It’s time to announce the winners of the Celebrations Valentine’s Giveaway!

Our lucky winners for the draw are William Bodden – Winner of the diamond necklace from Diamonds International, and Alee Fa’Amoe – Winner of the flight with Cayman Airways! Congratulations to you both! We hope you had an excellent Valentine’s and thank you for choosing Celebrations as your place for gorgeous flowers and perfect memories!

Lucky winner, Alee Fa'amoe with Cayman Airways' Marketing and Public Relations Manager Olivia Scott-Ramirez and Celebrations' Marketing and Public Relations Ashley Vodarek

Congratulations William Bodden for winning the diamond necklace from Diamonds International and to his lovely recipient Laura Powell!

Location! Location! Location!

You’ve often heard that phrase and in the spectrum of destination weddings, it takes on an extremely important level. Once you’ve decided on having a destination wedding, the altogether daunting task of choosing where it would be is one of the hardest decisions you will encounter during your wedding planning. With so much to choose from, your heads will spin from all the fabulous locations available to you.

Here’s a few reasons why Cayman Islands, our home, is the perfect venue for your dream destination wedding.

1. Proximity and accessibility – just an hour away from Miami and with international flights coming in from all over the world, Cayman Islands is your paradise close to home.

Photography by David Wolfe

Photography by Courtney Platt

It is also a major port of call to some of the worlds’s biggest cruise liners.

2. Cosmopolitan yet simple – Cayman Islands is home to a few world-class hotels and restaurants. It is also a place where simple pleasures can be indulged in, like enjoying a breath taking sunset or just taking in the sand and the sea in peace and quiet.

Photography by David Wolfe

Photography by David Wolfe

3. Diversity and beauty – Whether you choose to marry at a private villa, smaller resort or a five-star hotel, Cayman Islands has the resources to cater to every couple’s personal style, guest list size, and whim.  Not to mention the backdrop is absolutely gorgeous. Think tranquil turquoise waters, and sugary white sandy beaches dotted with palm and sea grape trees.

Photography by David Wolfe

Photography by David Wolfe

Photography by David Wolfe

Photography by David Wolfe

4. Convenience – Destination weddings can be hairy especially if you have quite a few expectations. Luckily, Cayman Islands is home to some of the world’s reputable wedding service providers, such as Wedding Planners and Designers, florists, caterers, photographers, musicians and many other services that are essential to a wedding thereby making it easier for your to take the leap and choose Cayman.

5. Hospitality and warmth – We take pride in our island paradise and welcome the world to enjoy all its beauty. Cayman is practically the safest destination in the Caribbean, which makes it a great destination for multigenerational families.

Photography by Courtney Platt

Cayman Islands is truly the perfect choice for discerning couples who want the total experience of what a dream destination wedding can and should be!

I just found out recently that Caribbean Club, a luxury condominium hotel in Cayman Islands has been named by Trip Advisor as the #1 Hotel in the Caribbean . This is such great news especially knowing first hand how warm and sincere their staff is and how they are always such a delight to work with. Caribbean Club’s prime location at the world renowned Seven Mile Beach is to die for!  Clear blue ocean, rich and thriving reefs to snorkel in  and powder white sand,  all just a few steps away from your hotel room — what more can you ask for? In addition to this, the hotel is well-known also for it’s luxurious accommodations and modern amenities. So it is not really a surprise why a lot of our destination brides choose Caribbean Club, because it’s reputation for excellence precedes it.

Celebrations has been lucky enough to have been given so many wonderful opportunities to work closely with Caribbean Club most especially with destination weddings. I believe that our partnership with them is an affirmation of our strong commitment to uphold the high standards of our discerning destination couples and their families.

Photography by David Wolfe

Photography by Brand J Photography

Photography by Creations Unlimited

To give you a glimpse of why Caribbean Club is ideal for weddings, have a look at this video by Flipside Productions and you’ll understand why I think it’s a well-deserved accolade.

Again, congratulations!!! My team and I are so proud of you and we’re looking forward to more luxurious weddings at the Caribbean Club!!!

2012 is here! As we look to the future it is great to look back at all of the celebrations we’ve shared in 2011! From National festivals, to  gorgeous weddings, to international conferences and  seasonal holidays…there was not an event or style of wedding we didn’t try, design, and make happen!

