Tropical Imaging

Hi Janine, here is some info on the regular hair and make up people we see on island There are 3 ladies that we see on a regular basis doing hair. For large weddings they work together on some occasions as well. In no particular order.... Maximes....649-946-5093 Geraldine does hair and Ann (from Beauty and Beach day spa located in the shop) does Make-up. They don't have a website, I'll check around the house to see if I can find an email address. April's Place - Hair - Nails - Skin care on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands 649-941-3993 April does hair and has a girl that does manicures and pedicures. She doesn't do make up. Briget [email protected] does hair (use to own Maximes and April worked for her when she first came on island...she now works from home, and does house calls) Sheque (649) 245-5241 Sheque Does hair and make up Full disclaimer here: April does my hair and has for years, Ann does my manicures and pedicures on island and I don't wear any make up. However....Geraldine and Bridget do the hair of many of my friends (and Geraldine does April's hair...LOL it's a VERY small island) I have seen loads of photos of Sheniques work and she does great work as well. We work with all of these ladies, professionally and know them personally. For make up, Ann and Shenique both enhance someones beauty, not take over and take a life of it's own. For hair, they are all good and not over the top. They all work with a ton of different types of hair on island (the country's population is very international) as well as having to keep up with latest trends and styles. April goes every year to the international hair/and trade show...my sister lives in Atlanta and whenever she visits she books ahead to get April to cut her hair...I know others who plan vacations to get a touch up by Maxime or Geraldine. It's not uncommon to have all of them working together with large bridal parties, they are all friends and very good to each other. Hope that helps, our blog usually mentions who did hair and make up for a wedding if you want to do a search for their particular names and the wedding will pop up! Krys

You shouldn't have swelling and while your tooth may be slightly sore (not sharp pain) etc. Once it's all done, you'll be good to go. The endodontist will have things sorted quickly within 1 hour or less is my guess (I've had a very complex root canal done and he took around 45 minutes.) I had to fly to the states to do it (no endodontist here) and wanted to get some shopping done before I flew out the next day, so I had my root canal done by 9:00 am and shopped for a good 7-8 hours, stopping for lunch, no problems (although I didn't have any hard candy/nuts crunchy things for a few days anything else was fine.) Get it sorted so you can enjoy your shower and wedding. Krys

Hi, I am at home right now and don't have info in front of me. If you want to email [email protected], I know she can give you a run down of music options available and how to get in touch(and I am sure she'll give you an opinion on what we see works for what you are looking for. ) There aren't a ton of options on island available but most are distinctly different in style and music, so she can maybe direct you to someone who works for you. Just give her a quick email, She won't be in the office tomorrow but will be in on Monday (tell her Krys gave you the contact info from BDW). Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by JanineA We are doing our wedding at The Somerset, haven't been there but I have friends who have and love it so much they return yearly. I don't visit to do a site inspection until April but perhaps Krys knows the property inside out :-) and can describe it. The Seven Stars is also a new resort and having been looking to drum up business in the wedding department. My friend who is a travel agent is very good friends with the property manager and he had initially tried to talk me into doing our wedding there. I was a bit put off since they are so new. The Somerset is a beautiful property, I would say it is a bit higher in price range from the Sands and Ocean Club. You are right that Seven stars is trying to attract business as it is under a new management company, but we are finding most of the resorts willing to work to attract business, especially wedding business. You'll love the Somerset (and it's right next to the Palms spa which is really nice as well!!!) Krys

