Tropical Imaging

Hi Janine, Flower wise, there is another florist on island (The Flower Girl). I find she tends to offer very basic (bougenvillia/roses and carnations) and has been known to substitute or be very last minute and late. Personally I wouldn't recommend her over Environmental Arts. EA does do our home landscaping so I have contacted our person and asked her for a personal email/contact details of who does bridal work etc. Once I get that, I'll pass it along. Louise who I believe is heading up the floral division is a real artist and they have done some lovely stuff for weddings and I've gotten some gorgeous arrangements as well from them. I'll follow up when I hear back from EA. Atabeyra is a great choice...LOVE that boat. Let me know if there is anyone else you need to get in contact with. Krys

Janine, don't panic yet. I am still off island, but contact Ileana and ask her for Janardo Laporte's contact details (he is Jervon's brother and has just released a sax cd and is also available to play weddings). Ileana will have his contact details because she just did a shoot for his new cd cover. http://www.brilliant.tc/2010/07/magical-music/ I can't comment on the Sommerset as I don't know what is happening. Ileana may have some insight since she is on island. July/August is slow season and the WC could be on vacation or covering for others on vacation. We also have been known to have serious issues from time to time with email service on island. I highly recommend sending emails again (and again) if you haven't heard back and put something like second request, or had no response, please confirm receipt. I don't know if you are going with a cake from the sommerset, but if you need cake people, I know a few! Deep Breaths...and let me know if there is anything else we can do to help. Krys

I believe the no outside vendors policy really applies to photographers, but I can't say 100%. I do know a number of Beaches brides have used Shenique and she always goes to the bride where she is getting ready. Krys

Hi Janine, (I am off island on holiday right now, so not checking in as often). I can't speak for Beaches but the majority of weddings we see use Jervone Laporte (and sometimes his brother) here on island who both play sax and a kind of electrical flute thingy (you can tell my musical knowledge is not huge). I normally see Jervon at a lot of our weddings. He doesn't have a website that I know of but his contact is Jervon Laporte "The Sounds of Sax" 649-231-0001 . He does some great music that sets the mood and is really talented. (I have just found a quick video done by someone at beaches that gives a bit of sound of Jervon Beaches Turks and Caicos - Sounds of Sax with Jevon LaPorte Video - snehaH ) I don't know of any violinists on island (it would be cool if we did have one). Other than that, Ipods are mainly used. If you want live music, I would highly recommend Jervon or his brother (I am completely blanking on his name at the moment). Both of them do regular gigs at Beaches as well. There are a couple of vocal artists that might work on island for a wedding ceremony, but personally, I like instrumental for wedding ceremonies. If you want more vocal performers, let me know and I can try to get a list for you! Krys

Welcome to the forum and Happy Planning! Parrot Cay is a small exclusive island in the Turks and Caicos, only accessed by a private boat (provided by the island) from Providenciales (about a 25 minute boat ride). You can rent villas (many of them are owned by the rich and famous). Or you can stay at the boutique resort which additionally caters to the villas. (this was where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner got married) Here is a link to a recent wedding at one of the villas in Parrot Cay to see the setting: A devine, dream destination wedding at Parrot Cay, Como Resorts. | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Amanyara is another exclusive resort on the island of Providenciales. Like Parrot Cay it is private and very exclusive. We get many of the rich and famous at both of the resorts. You can stay in a room, small villa or up to a 4 villa area with it's own pool and wait staff An idea of Amanyara resort: Aimee and Craig’s wedding day. | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The engagement session of Sandra and Jang, Amanyara, Turks and Caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging We're not as far south as Anguilla, but we find January is still full of tourists! During the horrible cold snap this past February in the US, I think we got to the low 70's in the evenings with 80-85 during the day (possibly higher). Hope that helps! Krys

Heather, Just saw this (last week of school this week and is a bit crazy in my house LOL). I know Beaches has constant entertainment during the week but because it is a restricted property to people on island I can't really comment on it. As for things going on around Provo, there are always things going on from full moon parties at Horse eyed Jacks to bonfires coordinated by bay bistro. As for specific events this far out, the island just isn't that organized and things change (we're very laid back). If you want to arrange something for your guests, Bay Bistro (Kissing Fish Catering) is a great option and Arlene at Horse eyed Jacks just asks that you call ahead (maybe a week or so before) to make reservations for parties of 6 or more. As we get closer to your date (around April 1 or so) you can start checking some of our events calenders. But I wouldn't worry too much now about it. And for your wedding/guests, you'll find that you'll really enjoy just being together and visiting (that's my experience with big and small weddings here). Beaches always has something going on around the property (but I don't think they do a bonfire). They have a staged area for nightly entertainment and I know a lot of the musicians on island have regular gigs there. Hope that helps. Krys