Looking back on all that has been created makes us look forward with even wider eyes to be inspired to bring new and unique designs to the world this year! Enjoy a year in review of our favorite events. Wishing you all a happy New Year of  extraordinary celebrations!

2011 National Heroes' Day

A gorgeous tropical-themed wedding on the beach

Dylan Lauren's book launching and getting featured in Destination I Do Magazine!

A starry wedding at the Grand Old House

Smith & Young's event in partnership with the Ritz Carlton at a new location, Sunset Bay House

A lavish and elegant wedding for a local couple at Pedro St. James Castle

The Annual YCLA (Young Caymanian Leadership Awards) Night at the Ritz Carlton. Photography by : David Wolfe

Cream of the Crop event at the Wharf Restaurant

The uber fab Engage!11 San Diego where Jo Anne was an attendee

Our Annual Christmas in July event in partnership with Marriott Hotel

A laid-back yet stylish wedding at the Ritz Carlton

Miss Cayman Islands Beauty Pageant 2011

A simple yet chic destination wedding featured at one of our favorite wedding online resource, Style Me Pretty

Playing host and event designer for the extremely successful Engage!11 - Cayman Islands

Christmas in Camana Bay

Cheers to an exciting 2012!!!

Make hay while the sun shines! And my oh my,  Jet Fete did just that when they were in the Cayman Islands  recently for Engage!11.

Jet Fete  did this gorgeous photohoot showcasing why Cayman, besides offering the best selection of locations for  destination weddings can also be the perfect venue  for the fun and diverse  “Day-after” wedding and “Trash the dress” photoshoots. Let these pictures show you why!

On a waverunner – check!

at Starfish Point – check!

On a beach of powdery white sand  - check!

on a remote location with the gorgeous Caribbean sea and the bluest of blue skies – check!

Aboard a luxury yacht – check!

…or even jumping off of it!

Interacting with the stingrays at world-renowned Stingray City – CHECK!

Talk about a distinct and unforgettable memory!

Thanks Jet Fete!!! These photos make us love our home so much more!

Photo Shoot Team:
Yacht: Cayman Elusion by Cayman Luxury Charters
Photography: Beautiful Day Photography
Wedding Dress: Kirstie Kelly Collection
Co-Producer & Cayman Islands Weddings: Crystal Blue Weddings
Floral: Celebrations
Just Married Sign: Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Hair: Kelly Massias
Makeup: Cristin Alexander
Female Model: Cristin Alexander
Male Model: Dave Connolly
Hair Pin: Maria Elena Headpieces

To give the Engage!11 attendees a break from a full morning of “wedding talk”, they had the whole afternoon off to get to know my island better. What better way to really and truly know what makes the Cayman Islands a top destination not only for weddings but for anyone who’s on the look-out for an unforgettable holiday but by taking them on a catamaran cruise to the infamous Stingray City and the charmingly laid-back Rum Point!

Unfortunately, I could not make the trip as I had a business to run, but these fab photos surely made me feel great seeing how everyone enjoyed the trip!

My hat’s off again to the wonderful duo, Rebecca and Kathryn, of Engaging Concepts, for making sure that everything is branded from the signages, to the packed lunch, to towels, caps and pillows!

Thanks to Red Sail for providing the catamarans! I’ve heard rave reviews about how great your staff was!

Check out Randy Fenoli’s photo with a stingray! He now prides himself as the “stingray tamer”. He is such a hoot!

The group as the catamaran docked at Rum Point.

The welcome arch that we designed greeted the guests as they got to Rum Point.

Randy Fenoli with Melissa Wolfe of Better Angle Photography and Celebrations’ very own, Ashley Vodarek.The fabulous Rebecca Davidson of Engaging Concepts in a souvenir snapshot with lovable parents.

On the sail home.

Such a gorgeous sunset …. What a perfect way to cap off a perfect afternoon out on the catamaran!

Photos courtesy of Aaron Rebarchek and David Wolfe.

Check out how my Celebrations Team and I incorporated the color green to the stage backdrop, the floral arrangements and the linens!

Day 2 of Engage!11. Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. I swear I felt a palpable electric charge among the 250 guests all seated and eager for another day full of bright new ideas and inspiration. Today was going to be an all-morning session of some of the wedding industry’s big-wigs.

The fabulous Rebecca Ginnals, of Engaging Concepts, kick started the day with some fun facts and insider info about the wedding industry. She also announced that Canadian wedding magazine, Wedluxe,  is now heading south to the US.

