sofylina

Hi ladies, I am back and married! What a beautiful trip on the Carnival Destiny. We had 50 guests come along and it was all perfect. David Wolfe did our pictures at the Grand Old House. Here is a link to some previews: Grand Old House Cayman Islands Weddings & Events: Sophie and Ryan - Yesterday's Wedding at Grand Old House I will post a planning journal when all is said and done, as tomorow we depart on the Carnival Dream for our honeymoon. We are doing a TTD session in Cozumel on Monday with Ivan Luckie, and I can't wait to see the results of that. (I have not been very active on the boards, but I got so much inspiration from all my fellow brides)

After many months of reading scripts and vows, here is our last draft! There will be two people reading the "Abby" and "Celine" parts (friend and aunt). We used the script sent by our WC and bits an pieces taken on here. Tell us what you think! Ryan and Sophie we have come together to honor your love and commitment to one another, and support your decision to become lifetime partners. May your love always be as constant and unchanging as the never-ending sea that flows beneath us. ABBY The Art of a Good Marriage (short version)- Wilfred Arlan Peterson A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things... It is never being too old to hold hands, It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day, It is never going to sleep angry, It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives, It is standing together and facing the world, It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family, It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways, It is having the capacity to forgive and forget, It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow, It is a common search for the good and the beautiful, It is not only marrying the right person, it is being the right partner Do you Ryan take Sophie to be your wife? Do you promise to love her, honor her, cherish and protect her, and forsaking all others, be true and loyal to her for now and for evermore?? Do you Sophie take Ryan to be your husband? Do you promise to love him, honor him, cherish and protect him, and forsaking all others, be true and loyal to him for now and for evermore?? Ryan and Sophie the vows you are about to exchange will join your lives. You both bring individual strengths and weaknesses to this marriage, and as you stand together as a married couple, may you complement each other and fulfill each other’s needs as your love and commitment continue to deepen throughout your married life. Let us now allow the bride and groom to express their love and promises to each other. RYAN Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to take you as my only love from this day forward, To listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement. To comfort you when you cry and to join your laughter with my own. I promise to walk by your side forever and be more in love with you than I am today This is my solemn vow. SOPHIE Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to take you to my heart as you are and as you will be. To encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to support your dreams and to be there for you for the rest of our lives This is my solemn vow. The Wedding Rings are symbols of the vows here taken, circles of unending faith and commitment, perfect in form. They represent the beginning of a long journey together, filled with wonder and surprises, laughter and tears, celebration and grief and joy. May these rings seal your vows of marriage to each other. As a symbol of your love,_____________, take your ring and place it on ______________finger and repeat after me – _____________, with this ring, I thee wed. – I give you this ring - as I give you my love. - It is a symbol of the strength – of the trust – I hold in you. _____________, as a symbol of your love, take your ring and place it on _____________ finger and repeat after me – _____________, with this ring, I thee wed. – I give you this ring - as I give you my love. - It is a symbol of the strength – of the trust – I hold in you. CELINE HAND CEREMONY As an expression that you are joined together in love - will you please hold up your hands and hold one another, so you may feel the gift that you are to each other. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. Let us bow our heads in prayer – Lord, bless this marriage, as Ryan and Sophie continue their journey down the road of life together. May they respect each other’s likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes, dreams and fears. And even though they may not always understand or agree with one another, may they rest in the knowledge that no matter what happens, by holding on to each other, things will always work out for the best. Most of all, Dear God, help them to keep the torch of love burning with the fire that they now share in their hearts. Amen Ryan and Sophie you have just given your hearts completely to one another. From this day forward, your lives are intertwined and nothing will ever separate you. So – in conclusion – Having witnessed the vows you have just made to each other, By the joining of your hands, and the giving and receiving of your rings, By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the Cayman Islands. I now pronounce you husband and wife !!!! And now, YOU MAY KISS YOUR BRIDE Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I present for the first time – Mr. And Mrs. Ryan and Sophie D.

