Tropical Imaging

I have lived in the Caribbean for 15 years, and my youngest daughter is red headed with british white skin. My kids (6 and 9) have NEVER been sunburned despite living here year round and my pediatrician and dermatologist back in the US always rave about the "lack" of sun exposure on their skin. (although my littlest has managed to get a mess of freckles on her face) First off I am a firm believer in long sleeve sun shirts/rash guards for intense sun hours (10-4). I love land's end for their kids and women's sun shirts (we have loads of them...lots of colors and very high quality! Best around. For Sunscreen, the best for my youngest hands down is an Austrailian creme (can be bought in the US) called Blue Lizard. It's a micronized Zinc Oxide. It's the White stuff of years past except it has been developed to go sheer once rubbed in. UVA and UVB protective and is a barrier creme (it doesn't get absorbed in skin)vs most sunscreens which are absorbed (it's great and safe for babies and children). It's waterproof etc. I was out on Sunday in full sun from 8-2pm in high intense sun (I am fair and blonde) and am not burned in the least. The other creme I have had success with (but I find I have to be more diligent with reapplying for myself) is Neutregena with helioplex recommended as well by a dermatologist. The creme is a bit lighter weight and I like that for me if we're going out and about as it's not as heavy, but for water/swim/kayaking/hard core beach time, I go with the blue lizard. Kids don't get a choice, blue lizard it is. I additionally buy (you can usually find in supermarket/drugstore) RIT clothing SPF enhance. RIT makes clothing dye you throw into your wash. A while back they created this SPF that you add to your wash of clothes and it adds SPF protection to your clothes up to 40 washes. Hope that helps, I would pick up some of both and see which you like. Remember you need to use a shot glass full of sunscreen per application (I go through a bottle at least for my girls per week if we're out and about). And reapplying is really important!!! Krys

Sadly, the taxi drivers (union) on island have a real influence here and squash any attempt of hotels/companies that might infringe on their monopoly. You can talk with the hotel/coordinator you are booking with and see if you can arrange for transfers to be included with your fees, but there isn't a company other than the taxi drivers that will transport from the hotel. On a more positive note, we've done a lot of weddings at the Somerset and it's a great resort. My youngest daughter just went to a birthday party yesterday on their croquet lawn and the lanterns were still set up from a wedding the night before, it looked fabulous. If you want to see some photos of weddings at the resort here are some: 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 Those are just a few to give you some ideas, we had one saturday that isn't up on the blog yet, if you want to see more, just use the search in the blog, there are also some engagement sessions that can show the resort as well. Anything else you want to know about the island please feel free to ask, I've lived here for 15 years (wow can't believe it's been that long...LOL) Krys

Sadly, the taxi drivers (union) on island have a real influence here and squash any attempt of hotels/companies that might infringe on their monopoly. You can talk with the hotel/coordinator you are booking with and see if you can arrange for transfers to be included with your fees, but there isn't a company other than the taxi drivers that will transport from the hotel. On a more positive note, we've done a lot of weddings at the Somerset and it's a great resort. My youngest daughter just went to a birthday party yesterday on their croquet lawn and the lanterns were still set up from a wedding the night before, it looked fabulous. If you want to see some photos of weddings at the resort here are some: 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 Those are just a few to give you some ideas, we had one saturday that isn't up on the blog yet, if you want to see more, just use the search in the blog, there are also some engagement sessions that can show the resort as well. Anything else you want to know about the island please feel free to ask, I've lived here for 15 years (wow can't believe it's been that long...LOL) Krys

Wi fi should work fine with your laptop...some resorts have wi fi in the rooms others have it mainly in lobby areas etc. We use skype to call back home as long distance rates are so expensive. Typing on laptop via wi fi as we speak! Krys