Carley Roney,  the Founder & Editor TheKnot.com,  shared that the luxury wedding market in China is on the rise. She proved this by showing some astounding statistics!

Byan Rafanelli, the CEO and creative genius behind Rafanelli Events, shared some very powerful insights.

“The truer you are to yourself, the more your gut feeling will kick in”.

“Total secret sauce – use your brain, heart and gut. Trust yourself.”

“Gut reaction happens within 2-4 seconds. Learn to lesson to it.”

Jasmine Star, an international wedding photographer, had the room enthralled with her electric energy. Her insights were very real and right on the mark.  To quote a few:

“I am not everyone’s cup of tea. You like me or you don’t. I don’t care.”

“Focus on who you are, not what you aspire to be.”

“I would rather see you fail at something you love than succeed at something you hate.”

Check out the scrumptious array of nibbles prepared by the Ritz Carlton for our coffee break!

Todd Fiscus, the owner and creative director of Todd Events, followed suit and showed some beyond amazing events he has worked on! He also  spoke about the business behind creativity.

“You don’t get paid what you want unless you ask for it.”

“Give me the authority and responsibility.”

Up next were the brilliant  celebrity wedding photographers Andy & Brian Marcus,President and Vice-president of FredMarcus.com.

Marcy Blum, celebrity Eventiste, spoke on a very sensitive issue and that is respect between peers in the wedding industry and shared a few trade secrets.

“Respect each other. Do not trash others”

“Walk the party like a guest before it starts to see their experience & make it better.”

Barbara Corcorcan, Real Estate mogul, Business Expert, Investor & Star of ABC’s “Shark Tank”, followed suit. Her wit and straight talking was such a joy to listen to!  She shared so much insights into making a business a total success.

“Perception creates reality.”

“Expand before your ready.”

“Recognition works better than money.”

“Fun is good for business.”

“Bad times are the best times to move ahead.”

Here’s a photo of me and Barbara. I was star-struck!

More photos!

Photography by: David Wolfe , Donna Von Bruening, and Rebecca Davidson

What’s the best way to cap off an most amazing and most awesome Engage!11 first day? ( I know, I admit to using superlatives profusely when excited!)

What else but a cool party at the Ritz Carlton’s beach with Celebrations’ custom cabanas, fresh floral arrangements, ambient lighting and 250 wedding professionals ready to kick back and relax!

Again, as part of the whole branding of the day, the refreshing color palette of bright lime greens gave an extra ooomph to the subdued earth tones of brown.

Check out how we’ve transformed Ritz Carlton’s beach into a trendy club/lounge with our custom cabanas!

Photo by Aaron Rebarchek

A close up of the decor in one of the cabanas.

Lanterns provided ambient lighting.

Custom pillows showcasing the color palette of the day and Engage!11′s brand.

A close up of one of the fresh floral arrangements we have created for this event! Lime greens and browns …..what a fab color combination!

Photography by: Aaron Rebarchek

Even the scrumptious gourmet food provided by the Ritz Carlton was in the gorgeous color palette assigned for this particular day!

For this party, there’s no need for shoes. Barefoot is the way to go!

Entertainment was provided for by Swanky Kitchen Band.

Cayman’s photography power couples in one photo!!!! David & Melissa Wolfe with Gary & Rebecca Davidson!

Cayman Islands Director of Tourism, Shomari Scott together with Celebrations Team’s very own, Nadia, Keisha, Maryann.

Here’s an amazing video montage of Engage!11′s first day by the wonderful Elysium Productions!

The warm ocean breeze, the rhythmic lapping of the waves, sand between your toes, a few cocktails, music, scrumptious food, an amazing group of people, even the moon and the stars came out to play….What a night it definitely was!!!!

Photos courtesy of David Wolfe and Aaron Rebarchek.

The stage is set for the Engage!11′s opening session.  My Celebrations team and I created the whole stage back drop using the Engage!11 brand as inspiration, with rustic yet elegant elements. Lime green brought a refreshing pop of color to the naturally subdued earth tones.

First to speak was Shomari Scott, Cayman Islands’ Director of Tourism, to give the opening remarks. He spoke on how Cayman is so blessed to host for the third time this most illustrious event convening wedding experts from all over the world in our very own shores. Furthermore, he asserted that Cayman is ready to take it up a notch in making it the top destination for weddings, not only for its natural beauty but also with its strong commitment to providing the best experience to all who choose it as their destination wedding. After all, Cayman is not only a place to see, but it is a place to be!

