Tropical Imaging

The pool deck is at Regent palms. If you look at the second blog entry, the wedding of Canem and Michael, their reception is on the pool deck. The night photo of the pool and resort is from the pool deck with the ocean to the back of the photographer. The photo of the dancing shows the wood deck with some sand to the right. Here is another wedding where the welcome cocktail party was on the deck at the Palms The Wedding of Andrea and Bob at The Regent Palms - part 2 | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Krys

Janine, you are correct, all buildings are built back from the dunes as a requirement for building codes. The dunes provide a natural protection from storm surge especially during hurricanes. It's amazing how high the tides can get even during just a storm not to mention a hurricane. Years ago the building codes weren't as strict and I remember every month watching this one beachfront house that built it's pool next to the dunes right smack up there just loose the pool little by little until it crumbled and fell into the sea....not fun for the owners! However, you can get oceanfront which will allow you to walk a short little distance to the sand... Krys

Regent Palms is on the other side of the Sommerset, would be a very reasonable walk to Bay Bistro. I believe they have rooms beachfront (or as close as you can get on Provo, they do enforce building back from the dunes) They have a air conditioned ballroom with outdoor large balcony for drinks etc for wedding receptions, or a courtyard, or a deck between the pool and beach so quite a few options. Great Spa there (tops)...Many people head over there just for the spa. The other side of Bay Bistro is just empty beach property, and then you get to The Sands which is less expensive than Regent Palms. The Regent Palms and Sommerset are similar caliber resorts with the Sands being below them in pricing amenities etc. Caribbean Resort: Regent Palms Turks and Caicos Resorts: Turks and Caicos Hotels photos of the Regent Palms The long wait is over ! | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Canem and Michael at The Regent Palms, Turks and Caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Kendra and Tim at The Regent Palms | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Phyllis & Cameron sweet destination wedding. | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging *** there is a photo of the bride and her dad walking down to the sand, you can see how close the oceanfront rooms are, most resorts will be about that distance from the beach if not further back The Somerset and Palms are right next door to each other and have some places you can walk between them. The walk from there to Bay Bistro would not be far. Many people do a welcome BBQ/cocktail reception on the pool deck that is between the pool and the ocean...they set that up quite often, so it is very doable. Hope that helps. Krys

Bay Bistro is right next door to the Sommerset, just a hop, skip and a jump. Joan is the owner/contact for Bay Bistro/Kissing Fish Catering. I just have Joan's personal email it's [email protected] (just tell her Krys gave it to you as I didn't have the business one on had...we're old friends) Joan is top notch organized and type A personality (and a whole lot of fun as well) the space is lovely old rustic caribbean (one of the first hotels on the island) and they have done the restaurant space nicely (heading over there in an hour for a birthday lunch for a friend). Clive is an excellent top chef who has headed restaurants in the UK and here on Provo...and a really loveable guy. The Regent Palms is on one side of the Sommerset and Bay Bistro/Sibonee is on the other side. Krys

What music options are you choosing? I was thinking of a steel drum band. Due to the low numbers of people, I wanted to have something to keep the small crowd lively. I would like to have more pictures of the available options on the property to that we can make a more informed decision of where we'd like the reception. Here are some recent weddings at the Somerset to show you beach wedding and lawn reception as well as one lawn reception 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 Just FYI there is only one steel drum band on the island, Provo Primary School (my kids go there and my oldest plays in it). Because all of the kids are between 8-11 years old, they don't really do receptions...way past bedtime (LOL) If you want low key, I would say an ipod, dj or ask the Somerset about Nada. Krys