For excursions for guests if you are looking for a cruise there are usually two options on island that people use for larger groups. One is Sun Charters (the link above) and I will disclose it's owned by good friends of ours. The other is Sail Provo (Sail Provo, sailing charter, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands). I also know the owner of that operation and they do a great job as well. Both do sunset and charters but each are different. Sun Charters is a huge hand built sailing schooner (just stunning). The owner built it by hand and used it originally to bring rum and fruit and vegetables to and from Haiti and the DR. It has beautiful sails and has now been updated and redone to do sailing charters. David and his crew are great and if you want you can get in on the sailing and raising the sails. Sun Charters is the top choice for expats on island, it's a fun boat. Sail Provo is a catamaran, so it has a different feel to the schooner. They do lots of sunset trips and Jay the owner is a great guy as well. You'll have a great time on either one, just check out their sites and see which one fits your vision of your tour. If you are around the days after a full moon, check out the glow worms which are pretty cool (all of the operators do glow worm cruises) Caicos Tours is an underwater/glass bottom boat. I have done that tour with my kids a number of times and it's fabulous. You'll only fit probably 12-15 people max there but it is a great excursion especially for those who may not snorkel but want to see underwater. We've always seen turtles and rays on that tour. Other things to recommend to your guests to do while on island. - Little water Cay (a must for kids of all ages) to see the endangered rock iguanas. These trips are usually paired with a snorkeling trip (caicos dream tours is one operator that does these) - Kayaking with Big Blue (a fabulous excursion- I love kayaking with my kids, it's hard work, but so worth it ) I recommend going to Frenchman's creek. Big Blue also does eco tours to North and Middle Caicos (with the caves) for the more adventurous - ATV tours around the island with Froggie...you can check out our old blog for more info and photos. -Head to the Conch Shack and/or Horse eyed Jacks for an evening of great music and seafood (this would require either taxis and/or a car) Most people love just enjoying the beach but there are plenty of things to do as well. Hope that helps... Krys

Welcome to the forum...You've chosen a great island!!!! (of course I am a bit partial LOL) If you have any questions about Provo, feel free to ask! Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by future_mrs2010 This is crazy, sad, and horrific. Now Im worried we leave for Turks and Caicos on Sunday for our wedding. Tsunamis are scary and Im definitely terrified of them (one of my worst fears). I pray nothing happens on our trip! Praying for all the families in haiti! We're all fine in the T&C, we didn't feel anything, most of us found out about the tsunami warning after it was over. The 17 miles of shallow sandbanks to the south of us would make a tsunami coming from the south very difficult to become big. Our island is fine and ready for you to come. We do have a large Haitian community on island though and many of our friends are working hard to find out about loved ones in Haiti. Please keep all of them in your prayers. Krys

Both the Sands and RWI are nice resorts, I have had family stay at the Sands when we've had too many to come down to all fit in our house. The Sands rooms have all recently been updated and there are a number of pool areas as well as a more quiet stretch of beach. The other reason I like the Sands is that it is in walking distance to the Salt Mills Plaza and shops and the Regent Village plaza as well, so people can do there own thing as well and not feel tied to the resort. I love the restaurant at Royal West Indies but they only have one pool and the beach is more narrow there. That being said, we always head to the beach there when I am going with the kids. If you have people who want to party, Club Med is next door and you can get an evening pass to go to their shows and disco. If you are worried about kids and/or want private/quiet, I would probably go with the sands as they have 3 different small pool areas so you can always move and the Beach is wider with no resorts on either side. Ileana is great with coordinating our weddings and all of our photographers are pretty fab. Let us know if we can help in any way! Krys

