Tropical Imaging

Hi, I talked to David Bowen this morning, He is the main contact for Bowen Arrow and Soul Redemption. Press Gang and Bowen Arrow are the same band they just changed their name (which is why you may not be able to find contact info). David is a great guy, very talented (actually danced with Micheal Jackson in the "Beat It" Video). He teaches hip hop/jazz and cultural dance/drumming to my kids and is the cultural director for the Turks and Caicos. This is the contact info Contact Info: David Bowen Email: [email protected] Phone: (649)242-5278 Let me know if you need anything else. I am sure he can give you an idea of a play list with each band. Krys

There are 6-7 musicians that all like playing together but in different combinations (I hope that isn't too confusing) of 3-4 guys. Press Gang/Bowen Arrow/Soul Redemption are their 3 bands. So one guy may play in two of the bands and another may play in one or two. I know they each band is different in what they play. My kids go to school with David Bowen's kids (who is in all three) and also take sewing from David Klinko's wife (he's a drummer in them). I will try to check with them this weekend to see which might best fit your description. (I think Soul Redemption is more background "soulful" music). I will also get an email from David Bowen so you can contact them directly. (FYI I have been trying to get these guys to get a playlist or video online for ages...but between their day jobs and playing in the evening, just can't get it happening LOL) I'll get back to you after the weekend! Krys

Just to clarify, Beaches will allow outside photographers on property if a room is booked in their name for 3 or more nights. We have had this happen in the past where a "lowest price" room has been booked for one of our photographers and that room has been used as a get together room/storage room etc or even for kids etc but it's in the TI photographer's name. Because of that the photographer is then able to be on property and photograph the actual event on property and around the resort. Obviously it's not the "least expensive option" but it is an option available for brides wanting another photographer other than Beaches staff. Krys

Honestly, there aren't any chapels that are anything other than functional for church services (not really picturesque). We do have public beach accesses and if you don't need lots of chairs or fancy decorations, we see some people head over to certain areas to get married. If you want something a little more "fancy", you can always check out Bay Bistro/Kissing Fish catering. You can have your guests stay around that area (palms/sommerset/verands/alexandria/Sibonee/ and the Sands would be a little walk) and all of them could meet at Bay Bistro for the wedding and reception with them catering. The do a great set up and spread. I don't know whats involved for just a private ceremony with a pastor and no set up on one of the beach accesses, you may have to check with one of the wedding coordinators on island if there areany permits needed (or one of the pastors who do the ceremonies). Other than Beaches and Club Med which are all inclusive, your guests don't have to be staying at your hotel. We see many brides book the location and give a couple of options surrounding it. Another example would be wedding (bride and groom staying) at Grace Bay Club with guests staying there or at Villa del Mar/Ocean Club West or even Caribbean Paradise Inn (bed and breakfast). Hope that helps, Krys

Hi, West Bay Club is a new resort like the Gansevoort so it hasn't been open for a really long time (for us a couple of years is not long). They also haven't marketed to weddings as much as Gansevoort so that may reflect why they haven't had as many. The Turks and Caicos is not a HUGE wedding destination or even a huge vacation destination compared to Mexico/Bahamas/Jamaica. In reality we have less than 200,000 tourists a year and in turn (except for Beaches) not a large amount of weddings compared to larger islands. While I can understand your initial apprehension, it's really just a matter of not enough weddings to go around really. We've done quite a few family portraits at the West Bay Club and that may be another reason for the difference in weddings vs Gansevoort. Gansevoort is a very modern and trendy type of hotel that does market to a younger crowd (ie people who are more likely to be getting married) vs West Bay club which seems to appeal more to families (ie people who may already be married). I am just guessing here on that, but in looking on our blogs, we have lots of family shoots at West Bay Club and weddings at Gansevoort. Villa Renaissance is going to be more centrally located for guests to walk to various shops etc. But everything is pretty close on Provo, so if you stay at the Gansevoort or WBC you won't be driving very far Here are some recent weddings at Gansevoort: http://www.brilliant.tc/2011/01/wedding-christina-tanner-foreman/ http://www.brilliant.tc/2010/11/francesca-domenics-gansevoort-wedding/ http://www.brilliant.tc/2010/10/wedding-kendall-andrew/ This is the only one I can find at WBC (I'll ask my husband if there have been any others, we don't blog all of our weddings, some couples don't want to be on the internet) http://www.brilliant.tc/2009/12/kirby-bryan-married/ And here are some Villa Renaissance weddings: http://www.brilliant.tc/2011/02/wedding-cheryl-jad/ http://www.brilliant.tc/2010/06/wedding-gwyn-trey-villa-renaissance/ http://www.brilliant.tc/2010/03/colorful-turks-caicos-wedding/ Bay Bistro and Kissing Fish are the same company, Bay Bistro is the actual "on the beach restaurant" and kissing fish is their catering company. So you can do the reception at the actual restaurant or you can have them set up where you want the reception and they'll bring tents etc. Their food and catering is fabulous. Absolutely love it and I never have heard an even average review of them, people are always blown away (I have no investment in their company by the way, but I do love their beach barbecues and curry night LOL) they really are the best caterers around and Joan (Kissing fish contact person and owner) is a type A personality who will get back to you quickly and handle all of the details. I have lived here now for 16 years so if you have any questions ask away. Hope that helps a little! Krys