Simon T. Bailey, author of “Release Your Brilliance” and an internationally-renowned speaker and mentor, spoke on shifting perspectives and using proactive approach to improve performance and accelerate results.

Simon: “You will open up a series of new doors if you push yourself to see and do things differently” So true. My 18 years of wedding planning has not been without trials and tribulations, however, with sheer will and determination to forge on and provide the best experience to all our wedding clients, me and my company, Celebrations, has jumped through hurdles and soared to new heights. The future may be uncertain, the market ever-changing but one thing that remains constant is that no obstacle will stop us from realizing our true potential as wedding planning and design company. Like what I’ve always said to my team, let’s just not play the game, let’s be the game changers. Golden opportunities abound, if only we open our eyes to see them with a different mindset.

A few more pearls of wisdom that Simon imparted with the captivated crowd:

“Do you have the ability to see what everyone else can’t see? Time to take it to another level.”

“Rejection doesn’t mean NO, it means NOT NOW the timing wasn’t meant to be.don’t be discouraged just try again later”

“Eliminate negativity from your life and business so you can operate to your maximum potential.”

Donna Von Bruening took the stage next and read a very personal blog story  that she wrote back in September 5, 2011. Her story was so real and tugged at everyone’s heartstrings. Thank you Donna for sharing your story! It was a wonderful reminder that no matter how busy we all our with our professional lives, we need to take time and make sure that we let all the people we love feel loved and appreciated.

Darcy Miller editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings and also an author, illustrator and weddings and celebrations expert, took the stage next and presented a slide of gorgeous weddings.  While Darcy had us in stitches with her humor, still, she was able to drive through Martha Stewart’s 10 tips for a successful business.

Here’s a couple of those tips that Darcy shared:

“Focus on the positive, stay in control and never panic!”

“Strive to surprise, delight and inspire!”
“We innovate and invent, we don’t copy and repeat”

Amen to all these!

Kathryn Arce, the Managing Director and the other half of the fantabulous duo of Engaging Concepts, went up next and thanked a few people. Outside the ballroom is a huge flat screen TV showing tweets as they come in.

Randy Fenoli, Kleinfeld’s Fashion Director and the star of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” followed suit. Can I say it right here and now that I love RANDY FENOLI? YES, I DO! He was witty and had the entire 250+ guests captivated with his funny  and very real sound bites.

“Paint the picture & take brides there, we forget they don’t do this every day.”

“Let the monsters see you smile”

As if his funny and inspiring talk was not enough, Randy further surprised us all by announcing the release of his new book and took it up a notch farther by giving us all a signed copy each! YEY!!!

Here’s me with the fabulous Randy Fenoli.

What an absolutely amazing way to start Engage!11 Cayman! So inspiring!

Up next, the welcome party!

Photos courtesy of David Wolfe and Rebecca Davidson.

To view more photos, click here!

November 14-17. 1 luxury wedding summit.  250 wedding experts from 28 US states and eight countries, which include Ireland, England, Canada and Mexico, all convene for the third time in the Cayman Islands for Engage!11. Another great opportunity to learn and share some wedding knowledge and inspiration with fellow wedding professionals as well as showcase the Cayman Islands as a premiere destination wedding location.

And it all starts with a warm welcome!

Thank you so much Cloud Nine Creative for making me and my wonderful Celebrations Team a part of this amazing video!

As the guests walk in to the registration area, they were greeted by this tall arrangement of elegant, white Calla Lilies and pristine white Phalaenopsis orchids, carefully arranged by the talented floral department of Celebrations. The vase was accentuated by starfish and natural fiber, just to add a rustic touch to the elegant flowers.

What’s a luxury wedding summit without fabulous swag bags? Again,  the uber-talented duo, Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce otherwise known as Engaging Concepts , the geniuses behind the Engage! series, outdid themselves with putting together swag bags that are simply filled to the brim with so much wonderful items!

The guys get their “swag” on too, with these great swag bags!

I just love how everything is branded  and the color palette was just so refreshing!

Talk about “SWAGALICIOUS”!!!! And it’s just the beginning.

(to be continued……)

Photos courtesy of David Wolfe and Rebecca Davidson.