Both the Sands and RWI are nice resorts, I have had family stay at the Sands when we've had too many to come down to all fit in our house. The rooms have all recently been updated and there are a number of pool areas as well as a more quiet stretch of beach. The other reason I like the Sands is that it is in walking distance to the Salt Mills Plaza and shops and the Regent Village plaza as well, so people can do there own thing as well and not feel tied to the resort. I love the restaurant at Royal West Indies but they only have one pool and the beach is more narrow there. That being said, we always head to the beach there when I am going with the kids. If you have people who want to party, Club Med is next door and you can get an evening pass to go to there shows and disco. If you are worried about kids and/or want private/quiet, I would probably go with the sands as they have 3 different small pool areas so you can always move and the Beach is wider with no resorts on either side. Ileana is great with coordinating our weddings and all of our photographers are pretty fab. Let us know if we can help in any way! Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by Bronze8584 I know this thread is old, but I am too planning my wedding in Turks & Caicos! Did you decide on what you were going to do? I am trying to decide between The Sands, Grace Bay Club, Royal West Indies, Ocean Club, and The Windsong Resort. Do you have any opinions on why you did or did not go with any of them? I am also interested in a small dinner following the ceremony. We will only have 13-15 guests at the very most. Did you go with Hemingway's at Sands? Any opinions on the West Bay Club? Sorry so many questions! The Sands, Royal West Indies and Ocean Club are all similar in age, price range etc. Grace Bay Club is considered a "higher end" resort compared to the other 3 (which are all quite nice). Windsong and West Bay club are both newish resorts and are further down Grace Bay Beach. So to give you some help with deciding what might fit your group.... The Sands...no resorts on either side, nice stretch of beach, within walking distance to numerous shops, restaurants boutiques. One of the older resorts on island but just finished redoing the rooms this past year. Hemingways is a great little restaurant and you can have dinner on the beach. Ocean Club...you have 2 resorts to choose from, ocean club and ocean club west. Ocean Club is across from the golf course and has Club Med on one side and the Tuscany on the other (after the Tuscany it is nothing). Ocean Club West is in between Seven Stars/and grace Bay Club and withing walking distance to many shops, restaurants and the new grace bay gourmet grocery store. Ocean club usually offers a dining plan to allow you to pay for some meals which is a nice option. Ocean Club West is the newer of the two resorts. Royal West Indies...walking distance to a number of restaurants, further walk to shops. Great restaurant on site. Right next to club med. They do have nice deals going on right now and a beautiful gardens for photo opportunities (loads of flowers etc) Grace Bay Club is a step higher in price and amenities. Centrally located for walking. Lovely restaurant on the Beach and some stunning pools, a great bar etc. If you go with GBC your guests also could stay at the Villa del Mar across the small access road...brand new, less costly and a short walk to the same beach you use. It's a nice option for a bride and groom who want to splurge but have a lesser cost option next door for guests. That has been a great option for many brides and grooms. West Bay Club and Windsong are located further down the beach nearer to Turtle Cove. Both are new and located right near one of the few snorkeling areas you can access from the beach. If you stay there, you will need a car or taxi to do shopping and/or restaurants other than the resort options. You cannot walk to other restaurants or shopping from there (well you could but it would be a LONG walk) You can check out our blogs (listed below) and do a search for the various resorts to see the locations. We have a new website and blog so check our old one as well for past wedding before june of 2009. Hope that helps you out, let me know if you have any other questions (I've lived here for 15 years, and with an island that is only 22 miles long, you get to know everywhere pretty well LOL) Krys

Quote: Originally Posted by feddoc Hey Jennifer, Is that policy just for beaches or all hotels? Beaches is the only resort on island that has in house photographers and doesn't allow outside photographers on property. At any other resort you can bring a photographer. That is the hotel policy. However, if you want to bring a photographer from outside the country, that person will need a work permit to work in the country legally(just as a foreigner would need a work visa to work in the US legally), which is a fee and paperwork (last I heard it was between $500-$1000 for a temporary work permit, but with the current economic situation, temporary work permits are difficult to obtain) There are photographers on island who have business licenses/work permits/ and can work anywhere in the country (except for Beaches which only allows their photographers on property). You can check their websites/blogs and email and see if they might be a fit for you. hope that helps Krys

I know many of you are digging out of snow or dealing with cooler temps so I wanted to share some sunshine over the holidays for you. We gathered about 30 vendors from the Turks and Caicos and put together a little holiday cheer video for clients, tourists, friends and family. Enjoy! and thanks Tammy for letting us post! http://www.brilliant.tc/2009/12/danc...-turks-caicos/ Krys...Oh yes my kids are with the group of kids dancing on the beach...fun day!

