IS SU E
3
DAVID BEAHM shares his experience
of wedding planning in Barbados
INSPIRATIONS from the best classic love stories of all time
Real Weddings
Lady Roberta Simpson
on love, life and marriage
St. Nicholas Abbey ...... CREATING A
VINTAGE WEDDING
......
The romance of a plantation and the time-honored traditions of making RUM
Create your own vintage look with our
Bridal Gowns & Vintage Jewelry
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LETTERfrom THE EDITOR Welcome to our special one year anniversary issue, a celebration of everything vintage. We’ve dedicated this issue to showing you the many ways to incorporate vintage details into your special day - from the invitations to decorations, from the jewelry to music. This issue of brideLIFE Magazine officially marks the beginning of our second year in production and I am so pleased and proud to have recently joined the team as Editor. In this celebration of weddings, we also wanted to highlight that while we “celebrate the celebration” we also believe in the integrity of marriage in itself- that we not only support what goes into your big day, but also, what comes after it. In that light, we hope that you will enjoy our piece on the very elegant Lady Roberta Simpson who will soon be celebrating her golden wedding anniversary to Sir Kyffin Simpson. I particularly enjoyed interviewing Roberta for this piece as I truly believe that it marked the beginning of a long and special friendship for us.
DAPHNE EWING-CHOW Editor
You’ll also love our pieces on talented musician, David Collins, our interview with Wedding-planner to the stars, David Beahm, our story on rum at St. Nicholas Abbey and our feature on vintage jewelry, through the eyes of Heather Harrington Jones. Thank you to all of the couples who enthusiastically agreed to have their stories depicted on these pages and a very special thank you to Daphne Hunte and family for the use of Congo Road, Timothy Oulton, the Crane Resort, Beth Chapman from White Dress by The Shore for being our stylist and to all of our photographers, make-up artists, fashion stylists, hair stylists and other contributors. We hope that as you “flip” through these virtual pages, you will not only see what a beautiful country Barbados is, but how versatile we are as a destination wedding location. From a low-key beach wedding, to a fussy affair organized by a celebrity wedding planner, we can accommodate your every need and desire.
Daphne
ON THE COVER Kayla is wearing the Hayley Paige “Khaleissi” gown, with a Maria Elena side headband, available from The White Dress by the Shore. EARRINGS: Handmade faceted tear drop sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, from Heather Harrington Jones. RING: Handmade mount, flower halo 1.51 carat diamond centre stone, with a diamond eternity band, from Heather Harrington Jones. HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam LOCATION: Timothy Oulton FLOWERS: Orchids and Gardenias in vases provided by Dwellings. Floral arrangement by Victoria Florist. PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Team photo shoot took place at Congo Road, St. Philip Photography by Sofie Warren Photography | Makeup by Leah Whitehead | Hair by Danielle Elias Jewelry provided by Jewelry By Janine Banfield, exclusively at Heather Harrington Jones Fine Jewelery.
MEETthe TEAM
MALISSA BLACKMAN
CAROLANN GOLLOP
CINDY CARTER
RACHEL DeCAIRES
Director - Layout & Design
Advertising Sales
I am so excited for this anniversary special and very proud of our team for what we have achieved thus far. This magazine is a huge passion of mine and huge part of what I do as a wedding planner. I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to those who were involved in the creation of our birthday celebration.
This issue was my absolute favorite one to conceptualize & produce thus far. How appropriate that it’s our Anniversary Issue! Everything just fell into place so smoothly! Our team of professionals once again, have left me in awe, as to how amazing Barbadian talent can be!
Being a lover of weddings and everything that goes with them, it was such a surreal experience getting to join the brideLIFE Team for this issue. While my primary roll was that of advertising sales, taking part in the Style Shoots, and playing with the wedding gowns and accessories left me in utter bliss!
What an amazing magazine issue to be a part of! A great team surrounded by Barbados’ finest talent. I loved every part of it, and hope you all do too!
Director - Production
Advertising Sales
ESTHER HUNTE Inspiration Designer
It was such a pleasure to style the “team photo” and some of the tablescape shots for this issue. From conception to execution, the whole styling process was wonderful thanks to the fabulous and highly professional group of ladies! I look forward to working on many more exciting shoots.
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P E A C E I N PA R A D I S E
“Santosha” is the Sanskrit word for contentment, a perfect name for these remarkable, luxury one bedroom and studio self catering suites, boasting wide verandas and traditional jalousie windows that open onto a panoramic view of the beautiful east coast of Barbados and the islands longest beach. Santosha Barbados is set in natural countryside with a spacious breezy sundeck with a large swimming pool and jacuzzi offering stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. All suites are fully equipped, air-conditioned and have ocean view balconies.
Perfect for
WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
Tel: (246) 422-7999 Web: www.santoshabarbados.com Email: sales@santoshabarbados.com Issue 3 | 9
BEHIND the SCENES
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CONTRIBUTORS
BETH CHAPMAN
JAKE THOMAS
KAREN THOMAS
JULIE CHALBAUD
ANIYA EMTAGE
ADDISON CUMBERBATCH
SOFIE WARREN
DONNA SMITH
Fashion Stylist Owner - White Dress by the Shore www.thewhitedressbytheshore.com
Photographer aniyademtage@yahoo.ca
LEAH WHITEHEAD
Makeup Artist www.leahwhitehead.com
Photographer www.jaketomasweddings.com
Photoshoot Stylist www.jaketomasweddings.com
Photographer addison.cumberbatch@gmail.com
Photographer www.sofiewarrenphotography.com
SHERRYANNE MOORE
DANIELLE ELIAS
Makeup Artist sherryannemoore@gmail.com
Hair Stylist eliasdanielle@gmail.com
Photographer jchalbaudimages@gmail.com
Hair Stylist www.hairstylebydonna.com
LOOP BARBADOS
Melanie Weekes & Kimberly Bourne Barbados Travel Resource www.loopbarbados.com
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TABLE of CONTENTS
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EDITOR’S NOTE
7
MEET THE BRIDELIFE TEAM
“Please don’t break the glasses!” Esther
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CONTRIBUTORS
16
MEET THE STEVENSON’S
30
ON LOCATION AT THE CRANE
42
DAVID BEAHM - Shares his Experiences in Barbados
51
INSPIRATIONS “The Great Gatsby” “You’ve bewitched me, body and soul” Malissa “Casablanca” “Pride and Prejudice
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MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE - St. Nicholas Abbey
70
VINTAGE STYLE
86
VINTAGE JEWELRY - Heather Harrington Jones
94
GOLDEN BEACON – Lady Roberta Simpson
“Wedding Gown HEAVEN”
100
WEDDING STATIONERY
108
DAVID COLLINS - Classical Guitarist
Cindy
112
REAL WEDDINGS Jamie & John Leila & James Lisa & Paul “Can I get married again? So beautiful!” Carolann Lisa & Gary Jannah & Carlos Shanna & Chris Emma & Jason
152
ON TOUR – Loop Barbados
154
TRASH THE DRESS
156
VENDOR LISTINGS
“I REALLY want to do this” Rachel
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of brideLIFE Magazine or any of its staff, contributors or advertisers. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way, form or media, without the written permission of brideLIFE Magazine management.
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The most p erfect treats, for your most perfect moments Authentic French macarons, fun size pop cakes and beautiful, tropical chocolate ganaches. Hand crafted with a great deal of love. The perfect combination of texture and flavor, making every single bite a pure moment of delight.
, MAKE EVERY DETAIL PERFECT “we don t do almost p erfect �
info@thegreenmonkeychocolatier.com . 1 246 231-1001 . Rosamund, Worthing, Christ Church
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MEETthe STEVENSONS Tiffany and Mark, tell us your story. How did you meet and what are three things (from each of you) that made you fall in love with each other? Mark and I met at a Mexican restaurant (very romantic) in Austin, Tx on December 2, 2010. He was visiting from Rhode Island and flying back home the following morning, so we only had a couple of hours to talk and get to know each other. At the end of the night, he asked me if I’d be interested in going on a date with him if he flew back down to Austin. I said sure, but honestly didn’t think I’d ever hear from him again. But sure enough, he flew down two weeks later and took me to dinner! We dated long distance for several months, and he found a way to completely sweep me off my feet even though we lived thousands of miles apart. I absolutely love Mark’s sense of humor, his good nature, and his work ethic. He is the hardest working person I know, and always tells me that he wants to provide me with a good life. Mark says the qualities he loves in me are my sense of humor, my loving heart, and my active lifestyle.
What made you select Barbados as the location for your destination wedding? Mark started bringing me to Barbados shortly after we started dating. We visit the island every 6 months or so, and it has become our home away from home. We love absolutely everything about Barbados. The people are amazingly friendly, the water is breathtaking, and the restaurants are phenomenal. We just have so much fun there. Initially, I tried to plan a big wedding in Texas, but it just wasn’t the right thing for us. We were meant to get married with our feet in the sand, surrounded by a small amount of people who love us tremendously. So we decided on a destination wedding, and naturally Barbados was the perfect choice! We always stay at Glitter Bay Villas, and decided to have our wedding right there on their beautiful beach. The management and staff at Glitter Bay were so proud to be 16 | Issue 3
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the STEVENSONS
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the STEVENSONS hosting our wedding, which meant the world to us. We will always be grateful to them for not only allowing us to have our wedding there, but for being so gracious and happy for us.
Tell us how your home city of Dallas is different from Barbados. How did this make your time here extra special? While we love living in Dallas, we hate that it isn’t on the ocean. Mark and I are water bugs. We would live in the water if we could. In Barbados, we snorkel, paddle board, swim, and ski. It was amazing that we got to be in the water every day leading up to our wedding. Even on our wedding day we were in the water!
How did you select the team that helped you plan your beautiful wedding? What was your experience like with this team? After doing some research online, I knew that ‘Weddings by Malissa’ was the team I wanted to go with. The next time Mark and I were in Barbados, we met Malissa at the Cliff. I knew instantly that she was the perfect wedding planner for me! She had so much experience and her portfolio was stunning. And it didn’t hurt that we had the exact same taste in wedding details! Leading up to the wedding, she was amazing. She kept on top of everything, so I had no reason to stress or worry. Our wedding day went perfectly thanks to Malissa and her entire team. They were there working from early in the morning and didn’t leave until midnight! Not only was Malissa
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the STEVENSONS
everything I could have wanted in a wedding planner, she is now a friend for life!