As a mother of two, the difference in personality and behavior in the next 6 months will change a bunch as well. The attachment issues tend to go away and then you are faced with the wanting to explore issues...LOL If you can, check with the hotel a few weeks before and get some recommendations for sitters/someone to play with her and maybe arrange one or two afternoons on the beach with mom around but a sitter playing with her. When she sees the sitter on the day of the wedding, she'll know...ohhh it's playtime and will associate with fun. The fact that you don't want her as a flower girl is a good thing IMHO. Until they are 4-5 years old, it's way too much pressure and attention on a kid. And to expect them to be in perfect clothes etc the whole time can be somewhat of a torture. I would look at at giving her a fun gift of sand toys or something as well... I have to say though, with a beach wedding, there seems to be a lot less crying kids than at church weddings...the kids go off to the side and play in the sand and have fun (also the ceremony is usually a lot shorter so that's fine too). I have also seen some kids calmly go up and stand next to mom during the ceremony or be held...while that may sound disruptive, in all honesty, everyone is so focused on the B&G usually only the photographer notices! With a relaxed atmosphere that is a beach wedding as well, kids pick up on that and are more relaxed as well. Don't get too worked up over it. My sister did the opposite with me when my oldest was 3; she was the only child at the DW and sis wanted her at every event (which were all scheduled past her bedtime) and expected her to walk down the aisle...by the end of the weekend my little one was in bits and so was I. I would have loved to have been excused from those duties and she would have loved to been able to play! (she just sat on the steps at the wedding and almost fell asleep...) You're doing the right thing for you and for your niece. Don't "ban" her from the ceremony, plan for her to have things to do that will keep all of you happy! And don't feel bad about the not having the flower girl...you can honestly say most etiquette books (I think Martha Stewart just had a thing about flower girls ages) recommend 4 and older. Under that age it is just not a good idea for the kids or the parents or the bride. As a mom, I whole heartedly agree! It's going to be a fabulous day!!! Krys

I can't help you with package pricing, but I have seem many a DJ at a reception in Regent Palms. As for Trip Advisor reviews, my experience over the years with Trip Advisor has been that people will post bad reviews, but the many many great experiences are never heard of. Seriously, how many times do you take the time to let someone know you've received great service and had a great time? Most people don't. Regent Palms is a well rated resort on the island, Check out the turks and caicos forums vs the reviews, you'll find some good stuff as well. For locations, the Regent Palms has 2 locations that would suit an outdoor non-beach ceremony. They have a beautiful courtyard with fountain in the front of the resort and a nice deck area near the beach that has been used as well. I've seen weddings at both. Another resort with a nice non-beach location would be next door at the Sommerset, which has a pristine Croquet lawn that is very beautiful as well. The Regent Palms has a lovely indoor reception area (which is really nice in the summer as it has A/C. It is on a second floor so guests can go outside and look out on the balconies (they also set up bars outside as well). Have you tried calling or are you emailing the coordinators at the resorts? I know with many people used to the US, they don't realize that a) we do have internet issues on island with a high frequency. If you actually haven't received a response, try emailing again or calling (use skype etc to save costs), they may actually have not received your request. b)these past 2 weeks are some of the busiest in the entire year, all of the resorts/restaurants etc are packed which may cause some delay (It's not an excuse as that kind of service drives me a bit crazy as well, but more of an explanation) You can check our blog and do a quick search for regent palms to see wedding at the resort to get an idea. We've always found our brides to be quite happy with them. I did a quick look and here is an entry with the photos of the courtyard, if you look at the building in the back the upstairs is the reception room (to give you an idea) The Wedding of Sheri and Scott at The Regent Palms | Tropical Imaging blog This is another option at the palms by the spa, on the croquet lawn The wedding of Marcy & Mike Kotas at The Regent Palms | Tropical Imaging blog Here is a more recent one with the interior of the ballroom The Wedding of Andrea and Bob at The Regent Palms - part 2 | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Hope that helps, let me know if there is anything else I can do. Krys

15 years ago, hubby and I had a small wedding. My mom and dad both said that although we didn't want tons of people there or wanted gifts etc, there were a lot of people in our lives that still wanted to acknowledge the wedding. Sometimes it's because they're family or it's because your family has done so much for them and they would like to make you feel special as well. We ended up sending invitations to the small amount of people coming to the wedding and just sending an announcement to others (my mom's idea) We also registered at a few places and were astounded by the number of people who got us things (I mean it was staggering for us). The announcement was very low key and people knew we didn't want a big fuss, but strangely (to me at least) many still wanted to give a gift or do something for us (even though every one in my and hubby's family said it wasn't necessary). Whether you realize it or not, you are special to people and your parents are also special to people, they may want to do something for you and are "distressed" that they don't have an occasion to do something. I would register at least (not because you expect things but to make it easier on those who truly want to do something for you). And maybe consider sending an announcement after the fact. (I remember somewhere in the etiquette books that an invitation implied a gift, an announcement did not require a gift it was just sharing the good news.) Enjoy your day, I loved my small wedding...it meant the world to me! Krys