I have updated the list for us. We are cruising on Carnival: CRUISE INFORMATION FOR OUR FIRST TIMERS AND A REFRESHER FOR OUR PAST CRUISERS RYAN & SOPHIE’S FLIGHT INFORMATION: WE ARRIVE IN MIAMI AT ______ ON THURSDAY, APRIL 22ND VIA ________. WE WILL BE STAYING AT ______. * FOR THOSE STAYING WITH US AT THE HOTEL, OR JUST PARKING THERE, A SHUTTLE WILL TAKE US TO THE PORT OF MIAMI FOR NOON ON SATURDAY APRIL 24TH. * ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU WILL DO WHEN ARRIVING AT THE PORT IS HAND OVER YOUR BAGS TO THE PORTERS (KNOW YOUR CABIN#, THEY WILL MARK YOUR BAG WITH IT). IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU TIP THE PERSON THAT TAKES YOUR BAGS! THIS WILL HELP TO ENSURE PROMPT AND SAFE ARRIVAL OF YOUR BAGS ON THE SHIP. 2$ PER BAG, MINIMUM, IS THE ACCEPTED RATE. *CARNIVAL USUALLY ALLOWS BOARDING OF THE SHIP AT 12:00PM. IT IS TO OUR BENEFIT TO ARRIVE EARLY AS THE LINES WILL BE SHORTER, GETTING US ON THE SHIP AND MEETING UP ON THE LIDO DECK FOR HUGS, KISSES, AND LUNCH AS FAST AS POSSIBLE! * YOU WILL MAKE YOUR WAY THROUGH SECURITY AND THEN CHECK IN. SHOW THEM YOUR FUN PASS (PRINTED FROM THE CARNIVAL SITE ONCE YOU HAVE PAID IN FULL), PASSPORTS, AND A CREDIT CARD. YOU WILL BE GIVEN YOUR SAIL & SIGN CARD. THE S&S IS YOUR ROOM KEY AND CREDIT CARD FOR ALL ONBOARD PURCHASES. * YOUR CABIN MAY NOT BE READY WHEN YOU BOARD. YOUR LUGGAGE WILL ARRIVE AT SOME POINT DURING THE DAY/EVENING. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR IT AS THEY WILL LEAVE YOUR BAGS OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR. YOU WILL WANT TO PACK A CARRY-ON FOR ANY ITEMS YOU WILL NEED IN CASE YOUR LUGGAGE ARRIVES AFTER DINNER. CARRY-ON MUST FIT THROUGH AN X-RAY MACHINE SIMILAR TO WHAT IS USED AT THE AIRPORT. *EVERY CRUISER IS ALLOWED TO BRING ONE BOTTLE OF WINE OR CHAMPAGNE ON BOARD TO DRINK IN THEIR ROOMS, HOWEVER IF YOU PUT ONE IN YOUR CARRY-ON AND THEN ANOTHER IN YOUR CHECKED BAG THEY WON’T NOTICE! CARNIVAL WILL ALSO PERMIT A SMALL AMOUNT OF BOTTLED WATER AND SODAS TO BE BROUGHT ON WITH YOU DURING EMBARKATION. PACK YOUR LIQUIDS SAFELY TO AVOID BREAKAGE AND SPILLS. * THERE WILL BE A MUSTER DRILL BEFORE SAILING ON OUR FIRST DAY. AT THIS TIME YOU WILL GATHER AT A LOCATION DETERMINED BY THE AREA OF YOUR CABIN AND GO OVER THE SHIP’S EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. EVERYONE MUST ATTEND. IT’S USUALLY HOT AND CROWDED AND THEY TRY TO GET IT DONE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. * MAKE ANY RESERVATIONS FOR THE SPA OR FITNESS CLASSES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (ON THE FIRST DAY). THEY TEND TO BOOK UP