Andy (my husband) just got back from shooting a wedding there. If you want some inspiration for photos check out his posts from the 5 day event. Krys http://www.brilliant.tc/2009/12/dest...-lucia-part-3/ http://www.brilliant.tc/2009/12/dest...-lucia-part-2/ http://www.brilliant.tc/2009/12/dest...-lucia-part-4/ http://www.brilliant.tc/2009/12/dest...st-lucia-part/ Hope that helps!

Kelly, Please feel free to email Ileana who coordinates our weddings and she can give you a price list or even custom make a package for you ([email protected]). We get lots of inquiries and are happy to help see if our photography fits your plans. There are some Travel Specialists on the Forum that specialize in the Beaches/Sandals weddings, I would check with them on the Martha Stewart additions. There are a ton of locations in the Beaches property (and all are lovely). I hope that helps, Krys Mann

You fly into Providenciales, Turks and Caicos to get to Beaches T&C. The airport code is PLS. Delta, American and USAirways fly there from the US. The island is only 22 miles long and more than 1/3 of it is undeveloped. The airport is less than 15 minutes from the airport (no stoplights on island either). Very quick and painless all around. Krys

I know Beaches does not allow outside vendors (photographers) on their property and given the current immigration climate on island, the proof of work permit statement etc is aimed at brides flying down a photographer to do their wedding. Immigration is closely monitoring all companies/resorts on island and are very serious at cracking down on unauthorized workers so Beaches is reiterating the government's policy to avoid trouble. (be advised that some temporary permits are being denied in photography currently so the fee isn't a sure thing if you are bringing someone from off island) Companies like ours who are resident on island have all of the appropriate permits and licenses in place so the permit issue isn't a problem. However Beaches/Sandals has policy not permitting local photography companies on properties is to ensure income from their in house photographers. That policy is a business decision. We offer day after (or few hours after) sessions with brides from Beaches and take them away from the resort and the crowds to some of our favorite spots on island you might never see. And we find that's a win win situation for all. We'd love to work with brides who choose us on the property (and we know the place well as we provided all of their photography until 3 years ago when they decided to go with in house photography) but that hasn't been an option so we try to work around it to get our brides great photographs and as much stress free planning as possible. Krys Mann

Hydrangea is not a flower that is available down here locally, so you would have to make arrangements to have it brought in (I would expect it would depend on what your budget is). Flowers by Environmental Arts is a new florist (about a year old and an offshoot of a long running landscape business on island) and seems to be very switched on in having modern arrangements and unusual flowers available (and they seems to be on the ball with getting the job done as well, which is more important!!!.) The manager's name is Louise Henderson, you can email her at [email protected] She would be your best bet at helping or advising what might work if they aren't available or are too expensive for your budget. Hope that helps Krys

Just to clarify, the actual property is owned by Leeward Holdings management. They hired the Nikki Beach chain to run the property for them. Leeward Holdings has gone bankrupt and the property has be put into receivership with the bank. The Nikki Beach chain/management company is fine and is opening hotels in panama and thailand in the next year, it is not them that is bankrupt/folding, it is the underlying company that actually owns the property. As far as I know the Nikki Beach company is healthy and were getting in touch with any guests with reservations that were affected and transferring them to their other properties. Hope that clears things up. Krys