Hi, The T&C and the DR are two very different locations. (I have lived here in the T&C for about 15 years) Some of the big differences Cost: T&C is a much higher cost destination, you'll find flights/hotels and just about everything higher priced. The DR has a lot of All inclusive options and also has more flights and more hotels to choose from (it's a much bigger country) Topography: The two islands are very different. The T&C is a limestone based island, it's very similar to the Bahamas and Cayman. We don't have mountains/jungles etc...the island itself is low flat and has scrub and cactus vegetation. However, the lack of runoff from the island and the limestone base is what gives it the amazing beach and blue water. We seem to be consistently in the top 10 beaches of the world and are very popular with celebrities and the "jet set". The DR is mountainous, giving you many options other than the "beach", with lots of interior excursions to offer guests. There are golf resorts/AI resorts and just tons of things to do. The beaches are not going to be as white and the water won't be as blue, but they are still fun. Language/Currency: The T&C is a British Crown Colony, English is the primary language and the US dollar is the currency. The DR is Spanish speaking (although many speak English) and the currency is the peso I believe. Population: The T&C is a country of about 9 populated islands holding less than 22,000 people total (yes we pretty much know everyone here)...The DR has a population of about 9 million. The T&C doesn't get a ton of tourists compared to the rest of the Caribbean, and the beaches stay fairly empty by most standards (depending when you come, they can be just empty LOL) Last week on Easter Monday, we met about 20 friends on Grace Bay's main beach and we had tons of space to spread out with kids playing soccer/football and making huge sculptures...there was no crowding. Feel free to check our blog for photos of the T&C to get an idea of our island. If you have any questions about the T&C, please let me know.... Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by *Meagan* Blue hills is GORGEOUS!! Hmm I wanted to get married on a sunday and I was told they do not perform marriages on Sundays in Turks. I think I was mis informed. Hey Meagan, you can get married on a Sunday, but I bet Beaches doesn't do Sunday weddings because it is such a huge turnover day for the resort. That would be my guess!!! Krys

this is a post that has photos of the Grille Rouge at Grace Bay Club (Anacaona is the restaurant and in an even better location The Wedding of Wendy nd Jamie at Grace Bay Club | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging Here's a post with photos on our old blog of anacaona destintion wedding in turks and caicos | Tropical Imaging blog Here is an old blog post with a photo of Horse eyed jacks... Bradey & Rob’s Wedding Day | Tropical Imaging blog Krys

Where, When How, has a site that keeps track of things to do in Provo, this is the most recent link to nightlife and what's going on.... Providenciales Night Life - Provo, Turks and Caicos Islands - Movies, Happy Hours, Live Music & Full Moon Parties It looks like there are two options with live music that are at the opposite ends of the spectrum and location. Horse eyed Jacks is in Blue Hills (different than grace Bay), lots of local flavor (a grill kind of atmosphere). The restaurant is open air on the beach under a very elaborate thatched building. Lots of fun, dancing usually happens as well. You'll need a taxi to get out to there. Anacaona where it says the island boys play is at Grace Bay Club. Also on the beach but in Grace Bay and in a spectacular setting (very lovely). The restaurant is high end and really nice food. (if you check out our blog and search Grace Bay Club, you'll see some of the receptions there) Nice and relaxing sounds more to me like Grace Bay Club...if you were asking for fun and dancing and a party type atmosphere I would say Horse eyed Jacks. Both great but completely different. Be aware that the live music thing can change before June, so check back on Where when how closer to your date. Reservations are required at Anacaona and recommended at HE Jacks (because they get packed) Hope that helps...Krys

I have ordered the moo mini cards. Uploaded 100 different photos of a good friend's kids and put some in the frame they have (holds 20 or so). It was a birthday present that she can change the photos...big hit all around. Very fun! I haven't used them for business, but know a lot of photographers use them for various things and if I had a specific need for them I wouldn't hesitate. Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by vasouthernbelle8 Does anyone know if you can bring cake back from T&C into the states? We wanted to save the top of the cake but we'rent sure how this would work/could work. If you want to be 100% sure, Check with the US govt customs and agricultural site. My experience traveling into and out of the US frequently is that the things they are looking for (with the agricultural sniffer dogs) are fruits, vegetables and meat products as they don't want diseased fruit and veg spreading around to US agriculture. Traveling with kids on planes in airports, I always have snacks and always am stocked as you never know when and how long you are delayed. My kids like homemade baked goods more than a lot of the stuff you can buy at the airport so I always have cookies, banana bread, biscotti etc in my bag for them and have never had a problem and have had my bags sniffed at by dogs numerous times. You also see a lot of people buying rum cakes in other countries to take back home so I truly believe that it should be okay (**** I am no expert in this, it's just my opinion). I would suggest you bring a tupperware container to hold the cake and take it back with you in your carry on vs in the luggage. Krys

Our main cell services are Cable and Wireless (now they're calling themselves LIME) and Digicel. Most people don't have service when they get here or it's quite expensive if they do. You can get a pay as you go sim card on arrival, LIME's office is near Susie's Turn to the Marina and Digicel is located in the complex next to the main IGA grocery store. Check with your cell provider to see about international service, and see if you need to do anything, if you get here and it's not working, stop by one of the offices and get a pay as you go sim card. Hope that helps. Krys