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding? Walking down the aisle toward Mark was the most memorable moment for me. I will never forget the look on his face when he saw me walking towards him. Having both of my parents beside me on that walk also made it unforgettable. I just had this feeling come over me that I was walking toward my future, and that was incredible. I think that was the point when the tears started flowing!
What was the theme of your wedding? What are some memorable details that you incorporated? We wanted our reception to feel like an elegant dinner party on the beach. We went with a rustic, vintage theme for our decor. Malissa’s team had a beautiful cedar platform built on top of the sand for our dinner table. There were twinkle lights and a beautiful, vintage chandelier hanging above the table. The ambiance was incredible. Mark and I love to dive for sand dollars when we’re in Barbados, so we incorporated those throughout the wedding. We had everyone’s names 20 | Issue 3
written on sand dollars and used them as place cards at the reception. We also wanted to incorporate the Bajan culture as much as possible in our wedding. The chef from our favorite local restaurant catered the meal, and we had a steel drum band for dancing. The band was incredible and kept us dancing all night!
For your “Trash the Dress” photo shoot, you went stand up paddle boarding in your wedding dress with your husband. What was that experience like? It was incredible! I knew I wasn’t the type of girl that would store her wedding dress in a box under the bed for 20 years, so I figured why not take some gorgeous pictures in it and then have a little fun “trashing” it? Mark and I love to paddle board, so I thought paddle boarding in our wedding attire would make for some amazing pictures. He wasn’t too keen on the idea, so I had to spend some time talking him into it, but in the end we are so happy that we did it. It was actually really romantic and because the wedding was over, we were relaxed which made for great pictures. It was an experience we will never forget!
the STEVENSONS
What advice would you give others who are planning a destination wedding? Hire a wedding planner! When planning a wedding from afar, it is almost impossible to get everything you want without having someone on the island to help you. Malissa and her team knew the best florist, band, lighting company, hair stylist, etc. which made the process so much easier for me. On the day of the wedding, I was actually able to relax and go for a swim in the ocean because I knew she had everything under control.
You’ve been married for a few months. What is life like as newlyweds? Life is great for us as newlyweds! We are working together in the real estate business and having so much fun. We work out together almost every day, which we have found to be very healthy for our relationship. We didn’t get to stay in Barbados after the wedding, so we are planning to return there in a couple of months for our honeymoon. There’s just no place we would rather be!
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the the STEVENSONS STEVENSONS
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wedding VENDORS WEDDING PLANNER & DESIGNER
Weddings by Malissa LOCATION
Glitter Bay PHOTOGRAPHER
Katherine Stinnett Photography BRIDAL PARTY HAIR
Cheryll from Hair by Donna BRIDAL PARTY MAKEUP
Janine Cooper from Make Up by Janine FLOWERS
Simply Flowers WEDDING CAKE
Sweet Creations CHAIR RENTALS
Marquee Events CHANDELIER
Events Unusual Issue 3 | 23
the the STEVENSONS STEVENSONS
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the STEVENSONS
Tiffany and Mark Trash The Dress on page 154...
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ON LOCATION
PHOTOGRAPHY: Addison Cumberbatch STYLIST: Beth Chapman, The White Dress by the Shore HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam 30 | Issue 3
S
et atop a dramatic cliff overlooking one of the “ten best beaches in the world”, The Crane is the perfect place for a wedding full of magical memories. This truly unique property combines luxury, elegance, old-world charm, incredible natural beauty, a romantic sense of seclusion and professional service – the ideal place to start the beginning of your life together. Whether you wish a simple wedding or a more extravagant ceremony and reception, The professional and dedicated Crane team equipped with an on-site wedding coordinator will work with you to make your special day just as you dreamt it to be. Wedding ceremonies at The Crane are usually held outdoors to take advantage of the panaromic views of the stunning Atlantic Ocean, tropically landscaped gardens and historic architecture buildings. These settings create fascinating backdrops for photos to last a lifetime. Receptions can be accommodated in various locations depending on the size and type of reception required. Just ask- we’ll make it happen. Additionally, on property one will find six swimming pools, four restaurants offering fantastic dining options and 55,000 square feet of retail shopping in the Crane Village. Without a doubt, The Crane is the perfect place to celebrate the beginning of your new life together. Issue 3 | 31
The Crane’s Serenity Spa
Ring supplied by: Colombian Emeralds International at The Crane Resort 32 | Issue 3
Diana is wearing the Modern Trousseau “Nova” gown, with a Bijoux Van Ness headpiece available from The White Dress by the Shore. Her earrings are by Maria Elena and her bracelet is from The Something Old Collection. HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam FLOWERS: Victoria Florists PHOTOGRAPHY: Addison Cumberbatch
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In the Town Square at The Crane.
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DECOR:Marquee Events PHOTOGRAPHY: Addison Cumberbatch
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Addison Cumberbatch L’Azure Restaurant, The Crane
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Addison Cumberbatch Reception Dinner and Wedding Cake at L’Azure Restaurant
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Addison Cumberbatch In the Town Square, The Crane
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The brideLIFE Team was honored to have the opportunity to experience this amazing resort for our On Location spread. First opened in 1887 and now fully restored and expanded, this truly unique property combines old-world charm and incredible natural beauty with a romantic sense of seclusion. If you are looking for a place for your Destination Wedding, The Crane is the ideal tropical paradise resort - a place of stunning beauty, the perfect choice for your Barbados “I do’s”!
Address: Crane, St. Philip, Barbados BB18079 Telephone: (246) 423-6220 USA/CAN Toll Free: (866) 978-5942 UK Toll Free: (800) 088-5034 Email: reservations@thecrane.com Website: www.thecrane.com
PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS PAGE provided by The Crane
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DAVID BEAHM shares HIS EXPERIENCE IN BARBADOS
David Beahm is one of America’s top event designers, having designed countless weddings for celebrity and high profile clients, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as a host of celebrity and corporate clients such well-known names as Champagne Perrier-Jouet, Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry, Victoria’s Secret Beauty, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton. What is special about a destination wedding? A wedding for any couple is a very special time, but what I feel makes destination weddings so very unique is that, as a couple, you get to spend an entire weekend with your guests, not just a few precious hours with them in a Ballroom on a Saturday night. Guests feel as though they are very intimately involved with your celebration (and indeed feel very special) because of amount of time that is allotted to spend with them.
Tell us a little bit about your recent experience planning a wedding in Barbados.
David at Sandy Lane Hotel Photography by: Julie Skarrat.
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Having designed the wedding at Sandy Lane, I found Barbados to be a highly unique location because it afforded us the opportunity to create a very refined and cosmopolitan design that did not necessarily fall into the typical make-do “beach wedding” category (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). There were no shells or starfish or sand, instead, as our clients wished, we were able to create a “big city” wedding with all the bells
Photography by: Kalen Cheng Issue 3 | 43
DAVID BEAHM
Left: David in the loading dock at Sandy Lane Hotel inspecting the flowers for his wedding. Right: David discussing his lighting design for the reception. Photography by: Julie Skarratt
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DAVID BEAHM
and whistles that just happened to take place in a tropical environment.
Did you find anything unique about Barbados as a wedding location? By far, the thing that makes Barbados so very unique are the friendly, can-do attitudes of the local vendors. Part of my service is to come into a space and visualize it in a way that no one has before. In many a location that is met with a “no, we don’t do it that way.” In Barbados, that was met with, “Yes, and how can we help you do that?”
Is there anything in particular about Barbados that inspired you from a creative standpoint? At Sandy Lane Golf Club, I was very inspired by how the sugar mill had been incorporated into a very mid-century modern architectural design of the club. I tried to integrate this juxtaposition into the design of the ceremony by using an abundance of live tropical plants indigenous to Barbados, while contrasting them with sleek modern lines, bold pattern and an unexpected black and cream palette.
Do you plan on adding Barbados to your “Destination Collection”? Our next addition to the david beahm destination collection is top secret for now.... You’ll have to stay tuned for what we add on next!
Is it more difficult to plan a destination wedding? How did the professionals that you came into contact with in Barbados help to overcome any of these issues? When planning and designing a destination fete, it is always interesting to see what local vendors have in their inventory to bring to the table. Sometimes this can be a challenge, other times you can be delightfully surprised. In either case I was very lucky to have met knowledgeable Bajan vendors, who, right off the bat, were supportive and forthcoming about what could and could not be gotten on-island. This saved a tremendous amount of time and energy and helped my team be more efficacious for our client.
What are the key elements a couple should consider when deciding upon a location for a destination wedding? When considering hosting a destination event, at all times, a couple MUST be overly concerned with the comfort and experience of their guests (many of whom are taking precious time off to attend your celebration). Think about where your guests are traveling to and from. Are there direct flights? Consider the average age group of your guest? Is Grandma Mary going to have go up and down stairs your entire celebration? While these may seem like small issues, this type of thorough consideration will guarantee an enjoyable wedding for ALL your guests.
What would you say are some of the most important points of advice for a couple who are starting to make decisions about their destination wedding? Three words: shipping, duties, and taxes. Are you considering a lavish international event where you know that you are going to have to import a good amount of hard goods or flowers? You must consider these often overlooked expenses. They add up, and fast and can easily inflate a budget in the blink of an eye.
How can a couple ensure that their loved ones get the opportunity to experience and love the location as much as they do? Time and information! I think the best way a couple can ensure that their guests have a great time is to not overload them with too many pre-planned, group activities. Give your guests precious downtime (remember it’s a vacation for them too!), but also provide them with a short list of locations or activities you recommend they experience. This can be posted in advance on your wedding website if many activities require reservations, or, it can simply be included in an inroom welcome basket.
You are well-known for the beautiful weddings that you plan for celebrities and the rich and famous. Would you recommend Barbados as a destination location for your highly discerning clientele?
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DAVID BEAHM
Absolutely! Many of my clients value their privacy above all else. I love that a destination event (especially in Barbados) allots for solitude that sometimes simply cannot be found in major metropolitan areas. And from a design perspective, when clients have the means, anything is possible! This kind of freedom allows a designer or planner to really play with the location and the opportunities it affords, and in the end that makes for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
Many couples worry about how to convince their guests to join them on their destination wedding. What advice or suggestions do you have? My suggestion is that if you have to “convince” someone to come to your wedding, you probably don’t want them there in the first place. The wonderful thing about a destination wedding is that it creates a natural “weeding out” of guests. Those people who are really important to you and who really care about your wedding will find a way to get there - those are the people you want surrounding you in love and support as you say “I do!”