The only other make up artist I know is Ann from Maxime's (649) 946-5093. Geraldine from the same salon does hair as does April from April's Salon and Bridget who works out of her home (she use to own the salon that became Maxime's but went to work from home when she had her son) All of them are great and are in demand. Most of them have thriving businesses on island and a real booked following here. So for them to work for weddings they have to justify being away from their regular clients and bookings. I know I book Ann a good 2-3 weeks in advance for pedicures and I usually book April 5-6 weeks in advance. I think you'll probably find their prices very similar (I have also know them to work together for larger bridal parties) We don't have a huge population here so there aren't huge numbers of wedding entertainers in general. I know the Island boys are a popular band here. Most of the other live entertainers tend to be more "softer" background kind of music vs dancing etc We also have a few DJ's here as well if you want to go that route. Hope that helps! Krys

Michelle, Don't worry about having enough time. We have a sunset calender that we use to know when the sun is setting on island any day of the year, so we can plan your shoot accordingly. If Ileana has booked at 5 then she is confident there is plenty of time before the sun sets. We are pretty meticulous about knowing the sunset times, as the hours just before are the "golden hour" of beautiful light. Great to hear so many brides are coming down. I know all of our company is excited to share the island with you! Krys

Hi and welcome, We have so many different options in the T&C that it would help to know other than a simple ceremony, what else you are looking for in your stay. If you really want AI then Beaches or the new Veranda resort would be the only options (Club Med is also AI but is more of a singles club med so I wouldn't recommend it for a weddingmoon) You have also mentioned being able to walk to shops, restaurants etc, so with that comment, one of our other resorts that are condo style ( where you can eat out or in depending on your day as well as try out different restaurants on island) may be the place for you. We have a lot of price points on the island so think about what you envision your day and your holiday to be and maybe we can point you in the right direction...(lots of people around and activity or do you want secluded and quiet )(lots of activities offered or just relaxing with each other). The other option available would be renting a villa to give complete privacy and getting married there. Check out some of the threads on the T&C and don't hesitate to give me a shout to give you some ideas. You can also check out our wedding section on our blog and ask away! Congratulations!!! Krys

Hi Robyn, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. There are many secluded options here which is nice. You can talk to Ileana as well, but it's nice that many of our beaches seem secluded and it's not far to get to them. you could take a boat (small or big) to Water Cay (sometimes called Half moon bay)and get VERY secluded (about a 15 minute boat ride from provo, uninhabited island (except for the occasional iguana) Sailing to a perfect beach wedding – Part I | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging A very "brady bunch" destination wedding in Turks and Caicos. | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The wedding of Lilly and Jacky at Half Moon Bay. | Tropical Imaging blog Taylor Bay is on Provo near Chalk Sound The wedding of Stacy & Jeremy Cox | Tropical Imaging blog Ken and Heidi's 10th wedding anniversary vows renewal in Turks and Caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging A perfect island wedding! | Tropical Imaging blog Also just down from the main part of grace bay there are undeveloped stretches of beach A perfect island wedding! | Tropical Imaging blog You have a lot of options that aren't far away, so no worries. Chat with Ileana as well, she can give you some ideas. Again my condolences to all of your family. Krys

If you want to extend your honeymoon, do it within the T&C vs flying elsewhere (which would probably require a stop in Miami), there are a lot of options that take you away from Provo: 2 of my favorites Parrot Cay:http://www.parrotcay.com/ Where many of the rich and famous go (and many also have villas there). It's a private island about a 30 minute boat ride from Provo. You must be staying there or have a day pass to land on the island. They have private boats that take you there and back to Provo. Very old style Caribbean architecture. One of the top rated spas in the Caribbean. Breakfast is included in most packages. Beautiful beach and great service. (it's very quiet!) Hubby just took me and my girls there for mother's day and we had a wonderful time! They seem to have some specials going on lately as well. (Food is expensive but tasty!) Amanyara: Amanyara - Luxury beach resort Caribbean - home This resort is located on Provo but it is on the Northwestern Point of the island and I swear you feel like you have gone to another world. The Beach there is one of my favorites here, very deserted! Rooms and service are jaw dropping, very understated Asian elegance. Food is yummy, and you just can't say enough about it. We had a family reunion at one of their villas 2 years ago (won the stay in a silent auction!) and we also stayed overnight last year and it's just amazing. Many stars also stay here, most recently Prince who was playing with one of the local bands. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from Grace Bay, but you feel like you're in an Zen paradise. They brought in a ton of Asian artists and builders to create the place...really lovely. Both of those would take you away but not subject you to the hassle of flying...seriously, hanging out in an airport more than you have to on your honeymoon....not fun LOL! If you want something more rustic, you could go to Middle Caicos: Blue Horizon Resort on Turks & Caicos Island Beautiful Views, very secluded, but you are really on your own (you'll have to shop in Provo and bring your own food, as there aren't any restaurants on the island or shops or groceries etc) (only 200 or so residents really). No TV or internet in the rooms but the view of Mudjin Harbor is spectacular! If you want to see photos of sessions on Parrot Cay or Amanyara, take a look at our blog, there are quite a few! Krys