Thanks, I am happy to help. If you can make appts with all of the hotels I would just so you can make your schedule ahead of time and enjoy some of your time on island as well. I would pick one or two days and meet with 2 one day and 3 the next and then you aren't running around the whole time. Right now they are in full swing with high season, and you probably won't get quotes until you get there, but it never hurts to ask when you get in contact to set up the meeting. Grace Bay car rentals are great, and staying at Windsong, I think you'll be happy you have a car to get around in. It'll be good value for money vs taxis and you can check out some of the wonderful restaurants on island and even some of the little shopping areas. (Our personal favorite is Coco Bistro) You usually have to book reservations at least 2-3 days in advance but it is spectacular! hope that helps! Krys

you may want to check out Vieno Tempo (the locals all know it as the wine bar). It's located at the Regent Village shops (about a mile or so from the somerset). It has a nice relaxed vibe, with couches etc and outdoor seating as well. They have a cool wine dispenser you can get a card and it will dispense for you vs getting the bartender (very high tech, guys love it), a nice fully stocked bar for people who don't drink wine and a great menu of "tapas" or tasty appetizers. They are used to crowds especially on the weekend. The couches are set up in little seating areas so it makes a nice place for groups because they can sit and visit. Next door is Vix a pretty nice restaurant, both are just down from Danny Buoy's which is an Irish Bar with Pool table etc. So you could easily bar hop! Hope that helps Krys

Hi, the countdown is on! The girls are well and back in school! thanks for asking. It's not a bad idea to do a prepaid cell phone plan from either digicell or cable and wireless (LIME). Both will be similar and digicel is right next to the main IGA grocery store. Try to stick with texting vs calling as it's a lot cheaper! Most cell plans in the US tend to get really expensive when roaming here, so a prepaid plan here is the right way to go. Krys

There are 4 ladies that we see on a regular basis doing hair. (April, Brigett, Geraldine, Shenique) Only 2 do make up. (Ann, Shenique), April can do make up but her make up selection is located at her shop vs being able to transport it. For large weddings they have all worked 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. I don't have a website for them but have a pedicure scheduled with Ann next week so I'll check to see if they have gotten anything up yet. April's Place...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. 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) Shenique (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 countries population is very international) as well as having to keep up with latest trends and styles. 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. You can check our blog and search with their names, and see some samples of make up/hair done by them, we try to give credit to them and to let brides see their work. Hope that helps! Krys

Hi Heather, I got the info from my workout partner today. She said you need to go to The Goldsmith in the Regent Plaza (across from the Salt Mills). She said sometimes Royal Jewels has better deals but they are often out of stock and you would have to go downtown, which isn't touristy, fun or worth the cab ride. She said to tell them Anna sent you (some people she knows have gotten discounts on occasion, not much but it all helps). Her opinion (from her hubby) Get either the No 5 monte cristo or the No 4 monte cristo. The number 4 is a medium size, the number 5 is a smaller size. She said do not buy no 3. They are more expensive (thus will be suggested by the goldsmith) and her hubby thinks they dry out too quickly and are not as nice. So don't get the No 3! Hope that helps! Krys

I am not a casino person, so I can't give you a personal experience. I do know it's a small casino, but I do have friends that love to go there; it's a more "happening" spot on the weekends. It's only 3 years old and I know the manager and his wife (their kids go to my school) who are quite lovely. Flu is going around. All of you tourists (LOL) bring all of the germs down and we then spread them amongst ourselves. For some reason it's going around all of the schools right now. But it was mid term break this week so hopefully everyone is resting and getting healthy. My kids haven't been sick at all (not even colds) in about 3 years, so we were due! It never seems to affect the tourist population, as I guess you guys are all adapted to the "big city" viruses. Ileana just got back from the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) World convention in Vegas so I am sure she got exposed to a lot of bugs off island. My husband is filling in for her until she gets better (one nice thing about our studio, we have back up!) Very exciting, 12 days, not long now. Very Sunny and perfect temperature right now, not too hot, not too cold, just right!!! Krys