The theme for this issue of brideLIFE magazine is vintage. Do you have any “out of the box” ideas for a couple planning a vintage-themed wedding?
David tending to the bride and at the reception at Sandy Lane Hotel. Photography by: Julie Skarrat
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I think to pull off a proper vintage event, it requires more than a little legwork on the part of you and your designer. You’ve got to start exploring antique shops and eBay regularly and early. Visit flea markets to find, say, pressed glass goblets. Look for old tin signage and glass decanters for a lemonade stand. But not everything should be bought.... A proper vintage wedding should even include mementos of previous family weddings. Just imagine the smile on grandma’s face when she sees her cake topper is crowning her granddaughters’ cake. THAT’s real vintage at its finest.
Shimmering on the terrace at Sandy Lane Hotel. Photography by: Julie Skarrat Issue 3 | 47
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Great Gatsby
DESIGNER: Tanya Franco, Weddings by Malissa LOCATION: Codrington College, St. John PHOTOGRAPHY: Sofie Warren Photography Issue 3 | 51
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INSPIRATIONS INSPIRATIONS
Flowers from SImply Flowers. Chairs, table and tablecloth from Marquee Events. Candelabras from Events Unusual. Lenox Regency Sillhouette Accent Plate Set from Dwellings. French Perle Highball Glasses from Dwellings. Portola Flat Ware Set from Dwellings. Metal Gold Orb Balls, Medium & Beaded Tassel Napkin Rings from Dwellings.
The idea of a Great Gatsby photo shoot inspired a great deal of excitement from the moment that we decided to give this issue a vintage feel. The 1920’s is one of our favorite eras and styles… I mean, what girl does not like being surrounded by the over-the-top glitz and glamour of that era? Whether you have watched the original version of The Great Gatsby filmed in 1974, starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow or the more recent 2012 version, starring the dreamy Leonardo DiCaprio, the gripping story follows the journey of millionaire Jay Gatsby and the love and adoration that he has for Daisy Buchanan; throwing lavish and extravagant parties in hopes that he will catch Daisy’s attention from across the bay where one day she will arrive at his mansion. The creative team at Weddings by Malissa was captivated by the era of the jazz age, which continues to inspire many brides and Wedding & Event designers who incorporate this theme in their designs, adding their own modern ideas. Codrington College in St. John could not have been a more perfect setting for this shoot, with its vintage feel and history. The colour theme behind our tablescape included gold, hints of silver and whites and incorporated feathers, strands of pearls and “bling”. Using a bold table overlay of gold sequins to make a statement, and tall candelabras with hanging crystals, the overall look was softened with white flowers and feathers. With great attention to detail, we added gold napkins, elegant silver chiavari chairs and every girl’s best friend…. diamonds!
“All the bright precious things fade so fast...and they don’t come back.”
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Casablanca DESIGNER: The brideLIFE Team LOCATION: Timothy Oulton, St. Michael PHOTOGRAPHY: Sofie Warren Photography Issue 3 | 55
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INSPIRATIONS
Flowers and bouquet from Victoria Florist. Vance Timber Candles in red and tangerine from Dwellings. Bormioli Rocco Ypsilon Martini Glasses from Dwellings. Lenox Regency Sillhouette Accent Plate and Bowl from Dwellings. Linden Glassware from Dwellings. Jacquard Baroque Placemat in Red from Dwellings. Lacquered Napkin Ring in chocolate with a Spectrum Napkin Chili from Dwellings. Lenox Biscayne Cutlery Set from Dwellings. Red Glass Candleholder Set from Dwellings.
Our second inspiration was motivated by the movie Casablanca. This movie portrays the ultimate love story between Rick Blaine and Isla Lund set around World War II in Africa, and has been called one of the greatest love stories ever told. Dark colours were used to enhance the Casablanca theme together with forties era-inspired globes, cameras and binoculars. The dining table and old travel trunks were also incorporated to emphasize the textures, colours and atmosphere of the movie.
“Here’s looking at you kid.” Issue 3 | 57
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Pride & Prejudice
DESIGNER: The brideLIFE Team LOCATION: Private Residence, Congo Road, St. Philip PHOTOGRAPHY: Sofie Warren Photography Issue 3 | 59
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INSPIRATIONS
Glasses, plates, cutlery, napkins and books all supplied by Mrs. Daphne Hunte of Congo Road, St.Philip. Chairs and Table supplied by Marquee Events. Flowers supplied by Simply Flowers.
Our final inspiration piece was influenced by the movie Pride and Prejudice, written by Jane Austen and set in the rural countryside of England. The vast stretches of meadows and trees around Congo Road in St. Philip perfectly mimic England in the 1800’s and were the most fitting setting to shoot this tablescape. We wanted our table design to portray the symbolic and impactful love between Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy. We used typical English countryside flowers in soft pastels, placed in vintage mason jars, together with lots of lace (as that was a perfect choice for women in those days). Vintage gold cutlery and crockery added the final touches to this lovely setting.
“ You have bewitched me body and soul,
and I love, love, I love you.” Issue 3 | 61
E: notestonote@gmail.com
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at Mahogany Ridge Still looking for a venue for your staff party, Christmas party or other festive event? Give us a call and we’ll help you to plan your event. Limited number of dates available. Please contact us at 246-427-7777 or email us at events@corbinscatering.com
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MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE St. Nicholas Abbey Lord Byron, the great romantic and poetic revolutionary once said, “There’s naught, no doubt, so much the spirit calms as rum and true religion.”
Written by Daphne Ewing-Chow Photography by Aniya Emtage
In an effort to prove the great romantic true, our editor visited St. Nicholas Abbey, one of the last surviving, intact plantations in Barbados, dating back to the 17th century. Upon experiencing the authentic rum that calls this plantation its home, she learned that there is a lot of truth to the saying and that there is a lot of merit in the old. When celebrity fashion designer, Erin Fetherston and her husband, Gabe Saporta, lead singer of the synthpop band, Cobra Starship decided to get married, they wanted a setting that would conjure images of antique storybooks and vintage romanticism. Once they agreed that Barbados would be the site of their destination wedding, and upon scouting for locations, they ultimately decided upon St. Nicholas Abbey. St. Nicholas Abbey, a 350-year old Jacobean mansion and rum distillery nestled within 350-acres of sugar cane fields in the parish of St. Peter, is one of the last surviving, intact plantations in Barbados. Sugar cane has grown here since 1640 and the plantation still houses a mill and sugar making edifices. Listed by the Barbados Tourism Authority as one of the “Seven Wonders of Barbados,” the property was purchased in 2006 by the highly respected architect, Larry Warren, who immediately set out to ensure that the plantation would be self-sustaining, in order to guarantee that its legacy could be enjoyed by future generations. As such, the Warren family has created a cottage industry of sugar-related products, which include molasses, chutney, jellies, cakes and of course, its famous rum. Rum, Barbados and St. Nicholas Abbey No beverage suits a vintage wedding more than the age old perfection of rum. And nowhere is more fitting to a rum-themed 64 | Issue 3
celebration than Barbados. Barbados has laid claim to the fact that rum was invented here over 370-years ago, which makes it the oldest distilled spirit in the world. There are four distilleries on the island, but St. Nicholas Abbey is indeed special. The 17th century plantation setting and the fact that the distillery has also chosen to avoid mass production in favor of the traditional distillation process makes this distillery truly authentic and worthy of its many accolades. My Rum-Edification In order to get the scoop on rum, how it is made and how it can enhance the celebrations at a vintage-themed wedding, I enlisted the support of my adventurous photographer, Aniya Emtage (who also served as the designated driver) and her husband, Matteo, who is a chef and self-proclaimed rum aficionado. Aniya was generous enough to entrust her husband to me, as we pretended that he was my “date” for the duration of our visit. Thanks Aniya for being such a good sport! We were grateful to the extremely knowledgeable and passionate Heather Stoute, Operations Manager at St. Nicholas Abbey, who directed us in our rum “sampling” journey in the Rum and Sugar Bond, pausing every now
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MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
and then to share anecdotes about weddings that had previously taken place here. Heather first drew our attention to the beautiful glass decanter which is etched with an image of the great house and sealed with a mahogany cork topped with hand-embossed leather in a tribute to the property’s 250-year old mahogany trees. Each decanter is personalized with a number and a date, and can be engraved with a personalized message, which is of course ideal for an elegant bridal party gift. Matteo and I took our seats in the Terrace Café, which has been the idyllic setting for many bridal receptions, including that of Erin Fetherston and Gabe Saporta. Heather gave us the opportunity to try both the 10-year and the 15-year brand, or what she referred to as the “crème de la crème” of rums. She explained that the latter should not be used for cocktails, but rather it should be savoured on its own as an after-dinner drink. We were encouraged to sample it with one of the plantation’s unique and delicious molasses cookies. Matteo and I enjoyed the process of detecting the flavours inherent in the rum. Given his sophisticated palate, he drew my attention to the distinctive taste of tropical dried fruits, caramel and oak, molasses, and spices. We both enjoyed the smooth flavor and imagined a groom with his groomsmen having a “boys only” postwedding toast. As we explored the property, we were introduced to “Annabelle”, the traditional pot still and rectifying column and one of the secrets behind the exceptional quality and flavor of this authentic rum. It is the time-honored traditions that are embraced within this distillery that truly set St. Nicholas Abbey apart from the other rum distilleries on the island, resulting in only several thousand bottles of the rum being produced each year. Upon review, I can comfortably describe my visit and rumedification at the St. Nicholas Abbey as truly magical. Perhaps it was a rum-induced sentimentalism but somewhere among the lush gullies, majestic walls and mouthwatering flavors, I became immersed in a fairy tale of seventeenth century splendor. I could imagine a modern bride and groom, holding true to oldworld traditions, dancing the night away among the fantastic lights, outdoor chandeliers, beautiful music and delicious rum. I could see a new life getting off to a classical start, enthusiastically embracing the authenticity and the virtues of the old. There is a lot to be said for the merits of time-honored values and traditions and nowhere in Barbados is this more evident than at St. Nicholas Abbey.