Check out Blue Horizon Resort on Middle Caicos (Blue Horizon Resort on Turks & Caicos Island). Amazing breath taking views of Mudjin Harbor and a great walk to a fabulous beach. You can head over to Bambarra Beach as well by car. You can take the ferry over to North, rent a car which will be waiting for you and drive to Middle, (which is what I would do). I would recommend stopping by IGA (our grocery store on Provo) and picking up food as there are very few restaurants on either island. Pack a cooler or cooler bag and just kick back and relax. Let me know if you have any other questions!!! Krys

Diane can be reached at [email protected] She doesn't have a website, as she is so busy with cakes she doesn't have the time (and couldn't take any more business). Her cakes are amazing! (I will disclose she is a good friend as well). I find that with them they not only look good but there is never any cake left with many people forgoing extra food or other desserts for more cake! (She can email you photos of samples to look at depending on what you want) She's amazingly creative and a perfectionist. For my 40th birthday she did a 3 layer cake, two layers with a dark chocolate (not too sweet) and a middle layer of cheesecake, with mocha frosting...OMG so incredible. Her Rum cakes are soaked in lots of rum and many resorts contract her just for those. Most of my photos on my home computer (where I am right now) are of her kid's birthday cakes....I'll see if I can dig up some of her wedding one's in the next few days. Krys

portable dvd players (I have a triple headphone jack that can plug into it or an ipod so more than one can listen). Ipods, nintendos and other electronic activities are good. Things I also always have for my kids (we do about 8 or so international flights a year): snacks: Goldfish, gummy snacks, fun size packs of m&ms (when they were little, they knew they got those when they were sitting still in the seat with a seatbelt on waiting for take off) I'll also make cookies and biscotti and pack in an extra ziploc. The amount of times we have been delayed or food has not been available makes me very religious about snacks. Ziploc bags: freezer gallon size. I pack a change of clothes for the kids in one (sometimes just a shirt, but if they are in the 2-5 year range always an extra pair or two of underwear and pants in case of accidents). Kids get airsick, spill things, have accidents, I put the dirty clothes in the ziploc, put the clean clothes on. I have also passed out about 6-7 ziploc bags to mom's dealing with spills/sick etc who don't want to throw the offending clothes in their travel bags. I love ziploc bags! Travel size baby wipes...good for all stickiness, mess, markers, etc my kids are 6 & 9 and baby wipes still make the bag cloth diaper or a flour sack dishcloth (or a small handtowel), once again you just never know when a mess can occur, and it's a small item but when needed can become very handy! Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by future_mrs2010 HI there! Im a fellow Turks and Caicos bride. I was married there in January of this year. Though it was not at Gansevoort. We were married at Beaches Resort and it was everything I could have ever dreamed of. Tropical Imaging also did our wedding day, TTD, and boudoir photos and they were a dream to work with! Good luck with all of your planning! let me know if I can help with anything! LOVED your guest blog post this morning on our blog...your boudoir photos are smokin' hot!!!! Really lovely!!! Krys

I just checked with my husband Andy, and he told me the Gansevoort has done a couple of weddings on the big oak deck that leads out to the beach. you would have the water in the background but not be on the sand. It doesn't have a lot of extensive gardens as an option, what did you have in mind for your wedding if not on the beach? What do you visualize your day being like? I may be able to suggest either somewhere at the Gansevoort or maybe some resorts that might have what you're looking for. We're here to help. Krys

The Gansevoort is a great property, modern feel, and is on a great stretch of beach. Here is a recent wedding we shot there Noah and Stacey's destination wedding at the gansevoort resort turks and caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging this has video of a day after session, that began at the Gansevoort. Noah and Stacey's Island Escape beach photo shoot movie - providenciales turks and caicos | Brilliant by Tropical Imaging They are just getting into promoting weddings and we have a few coming up in the next few months. It's definitely a fun spot on island. As for hosting a get together that is low key and fun: a couple of suggestions -A beach barbecue and bonfire catered and arranged by Kissing Fish catering -Sunset Cruise by Atabeyra (hand built beautiful large sailing schooner) or Sail Provo (catamaran). -You could head out to Blue Hills and check out Horse eyed Jacks or the Conch Shack for good simple food, music and dancing on the beach. Usually, we see brides host a buffet or small beach dinner the night before for guests at the resort where they are staying. Guests are usually finishing up a fun day in the sun and water and like just hanging out near their hotel. The Gansevoort does have some great little areas near the beach with comfy seating (one area has a big sectional couch) and a nice bar. Any other questions about the T&C let me know. We've lived here for 15 years! Krys