I like the idea of keeping it simple, here is a link to the style me pretty blog of one of our brides who did a lot of homemade (easy and inexpensive) decorating to make things personal. Destination Wedding with DIY Style | Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog Pick out 1-2 strong colors to work with. I like turquoise and white (makes me feel beachy) but the above bride went with more a yellow and green theme that worked. I love her glass jars as centerpieces with large shells in them. You may want to think of some sort of board/display of some kind and put up snaps from your wedding to show people (maybe take a polaroid camera and have some cool vintage looking shots on it and then have the camera for people to take photos of themselves for you?) Table designations...starfish or sand dollars with the number are quick and you can order them from oriental trading easily. As said before photos of table numbers in the sand (or of you and your hubby holding various numbers around the resort) Photos could be in white or silver frames of various shapes and sizes which you could then use to put your favorite wedding photos after. If you want inspiration for dessert tables...here is a favorite blog of mine Sweet Designs: A Blog by Amy Atlas I also love this blog for inspiration Green Wedding Shoes - Head Over Heels for All Things Weddings Hope that gets your creative juices flowing! Krys

Spectacular photo Matt! Great vision and amazing execution! And big applause for a bride who went for it!!!! Really Lovely! Krys

I would just ask and say: I would really like you to photograph my wedding, How much would you charge for that? If he says I'll do it for free, then certainly offer him travel at the very least. If he gives you a price then you can decide if you want to pay it. Make sure you have terms written out no matter what as to what he is going to do and what you are expecting. Family relationships can really be hurt if he feels taken advantage of or if you are disappointed with results. You both should be aware of each others expectations. If he is a professional, find out his rates and pay them (let him decide if he is going to discount etc) Remember photography can be anywhere from $700-$5000; whatever his professional rates are, asking him to photograph it for "free" or on the cheap is asking for a really expensive wedding gift. He would additionally have to give up a working weekend where he would make money to do your wedding. Think of it in another way. If you were doing a home renovation and he was a carpenter, you would say what would you charge me? Same thing if he was a lawyer or doctor or a caterer or an artist and you wanted a painting. Hope that helps....Just FYI you would be amazed at the number of distant friends/distant family members that contact photographers out of the blue wanting free photography (or even better just invite them to the wedding and ask them to bring a camera) It makes a difference when people offer to pay for your work. Krys

Welcome to the forum! You have 4 very distinct and different locations and in the case of the Bahamas and Mexico an even more confusing choice (as there are so many different locations and islands within those countries). Some ideas to help you narrow down the search and help direct you. Before you look at price/location/resorts lets look at the Big differences in the locations you and see some of these things can help you in decision making: Location: The Bahamas and Mexico are going to be shorter flights and have more flight options than St Lucia and Antigua (They're just closer to North America). They (Bahamas and Mexico) have a lot more tourists visit so you'll have more flight availability and with competition, cheaper flights. St Lucia and Antigua will take longer to get to: if everyone coming to your wedding is coming for the week, that isn't as much of a problem. But if the majority of your guests are looking at taking a long weekend, that may be a factor for your decision. Geography: These 4 places are very different Geographically. The Bahamas are flat, limestone based islands. No mountains or jungles here. (Where I live, the Turks and Caicos, the islands are like the Bahamas as well). You also don't have a lot of runoff into the water, giving it white sand, blue water and clear snorkeling and diving. I haven't been to Antigua, but there are mountains and white sand beaches as well. St Lucia is known for is lush landscape and tropical type settings (and mountains). There are some old style carribean locations there as well. Mexico has a whole lot of choice (mountains/beach/etc), but you will have a Mexican influence obviously vs a Caribbean feel so you need to think which appeals to you more. What do you want to do with your guests and with your wedding? Are you more of a play on the beach/snorkeling kind of group? Do you want to tour and see historical ruins or cultural markets. Do you want to get away from it all and be low key or do you want to have fun shopping and enjoying nightlife? Mexico and the Bahamas (depending on the island) will have a lot more available to do from a shopping and nightlife standpoint. St Lucia has some great options for excursions in their rainforests, Antigua will be a bit more low key. As you said earlier, you are keeping your guests in mind, Many people find that Mexico is a lot more affordable for guests than other places. There are also Travel agents on this forum who each specialize in these islands and weddings so maybe get some ideas from them. Of course you could always just check out the Turks and Caicos islands and have your wedding here LOL You're in the right place to help you with the decision making, the brides on here are really tops in sharing and helping! Krys