RATHER QUICKLY. * ALL THE ROOMS HAVE ICE BUCKETS, HAIR DRYERS (NOT VERY POWERFUL, I BRING MY OWN), SOAP, SHAMPOO, HANGERS, A SAFE AND ONE OUTLET. IF YOU REQUIRE MORE, BRING A POWER STRIP. *WE LIKE TO BRING OUR IPOD AND SPEAKER-DOCK OR SMALL CD PLAYER TO LISTEN TO MUSIC IN OUR ROOM. ESPECIALLY ENJOYABLE WHEN YOU TRY AND RELAX IN BETWEEN ACTIVITIES. * CARNIVAL DOES PROVIDE BEACH TOWELS BUT IF THEY ARE LOST AND NOT RETURNED TO YOUR CABIN, YOUR S&S CARD WILL BE CHARGED. * IT CAN BE WINDY WHEN YOU ARE OUTSIDE ON THE SHIP. YOU MAY WANT TO BRING HATS, HEADBANDS, ETC. * YOU HAVE ALREADY PAID GRATUITIES AS A PART OF THE PACKAGE PRICE AND THEY INCLUDE YOUR STATEROOM ATTENDANT, DINING ROOM WAITER, ASSISTANT WAITER, AND HEAD WAITER. A 15% GRATUITY WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ADDED TO YOUR BAR BILL OR WINE CHECK WHEN YOU ARE SERVED. *FOUNTAIN SODA CARD: THIS PACKAGE ENTITLES GUESTS TO UNLIMITED CONSUMPTION OF FOUNTAIN SODAS (NO CANS) AT ALL BARS AND DINING ROOM. THIS PACKAGE IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON THE DAY OF EMBARKATION AT ALL BARS AND LOUNGES AND MAY BE CHARGED TO YOUR S&S ACCOUNT. * OUR SCHEDULED DINNERTIME IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM IS 8:15 P.M. WE ASK THAT YOU ALL JOIN US AT THIS POINT SO WE CAN TOUCH BASE WITH OUR GUESTS. ON THE WEDDING DAY, WE WILL CONTINUE THE CELEBRATION THROUGH DINNER, AND INTO THE NIGHT! IF YOU WANT A SNACK BEFORE SUPPER, THERE IS A DELICIOUS SUSHI BAR NEXT TO THE CASINO OPENING UP AROUND 5:00PM. YOU WILL FIND US THERE EVERY DAY. THE GRILL, PIZZA BAR DELI AND BUFFET ARE ALSO QUICK OPTIONS. * DURING YOUR SCHEDULED DINNERTIME, YOU CAN ORDER AS MUCH AS YOU WANT AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. SO IF TWO ENTREES LOOK GOOD, ORDER BOTH! MMMMM LOBSTER OR STEAK? GET BOTH, MAKE IT A SURF AND TURF! *BOTTLES OF WINE PURCHASED AT THE DINING ROOM (VERY REASONABLE PRICES), CAN BE CORKED AND SERVED AGAIN THE FOLLOWING NIGHT. THERE IS ALSO A WINE PASSPORT DEAL AVAILABLE, CHECK IT OUT ON EMBARKATION. *EVERY NIGHT, YOU WILL GET A NEW “CAPERâ€, FILLED WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEXT DAY: ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOPS, DRINK DEALS, CASINO CLASSES, MUST DO’S AND IMPORTANT TIMES OR SCHEDULE CHANGES. * SUGGESTED DRESS GUIDELINES: DAYTIME ON SHIP AND JAMAICA: CASUAL – SPORT SHIRTS AND SHORTS FOR MEN AND SUNDRESSES OR SHORTS FOR WOMEN. NIGHT, DINING ROOM AND WEDDING: SMART CASUAL – SHIRTS AND LONG SLACKS FOR THE MEN AND DRESSES OR CAPRIS FOR THE WOMEN. FORMAL NIGHT (TBD): JACKETS AND TIES FOR MEN, COCKTAIL DRESSES OR PANTSUITS FOR WOMEN.