I'll make sure that Ileana sees your review. It'll make her day! I know she enjoyed your wedding and photo shoots. Here's a link for brides to see your photos on our Tropical Imaging Blog! You both looked fabulous! Krys The Wedding of Lesya and David at The Sands Resort | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Lesya and David - The Fashion Shoot | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging

In all honesty we use bug spray maybe a total of 4-5 weeks combined during the whole year. Usually about 10 days after a rain storm they come out and then about a week later they're gone. But if you react to bites, the no see'ums seem to be the main bad guys and that is really mainly at dawn and dusk. During the day, we don't ever notice. The past 2 weeks is the first time I've had the Off out since probably last September. Oh yes, the clouds I was talking about have passed over, taking the edge off of the heat giving a bit of shade and no rain. Except for one day two weeks ago, 95% of the rain has been between midnight and 5 am, with a few scattered showers during the day every once and awhile! So remember...don't worry, bring lots of sunscreen! Krys

First of all don't worry and don't panic. If you look at our weather report any given week they 90% of the time show rain. In fact they showed rain almost every day from November to April, and we didn't have a drop (I know this because all of our water at our house comes from rainfall on the roof into a 45000 gallon cistern under our house, if we don't get rain, we don't have water for the house and our cistern got seriously low. we were contemplating buying water in April which has only happened once in 12 years). The weather shows rain today and it has been sunny (hard core sunburn sunny) all day. Here on the south of the island right now I see a trail of clouds which means we may get a shower on the south side, but the north side (Grace Bay) is crystal clear. What does that mean for you...highly unlikely you'll get rain and if you do it will be a quick (less than 1 hour) bit of rain with the rest of the day being sunny. In the past 8 months we have only had one day where it rained all day to the point of way too much rain (and that was something I haven't seen in 15 years). We had a wedding that day and they opted to go ahead with the wedding. But we're versatile and because the island isn't a packed tourist destination you'll find vendors adjusting fairly easily if you want to postpone. Just to ease your mind: 1) Highly unlikely it will rain (stop looking on the weather sites, if you look for your own hometown it will probably show rain regularly too...) If there is rain, most likely it will be a quick 10-15 minute shower and may not even be in Grace Bay. 2) If it is raining, at least where the photos are concerned we have always worked with the bride. Because we have more than one photographer on our team, we can adjust schedules to get you the photos you want. If that means you postpone your wedding or if you just want to do some photos another time, we'll sort it out. Most venues will have a plan B and plan C as well. Andy actually just posted a wedding a few days ago The forecast for this couple is looking good! | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging There was rain on and off during the day but look at the spectacular sunset they got and beautiful skies! You'll be fine! Bring lots of sunscreen, we have so many more brides dealing with sunburn than rain!!!LOL Krys

