosted some smaller wedding receptions at our home on the 'Dove' Deck, with the most breathtaking views (and photo;s) you can imagine. Some of our wedding couples have decided to exchange vows right on Magen's Bay Beach at sundown (you get your beach photos) then head right back to the villa (5 minutes away) for the Upper Deck Private Reception. I am sure Angela has the names of several on-island chefs that will cater your affair at the villa. Our couples have decided to go this route, due to cost and most feel that this is the way to get your Destination Wedding to include both beach, incredible photographs, privacy, etc. ....Good luck in your journey towards your wedding day! Corinne

Welcome Janess, I loved the photo album! Good luck in your journey towards your final Destination Day. Corinne

Welcome Megan! This is a great place to find answers to all of your insightful questions. Enjoy the journey towards your final day! In St. Thomas, there is a spectacular beach location "Magens Bay" . Let me know what you think. Here is the link Magens Bay St.Thomas beach tour Corinne

Welcome Theresa! What a problem....where to have a DW. Good luck in your journey towards your final decision. Corinne

Welcome Sorcha! I am new also and everyone was so kind to give me some forum etiquette advice. Have fun in the journey of planning your DW! Corinne

Thank you all for your thoughts and comments. It seems that many of my guests and now this forum, can really give me more insight into the world of travel and its established patterns. Last August and September I had many bookings. And I too thought, I would never book in August and September because of the potential threat of Hurricanes. Which never did happen. And the biggest storm last year in the Caribbean was Olga and it did not happen until December. I guess you have to weigh the differences. For just a quick trip to the Caribbean that can be cancelled and refunded with travel insurance, it may make sense to take advantage of the special rates. But a DW...all the planning...As one of you put it...you can not take the chance. Thanks again!

Welcome! Best of luck in your journey towards your special day. Corinne

Welcome Mizzy! Great Forum, wonderful brides, Congratulations and best wishes as you journey towards your special day. Corinne

Hello All, I am truly interested in why the summer months of July through early September are not considered to be hot months for travel and DW's. My personal experience has been great weather, less crowded and less humidity (I am from the North East). Also, this is when most people take their vacations. So please explain. Thanks Corinne