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jake thomas weddings +1 (246) 232 5386/9933 info@jakethomasweddings.com www.jakethomasweddings.com Issue 3 | 69
A NOTE from OUR STYLIST It was such an honor to be brought back to style the first anniversary shoot for BrideLIFE. The magazine’s past two issues have been gorgeous, but I anticipate this to be the best issue yet! It is always a pleasure to work with the BrideLIFE team and their incredibly talented group of local vendors. The people of Barbados are so kind and welcoming, it is a joy to work them. We shot at two different locations for this issue - both were equally unique and incredible. The Crane is a beautiful property with glorious sweeping views of the ocean. I used a pale blue wedding gown by Modern Trousseau for this shoot, as I thought the hue would play beautifully off of the sea. I adore it when brides wear a colorful gown for their wedding- particularly for a destination wedding. Our second location was completely different, but equally as stunning. Timothy Oulton’s perfectly appointed showroom is an absolute gem!. I loved every piece of décor and the displays are all so cleverly put together. Playing off of the vintage inspired furniture of the gallery, I selected gowns and headpieces that were influenced by the opulence and glamor of the 1920’s. When combined with the one- -of- a -kind vintage jewelry from the Heather Harrington Jones collection, magic was created (if I don’t say so myself).
BETH CHAPMAN
Owner - The White Dress by the Shore
Thank you to BrideLIFE for creating such a fabulous team and inviting me to be a part of it! XO
Beth BETH CHAPMAN, owner and fashion stylist, is a veteran of the retail industry. She spent 10 years working in the corporate office of Ann Taylor, where she served as a Vice President of Merchandising. Beth’s love of exquisite fabrics and feminine details, along with her sincere desire to create a memorable shopping experience for brides, compelled her to launch The White Dress by the shore, in 2004. Her expertise in fabrications and garment fit and her love of bridal couture, allow her to assist clients in selecting the perfect attire for their wedding. Recognized for her dedication to her business, family and community service, Beth was selected as one of the 5 finalists for the 2006 Connecticut Working Woman of the Year. Beth’s extraordinary fashion sense has led to her styling photo shoots throughout the world. She is co-author of The White Dress in Color, an inspirational coffee table book filled with photographs that celebrate the creative spirit through beautiful bridal stories and innovative planning tips from industry experts. Her styling work has also been seen in: Inside Weddings Magazine Grace Ormonde, La Bella Bride, BrideLIFE Magazine, BRIDES Magazine, WellWed Magazine, The Connecticut Bride, Bliss Celebrations, Gala Weddings, Southern New England Weddings Magazine, style me pretty and 100 Layer Cake, among others. Beth resides in Guilford, Connecticut with her husband Mark, her two children and their dog Pickles. 70 | Issue 3
Rebecca is wearing the Amy Kuchel “Hemmingway” Gown, with the Ivy and Aster “Garden Stroll” beaded cape, and the Ivy & Aster beaded belt, available from The White Dress by the Shore. EARRINGS: Maria Elena Crystal Drop Earrings #289, from The White Dress by the Shore RINGS: Handmade platinum and diamond vintage halo setting, with a 3 carat diamond centre stone. Two clause set eternity bands and 2 bezel set eternity bands, from Heather Harrington Jones. FLOWERS: Victoria Florists HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Kayla is wearing the Ivy & Aster “Genovive� gown, with a Something Old brooch, available from The White Dress by the Shore. EARRINGS: Vintage yellow 18k gold handmade setting with 2 pear shaped yellow diamonds. Round brilliant-cut centre stone set in a hexagon, from Heather Harrington Jones RINGS: Stackable bezel set eternity ring, from Heather Harrington Jones. PENDANT: Vintage Cartier with baguette and rose cut diamonds, from Heather Harrington Jones. HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Diana is wearing the Rivni “Avina� gown, with a Maria Elena net headpiece and bracelets from The Something Old Collection, available at The White Dress by the Shore EARRINGS: Vintage Cartier drop south sea pearl, with a large diamond flower top, from Heather Harrington Jones. RING: Vintage handmade platinum ring with a 14mm natural south sea pearl, surrounded by round and marquis cut diamonds, from Heather Harrington Jones. FLOWERS: Simply Flowers HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Rebecca is wearing the Ivy & Aster “Everything I Am” gown, with the Ivy & Aster “Crystal Lace” headband, available from The White Dress by the Shore. RINGS: Bezel set eternity bands, surrounded by a 1.75 carat halo diamond ring, as well as adiamond, 18 karat white gold and Peruvian opal ring,by Heather Harrington Jones NECKLACE: 9mm extra long Akoya pearl necklace, by Heather Harrington Jones BRACELETS: 5-row 5 carat full bezel set, handmade diamond bracelet in 18k white gold, by Heather Harrington Jones. FLOWERS: Victoria Florists and Dwellings HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Kayla is wearing the Rivini “Crystale” dress, with a Maria Elena headpiece, available from The White Dress by the Shore. EARRINGS: Nina Bibba drop earrings, from The White Dress by the Shore. RINGS: Stackable diamond rings, together with a handmade 5-row Pave ring, in 18k white gold, from Heather Harrington Jones. FLOWERS: Simply Flowers HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Diana is wearing the Augusta Jones “Caroline� gown, with a Maria Elena beaded cap, available from The White Dress by the Shore. EARRINGS: One of a kind 8.5 carat gold miners cut diamond with art deco baguette, from Heather Harrington Jones. RING: Vintage handmade platinum ring with a 14mm natural south sea pearl, surrounded by round and marquis cut diamonds, from Heather Harrington Jones. BRACELET: 6 row 4.2 carat assorted fully bezel set diamond bracelet, from Heather Harrington Jones. FLOWERS: Victoria Florists HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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FROM THE COVER Kayla is wearing the Hayley Paige “Khaleissi” gown, with a Maria Elena side headband, available from The White Dress by the Shore. EARRINGS: Handmade faceted tear drop sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, by Heather Harrington Jones. RING: Handmade mount, flower halo 1.51 carat diamond centre stone, with a diamond eternity band, from Heather Harrington Jones. FLOWERS: Victoria Florists HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Rebecca is wearing the Ivy & Aster “Plume� dress, with an Ivy & Aster capelet, Maria Elena headband and earrings, and Nina shoes, available from The White Dress by the Shore. RING: Handmade platinum and diamond vintage halo setting, with a 3 carat diamond centre stone. Two clause set eternity bands and 2 bezel set eternity bands, from Heather Harrington Jones. HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Rebecca is wearing the Amy Kuschel “Sloane� gown, with a Maria Elena royal blue headband, The Something Old Collection blue and rhinestone stackedbracelets, The Something Old Collection sapphire blue clip earrings , available from The White Dress by the Shore. RING: Vintage sapphire ring with a flexible shank, and a handmade 18k gold oval sapphire ring, surrounded by diamonds and nestled in between 2 diamond eternity bands, all by Heather Harrington Jones. HAIR: Donna Smith MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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Now your gown can travel safely with you to your destination wedding! Specially designed to fit into the overhead space above your seat, your Destination Wedding Kit goes through security when you board the plane. No need to check your gown with your luggage and worry about it getting lost. Kit comes with 20" x 17" x 7" container for your gown, 56 sheets of acid-free paper for packing, packing instructions, a stain stick for wedding day emergencies, and a sturdy carton to place over the container. Carton has a handle for easy carrying. Double check dimensions with carrier before traveling.
www.WeddingGownSpecialists.com • 800-501-5005
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Malissa is wearing a Modern Trousseau gown, with a feather headpiece, available from The White Dress by the Shore, and hand tied herkermer diamond necklace. HAIR: Donna Smith, Hair by Donna MAKEUP: Sherryanne Moore, Makeup by Sam FLOWERS: Victoria Florists BOUQUET: Simply Flowers PHOTOGRAPHY: Jake Thomas Weddings
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SOMETHING OLD Vintage Jewelry from Heather Harrington Jones
“These gems have life in them: their colours speak, say what words fail of.” George Eliot
For our 1st anniversary brideLIFE team photo shoot, which was accentuated by Pride and Prejudice era motifs, the brideLIFE ladies took great care to incorporate all of the perfect vintage details, which included vintage and vintage-inspired table settings, furniture, clothing and to top it off, beautiful vintage jewelry. For this, we turned to the expertise of Heather Harrington Jones’ goldsmith/ designer Janine Banfield, who accompanied us to our photo shoot and styled each of us. It was nothing short of an absolutely glamorous experience, and it left me wanting for more. I was especially excited to visit the Heather Harrington Jones studio and jewelry boutique, but I had no idea that this experience would be so much more than just about trying on beautiful vintage jewels. I arrived at the Heather Harrington Jones Jewelry Boutique on my own, eager to see beautiful jewelry and in the hopes of trying on a few items. Having been born into a family of jewelers, I am somewhat jaded about jewelry establishments in general - especially after having been “dragged” to so many jewelry stores as a child and quietly waiting in the corners of 47th street merchants in New York, as my mother selected items for our family store. Long story short - I was excited to see the pieces but 86 | Issue 3
Written by Daphne Ewing-Chow Photography by Jake Thomas Photography and Heather Harrington Jones.
Handmade 18 karat white gold, diamond and Peruvian Opal earring, necklace and ring set, from Heather Harrington Jones.
18 karat white gold diamond and oval sapphire ring. The ring is enveloped between two 18 karat white gold and diamond eternity bands, from Heather Harrington Jones.
Natural Aquamarine set in 18 karat white and yellow gold. The aquamarine has “fleur de lis” edges set with diamonds and is suspended from a Baroque South Sea pearl necklace with an18 Karat yellow gold handmade clasp, from Heather Harrington Jones.
did not have high expectations for the store itself. Boy was I in for a pleasant surprise. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Janine, who was eager to gush with me about the fun that we had at the brideLIFE photo shoot. Heather sat in front of her computer, immersed on a Skype call with an important customer in the South of France, for whom she was designing a bespoke piece of jewelry. I could already sense that the energy of this store and its management was something special, something I had not yet encountered. I did a 360 degree turn and took in the sparkly pieces around me - it was literally mesmerizing - lacking in cliché pomp but totally over the top in character and beauty. Every show case contained pieces I wanted to try on. I started clicking away on my iPhone. After all, I was here to do a job! As I looked around, I recognized that Heather’s boutique does not have the trappings of the typical duty free jewelry
store. There are no sales gimmicks driven by prices, values or trendy designers. What this store brings to the local market is a refreshing authenticity. When Heather got off the phone, we immediately began to discuss her vintage pieces. I had come to the right place - Heather is extremely knowledgeable and was highly enthusiastic to share her interest and enthusiasm for the estate pieces as well as vintage - inspired pieces that she had in stock. It was both enlightening and exciting; I cannot recommend this experience highly enough to anyone who is in the market for vintage pieces, including brides-to-be. Heather explained that for a piece of jewelry to be authentic vintage, it must be at least 20 years old. One cannot make “vintage jewelry” as it has to be at least that old. You can use vintage parts, beads and findings but that does not make your jewelry vintage as it does not make it old. If it is made today, it is new Contemporary Jewelry.