The joke for packing to come here is to take 1/2 the clothes and twice the amount of money (unless you're at Beaches, then it's included)...LOL Good suggestions so far. Take 2-3 times the amount of sunscreen you think you will need...the sun is strong (and reflected off the white beach and the water, it is amplified). You don't want to be burnt and crispy for your wedding day...err on the side of paler when slathering on the cream! Sunscreen is quite expensive here, and there are some brands you can't get. I live in the long sleeved sun/swim shirts from Land's End (great alternative from Sunscreen). Buy high SPF, you will get sun I promise. Bug Spray: we normally don't have a ton of mosquitoes and no see'ums (tiny little biting things you really can't see) but we have had the equivalent of about 7 months of rainfall in 2 weeks (mainly at night and lots of sunny days, only one day this month has been a wash out). We are normally a dry island hence the no bug thing but with all of this rain the mosquitoes are out. Most resorts do spray, but I find wearing long lightweight pants outside in evening help and the light scented Off (with DEET) does the trick for the ones that escape. One interesting fact about bug bites a Doctor told me years ago is that everyone gets bitten, but some people react more than others (histimine reaction). People that think the bugs love them actually are just more sensitive to bites. When I am bitten, I notice it for a few minutes then back to normal, my daughter looks like she has the chicken pox. So if you are one of those that react, pick up some topical benydryl lotion or gel to keep the reaction down. (that stuff is expensive here too) Essentially if it is a cream/lotion or toiletry item or medicine/pain reliever/allergy tablets, pack it, don't plan on buying it, things like that can be twice as much here. Other than that I can't think of anything else you need...bathing suit, a few clothes, maybe a lightweight wrap or sweater for Air conditioned dining. Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by AutismPrincipal Hi Belle, (Tropical Imaging; waiting to hear back from Ileana). I am also considering a cruise for family and friends as a precursor to the rehearsal bbq. Welcome to the board and feel free to ask questions. Robyn Hey Robyn, Ileana was off a few days after a full out weekend of work and is the midst of 3 full day shoots with this big wedding this week. If you could copy your email to my husband Andy ([email protected]), he'll make sure either she gets with you or he'll take care of the questions himself. Krys

Belle, Most of our resorts have on site coordinators that do a great job. We have 3 independent wedding coordinators on island that also are fabulous as well. They handle a lot of Villa weddings, weddings at resorts that don't have a dedicated coordinator or weddings that are very large, very elaborate, or for brides that really have a lot of details that they feel they want a outside planner dedicated to their event alone. For instance, this weekend we are at the Gansevoort and Teresa from Tropical Destination Management is handling the wedding vs the hotel. It's a BIG wedding, with a lot of extras (lots of flowers being brought in, lots of decor being shipped in and brought in from outside the resort, photobooths etc etc). Teresa is coordinating all of that along with some high profile guests at the wedding. I would say we shoot probably 30-40% weddings that have an outside coordinator and the rest are done with the resort. I would say that if you are having a lot of outside vendors that you have to coordinate or unique requirements that the hotel tells you they can't handle, then an off site coordinator is the way to go (I also think the resorts are pretty good at letting you know if what you want is something they can do). That being said, the resorts are really good and handling the weddings on site and I don't hear complaints from brides about their services except that they may be a bit slower in communication than independent coordinators. Krys

