dominiqueamber

Our History: Boy Meets Girl January 4, 2010 I love when Raoul tells the story of how we met. It involves him praying for a wife to come into his life, nearly falling in love at first sight and calling his friend all day to figure out how to spend time getting to know me. But to get him to tell this story is not easy. I on the other hand love telling stories. And so here is my version of how Raoul and I met: In October 2009 I went on a cruise with my Mom, Grandma and Aunt Roz and a group of friends. Mamma Law had contacted Raoul whom she had known from a previous trip to host the tour. We were docked in Nassau for two days. I was sick and didn’t go the first night to the meeting and Aunt Roz stayed back with me. When Mommy and Grandma came back they kept telling me about this great guy they found for me that I have to meet. Of course I wasn’t interest in someone from another country so I wasn’t concerned. The next day we set out on the tour and Mommy was talking about this guy who was going to be her “Winston.†I was distracted trying to get mommy’s slip to stay up on me (it wasn’t until we got in the sun I realized my dress was see-through.) Mommy introduced me to Raoul and I quickly went back to focusing on my slip before I even held eye contact. People started getting into the four vans they had for us. I would have been in Raoul’s van but no one wanted to separate their family so Mommy volunteered us, and Grandma & Aunt Roz went with Raoul and Mommy & I jumped in another van. All day I barely noticed Raoul, mainly because I didn’t know what he looked like. Until reminded me later, I didn’t remember he came to find out inside Atlantis when we were seperated from the group. I do remember me sitting on the ground talking to him outside Atlantis about the weather in Virginia and the colors of our dirty water as we waited for all the vans to arrive so we can leave. Me sitting on the ground talking to Raoul outside Atlantis I remember asking him when we were going to eat at the Queen’s Staircase. (He had no idea then how serious I was about my food) He told us it was ok to eat the hot dogs from a street vendor which made me soooooo sick. He talked to me again when I was feeding and playing with a stray dog, known in The Bahamas as a “potcake†and he warned me not to pet him. I didn’t want to listen to Raoul, but I listened when my mother told me I couldn’t go back in the country if I touched him. As the tour ended, Raoul promised my mom to take her to get a Guinness beer (which isn’t the same as what we have in the states.)A few friends jumped in Raoul’s van and off we went to go get something to eat and go to the beach. Raoul said he would take us to his cousin’s restaurant at the Fish Fry. While walking there I complained he said “it’s right here†and it was actually a long way to walk. I was starving! It’s didn’t take long for us to feel at home there. We tried local food (like cracked conch and fried snapper) and drinks (like Sky Juice, Kalik and Guinness.) That day I fell in love with their amazing food. We also had dancing lessons from the waitress. I got a strange feeling like Raoul was watching me trying to learn to dance but I didn’t pay it any mind. I was calling Raoul my step dad all afternoon because of the whole â€How Stella got her Groove back†thing. We had a great time at that place! Raoul is second from the left and I'm in the middle When we were heading to the car to go to the beach, I realized they threw about my Kalik beer bottle (which I wanted to save for sand). Raoul offered to get me another and walked me to another restaurant on the strip. We argued because he wanted to buy it and of course I wasn’t having it. I remember he made a comment about my eyes and I gave in. I waited outside talking to his buddy Rasta who was making conch salad for two ladies. I noticed the ladies were going crazy over this “pistol†and Rasta gave it to them and they swallowed it right up. Rasta offered me one but I declined. (I’m not in the habit of putting just anything in my mouth) Raoul came out from buying the beer and let Rasta drink it so I could have the bottle. While they were swallowing up “pistols†I asked Raoul what it was, he told me to try one, I hesitated but he told me not to worry it was safe. I figured “When in Rome†and sucked it down for the full Bahamas experience. It was salty and almost slimy. We headed back to everyone waiting at the car and I asked “Raoul, what was that I just put in my mouth?†He replied “A reproductive organ.†You can imagine the look on my face! I was UP-SET! I told him I thought I could trust him and I couldn’t believe he let me put that in my mouth! Rasta making the Conch Salad I told everyone what had just happened as soon as we reached the car and they all wanted to go investigate. So back we went so a few of them could see what I was talking about and try one. I told Raoul I would always remember him for that experience. (I attribute Rasta, Conch salad and Kalik beer to how Raoul and I got together) My friend Quianna looking at the pistol before trying it but Mommy wouldn’t eat it He dropped us off at the beach and we all gave him our emails and I thought I’d never see or hear from him again. A few weeks later my mom called excited that Raoul had emailed her. I asked her to forward it to me and I noticed he sent it to everyone. I checked my junk folder and there my copy was. There was also another email. He sent me an email asking if I was married because of my hyphenated last name. He explained there had been times he let opportunities go by because he didn’t speak up and he regretted that. He asked if he could email and I said it would be ok. After a few nice emails he asked if he could call me. I had no idea how hard he worked and how much money he spent to get me on the phone for short conversations. Once he was able to get a magic jack, and call unlimited I was hearing that enticing accent more often than I ever expected. Raoul says it was the fact he was from the Bahamas and I think it was his voice and his intelligence but he won me over and soon my mother was telling everyone I stole her man. I couldn’t tell you when we officially started dating but I could tell you when through texts and emails we said sweet things to one another. Screen Shot from My Phone By the end of December I had pretty much figured out that I would fall in love with and marry this man. And the journey began. Did you know you were going to marry your SO before you started officially started dating? Do you believe in love at first sight?