It's really too far out to have any regular events set on this island...a few months out is the max for here really. some ideas: Bay Bistro is owned by the same people who do Kissing Fish Catering and they have done either a pig roast or barbecue with a bonfire on the beach for some weddings (others have done that for rehearsals. ) Depending on what time of the day you get married (and what time of the year) you could jump on Atabeyra (sailing schooner) for a sunset cruise or Sail Provo (catamaran). Also you could get taxis (or a couple of vans) and head to Blue Hills and to the Conch Shack and Horse eyed Jacks for great local food and dancing on the beach (you could create your own party!) As you get closer to the date you could find out what show is going on at Club Med and can get an evening pass for there, the Tropicana has a new dinner show as well (on our blog are some of the photos) As you get closer to the date, let us know and we can tell you what is going on but that gives you some ideas as to options. Hope that helps, Krys

okay let's think of some different ideas for you and your FI to make your own. in the past few weeks I have seen 2 wedding trees vs a guest book or photo sign in. it's a painting of a tree (the branches) and the guests leave a thumbprint leaf in a color with their name next to it, it becomes a framed piece of art work in your home One was a wedding here on island we did(you can see a bit of it in the details at the top of the blog post middle photo of the collage) http://www.brilliant.tc/2010/01/wedd...acie-stephane/ The other was a print on a wedding blog I follow for ideas, great inspiration: here it is, scroll down it's about 2/3 down the post Green Wedding Shoes - Southern California Wedding Inspiration for the Modern Bride: Real Wedding: Bronwen + Matthew's Intimate Wedding The other thing I have seen is a guest book with your photos in it, but instead of space to sign, there are pages that have "advice to give the bride and groom" What do you love about bride (insert name here) what is your favorite memory/quote/etc for them. I bet you can find some really unique personal ideas to make the little girl in you happy and put your signature on it!!! Good luck Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by dsantos_07 I'm also trying to decide which island I want to get married in! Right now I'm between TC and US VI... What are the best months to get marred there? Thanks for all the great info! For the Turks and Caicos, we don't have a "rainy season" We do get rain on occasion and usually one random week a year we may have more than one day of rain, but for the most part it tends to be sunny here. Any rain usually is short and followed by sunshine. Our main tourist season is end of December- July, so that is when rates are higher. September is very quiet with a lot of resorts closing for a few weeks to the entire month. Late August/September/early October are the hottest/most humid months but also less expensive. For weddings, we see the most during late April/May and June, so if you are thinking about that time, you may want to book your vendors sooner rather than later. The Turks and Caicos are very flat islands, and are limestone so we don't have the lush vegetation or mountains that you may see in Jamaica or St Lucia. However, the lack of rain and limestone base give it some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. We don't get a lot of tourists compared to the rest of the Caribbean and don't have the huge choice of flights, but we are only over an hour by plane from Miami, 2 hours and 45 minutes from Charlotte and about the same from Atlanta. It makes for an easy journey and especially with the US Air and Delta flights, you are on island and at the hotel around lunch and leave after lunch with the scheduled flights. If you are having a destination wedding and guests are not taking a lot of time off it helps with there schedules. We are on Daylight savings time so in the summer months you get a lot more daylight in the evening vs the winter if that is a consideration. This is not a "party" island. It's a relax and make your own party island. English is the native language and we use the US dollar for currency so it's like the US Virgins in that respect, you do need a passport to travel here. Feel free to check our blog for photos around the island to see what it's like (and how nice it looks in photographs). Hope that helps Krys Mann

I am happy to help and glad the excitement is kicking in! In full disclosure mode: between work (I do a lot at home for the company), teaching photography and photoshop at my kids school and taking care of the kids, my spa days are few to non-existent. I have not been to the new spa at Gansevoort or at Teona, but have friends who have raved about them. I have spent some time on occasion at the Regent Palms spa which is set up to cater to larger groups having treatments and have always felt pampered there. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. On island we have so many spas that word gets around very quickly if they are not up to par (we have a very small population so word travels fast and many of the expats here are serious about their spa days LOL). The competition is very high so they have to be top notch. I think you'll have a fab spa day where ever you choose! Happy planning! Krys

Welcome to the forum, I love the Turks and Caicos and have been a resident here for 15 years now, so if you have any questions let me know!!! Beautiful and sunny today...much better than snow. (on a side note my family is from Virginia and I grew up there, hope you're staying warm and getting ready for the next snowfall on tuesday) Krys