Here is one more recent thread from TA Jennifer re: specifics about the weddings at Beaches and Sandals. She is a Beaches/Sandals travel specialist and is the one "in the know" http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...eddings-59468/ If you check out the Sandals Beaches/Royal plantation section in the Forum, There is a lot of info there as well. Krys

Someone pointed me to this thread which really put it all together for me. http://forum.lostpedia.com/someone-b...le-t59261.html I like this synopsis and it makes the ending a lot more satisfying for me.... Krys

Here are some recent Beaches T&C reviews to get you started: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-review-59052/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-2010-a-58739/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...ictures-55142/ http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...0-tucks-55570/ Here is Meagan's planning thread that is heaped full of info http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...c-heavy-53999/ There is a lot more, but those should keep you busy to begin with. If you have any questions about The T&C in general, give me a shout, I've lived here 15 years and am happy to help! Krys

I don't think I've ever seen people wander away out of boredom so just put that worry out of your head What's nice about a small group destination wedding is that people will be visiting and sharing experiences during their trip and will be closer because of it. You can do an ipod and as you get closer to the date see if there is anyone playing at the resort. They have a small duo/band called Nada who I play guitars and sing at the Somerset on a fairly regular basis. I know the reviews of them on trip advisor are always great. One thing with Provo is that entertainment changes on a regular basis. As you get closer to the date, check and see what's going on at the resort and then we can also look at the where/when/how website to see what's going on around island. You could check with Kissing Fish Catering (next door to the Somerset at Bay Bistro) and see about doing a bonfire on the beach. Hang out at O'Soleil at the Somerset which is a lovely location and listen to entertainment they may be having. Or if you have some adventurous people, grab a cab and head to Blue Hills and go to Horse Eyed Jacks. If there are gamblers in the group, you could go to the Casablanca Casino....lots of options depending on your group. If you've got lots of activities during the week (which I think you seem to be planning) I think the guests will end up visiting/dancing and enjoying being together. I think one of the bonuses about destination weddings is that the bride and groom's family and friends really get to know one another and form a great bond that supports everyone for the future. Krys

kathf Sail Provo is a great boat, Jay who runs a lot of the operations is a wonderful guy. We've shot lots of cruises and receptions on Sail Provo's boats and never heard a bad thing. One thing about Provo (the T&C) in general, is that because it's small, word gets around quickly and there isn't enough business to support a badly run operation. We all talk around here (the coconut telegraph LOL) and whether it's a bad meal or a bad experience on a trip, people spread the word and either the business better change or it won't be here long. Hotels and people are not going to recommend poor or average service operations. Sail Provo and Atabeyra have both been in business here for over 14 years which pretty much says it all, they refer business back and forth to one another if they are overbooked and each operation is unique in their own way to be successful. We've had other businesses open up in the same field but they just haven't been able to compete with these two businesses... I think you can't go wrong with either one!!! (And both of them make stunning settings for fabulous photographs ) Krys

David's email is [email protected], that should get to him (if not his wife jenny's email is [email protected] and she can send it to him.) I'll check with Jenny tomorrow if there is another contact number and let them know about the web glitch! Happy to help! Krys