- January 2, 2012 - I’m so excited to start this wedding planning blog. Those close to me know I’ve been planning this wedding since Raoul started calling me regularly. I’ve been driving everyone around me crazy with my plans and buying stuff for the wedding. I had to endure them telling me to hold on to make sure we are really getting married. Well now it’s official! I guess I should start with a formal introduction (because I hope to have more readers than just my mother) I’m Amber Dominique, a dreamer who strives to gain as many talents as she possibly can. I love eating “good†food, caring for children, being a part of my American Sign Language congregation, old movies & fashions, country music and most of all the love of my life – Raoul. (Us on Jaws Beach – right after he proposed) Raoul is just like me in all the ways it counts and opposite in all the ways that make us work as a team. If you would’ve asked me everyday up until I fell for him I never would have said I’d end up marrying a man from a different country. But that’s what’s happening! I’m marrying a man who’s admired and respected by me as well as his family and friends. I love that he doesn’t mind being my best friend and lets me talk all night, he’s always determined to improve on himself and our relationship, he has high standards and a great big heart that loves me! (Us in a Cave in Nassau – April 2011) We met in The Bahamas October 2009 when I was there on a cruise with family and friends. He might call it something else but the way he described it to me, he fell in love at first sight. After his relentless and charming efforts we started dating shortly after in December. Two years, thousands of phone minutes, six plane rides, and tons of hugs, kisses and tears later I made a decision. (We didn’t actually fly direct but you get the idea) We are supposed to get married – seriously. Because we’re not exactly a car ride away, Raoul FINALLY asked me to marry him over the phone and I had to wait a long, long, long (well it felt that long) time till we could be together again and he could put a ring on it! (Showing off my prized possesion) All photos unless sourced are personal I always wanted to get married on a beach and once I started dreaming about marrying Ra all I could think was how amazing would it be to get married where the beaches are among some of the most beautiful in the world! So despite everyone trying to convince me a wedding in the states would be easier/cheaper/more convenient we are getting married in The Beautiful Bahamas! Together we are planning a very elegant, slightly vintage, all DIY, as green as possible destination wedding on the beach in Nassau and a reception in the woods in Virginia Beach with a little bit of money and a whole lotta love!

I've heard depending on the size of your group you can get good rates for one of the less expensive towers in Atlantis, but they do charge you for everything. You can have access to everything if you stay at Comfort Inn on Paradise Island (but it's not all-inclusive). Everyone is allowed into Atlantis to look around, go to the shops, Casino and the main aquarium and also see the artifacts for no charge. You have to pay to use their exclusive beach and water park. You can purchase a day pass for about $100 per person if you are not staying there. I'm cheap and I wouldn't pay for it, there are less crowded free beaches like Cabbage Beach not that far from Cloisters. If your looking for water fun you can also do Sandy Toes or Blue Lagoon, private islands you take a boat to that has water activities and dolphins and a place to eat. Might be cool for your wedding group to do together. I haven't heard great things about the rooms at RIU. My guy says he drops people off there and if they can afford it they get back in the taxi and ask to be taken to a nice place. This girl was in two rooms and wrote a not so great review: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/sheraton-nassau-beach-resort-bahamas/reviews/5149 . I've gone to a lot of the hotels when looking for my group and checked prices if there are more your interested in just ask. If you do end up staying on Nassau it's really not that far away the difference is a dollar toll fee to go over the bridge. You can also try VBRO.com if you'd like to rent a house for your group on Paradise Island right next to Cloisters (or anywhere else)

I think I'm going to buy these the next time they offer free shipping. $2.50 each for a parasol is the cheapest price I've found! http://www.orientaltrading.com/design-your-own-parasols-a2-48_363-12-1.fltr?Ntt=parasol+design#BVRRWidgetID

I've had my eye on those little bags..they are small but sooooo cute. I love the way you put your OOT bags together...the initial with matching wallet is the best! I love that you didn't put everything possible in the bag, it was simple and just enough. I wish I had seen your post before I started buying everything!