I guess that at this point I am planning on getting my hair done by a stylist at the spa on board. I plan on booking my appointments when I get on. One for the formal night, where I can do a trial run, and then the morning of, as early as they will allow. I am also a morning bride, and my aunt who works for Carnival said that there shouldn't be too much of an issue having a girl come in earlier than opening to accomadate a bride. Hope that helps!

future Mrs M, sorry for the late reply. Here is the copy of a possible timeline Desiree sent me. This was based on the info that we would do pictures before. But now that we will wait after the ceremony, the begining part will change a bit. (April 27, Cayman is on CT and one hour earlier then ships time): - 8.30am pick up Bride and bridesmaids (4 persons ) and drive to the GOH. - 9.10am pick up groom, groomsmen and parents and drive to the beach - 9.25am pick up bride from the GOH and drive to the beach - 9.30am beach pictures with David Wolfe - 10.15am pickup guests from the dock - 10.20am Steeldrum starts playing - 10.30am ceremony - 11.00am reception; picture time - 11.30am DJ starts - 11.45am – sit down for lunch - 11.50am – introduction of the couple; cake cutting & speeches - 12.00pm lunch - 12.30pm first dance, bouquet, garter toss, father –daughter / mother –son dance….dancing - 2.00pm Return transportation - 2.10pm arrival on dock and return to Carnival Destiny So here is my revised (by me, lol) and I will send it to Desiree see if it works. - 8.30am pick up Bride and bridesmaids (4 persons ) and drive to the GOH. - 8.50am pick up groom, groomsmen and parents and drive to the GOH - 9.00am pictures of the guys around the GOH and bar with David Wolfe - 9.00am pick up guest from the port in mini buses - 9.15am steel drum player starts - 9.15am pictures of bride with last minute touch up with David Wolfe - 9.30am ceremony - 10.00am group pictures on balcony followed by cocktail with steeldrums - 10.15 beach pictures for couple and wedding party - 10.45am sit down for lunch- DJ starts - 11.00am introduction of the couple; first dance, cake cutting & speeches - 11.30pm lunch - 12.00pm , father –daughter / mother –son dance, bouquet, garter toss ….dancing for all - 1.00pm David Wolfe photographer leaves - 2.00pm Return transportation - 2.10pm arrival on dock and return to Carnival Destiny It just seems like a lot to fit in, in so little time, but the party will keep on when we get back on the ship! HEHEHE!!! I will be keeping my dress on all night! You?

Hey Future Mrs M, I am also GOH bride. I got a quote of 12$ per person for a group of 60. Just to give you an idea. The mini buses will get people at the port, bring them to the grand old house and then pick us up again and take us back to the ship when we are all done. hope that helps.

We wanted to keep the list small enough...(we are not at 54 booked, lol) and that meant: Not inviting people from work, not inviting extended familly (ie cousins we dont see usualy), not inviting friends we dont socialize with often. So the singles that are invited got an rsvp that did not allow to put a number of attending, but rather a line that said "I will be there or I won't" With this, there was only one "touchy" situation, where my FI had to tell a friend that we were not able to have unknown +1s as we had to keep # down, skipping on some familly as well. It can be a touchy situation, but if it is what you want, voice it, tell them what YOU want!

They don't expect them. It is a nice touch for the people locally who help you plan it, not from a distance... Post the pics when you get the flowers!

All my rsvps have been returned...and I loved coming home everyday and opening my mailbox to find a pretty little opal enveloppe!!! Enjoy it!

Destiny Bride here as well! If you are still deciding on the port, here are my 2 cents. For you it is probably easier to get married in Key West if you do the legal part there. Mexico requires blood tests and such, so in a one day port only it is almost impossible to do it all and have it be legal! good luck in all the planning.

Hi ladies, I am a Carnival Destiny bride as well. But getting married in Grand Cayman. I was on the ship last February. Beautiful all around. I don't remember the onyx, where is it on the ship. The criterion is where they have the karaoke I think....nice and big! Good luck

We are going on a honeymoon cruise with all these destinations. We would love to do the TTD in a Cenote. Would that be an option at any of these ports? If not, where would you guys reccomend and do you know of photographers there? Thank you for your help!

I am a GOH bride as well!!! We were there last February to visit, and it was so beautiful. I got emotional and knew it was the right decision. We are getting married there April 27 2010, off the Carnival Destiny. We chose David Wolfe as our photographer, the bamboo arch, steel drums and a buffet lunch, and are now looking for flowers and cake. I just can't wait. Desire is really nice so far. Hope you are having a good experience over all.

Oh man, this has been in the back of my mind since we got engaged! Over a year ago! Here are the choices: -I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders -Just Like Heaven by Katie Melua -Love you more by Racoon Can't pick. I keep trying to find others, but we always come back to these! Any input?

Hi, I am a Cayman bride. Getting married at the Grand Old House off the Carnival Destiny April 27th 2010. There is saddly not too much info on here specific for the Caymans...but I am so excited to be a little "different" than the others Congrats....let's stick together!