Both are great boats, each different and I have never heard of a bad trip on either. Atabeyra is hands down the locals/expats favorite though. ***Full disclosure: David and Jenny who own Atabeyra are dear, dear friends of mine and Jenny is the first friend I made when I moved here. So taking that into consideration I'll give you a comparison of both. Sail Provo has newer boats and they are Catamarans. Jay who is one of the main captains I have known for ages and is a great guy and runs a great trip. That being said, I have probably only been on the boat once maybe because we always go on Atabeyra. Atabeyra is a sailing schooner that David and Jenny built from the ground up (and I mean "let's go to the forest to pick out the tree that will be the main mast" built from the ground up). They sailed the boat to the T&C and set up a fresh fruit business in the 90's where David would sail the boat to Haiti and the DR each week and pick up fruit and Rum (yes it is a true rum runner) and bring it back to Provo at a time where there were not a lot of options or choice. In the late 90's they retrofitted the boat to become a tourist boat vs a rum runner and David began running tours. The boat has the old large wooden wheel for steering (and David will let you do that) and gorgeous sails that people can help raise for great sailing and David make a legendary rum punch. Time and time again, all of us living here arrange parties, sunset trips, birthday pirate hunts with the kids and many other trips on the boat. In fact for teacher appreciation week next month our PTA will be chartering Atabeyra for the teachers to have a fun night together. You feel like you're in the Caribbean on it and you can tell it is a unique hand made boat vs like anything else. So obviously I love Ataberya (pronounced at-a-bear-a), David tells great stories, and the crew is always fun. Sail Provo gets great reviews as well from people we know so you really can't go wrong, but my vote is with the rum runner! Krys

Both are great boats, each different and I have never heard of a bad trip on either. Atabeyra is hands down the locals/expats favorite though. ***Full disclosure: David and Jenny who own Atabeyra are dear, dear friends of mine and Jenny is the first friend I made when I moved here. So taking that into consideration I'll give you a comparison of both. Sail Provo has newer boats and they are Catamarans. Jay who is one of the main captains I have known for ages and is a great guy and runs a great trip. That being said, I have probably only been on the boat once maybe because we always go on Atabeyra. Atabeyra is a sailing schooner that David and Jenny built from the ground up (and I mean "let's go to the forest to pick out the tree that will be the main mast" built from the ground up). They sailed the boat to the T&C and set up a fresh fruit business in the 90's where David would sail the boat to Haiti and the DR each week and pick up fruit and Rum (yes it is a true rum runner) and bring it back to Provo at a time where there were not a lot of options or choice. In the late 90's they retrofitted the boat to become a tourist boat vs a rum runner and David began running tours. The boat has the old large wooden wheel for steering (and David will let you do that) and gorgeous sails that people can help raise for great sailing and David make a legendary rum punch. Time and time again, all of us living here arrange parties, sunset trips, birthday pirate hunts with the kids and many other trips on the boat. In fact for teacher appreciation week next month our PTA will be chartering Atabeyra for the teachers to have a fun night together. You feel like you're in the Caribbean on it and you can tell it is a unique hand made boat vs like anything else. So obviously I love Ataberya (pronounced at-a-bear-a), David tells great stories, and the crew is always fun. Sail Provo gets great reviews as well from people we know so you really can't go wrong, but my vote is with the rum runner! Krys

website is Coco Bistro - Fine dining restaurant located in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: 649-946-5369 The owner, head chef is Stuart Gray and email is [email protected] I'll head over to the schooner thread, busy morning carting around kids to swimming lessons, hip hop lessons and sewing lessons....back now Krys

Congratualtions and welcome. I've lived in the T&C for 15 years so if you have any questions about the island etc, feel free to ask away! Krys