Everything is business as usual in the Turks and Caicos. The Turks and Caicos is a British Crown Colony. To simplify, we are our own country but have ties to Britain. We have a locally elected government that make decisions and runs the country with a British appointed Governor who is there to oversee things and help the government along. We qualify for loans, aid and government help as well as military help if needed and support from Britain. Our past Governor felt that during his term there were some business dealings that were questionable by leaders and recommended that Britain have an inquiry into the allegations of corruption. The Inquiry has been going on for a year now and a number of leaders have been found guilty. It also revealed that our laws have not grown in sophistication as the islands have grown and a series of checks and balances were not there to stop corruption that has happened. The majority of charges are leaders giving government land to friends (The government can grant land to natives under an application process) and then selling it at huge (millions and millions) profits and splitting the profits. Additionally businesses were giving millions to political parties and there was no accounting for that, the political leaders were giving it to their constituants as cash gifts to buy votes (when you only have about 6000-7000 people who can vote, that can be powerful, expats and permanent residents can not vote nor obtain the right to vote even if our children are born here, so very few people have a lot of power and the Inquiry found that needed to be addressed as well). However, we have no laws against a lot of the issues as up until 15 years ago, this was a small country with 3 hotels and 18,000 people max. The inquiry resulted in the recommendation (which has now happened) that the current government be disbanded with elections set for 2 years from now or less if possible. The British appointed governor is the head now who will oversee the running of the government and putting laws in place to prevent this from happening. The only people who are truly upset about this are the people who were in political power or those who benefited from them. Locals and Expats alike are very happy that the British government is putting laws to protect all and bringing things forward to a more sophisticated world. As a tourist, you wouldn't see anything different from last year and this year, same country, same governor, just had to get rid of some corrupt politicians really and put laws in place that it wouldn't happen again. Weddings and holidays are business as usual. We are not part of the Virgin Islands...separate country altogether. Hope that helps. Krys

Stacey, What are you looking for in a resort in the T&C? We have lots to offer, small and quaint, large and luxurious (also small and luxurious) and lots in between. If you want some photos of locations, check our blog out, we shoot at all of the resorts and villas on island, so you can see variety and we have links to the resorts if you want more details. To help with your decision making, It helps if you can be more specific about what you want your DW to be in your mind...then you can eliminate resorts and focus on the ones that are right for you. Do you want to get married on a beach, on a deserted island, on a boat, in a garden next to the beach (some brides don't want to be in the sand) or even in a church? How do you see your reception? Is it just you and your FI or do you have 20-30-100 people coming along? Do you have lots of kids coming or is it just grown ups? Are you looking to have lots of things planned for everyone to do together or do you prefer to have people know the options and go do their own thing? Think about your perfect day and then let the brides here know or a wedding planner on island....Everyone is different and there are lots of different ways to get married on island. Hope that helps to start your journey! Good Luck and let us know if we can help with details! Krys

As someone who has lived on island for more than 12 years, it is necessary to obtain a temporary permit as it is illegal to work on island (paid or unpaid) without one. It is up to you if you wish to do so without. You can try to sneak them in, but Immigration has been much more vigilant in the past 18 months (with the economy) and we have heard of photographers being denied entry and deported. If it is at a private residence, you don't have as much possibility of immigration seeing you on site, so it is really up to you to take that risk. Just as my husband (who is a british citizen) cannot work in the US legally without a lot of paperwork and a huge amount of money, the same goes for ALL foreign countries not just the T&C. Is is possible to get away with it? Yes. But it is up to you. I know of one case where a photographer was denied entry and we were called at the last minute to fill in but were booked. It's not something we personally pay attention to because it is done and we're quite busy so I don't know how many "fly under the radar" so to speak. I know my hubby has turned down a lot of requests to come shoot in the states because he doesn't want to take the small risk he would get caught and it's too expensive to do it legally. Just trying to be honest as there are a number of photographers on the island and for the cost of flying and hotel, you may find someone who works here legally to do the work for you. Personally our company pays over $20,000 a year for permits for our employees to work here legally (and that doesn't include our taxes and business costs). The government is trying to protect those who work here as yours does in the US. A temporary is $500 the last I heard. I don't have any other info as I know it is the wedding planners on island that go through the work to get those for clients. As for any other info on the T&C please don't hesitate to ask, we've been around for a long time and are happy to help with info whether someone uses us or not. It's a great place to visit and to live and we like telling about our favorite spots! Feel free to use our blog for info and ideas as well in planning. Photos I think always help! Krys