Belle7, Hi, welcome to the forum, there are lots of Brides here to help you out. With questions about the Turks and Caicos, I am happy to help you answer any questions. I have lived here for 15 years so ask away. All of the resorts/villas etc on island will do a beachfront wedding...it's why people get married down here. So that isn't a problem. Kissing Fish Catering/Bay Bistro can do a tented reception (although they have a beachfront open restaurant so you don't have to have the tents) and my husband tells me there is another vendor on island that does tents called got you covered. As for the resorts and which is best, I think it's more of which is best for YOUR DW. The Gansevoort, Beaches and Somerset are all great resorts but all very different. I highlighted some of the differences for another bride a few days ago so I'll copy that onto here to see if it helps. I don't know pricing differences, but I can give you some things to think about to help with your decision: Beaches is an all inclusive family resort that does a lot of weddings. Everyone will pay one price and not have to worry about anything else (food, drink, a number of watersports etc) for the rest of the week. Beaches is the largest property room wise on the island by far and they stay 80-95% booked year round so there will be a lot more people at that resort vs other places. You are not allowed outside vendors there for your wedding, if you want to use someone other than Beaches photographers, you will have to go off property for that. If the price is okay with your guests and you want an all inclusive, there is plenty to do for all ages and it becomes fairly stress free. Further on I will link to 4 recent Beaches T&C brides from here on BDW, I think their threads are full of great info to help your decisions. The Somerset is a resort that is not all inclusive and the rooms are condo style (very upmarket condo style, Full kitchen, living room, bedrooms). Your guests will have to think about food and drink options separate from their hotel rooms, but they don't necessarily have to eat out all of the time. Many people pick up groceries and either cook breakfast or lunch in and then go out to dinner. Some people may actually find this less expensive than the all inclusive route. The hotel is going to have a LOT less people there. The beach will also be much quieter. Outside vendors are allowed, but they do have a wedding coordinator for the property for you, there are also off site coordinators if you want. The Somerset is within easy walking to a number of restaurants and moderate walking to shops etc. It's next door to the Regent Palms which has a fabulous spa as well. You have a number of options just like Beaches of where to get married on the property and where to have a reception. Kissing Fish Catering and their restaurant Bay Bistro is located next to Somerset, so if you didn't want to have your wedding or reception on property, you guests would have a short (very short) walk next door. If you want All inclusive and condo style/smaller property, The Veranda has just opened this year. I don't know of any weddings there yet, but they have been getting good reviews from people on Trip Advisor, so that could be a compromise as well. Here is their website The Veranda Resort and Residences Grace Bay Turks and Caicos The Beaches gals will have photos for you in their reviews, here are some weddings at the Somerset for you: The Wedding of Ryan and Marc at the Somerset | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Ryan and Marc at the Somerset | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Stephanie & Paul get married at The Somerset | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Raluca and Dean at The Somerset | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Here are some links to dinners/receptions from Kissing Fish The first link of Ryan and Marc just above show a couple of photos of Bay Bistro and the tables (just over the railing in the photos is the beach) Guille and Alex's vows renewal in Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay Beach | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging This one has a lot of good day and nighttime shots of Bay Bistro Shinaaz and Chris' Wedding on Grace Bay Beach, Turks & Caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging I think to get a feel for Beaches the BDW brides reviews are the best: Here are their links: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-review-59724/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-2010-a-58739/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-review-59052/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...ictures-55142/ Gansevoort is the newest of the resorts you mentioned and is located further down the beach closer to Turtle Cove. West Bay Club is next door, but other than that you'll need taxis to take you to other restaurants/shopping. Gansevoort is a more modern (hip) younger vibe type property. They have a major dance spot on the weekends with guest DJ's etc at their restaurant. Here are some photos from weddings there: Noah and Stacey's destination wedding at the gansevoort resort turks and caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging a small video Noah and Stacey's Island Escape beach photo shoot movie - providenciales turks and caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Tonya and Craig's Gansevoort wedding. | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Cassandre and Rodney getting married in the Gansevoort | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging so in a nutshell (are you still reading this or are your eyes blurred over?) Beaches: All Inclusive, Family resort, Larger resort with the most people Somerset: High End resort with a bit more traditional Caribbean feel, not all inclusive but within walking/short ride to restaurants and shops (you could also look at the Regent Palms which is next door) Gansevoort: High End resort further down the Grace Bay Beach (even quieter, less people) modern vibe (also a condo style resort) Hopefully that and the brides on here can get you started towards narrowing your options down. Just FYI, we usually don't see a whole lot of tent receptions down here, most resorts have two or three options for a reception area that will include an open air setting, a covered open air setting (for shade and for the odd case of rain, which doesn't happen often) and some also have air conditioned ballrooms which are nice option in the summer months as well as Sept early October. But we have tents if you want them! Happy Planning and feel free to ask me about the T&C (we love it here!!!) Krys

Grace Bay Club is the same type of resort in pricing and amenities as the Somerset. It has been in operation for more than 15 years and is the oldest luxury resort on island. They have recently added a new section, the Grace Bay estates. The resort is a Condo style resort, full kitchens, living area, and bedrooms. They have one of the few fine dining restaurants (Anacaona) in Grace Bay that is right next to the beach. They additionally have The Grill that has a Beach view. Grace Bay Club has one of the longest stretch of beachfront property on Grace Bay as well. It's 2 hotels down from Seven Stars and really in the heart of the shopping and restaurants areas. All guests can easily walk to shopping/food/groceries. With many brides, the cost for guests for rooms is a concern and recently a small resort has been built just in front of the Grace Bay Club called Villa del Mar Villa del Mar Because Villa Del Mar is not Beachfront, it offers guests a lower cost option. Yet the walk right next to or through the Grace Bay Club is very short (similar length of walk if you are staying in a room at the somerset near the croquet lawn) Many brides have booked some guests at Grace Bay Club and some at Villa del Mar and mixing the group is very easy. Villa Del Mar rooms (also condo style) are really upscale and have gotten rave reviews on Trip Advisor. So that gives you a different option as well. Here are some recent weddings at Grace Bay Club (receptions are held either at the Grill Rouge, Anacaona or the pool area by the estates). Go Bears! | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Grace Bay Club, Turks and Caicos destination weddings. Wedding Film | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The wedding of Stacey & Larry Stauffer at Grace Bay Club, Turks and Caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Grace Bay Club, Turks and Caicos destination wedding. | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Wendy nd Jamie at Grace Bay Club | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Just FYI, the same team managing the Grace Bay Club has taken over managing the Veranda All Inclusive that I mentioned in another thread. There are a lot more weddings as well as other photo sessions from all of the resorts on our blog, you can search for a particular property and all of the entries will come up. Oh yes one other notable area at Grace Bay Club is their kids club (if you have guests with kids coming down). They have a really well done kid's program and lots of fun and interesting stuff to do (I have sent my kids there sometimes during school holidays as they will allow locals to pay for daily camp rates). The Regent Palms is also another location with an involved kid's camp if that is something you are looking for. I don't know the cost (if any) for guests, but it may be something you are interested in. Happy Planning! Krys