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Vintage 18 karat white and yellow gold ring with round brilliant cut diamond center stone in hexagonal setting with two fancy yellow pear shaped enhancer diamonds, from Heather Harrington Jones.
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Heather and Janine shared some art deco style pieces, popularized in the 1920’s and especially unique in their geometric style and sharp angles. Brooches, pearls, all natural stones - I fell in love with them all. I was particularly excited by a number of gorgeous creations on a distinctive tray of treasures that emerged from a hidden closet or a secret room that I suspect was reserved for that special class of clients who have a fitting appreciation for this genre of jewelry design. It all felt very exclusive and I was especially grateful to have been given this assignment. The second floor of the Heather Harrington Jones vintage boutique reminded me of a New York city brownstone, with spectacular details such as antique lamps, desks, mirrors and sofas and a magnificent Timothy Oulton chandelier. Here I was treated to more vintage pieces as well as an assortment of vintage-inspired eye glasses and scarves.It was all so stimulating and exciting- I felt as if I was shopping in another era, and for that matter, another country.
ABOVE: 18 karat white gold and diamond earrings with removable 18 karat yellow gold and seed pearl tassels enhancers. BELOW: Vintage Cartier Platinum and diamond Art Deco pin/pendant with baguette and rose cut diamonds, from Heather Harrington Jones.
Heather, Janine and I discussed the experience of outfitting a bride and how vintage pieces such as these could do so much to set off a bridal ensemble. As she pulled out a stunning brown Victorian cameo brooch and matching earrings, Heather explained that vintage pieces make for amazing details in a wedding ensemble. After all, it is the small details that can really add a big impact to a bride’s overall appearance on her wedding day. Heather and Janine described their experiences designing bespoke pieces and wedding sets for both brides and grooms. They explained that in most instances, they would meet with the couple first to discuss their ideas, but in the case of customers who live abroad, they have had extensive experience communicating via Skype and email, as I had witnessed when I entered the store. I was impressed to hear that rings can be designed and ready in as quickly as 2-4 weeks. Heather and Janine explained that they take great pride in their private service and flexibility. This is the type of establishment that breeds repeat and loyal clientele. I was not even a customer yet and began to feel like I was a part of the family or some sort of special club. Heather shared stories of the Vintage Antique Show which she attends in Las Vegas, stories of men trying to surprise girlfriends and wives, as well as anecdotes about her extensive background in Luxury Brand Management and Distribution. It was extremely fascinating and entertaining and I bid Heather and Janine farewell, feeling inspired. What I learned from my visit to the Heather Harrington Jones
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18 karat yellow gold earrings with removable 18 karat yellow gold and pyrite tassel enhancers, from Heather Harrington Jones.
Vintage handmade platinum ring with a 14mm natural south sea pearl, surrounded by round and marquis cut diamonds, from Heather Harrington Jones.
Vintage Cartier drop South Sea Pearl, with large diamond flower consisting of round brilliant, marquis and pear shaped diamonds, from Heather Harrington Jones.
Boutique is the considerable amount of time, effort, and uniqueness of materials that goes into crafting elaborate vintage accessories - vintage jewellery was not mass assembled like it is today. Each piece of vintage jewelry has its own unique story and the beauty and craftsmanship make it a wearable work of art - this is also what makes it so special as a bridal piece. The Heather Harrington Jones boutique made me change my mind about jewelry shopping in Barbados, and in general. It can be said that the Heather Harrington Jones boutique is not a Jewelry store at all, well, at least not in the traditional sense. 18 karat white gold and round brilliant cut diamond ring. The diamond is set in a rectangular halo setting. The ring is shown with two 18 karat white gold and diamond eternity bands, from Heather Harrington Jones.
The Heather Harrington Jones Jewelry Boutique is located in Holetown, opposite Limegrove Lifestyle Center.
“There are very few things in life than are worse than no jewellery at all.” Jill Conner Browne
The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love
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Chef Scott Ames T: 1 (246) 256 5551 E: scottscateringbarbados@gmail.com W: scottscateringbarbados.com
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GOLDEN BEACON Lady Roberta Simpson
Lady Roberta Simpson’s personal life is an inspiration. Not only is she a role model to her large family, but stays true to her values and maintains an unswerving commitment to her forty eight-year marriage to Sir Kyffin Simpson. Yet, despite the strength and stability that she conveys, it is clear that Lady Roberta’s life and marriage are far from boring. We visited with her to get some tips for a long and successful marriage. Lady Roberta Simpson is a mother, grandmother, wife, author and activist. Despite her seventy-odd years, she continues to be a symbol of beauty and elegance in Barbadian society. She is charming, godly, humble and just the slightest bit selfeffacing. She does not appear to be wrapped up in the various status symbols that can be easily ascribed to her. Roberta’s grandparents, Charles Vyner Brooke and Sylvia Brett, were the last Rajah and Ranee of Sarawak, a kingdom on the northern side of Borneo. After World War II, her grandfather ceded Sarawak to the Colonial Office and received a sizeable pension for him and his three daughters, one of whom was her mother, Elizabeth, a highly respected actress. Her grandmother, Sylvia, who is thought to be descended from Napoleon Bonaparte , was also the inspiration for J.M. Barrie’s Wendy character in the classic tale, Peter Pan. Roberta was a stay at home mother and grandmother who used her penchant for story-telling to become a respected author and teacher. She authored “Nana’s Bible Stories”, “Once Upon a Christmas” and “Tales from the Ark” and has received the “President’s Volunteer Service Award” for her dedication to volunteer service. 94 | Issue 3
Written by Daphne Ewing-Chow Photography by Julie Chalbaud Makeup by Judy Macaluso Hair by Donna Smith, Hair by Donna
When I make mention of her pedigree, she is quick to draw my attention to the fact that her “father’s father was a boot maker.” Roberta is contentedly married to Sir Kyffin Simpson, the founder of Simpson Motors, Interamericana Trading Corporation and the man behind Simpson Oil Limited (SOL) as well as ExxonMobil and its affiliates in Barbados and six other regional territories. He is arguably the most successful entrepreneur in Barbados. When asked about the longevity of her marriage, Roberta humbly reveals that she does not consider her upcoming Golden anniversary to her soul mate, Kyffin, to be a milestone or a badge of prestige. She has been happily married for a long time and she loves her husband dearly- she has been blessed, not through the number of years that she has been married but with the many gifts that she has been bestowed. (For those who may not be versed in the symbolic associations of gold - in 2015, Roberta and Kyffin will have achieved the highly coveted fifty year milestone.) Roberta refers to Kyffin as “the perfect person” and a “good friend and wonderful person.” She tenderly depicts their low-
Clothing by Dingolay Issue 3 | 95
Clothing by Dingolay
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GOLDEN BEACON
“To me, fair friend, you never can be old, For as you were when first your eye I eyed, Such seems your beauty still.” William Shakespeare
key nuptials, which they shared with 20-30 of their closest family and friends at the Breadfruit Tree Hotel in Barbados, on her husband’s birthday, which was then followed by a honeymoon in Tobago. “Exciting” and “meaningful” are the adjectives that she uses to describe her special day, which was not in any way emblematic of the pomp and pageantry that one would typically ascribe to “royalty”.
Roberta fondly recollects the china blue silk dress with a white draped collar that fell “just below the knee” and accentuated her 95-pound frame. “In those days, you made your own dress,” she recalls. Perhaps it is this lack of pretence that has contributed to the success of her marriage. As we continue to chat, a little character peeks out from behind Roberta’s shoulder. He is unfamiliar to me and I am unsure of whether the lad is simply a playful little stranger. I am soon introduced to Roberta’s 8-year old grandson and
Kyffin’s namesake. He has come to the local coffee shop at which his “Nana” and I are having a cup of coffee, and he seems to be ever so pleased at this chance encounter, as does she. With 5 kids and 9 grand kids, ranging in age from 6 years to 29 years of age, some of who were recently married, Roberta and Kyffin do not take anything for granted. Roberta makes the point that with all of the focus on making their weddings special, “many couples often overlook how to make their marriage awesome as well”. “Weddings today are not meaningful because they leave God out.” The couple’s devotion to their religion has played a significant role in their marriage. Not only was Kyffin initially attracted to her strong love and connection with Israel and Judaism, but the two read the bible and pray together as frequently as possible.
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Dress by Lily Pulitzer
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GOLDEN BEACON
“That we arrived at fifty years together is due as much to luck as to love, and a talent for knowing, when we stumble, where to fall, and how to get up again.” Ruby Dee
In a society in which the average marriage lasts only seven years, in the end it comes down to compatibility and friendship. Roberta explains that she and Kyffin complement each other. If she is “black and white” then he is “grey”. She tends to think in extremes, while she describes him as more “merciful”.
“Women say that they need three husbands in their lifetime. As a young woman, they need an adventurer. As a mother, they need a father to their children. And as an older woman, they need a companion, a steady type of guy. If you can fill those roles over the course of decades, you’re in luck.”
The couple also share a strong commitment to each other and to forgiveness. They try to talk when they are experiencing difficult feelings, they try to laugh at themselves and they “don’t let the sun go down on [our] anger.”
In response to this quote, Roberta exclaims, “That is so Kyffin!”
Roberta makes note of the fact that the couple are “not twenty anymore” and that the relationship has evolved over time. On this note, I share a quote from Paul Wexler, a contributor to Esquire Magazine, who has shared 40 years of marriage with his wife, Hillary.
A semi-centennial anniversary is truly an accomplishment in the Western world. Only 5% of married couples make it to their 50th anniversary and only 33% of couples make it to the 25 year milestone. This is indeed a landmark occasion for which Lady Roberta and Sir Kyffin Simpson should be proud!
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CUSTOMIZED
Wedding Stationery Stationery Design: Py-on-i Designs Photography: Island Gyal Photography
“Gothic Lace” - Antique gold invitation with gold satin ribbon and diamante-pearl button.
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VINTAGE WEDDING INVI
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TATIONS
Above: “Peacock Pride” - Ivory embossed peacock jacket invitation with peacock feather, diamante button and double satin ribbon. Left: “Luxe Lace & Pearls” - Metallic ivory invitation with beaded lace wrap, ivory satin ribbon and pearl heart diamante button.