You've inspired me to go ahead and make these..I had the perfect beads but it looked to difficult to attempt..thanks for the step by step

I think it really depends on the guy and what he likes..maybe your FI can help...I've seen personalized pocket knives on etsy for $10 or you could do a poker set...maybe something from a movie, tv show or video game he loves. I think the best gift would be personalized to his interests/personality

This is helpful..thank you!

I found men's flip flops in the dollar store and women's online...For me it's not worth it to wait in line at old navy with friends for their dollar sale so this is much better! They have different styles available. http://www.dollartree.com/Summer-Fun/Beach-Poolside-Fun/Ladies-Pearlized-Strap-Flip-Flops/411c475c475p318213/index.pro?method=search

Wow your stuff is amazing! I don't know which I like more the painted shells or the painted shoes!

Aww I like this idea..I guess I'm too late because the link doesn't work. I'm going to look for a pack of pens I can do this with because I used to love taking pens apart and I bet I could make a template

Every time I view your thread I'm amazed! I'm crazy about your bachelorette party survival kits (thats so sweet your granny helped) and I need more information on your words for the pictures! I love that idea because it reminds me of the magnet words on the fridge you can make sentences with.

congrats on making so many decisions! Your wedding is looking beautiful so far!

I love your vintage look! I'm going to follow your planning closely because we have similar taste! Is Jysk a Canada store? I've been searching for a treasure chest for sooo long! I also have had my eye out at the local dollar trees for picture frames with that baroque styling. Nothing great yet I really think your STD should be featured on a blog. I super love that photo and your colors!

I loved that you used coronita bottles! I'm just curious were you able to re-use the bottle caps?

I love these! Your colors are unique and they really stand out and I love the use of lace, I think it's a nice contrast to the beachy wedding but I love the way you paired it with the lace fan in your picture. I'm crazy about that wedding chicks logo so I love seeing it used. Lastly I love that you made use of the rack cards so you don't need to cut them but they still have an authentic look! You did an amazing job!

very cute....I love the many uses of mini moo cards!

So sweet of you to update us! Have a safe trip home and don't worry about what you missed.

Great job! I love seeing the breakdown

I love your bags! That was a great use of the mini moo cards!

Very cute, I love that you used vista print to make it happen for cheap!

Check out this bride too I loved her stuff: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/70855/brandys-planning-thread Also MWise used packing tape to go over her chapstick labels, i'm considering that... She also has amazing paper products! Sign up online at Office Max as a business and they'll send you coupons on the mail. I wish I could get walmart coupons! Bags are not finished yet but I'll send you a pic of the magnets so you can see what I mean, and there are pictures of the button magnet ideas on my blog, with the designing the save the date stuff. So far for favors in my out bags I have coasters (unnecessary but they were cheap and cute) and wine charms (unnecessary but I had the supplies leftover from my jewelry making business days) Both I need to finish making but my bags felt empty so I was trying to fill them up.

Saw this and thought of you. http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/neon-polka-dotted-favors/2?sd=5000&ss=1 You can use it to cover something in you OOT Bag you don't necessarily like the look of, the dots you could make with the label stickers from an office supply store and they have kraft wrapping paper and twine at dollar tree! I think I might use it minus the dots since my main colors are peach and blush pink.

The bags came from dollar tree, you get a larger clear one with colored trim and a smaller one that matches the trim, it's in the material a reusable grocery bag is in, i'll try and remember to take a picture tonight. I went to six dollar stores to get enough (two didn't have them)

I'm scared to ruin the label sheets but I need to get on it. I wanted to glue (with runner tape) them on so I can use this pretty paper but I'm worried how it will hold up. I had a $20 cutter from Michaels (with coupon of course) but I wanted to cut more at a time so I got the one with the arm from Office Max with a coupon and I love it! Cutting all my STD was a pain, I need to finish some extras but I've been putting it off because I don't want to start cutting again. So I have the little button magnets, I was planning on making shell and glass bubble magnets for save the dates but I couldn't find the right size shells at a decent price. I want to use them for a favor for the out bags but still looking for the right shells. I really have enough stuff in the bags but I wan't to use the magnets so bad! I did print some free business card magnets from Vista, they come in sets of 25 and I got 50. I like the quality but make your colors bold because they come out softer. In addition to free time at work I avoid cleaning and sleeping because of projects!