Lauren Marie, We usually have a nice breeze coming from off shore all year round. End of May shouldn't be a problem but we have been known to have heat waves. I always think Florida feels a lot hotter to me than here (we don't even have a/c in our house, just open screened windows, no glass). I am also pretty sure your reception will be in a shaded area, we are always thinking shade here where it feels 10 degrees cooler than in the sun. On the other hand, I think it's your wedding, why not wear two dresses!!! I like the idea of 2! Krys Originally Posted by LaurenMarie Question for my fellow brides, and Krys! My wedding is at 11am on 5/21, and we're having a 1 hour cocktail reception afterwards. I am thinking about bringing a small white dress for the reception to avoid getting too hot in my wedding dress. Is anyone else bringing a "reception dress"? Will it get THAT hot, considering it's an island and I am sure there's a constant breeze?? I know the temps are typically in the mid to upper 80's in May in T&C, but I live in Florida and it's always humid in the summer and I cannot imagine wearing a wedding dress in the heat for more than 30-45 minutes. Comments?? Suggestions?? Thanks!!

Everything here is less than 5 minutes away from anything else LOL (okay sometimes it's 10-15 minutes), it's a small island, no traffic problems, no stoplights.... There are a few places to get cigars on island (and you can get Cuban cigars here as well). FYI They will probably be more expensive here than in the states, You shouldn't have a problem bringing them into customs (if you want to bring them), if you are heading to beaches just go through the nothing to declare line and they'll wave you through. They are looking for items that are coming here to stay or be resold so no worries there. The retail shops on island are mainly located about 1-2 miles from Beaches, You could walk along the beach (looking at the ocean turn right) and go towards the Regent Grand and then catch a cab home or take a cab to and from there. (about 1/2 way, you could stop at Bay Bistro or Hemingways on the beach for lunch or a drink) There are some cute little shops and galleries if you want to check them out. I know the Goldsmiths in the Caicos Cafe plaza carries cigars and I can check with my personal training buddy about other places (her hubby smokes cigars, mine doesn't). I am at home with 2 girls with the flu, so it will probably be next week b/4 I get the shop names for cigars (we are self quaranteened here right now LOL). I do know that tourists who like cigars do make a point to buy them here on island. We also have a new local shop in the Regent village that carries T&C made products including our locally distilled Bambarra Rum, and special rum reserve which is nice as well. Cool shops to go to if you go off property all of these are withing walking distance of each other (Salt mills and regent plaza are right next to each other and Ports of call and caicos plaza are next to each other): Salt Mills Plaza: Anna's Gallery: cool art, fabulous jewelry, and lots of very nice up market items, many created by turks and caicos artists: (disclaimer: prints of my paintings are sold there and Anna's a great friend, love her things) The owner Anna, makes gorgeous silk paintings that you can roll up and take home! Her jewelry inspired me to finally get into jewelry making which I love and sell at art shows as well. Paradise Arts: Brenda Luddington is a wonderful ceramic artist who has lived on island for years and makes yummy tiles, small pots and paintings. Her work is great and it's a working shop with all of her paints/clay etc, if you love art it's a fun place to visit. Inter Decor: has some fun home decorating touches There are also some great clothing shops there. Regent Plaza: Lots of fun shops here Taste of the Turks and Caicos: Bambarra Rum, and lots of locally made goods on island Goldsmiths Jewelry and Jai's Jewelry: fine jewelry that people love to go to. (I think jai's still gives you complimentary champagne while you shop) Art Provo: a little bit of everything/ jewelry, paintings, bags, souveniers Making Waves art gallery: Lots of canvas prints there as well Caicos adventures: t shirts and goodies from a local dive shop Pizza Pizza Plaza: Restore: organic and natural souveniers Island Scoop: locally made ice cream for a nice break Ports of Call: Lots of little locally owned shops with little nick nacks Caicos Cafe Plaza: Goldsmith (I believe this is where they have the cigars), Caicos Bakery (lovely bread), Rumors (cool clothes and home/jewelry items), Caicos Cafe The Regent Palms also has a lovely gift shop as well Beaches has fabulous shops, very nice and lots to choose from, but they don't carry much that is made by local artists etc They do have a straw market one day a week where you can get some other things. I'll get back to you on exact locations from cigars. I do encourage all of the Beaches Bound Brides to take a morning or afternoon to see the island off property. It's really lovely and fun to check out and pretty friendly! hope that helps! Krys

Hi, I've lived here 15 years and can't ever remember a time going on the beach that the sand was too hot. My kids and their friends will always do lots of playing in the sand as well and we just don't have that problem here. The sand is very very white, so it reflects vs absorbs heat. You should be fine going barefoot! Hope that helps Krys

Just email david with your concerns, he is a great guy and can put your mind at ease. Krys