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Below: “Pebbles & Pearls” - Embossed pebble jacket invitation with diamante-pearl buckle and burnt sienna satin ribbon.
Above: “Shimmering Sea Breeze” - pearl embossed jacket invitation with antique gold band and scallop shell personalized tab.
Left: “Rustic Charm” - Invitation card with handmade lace pocket and rope twine. Escort cards with mini clothespins.
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“Vintage Carnival� - Taupe and brown layered invitation, fan program with grosgrain ribbon.
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“Just My Type” - Goatskin parchment invitation folder with bride and groom silhouette, typewriter design wishing well note papers.
TOP WEDDING INVITATION TIPS If you are sending save the date cards you must send them at least 6 months before the wedding and a formal wedding invitation must certainly follow. Wedding invitations should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding date for those living in your hometown and 12 weeks before for any guests living overseas. On your invitation an RSVP date is very important and must be set one month before the wedding date to ensure that your wedding venue and caterer know the final numbers to be catered for. If you are having a formal wedding invitation and response cards are included the proper etiquette is to put the stamp and the return address on the envelopes for your guests to make it easier for them.
Remember that when it comes to the wording for your invitations, there is a correct way to phrase everything, depending on your unique situation. Be sure to follow the accepted etiquette rules, to avoid any family dilemmas. A budget for your stationery must be established before the shopping process begins. Invitation packs and insert cards can get very expensive. Another great tip is to send handwritten envelopes rather than use labels or printed stickers for your guests’ invitations. You do not want them to feel like they are receiving corporate mail. A good tip is to use a glue stick rather than have to lick 100 stamps………..not very appealing. Issue 3 | 107
DAVID COLLINS Classical Guitarist
vintage weddings are all about mixing and matching
authentic period elements. So, why not add a twist that sets your wedding apart with the diverse and beautiful melodies of the classical guitar, performed live by highly acclaimed guitarist, David Collins .
Written by Daphne Ewing-Chow Photography by Aniya Emtage
David Collins sits elevated among the various tables, eyes
According to David, “One of the most obvious advantages
closed, immersed in the jazzy Spanish piece he is playing. A few
of fingerstyle guitar music is that it gives the performer the
metres away, a mother and daughter hold each other close in a
chance to be the singer, the drummer, the bassist and of
graceful motion. A couple is hugging and families slowly chew
course the guitarist all at the same time with its carefully
their food in quiet appreciation. The ambience is heart-rending
arranged musical parts. Each part, when balanced perfectly
and yet, electrifying. One emerges from this performance,
between your thumb and fingers can create a similar effect
somehow inspired- elevated.
to a full band or some would even argue, an orchestra. The guitar is a beautiful instrument with seemingly endless
If you are looking for a wedding performer who is all bells and
musical possibilities of which I believe we have only just
whistles, a flashy musician with pulsating modern rhythms that
begun to scratch the surface.”
can accompany a drunken mob in their post wedding revelry, this is probably not the act you are looking for. This style
A couple’s musical choices are often based on sentimental
of entertainment is more appropriate for those with refined
associations, which may include tunes from both centuries
tastes, who are open to the possibility of being embraced by
past and contemporary styles and genres. The classical
the emotional energy generated by truly beautiful music. David
guitar is thus perfectly suited as a solo instrument for wedding
Collins is a performer whose classical style could not be more
entertainment and David is able to work with a couple to
fitting to a vintage-themed wedding.
design bespoke packages to suit their requirements.
David describes himself as a classical and fingerstyle guitarist.
David’s style and broad range of musical interpretations no
Fingerstyle guitar is the technique of playing the guitar by
doubt originate from his early days of musical instruction,
plucking the strings directly with the fingers, as opposed to
when he taught himself the instrument with the support and
using a flatpick. This type of playing allows the guitarist to
accompaniment of vinyl records and cassette tapes of classic
perform several musical elements simultaneously, which is
rock and folk tunes. He later attended McGill University’s
advantageous for soloists.
prestigious Classical Guitar Performance Program, which
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he claims “opened [him] up to a whole new world of music and performance capabilities”. He currently owns his own music studio and has performed extensively over the past two decades for celebrities and dignitaries. David’s musical influences include Brazilian Guitarist/ Composer Baden Powell, who has been credited with creating a unique genre of music called Afro Samba which embodies a blend of American Jazz, Brazilian samba and African rhythmic influences. He is also influenced by Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix and The Beatles and enjoys playing fingerstyle versions of their classic hits. Says Collins, “Even when I’m playing Brazilian Jazz, you can sometimes hear influences from these great rock artists creeping out here and there in my arrangements. It injects a little bit of a Blues feel into the music. Everyone can relate to the Blues.” Indeed, the classical guitar is capable of performing the melody and harmony of virtually any type of music, which is evident in David’s broad range of musical interpretations which span centuries of musical influences from all corners of the globe, including Baroque, Classical, Brazilian, Spanish, Jazz, Blues, Pop, Rock and even Broadway tunes. A couple’s musical choice will set the mood during the wedding ceremony and dictates the pace of the celebrations - live music has the power to transform any ceremony or festive occasion. The classical guitar is one of the most versatile instruments there is and David Collins is arguably one of the most talented classical guitarists in Barbados. Says Collins, “It might sound cliché but I honestly believe an effective musical performance should take both the performer and the audience on a journey. This journey should evoke emotional responses and leave you ultimately feeling that you have experienced something special at that moment. Good music has always done this for me and it is my goal with each and every piece that I play to do the same for others.” David Collins’ classical guitar music will give your special day an extra touch of class, elegance, and romance. He may be contacted at gate6guitarstudio@gmail.com .
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jamie & jonathan 29.06.2013
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
STEVE CUMBER B ATC H ’S M AGI C AL M O M EN T S
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arbadians Jamie and Jon met over 10 years ago, and on June 29th, 2013 they were elated when they finally tied the knot and became husband and wife. This couple knew from the beginning of their engagement that they wanted to have their wedding ceremony at St. David’s Church (where Jamie’s parents had been married), followed by
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a reception at Jon’s family home, Union Hall. Jon had grown up in this wonderful house, and this is where the bride and groom had shared many fond memories with each other. It was important to Jamie and Jon to have their wedding reflect their own personalities, from the invitations to the dÊcor. Together they took wedding planning into their own hands and created a unique rustic/chic atmosphere for their wedding day. Following the beautiful candlelit wedding ceremony, was an exciting evening reception, held under clear starry skies, accented with candlelit lanterns scattered throughout the property. The bride and groom wanted to make sure their guests enjoyed a unique experience, and the festivities kicked off with the melodic sounds of a local steel pan player Mr. Impact, personalized signature cocktails in mason jars, and mouth-
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real WEDDING watering hors d’oeuvres by Anna Went. There was also a personalised photo booth constructed by the bride, which was enjoyed by all the guests. After the speeches guests were treated to a sumptuous multi-station buffet, including sushi, salads, pasta, carved meats, BBQ and desserts, all expertly prepared by Anna Went. This was followed by an unforgettable party, filled with dancing to the sounds of DJ Isis, which lasted until the early hours of the morning.
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wedding VENDORS LOCATION
Ceremony - St. David’s Church Reception: Private Home WEDDING COORDINATOR
Lisa Hutchinson (Ceremony) Jessica Foster (Reception) PHOTOGRAPHY
FLOWERS
Simply Flowers STATIONERY
Halton Graphics Ltd. CATERING & BAR SERVICE
Anna Went Catering CAKE
Steve Cumberbatch’s Magical Moments
Beverley Marshall
Kia Foster-Blades
MAKEUP
DJ Isis (David Eastmond) Steel Pan – Mr. Impact
HAIR
PHOTO BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHER
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MUSIC
Luke Defreitas
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leila & james 27.05.20
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Wedding - Design Central Studio Set-Up - Patient Spirit Production
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I
n Barbados, near the border adjoining St. Lucy to St. Peter, on the last stretch of the West Coast lies a small, cozy restaurant named The Fish Pot. This is where two delightful individuals, Leila and James, made the lifelong decision to be matrimonially united. Exactly two years later Leila and James found themselves in Barbados having a wonderful, stress free wedding, planned by the Island Bliss team. The wedding ceremony was set on the beautiful Foul Bay Beach, with its white sands and magnificently blue seas, accompanied by the light sounds of the violin, which set the scene for an unforgettable memory. After an intimate photo session and champagne toast, the couple and their guests climbed aboard a “reggae bus” en route to The Restaurant where it all began. On arrival, the bride and groom were so excited to see their reception decorated in the Vintage style that they had dreamed of. The wedding guests were greeted with tasty canapés and refreshing cocktails. They were then seated for a delicious three course meal prepared by the Head Chef Stephen Belgrave and his team at the Fish Pot Restaurant, which was truly enjoyed by everyone in attendance. After the cake cutting and first dance the newlyweds and guests partied the night away! Issue 3 | 119
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wedding VENDORS LOCATION
Ceremony - Foul Bay Beach Reception: Fish Pot Restaurant WEDDING PLANNER
Island Bliss Weddings PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding - Design Central Studio Set-Up - Patient Spirit Production MAKEUP
Leah Whitehead HAIR & NAILS
Cagney Taitt
FLOWERS
Simply Flowers FANS
Py-on-i Designs MINISTER
Rev. Ricky Kirton CEREMONY DECOR
Marquee Events & RSVP Events RECEPTION DECOR
Weddings by Malissa CAKE
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lisa & paul 16.05.2013
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GINA F RANC E S CA P HOTO GR A P H Y
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orking with Lisa and Paul, co-owners of Wedgewood- the Restaurant, in Edinburgh, was an absolute pleasure for the team at Weddings by Malissa. Lisa approached the team over a year before her set wedding date and was markedly relaxed and calm from the inception. The couple was very familiar with the island, as Paul had been a guest chef at the Treasure Beach Hotel and had taken part in the Wine, Food and Rum Festival here on the island- they knew that Barbados was the place that they wanted to exchange their vows. The wedding planning team was inspired by Lisa’s style and her vision for their special day. Lisa’s Jenny Packham dress fueled an even deeper passion to bring to life a wedding that the couple as well as their guests would never forget. On their wedding day, as Lisa was getting ready at Stanford House, Paul surprised her throughout the day with 5 gifts to reflect the 5 years they had already spent together, from a stunning diamond tennis bracelet to Michael Kors shoes, to a Michael Kors bag, to a bottle of her favorite perfume to Christian Louboutin shoes……. She couldn’t stop laughing as well as shedding a few happy tears at these beautiful gifts to her, making her eager to get the show on the road so she could see him and finally become Mrs. Wedgwood. Issue 3 | 125
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Lisa’s wedding dress was a show stopper, flanked with crystals which were the accent of her theme. White was the predominant colour and was used to decorate a beautifully draped huppa incorporating baby’s breath flowers on the beautiful secluded beach at The Cliff Restaurant. Surrounded by friends and family, Paul waited anxiously to see his beautiful bride at the top of those stairs…. Ready to say “I DO”. The wedding meal also took place at the Cliff Restaurant and again, in keeping with the wedding theme, the dinner tables reflected elegance, keeping everything white including all of the flowers with hints of silver, crystals and natural candle light. Added to this were gifts from the couple to their guests along with keepsake picture 126 | Issue 3
frames with each of their guests’ photos. Finally, everyone returned to Stanford House for an after party. Twinkling fairy lights wrapped around the tall trees and candles danced in various heights of candle holders. Guests danced under the stars and released Chinese lanterns up into the darkness of the night and watched them gracefully float away after which they enjoyed a sand castle cake, and some late night food before bringing the night to a close. It truly was a beautiful day and night and we wish them continued love and happiness together.