Hi, Villa Del Mar is about 1-2 miles from Bay Bistro at the most. You can most certainly have a ceremony and reception on the beach whether you are staying on the beach or not. There are plenty of public beach access points. The Villa Del Mar has a section of beach where they set up their lounge chairs etc on the beach for their guests and I am sure you could do it there as well. A Bonfire barbecue with Kissing fish is a great option for rehearsal, Joan and Clive do a fabulous job. I don't know the costs on a reception at Grace Bay Club, as there are many options for food/cake/etc, so that will affect your bottom line. Check out the various coordinators, or contact GBC with your questions. Have to run right now, but will check in in case you have any other T&C questions. Our office is in the Grace Bay area and we have lived there 15 years, so ask away!!! Krys

Hi, Villa Del Mar is about 1-2 miles from Bay Bistro at the most. You can most certainly have a ceremony and reception on the beach whether you are staying on the beach or not. There are plenty of public beach access points. The Villa Del Mar has a section of beach where they set up their lounge chairs etc on the beach for their guests and I am sure you could do it there as well. A Bonfire barbecue with Kissing fish is a great option for rehearsal, Joan and Clive do a fabulous job. I don't know the costs on a reception at Grace Bay Club, as there are many options for food/cake/etc, so that will affect your bottom line. Check out the various coordinators, or contact GBC with your questions. Have to run right now, but will check in in case you have any other T&C questions. Our office is in the Grace Bay area and we have lived there 15 years, so ask away!!! Krys

The ballroom/ballroom terrace is the reception room I was talking about for the reception, we're on the same page on that. With just 25 guests, you could easily do some tables at Parallel 23, it's a lovely setting or you can go with O'Soleil. I personally can't comment on the food at either (our favorite restaurant on the rare occasion we eat out in the evening is Coco Bistro), but I know from many friends that both are good choices food wise and are similar in price range. Both are more garden type settings as well so it's really 6 vs 1/2 dozen the other. The great thing is you have plenty of time to decide that option. Once you hear from the Palms, ask about menus for a beach buffet and menus from Parallel 23. I think from there you can decide. Believe me, anything done at the Palms will leave your guests feeling well taken care of! Wedding ceremonies are usually done at the beach to the left side of the resort just past the walkway. It works well as there is a platform by the walkway if you have musicians who need to set up and when the guests are going to the reception there is a foot rinse area right off of the beach so they can get the sand off. You can see the photos on our blog if you do a search for regent palms to get an idea of the location. (It's a beautiful stretch of beach as is all of Grace Bay) With the number of people you have, you don't need a private event for the rehearsal, I would expect you will just need to make the reservations and I am sure the coordinator will handle all of that! Krys

The ballroom/ballroom terrace is the reception room I was talking about for the reception, we're on the same page on that. With just 25 guests, you could easily do some tables at Parallel 23, it's a lovely setting or you can go with O'Soleil. I personally can't comment on the food at either (our favorite restaurant on the rare occasion we eat out in the evening is Coco Bistro), but I know from many friends that both are good choices food wise and are similar in price range. Both are more garden type settings as well so it's really 6 vs 1/2 dozen the other. The great thing is you have plenty of time to decide that option. Once you hear from the Palms, ask about menus for a beach buffet and menus from Parallel 23. I think from there you can decide. Believe me, anything done at the Palms will leave your guests feeling well taken care of! Wedding ceremonies are usually done at the beach to the left side of the resort just past the walkway. It works well as there is a platform by the walkway if you have musicians who need to set up and when the guests are going to the reception there is a foot rinse area right off of the beach so they can get the sand off. You can see the photos on our blog if you do a search for regent palms to get an idea of the location. (It's a beautiful stretch of beach as is all of Grace Bay) With the number of people you have, you don't need a private event for the rehearsal, I would expect you will just need to make the reservations and I am sure the coordinator will handle all of that! Krys