Heather, You can email Ileana ([email protected]) for pricing. Depending on what you want to do, we have packages and will also do custom pricing to work with you. We want to make the photography part easy to get sorted and hopefully fun as well. You can also check out our blog entry here The perfect photo and video "upgrade" for the Beaches all-inclusive bride! | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging this gives you some ideas as to what's available for a Beaches bride and you also have a link to download a pricing guide as well Hope that helps Krys

Here are some links to BDW brides reviews of Beaches T&C http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-review-59724/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-2010-a-58739/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-review-59052/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...ictures-55142/ Krys

Hi Stephanie, The two resorts you are comparing are really two completely different animals, so it really depends on what you are looking for in a Destination Wedding. I don't know pricing differences, but I can give you some things to think about to help with your decision: Beaches is an all inclusive family resort that does a lot of weddings. Everyone will pay one price and not have to worry about anything else (food, drink, a number of watersports etc) for the rest of the week. Beaches is the largest property room wise on the island by far and they stay 80-95% booked year round so there will be a lot more people at that resort vs other places. You are not allowed outside vendors there for your wedding, if you want to use someone other than Beaches photographers, you will have to go off property for that. If the price is okay with your guests and you want an all inclusive, there is plenty to do for all ages and it becomes fairly stress free. If you go to the reviews section and the Beaches section on the forum, I know that there are at least 4-5 recent brides from Beaches T&C that have given reviews. That should help you with details from Brides who have been there in the past 4 months. (if I get a chance later, I'll link to them) The Somerset is a resort that is not all inclusive and the rooms are condo style (very upmarket condo style). Your guests will have to think about food and drink options separate from their hotel rooms, but they don't necessarily have to eat out all of the time. Many people pick up groceries and either cook breakfast or lunch in and then go out to dinner. Some people may actually find this less expensive than the all inclusive route. The hotel is going to have a LOT less people there. The beach will also be much quieter. Outside vendors are allowed, but they do have a wedding coordinator for the property for you, there are also off site coordinators if you want. The Sommerset is within easy walking to a number of restaurants and moderate walking to shops etc. It's next door to the Regent Palms which has a fabulous spa as well. You have a number of options like Beaches of where to get married and where to have a reception. If you want All inclusive and condo style/smaller property, The Veranda has just opened this year. I don't know of any weddings there yet, but they have been getting good reviews from people on Trip Advisor, so that could be a compromise as well. Here is their website The Veranda Resort and Residences Grace Bay Turks and Caicos The Beaches gals will have photos for you in their reviews, here are some weddings at the Somerset for you: The Wedding of Ryan and Marc at the Somerset | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Ryan and Marc at the Somerset | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Stephanie & Paul get married at The Somerset | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Raluca and Dean at The Somerset | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Please feel free to ask any other questions...hope that helps Krys

Seven Stars is a newish resort on island. When it opened 2 years ago, within 6 months the management company backed out on the owners and for about 6-8 more months it really was only used by the owners of the individual condos. They created a new management company and have been in operation about a year now I believe. It's still a very quiet resort really as they haven't done a ton of marketing in this economic climate. But from what I have heard on island (and on Trip Advisor) people seem to be pleased with the room and their stays there. I know there haven't been very many weddings there since opening. We did shoot one in April (couple got married traditional way in the US and then had the wedding they wanted here) My husband shot it and said they had a fabulous time. Richa and Eduardo's second wedding in Turks and Caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Seven stars is the tallest resort in the country (so great views) is in a nice location that guests can walk to shopping/restaurants and very close to the grocery store in Grace bay as well. Krys

Welcome to the forum! I personally love the T&C and have lived here for 15 years. If you have any questions, feel free to ask...I'm happy to help! Krys

Abreva morning and night, keep the lip moist, and call your dr and get a prescription for Acylovir, it's good stuff! Keep your lips protected in the sun with a good lip balm with sunscreen, sun causes flare ups as well! You'll be fine....just Breathe! Krys