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wedding VENDORS LOCATION
The Cliff Restaurant WEDDING PLANNER
Weddings by Malissa PHOTOGRAPHY
Gina Francesaa Photography MAKEUP
Janine Cooper - Makeup by Janine HAIR
Donna Smith - Hair by Donna FLOWERS
Simply Flowers CAKE
Sinfully Sweet Creations LIGHTING
IGM Stage Lighting HUPPA RENTAL
Marquee Events DJ
Notes to Note
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lisa & garry 20.06.2013
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Dylan Mayer
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isa and Garry have always loved Barbados; in fact they have been visiting for more than 20 years, and it was where they spent their first holiday together. According to Lisa, “It’s my favourite place on earth!” The magical scenery and lovely people enticed the couple, two Ritz- Carlton, Grand Cayman Chefs to say ‘I do’ at Bottom Bay. They needed someone to take care of all the details, big or small, so that they could just enjoy their day, and the great online reviews of BARBADOS... Weddings Beyond Your Imagination gave them the security that their wishes would not just be listened to, but be understood and executed. Being a Pastry Chef, Lisa is very detail oriented and she truly felt like she had nothing to be concerned about at all. The wedding planners were attentive and on point, while giving the couple the freedom
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to design their day, so much so that when the wedding date of June 19th, became June 20th, due to bad weather the couple were not at all concerned! The intimate ceremony, with only parents and a charismatic Officiate, who delivered all the personal touches the couple were looking for, was just perfect. Says Lisa, “Barbados holds a very special place in our hearts, now so even more.” Said Lisa’s Dad, “Now we know why you chose Barbados, it is so special.”
celebration featuring a beach picnic, including a basket, blankets and cushions. The customized menu and everything that was requested met all expectations of quantity, quality and taste. The couple then shared Barbados with their parents, enjoying a private Limo Island Tour and photo shoot. The couple capped off their day with dinner at The Cliff. Certainly, the perfect end to a perfect day. Best wishes to the happy couple!
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wedding VENDORS WEDDING PLANNER & DESIGNER
BARBADOS... Weddings Beyond Your Imagination!! PHOTOGRAPHY
Dylan Mayer FLOWERS
Flower Shoppe & Gallerie TRANSPORT
Executive Rentals CEREMONY LOCATION
Bottom Bay, St. Philip BEACH PICNIC
Patisserie Flindt & Bistro RECEPTION DINNER
The Cliff Restautant CAKE
Beverly Marshall 134 | Issue 3
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jannah & carlos 01.07.2013
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
K IRK WATK I NS PHOTO GRAP H Y
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eing Canadian, Jannah and Carlos didn’t realize until later that they had booked their wedding day in Barbados for July 4th, the American Independence Day. They just knew that they had to pick a day during the week to accommodate their friends and family flying in and out of the island for their big day. Said the bride, “We were so grateful so many people dear to our hearts were able to make it to share in our day, and Barbados was the only place that seemed suitable! After having met in Toronto in October 2008, I had only recently moved back from living in Barbados for over six years. Carlos, a Canadian born to Bajan parents had been to Barbados over the years as a child, but had always wanted to reconnect with his extended Barbadian family. After becoming a couple, we traveled back to
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Barbados and knew that one day, we would be married on the island we both call our second home.” The big day came, and all that the couple had been anticipating was slowly unraveling before them. The gorgeous accommodations in a private, cliff-side St. Philip villa were buzzing with excitement and last-minute decorative touches. The bride was busy chatting about up-dos with her incredible hair stylist, Donna Smith, (Hair Style by Donna), while her amazing make up artist, Gina Goddard, (GetSet MakeUp), worked her magic on the mother of the bride, bridesmaids and close girl friends. Everyone looked stunning and flawless. The flowers arrived from Victoria Florist- a gorgeous hand-tied bouquet filled with orchids, lilies, and roses. The girls at Victoria Florist were amazing from day one with their incredible customer service. Just as the final touches were made, the photographer Kirk Watkins arrived to capture the ‘reveal shot’. The couple decided to take their wedding photos before the ceremony and wanted to capture each other’s expressions seeing each other for the first time that day. What a beautiful moment it was. They held back the tears as much as they could, and set off for off-site photos to Sam Lord’s Castle, Bottom Bay and of course, no Bajan wedding album would be complete without pictures at a local rum shop! Back from photos and at the villa, Carlos left and took his spot. Waiting patiently behind closed doors, waiting for his wife-to-be’s cue to walk in. Issue 3 | 139
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Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder filled the air. The reverend, Reverend Wayne Kirton officiated the ceremony with meaningful words and vows. They kissed, cheered and greeted everyone as husband and wife. The DJ for the night, DJ Paul DeCoteau was incredible. He took the couple from ceremony, to party, through speeches and back to party again. Clearly he had done this before! The dance floor was always full. But…no party or celebration would be complete without amazing food. A Bajan-Thai fusion was on the menu set by caterer Anna Went. Anna and her professional and friendly staff were truly beyond expectations.
wedding VENDORS LOCATION
FLOWERS
Ocean Mist Villa - St. Philip
Victoria Florists
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rev. Wayne Kirton
Kirk Watkins Photography MAKEUP
Gina Goddard, GetSet Makeup HAIR STYLIST
Hair by Donna
MINISTER CAKE
Beverly Marshall CATERER
Beverly Marshall designed a frilly, ombre coloured cake with realistic looking, edible flowers and cupcakes that she was asked to recreate from Pinterest. Not only did she do an impeccable job but, it was beautiful and exactly what the bride was looking for. Even though Jannah and Carlos are Canadian and were in Barbados on their special day, there was no doubting it was the fourth of July, as the entire night was filled with fire works in each and every moment shared with their loved ones and each other.
Anna Went Catering MUSIC
DJ Paul DeCoteau Issue 3 | 141
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shanna & chris 25.04.2013
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GIN A F RANC E S CA P HOTO GR A P H Y
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he beautiful wedding of Shanna & Kris took place at our
very own Bougainvillea Resort located on the South Coast of the island. Few details were spared as this couple went for a true Caribbean theme which was seen through the colourful bouquets, bright red sunglasses and even freshly cut coconuts which they shared after exchanging their vows on the sand. This fashion-forward couple then strolled around the resort capturing even more beautiful memories on their special day. With family and friends around them and the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop, Shanna & Kris then sat to enjoy the dinner reception under palm trees and one gorgeous sunset. Each guest was given a small bottle of our local Mount Gay rum which was personalised with a thankyou tag from the bride and groom. A couple truly in love, this Caribbean wedding was the perfect touch to begin their lives as husband and wife.
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wedding VENDORS LOCATION
Bougainvillea Resort PHOTOGRAPHY
Gina Franseca Photography FLOWERS
Patricia’s Exotic Creations CAKE
Joan’s Sugar Craft & Pastry Centre WEDDING PLANNER
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emma & jason 26.01.2013
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
STEVE CUMB ERB ATC H ’S M AGI C AL M O M EN T S
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mma and Jason got married on January 26th, 2013 on
Bottom Bay beach in Barbados. In Ireland, weddings can have as many as 300 guests with celebrations lasting for 2 or 3 days and the couple wanted something more relaxed and sunny!! A friend recommended Barbados and their family was delighted with the idea, a wedding/holiday in Barbados in January when it was freezing at home; it was pure excitement!! Lisa’s (BARBADOS... Weddings Beyond Your Imagination!!) local knowledge and expertise assured the couple that their wedding was in good hands, while keeping everything in budget. Bottom Bay beach was such a beautiful place to get married and the Steel Band was perfect for the location, especially immediately after the ceremony when everyone was chilled out sipping on Sparkling Wine and Banks! The couple and
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real WEDDING their guests even danced on the sand… Afterwards, the guests were delighted with the excellent canapés and lovely cocktails enjoyed while overlooking the ocean at sunset, at The Beach House, as well as a tasty dinner with excellent service. Lexy’s Piano Bar was a great spot for the after party, might ‘craic’ (Irish word for fun/enjoyment when mixed with alcohol and/or music) in it! Lisa’s idea of the open-sided, Reggae Bus was a brilliant addition to the day. The couple were worried that it wasn’t going to be available on the day as it needed repairs, but Lisa made sure the guy got it fixed!! As one of the guests said on the day, “I can safely say I’ll never be at wedding like this again”. They all were awed by the setting and locations selected for the big day, as were the bride and groom.