I was actually at an event at Bay Bistro last night. Joan and Clive do a great job (their food is fabulous). Joan has been a friend for years and she is a type A personality in terms of detail and organization (and just a great gal). They will handle everything getting set up, linens, tiki torches for the beach, permits and bonfire if you want a beach bonfire etc. The hotel where they are located is one of the first on island, very rustic (in a good way). The restaurant is right on the beach, all wood painted white (floors ceiling) with white wood chairs and is open air and quite lovely. They have tiki torches for the beach and really do cover lots of details. It's not going to be as glamorous as Anacaona but it does have a great Caribbean feel. I have never heard a bad thing said about Joan and Clive, people were loving the food and atmosphere last night. Anacaona is more "upmarket" as the hotel is more grand. It's a bit back from the beach but also a nice setting as well. You could check with Grace Bay club about having the rehearsal at their Grill Rouge...Children are allowed there. It's a bit further back from the beach but nice as well (everything at GBC is beautiful). Coco Bistro is owned by dear friends of ours and is a favorite of mine in terms of food and location. The owner Stuart, and Clive (of Bay Bistro) actually worked together in the UK and owned and ran a great restaurant on island together for a long time and then each took on their own restaurant. The setting of Coco Bistro is in a garden of Palm Trees each lit up with white "fairy" or Christmas lights. Food is fabulous and generous. (This is where hubby and I go for any and all special occasions). It is also a favorite of everyone else. Even during our slow season, Coco Bistro is packed (right now you need to make reservations 2-3 days in advance which is unheard of here). Because they are popular, Stuart does not do any special pricing for groups, you have people order from the menu so my guess it will be the most expensive of the bunch. The location and layout of Coyaba doesn't have anything special in my opinion that would make a great rehearsal dinner. It's nice, just not "magical" or beachy. I find it feels a bit closed in. Food is nice but they use a lot of heavier sauces and such that aren't to my tastes, (Others absolutely love them, I am just not a fancy/saucy food kind of gal) Horse eyed Jacks is in Blue Hills (another part of the island). A big thatched roof open air pavillion on the beach. They do grilling and local food as well as great casual dining. Arlene has really done a great job with it. It's right on the beach and more of a casual food atmosphere with dancing etc. Of the ones you mentioned, I think you're on the right track...Bay Bistro or Grace Bay Club will be great. Horse eyed Jacks is also a fun option. Once you check around you will probably find that Bay Bistro is good value for money. The other thing is that Joan will be prompt and attentive through the whole process in getting back to you and planning. I find sometimes in other places they may be on island time (worry about now vs something months from now) and the lack of communication can be frustrating. I can send you Coco Bisto's (Stuart's) email if you want menu/pricing from them. Hope that helps Krys

Chrissy (Girasole)'s photos just went up on our blog, so you can compare...Chrissy, you were glowing and David said you guys were good fun! Love the palm tree shot and the opening sunset scene (though I wished david had posted the bigger version vs the thumbnail) Here are Chrissy's photos by Tropical Imaging Chrissy and Jeremiah “Island Escape” | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging And we've had a few other BDW brides who were staying at Beaches recently, here are some of their shoots The wedding of Winnie and Mike, not your usual Beaches pictures | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Meagan and Dallas at Beaches Resort | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Meagan and Dallas - Trash the dress | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Trash The Dress Meagan & Dallas Turks & Caicos 24.01.10 | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The perfect photo and video "upgrade" for the Beaches all-inclusive bride! | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Some boudoir shoots done for the grooms.... Winnie's Boudoir Session | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Meagan - Boudoir shoot | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging all of these lovely brides have been really active on the forum so you can read their extensive reviews and ask questions away... Happy Planning! Krys

Chrissy (Girasole)'s photos just went up on our blog, so you can compare...Chrissy, you were glowing and David said you guys were good fun! Love the palm tree shot and the opening sunset scene (though I wished david had posted the bigger version vs the thumbnail) Here are Chrissy's photos by Tropical Imaging Chrissy and Jeremiah “Island Escape” | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging And we've had a few other BDW brides who were staying at Beaches recently, here are some of their shoots The wedding of Winnie and Mike, not your usual Beaches pictures | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The Wedding of Meagan and Dallas at Beaches Resort | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Meagan and Dallas - Trash the dress | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Trash The Dress Meagan & Dallas Turks & Caicos 24.01.10 | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging The perfect photo and video "upgrade" for the Beaches all-inclusive bride! | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Some boudoir shoots done for the grooms.... Winnie's Boudoir Session | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Meagan - Boudoir shoot | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging all of these lovely brides have been really active on the forum so you can read their extensive reviews and ask questions away... Happy Planning! Krys

Here are the blog posts from Winnie's shoots... The wedding of Winnie and Mike, not your usual Beaches pictures | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Winnie's Boudoir Session | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Just stunning!!! Krys

I would list the boys as the "best men"!

Oh yeah, my dermatologist said that above 40 SPF there isn't any difference. Blue lizard comes in 25 spf and is great for us (we didn't reapply on Sunday with the kids, they were fine) Krys