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wedding VENDORS WEDDING PLANNER & DESIGNER
BARBADOS... Weddings Beyond Your Imagination!! PHOTOGRAPHY
Steven Cumberbatch’s Magical Moments FLOWERS
Forever Flowers & Simply Flowers CAKE
BARBADOS....... Weddings Beyond Your Imagination STEEL PAN PLAYER
Silver Pan TRANSPORT
Reggae Bus CEREMONY LOCATION
Bottom Bay, St. Philip CELEBRATION DINNER
The Beach House Restaurant AFTER PARTY
Lexy ’s Piano Bar
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on tour with
Loop Barbados
Looking for a place teeming with authenticity for your destination wedding? Well here you have it. While days in Barbados seem to melt from one to the next, our history and heritage stand firm and unyielding. Yes, Barbados is no doubt a magnet for those drawn to sea, sand and sun; however, what many people do not recognize is that if they got off their beach chairs and explored some of our ‘times past’ they will be more than blown away. I mean, Barbados practically invented rum; Barbados was the only place George Washington ever visited outside of colonial America; and Barbados hosts two out of the three remaining Jacobean styled houses in the entire western hemisphere. Our history is simply overflowing and the romance of it all makes us sit here in absolute awe. From visions of old sugar plantations to the rugged, untouched East coast of the island, Let Loop Barbados take you back in time and discover “Old Barbados” for yourself. Nestled on the North-West coast of Barbados is a little world of wonder called Speightstown. When walking through this town it is as though you have been taken back to another time. The remnants of colonial architecture combined with modern structures, give you an old world feeling with a dash of the present day intertwined. Splashes of colour and cackles of laughter lighten up your day as you stroll through this iconic town. From art galleries, to market vendors to quaint seaside restaurants, there is a little bit of everything for everyone. As you venture out to explore the island, you will without a doubt notice many small wooden houses scattered throughout Barbados. These houses with the slated windows, shingled roofs and ability to be dismantled and moved are called Chattel houses and are an integral part of the Barbadian landscape. They are synonymous to the culture of the Caribbean and of course Barbados, which in turn takes us back to the earlier days of sugar plantations. As the topic of sugar plantations emerge, there is no skipping over one of the three Jacobean styled plantation houses left in the Western hemisphere - the infamous St. Nicholas Abbey. Over 350 years old, this architectural beauty stands tall in the parish of St. Peter, with antiques,
a rum distillery, orchards and picturesque gardens, what more could you ask for. When you enter the vibrant red iron gates of the property you are transformed back into the 17th century; pure mystic and history awaits you at St. Nicholas Abbey. Another snip of old Barbados is Fisherpond Great House, built in 1635 this historic sugar plantation is perfectly perched in the lush valley of Sweet Bottom. Fisherpond Great House is Barbados as it used to be and John and Rain Chandler, the owners of this house and operation, are the finest example of old school hospitality. With manicured gardens, chirping birds and a symbolic historic windmill, Fisherpond is one of the finest examples of old Barbados. Some of the best rum in the world is made in little Barbados and what else would we be talking about other than the famous Mount Gay rum. You see, those fields upon fields of sugar cane allow for some of the best rum to be manufactured and supplied to the world. Tasting the full, rich and slight sharp flavour of the rum pulls you back in time to the beginning of it all; 1703. Come and discover the historic origins of the brand, observe the distillation, ageing and blending techniques, which have been perfected over the 300 years of crafting Mount Gay rum. Bridgetown, our capital of Barbados really showcases the authenticity and history that we have to offer. Recently, Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison was named a UNESCO world heritage site, as our town is an outstanding example of British colonial architecture, along with well-preserved features of the 17th, 18th and 19th century. We have a rich African and British historical heritage and are known to have the world’s most rare collection of 17th century English iron cannons. As you can so vividly see, Barbados is more than just sea, sun and sand; the old houses, architectural grace and historical monuments are the true and very eloquent celebrities of the island. Although our future is bright and beaming we must never let go of our saga, as it is the foundation we have built upon, and the beauties that resonate from it all are nothing less than meaningful and distinguished backdrops that await your presence.
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TRASH the DRESS
I knew I wasn’t the type of girl that would store her wedding dress in a box under the bed for 20 years, so I figured why not take some gorgeous pictures in it and then have a little fun “trashing” it? Mark and I love to paddle board, so I thought paddle boarding in our wedding attire would make for some amazing pictures. He wasn’t too keen on the idea, so I had to spend some time talking him into it, but in the end we are so happy that we did it. It was actually really romantic and because the wedding was over, we were relaxed which made for great pictures. It was an experience we will never forget! 154 | Issue 3
photography by Katherine Stinnett Photography Issue 3 | 155
VENDOR LISTING BRIDAL GOWNS & ACCESSORIES
The White Dress by the Shore
CAKE DESIGNERS
BARBADOS...Weddings Beyond your Imagination!! Beverly Marshall Four and Twenty Bakery Inc. Joan’s Sugar Craft and Pastry Centre La Azure - The Crane Simply Wedding Cakes and Cupcakes Sinfully Sweet Creations
CATERERS AND CHEFS
Anna Went Catering Mahagony Ridge Patisserie Flindt & Bistro Scott’s Catering The Green Monkey Chocolatier
CHURCHES
Codrington College St. David’s Church
860 669-4596
www.thewhitedressbytheshore.com
246 420-4832 246 236-1799 246 429-1385 246 425-8676
www.barbadosweddings.com beverlymarshall246@gmail.com chef@fourandtwentybakery.com joansugarcraft@yahoo.com
246 256-5217 246 233-0572
leachdkannmarie@hotmail.com sinfullysweetcreations@hotmail.com
246 423-5539 246 427-7777 246 432-2626 246 256-5551 246 231-1001
events@corbinscatering.com flindt@flindtbarbados.com scottscateringbarbados@gmail.com info@thegreenmonkeychocolatier.com
246 416-8501 246 437-1801
shirley.mascoll@codrington.org
ENTERTAINMENT
David Collins gate6guitarstudio@gmail.com DJ Paul DeCoteau paul.decoteau@gmail.com Notes to Note 246 427-2555 notestonote@gmail.com
EVENT DESIGNERS & PLANNERS
BARBADOS...Weddings Beyond your Imagination!! Events Unusual Island Bliss Weddings Rennaisance Designs Inc. Tropical Weddings Barbados Weddings by Malissa
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246 420-4832 246 228 7011 246 419-0486 246 418-8326 246 434-8400 246 262-1450
cupid@barbadosweddings.com www.events-unusual.com lisa@islandbliss.net events@renaissancedesignsinc.com www.tropicalweddingsbarbados.com www.barbadosweddings.net
FLORISTS
Flower Shoppe & Gallerie SImply Flowers Victoria Florist
246 426-7559 246 437-6597 cmfoster@caribsurf.com 246 426-3379 victoriaflorist@caribsurf.com
HAIR STYLISTS
Cagney Taitt Danielle Elias Hair by Donna Julie McNicholl
246 435-9923 246 234-3731
eliasdanielle@gmail.com donna@hairstylebydonna.com
HOTELS & APARTMENTS
Beach View Hotel 246 432-6800 www.beachviewbarbados.com Bougainvillea Beach Resort 246 628-0990 www.bougainvillearesort.com Santosha 246 422-7999 www.santoshabarbados.com The Crane Resort 246 423-6220 www.thecrane.com
INVITATIONS & STATIONERY
Py-on-i Designs
JEWELRY
Ali Jewelry by Janine Banfield Heather Harrington Jones
LIGHTING
IGM Lighting
MAKEUP ARTISTS
Get Set Makeup Judy Macaluso Makeup Artistry by Brittany Tuleja Makeup by Sam - Sherryann Moore Kia Foster Blades Leah Whitehead Makeup by Janine
246 435-3045
www.pyonidesigns.com
246 432-6318 246 432-6318
www.heatherharringtonjones.com www.heatherharringtonjones.com
246 420-5627
info@igmstagelighting.com
246 427-7185 246 271-8408 246 230-9985 246 234-6194 246 267-9866 246 259-2332 246 266-1883
brittanytuleja@hotmail.com eyemakebysam@gmail.com www.muabykfb.com leah@leahwhitehead.com janinecooper@caribsurf.com
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VENDOR LISTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Addison Cumberbatch Aniya Emtage Design Central Studio Dylan Mayer Gina Francesca Photography Island Gal Photography Jake Thomas Weddings Julie Chalbauld Katherine Stinnett Photography Kirk Watkins Photography Patient Spirit Productions Steve Cumberbatch’s Magical Moments Sofie Warren Photography
RENTALS
Marquee Events
SHOPPING
Dingolay, Sheraton Centre Carter’s General Stores Dwellings Timothy Oulton Island Bags
246 233-4151 246 232-4015 246 235-0130 760 419-1178 246 256-4459 246 263-1760 246 232-5386 246 230-2910 865 719-5125 246 230-9265 246 264-2953 246 230-3732 246 262-2546
addison.cumberbatch@gmail.com aniyademtage@yahoo.ca designcentralstudio@gmail.com dylanmayerphoto@gmail.com www.ginafrancescaonline.com www.islandgalphoto.com info@jakethomasweddings.com jchalbaudimages@gmail.com www.katherinestinnett.com www.kirkwatkinsbarbados.com www.patientspirit.net stevec@caribsurf.com www.sofiewarrenphotography.com
246 243-6514
whitefoldingchairs@gmail.com
246 243-6674 246 431-1500 246 438-5900 246 620-8467 246 822-5383
carters@caribsurf.bb www.dwellingsbarbados.com www.timothyoulton.com/stores/barbados islandbagsbarbados@gmail.com
SPAS
The Crane Resort 246 423-6220 www.thecrane.com
TRANSPORT
Executive Rentals Inc.
TRAVEL
Virgin Atlantic Airways
TRAVEL GUIDE
Loop Barbados
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246 228-1993
www.executiverentalsinc.com
246 228-4886
www.virginatlantic.com
246 233-8016
www.loopbarbados.com
VILLA ACCOMMODATION AGENCIES
Altman Real Estate 246 432-0840 villas@altmanbarbados.com Blue Sky Luxury 246 622-4466 experts@blueskyluxrury.com Ronald Stoute & Sons 246 423-6800 inquries@ronstoute.com
WEDDING VENUES
The Cliff Restaurant 246 432-1922 www.thecliffbarbados.com Ocean Mist Villa - Ronald Stoute & Sons Ltd 246 423-6800 www.ronstoute.com Bougainvillea Beach Resort 246 628-0990 www.bougainvillearesort.com The Beach House Restaurant 246 432-1163 www.thebeachhousebarbados.com Beach View Hotel 246 432-6800 www.beachviewbarbados.com Mahogany Ridge 246 427-7777 events@corbinscatering.com Codrington College 246 416-8051 shirley.mascoll@codrington.org The Crane Resort 246 423-6220 www.thecrane.com Pollards Mill 246 423-6530 pollardsmill@gmail.com Santosha Barbados 246 422-7999 www.santoshabarbados.com St. Nicholas Abbey 246 422-8725 www.stnicholasabbey.com
WINE AND SPIRITS
Mount Gay Rum
246 227-8800
www.mountgayrum.com
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ThankYou FOR READING
CONTACT US info@bridelifemagazine.com 160 | Issue 3