Suncharters.tc is the right address for Atabeyra. I can personally say they do great trips b/c that's the boat we go on when we go out on a big sailboat. My experience with Sail Provo is from brides we have had who have used them. I have not heard one complaint from those that have used them. My personal opinion is go with Atabeyra, b/c I love that boat, it's really unique and beautiful and unlike anything in the Caribbean! They owners run the boat themselves. Our island is REALLY small, we don't have a ton of tourists compared to the other Caribbean destinations and can't support lots of boat vendors. Sail Provo has been around for quite a long time so they must be doing something right. The hotels and locals are pretty quick to not recommend if the experience is not good as they don't want unhappy guests. Big Blue is a great operation, but I have never thought of them for a sailing charter. I didn't know they did them. I highly recommend them for diving, kayaking and paddle boarding trips. Their eco tours are also spectacular. (I have been on 4 kayak tours with my kids, have friends who have done paddle boarding, and I have dove with them and actually worked with their dive staff/owners when we did a lot of underwater photography and video.) Hope that helps. Krys

Hi, I can answer your question: The majority of people using us did not use us for the ceremony, they had the Beaches photographers cover that. We took them off property either before or after the ceremony for their photo shoots, we try to take them to locations they wouldn't normally see around the resort. Many of our Beaches brides have chosen our Island escape package where we go to 2-3 different locations on island. Beaches here in the T&C is very strict about upholding the company's policy of "no photographers other than Beaches photographers". They will allow us on property if a room is booked for us for 3 days. We had that happen twice last year and both occasions the room was in the photographer's name but it was used as a meeting room/get together room or extra storage for the bride. Hope that helps Krys

Hi Kerry, There has only been one or maybe two weddings at the Seven Stars resort since it opened, which is why there is a lack of information. (I posted a link to one we shot a while back). The resort was taken over by a management company run by the owners last year, and they are just really starting to market it more. It is one of the most centrally located resorts within walking distance to everything and they have a long stretch of beach in front of them. I know a few of the owners at the resort and many of them don't rent out their units so the resort is pretty quiet (not crowded at all). It is the tallest building on the island and has a more modern feel than some of our other resorts, but reviews and comments from guests at the resort always are positive on Trip Advisor. You may want to check with one of the on island wedding coordinators for information on the wedding side as well. Diane from Island Harmony, Teresa from Tropical Destination Management and Nila Destinations are the 3 island coordinators. Let me know if there is anything else I can answer for you. Krys

Seven Stars is owned and operated by a management company that is owned by the owners of the condos of the resort. Because a lot of the owners use their condos or live there, you'll find it very quiet and not crowded. I know they have wanted to increase their bookings this year so I think you could find some great deals with them. They have all of the on site facilities, bar/restaurant/spa etc. and for guests it is one of the most conveniently located resorts on island (close to the Graceway Gourmet Grocery store and short walks to all of the shopping and restaurants. It's got a long stretch of beach frontage as well. I stop in on the Trip Advisor forums and Seven Stars gets great reviews from guests. If you have any other questions let me know! Krys

Kerry, Continental also will be starting flights from Newark so that also might be an option for guests. October is slower so you should be able to get much better rates on hotels and airfare vs the spring time. I would contact the resort directly and see about discounts for booking a group. (but wait until after Jan 4th as the hotels are swamped right now!) Krys

I was going to say try the email Michelle gave you ([email protected]) . It could have bounced back for a couple of reasons, one being sometimes the island servers get messed up. If you can't get in touch via that one as well let me know and I can try the good ol' telephone on island to see if she's having computer/server problems. Krys

You both are stunning!!!! So glad you could come down and play! Krys

We live 80 miles north of DR/Haiti, so we're pretty up to spead on what's going on down there as we have many people from both countries living and working here. The case that was in the DR was a Haitian man who had just been to Haiti visiting family. They isolated him quickly. Because of the much higher sanitation in the DR and the fact that their water sources won't be contaminated makes it very unlikely to spread there. You may see isolated cases of people who have traveled from Haiti, but that should be rare. Cholera is transmitted by a bacteria in contaminated water. It is easily stopped by hand sanitizer, drinking purified water and not bathing in contaminated rivers. Rinsing food with purified water is also a must. People who contract cholera can be treated easily and quickly by antibiotics and IV fluids. If they have access to both of those things they won't die .Sadly in Haiti, both of those things are scarce and/or people cannot afford it, hence the epidemic. Currently it seems the source of the outbreak is from a United Nations unit who are from Nepal who were dumping sewage from their camp into the local river in the northern area (there are blog sources and photos of this happening). The UN and Haitian government are trying to cover it up, but the strain of cholera is an asian strain found in Nepal where Cholera has been found. Right now the people most affected are people who use that river for their water, bathing, irrigation and they do not have a lot of medical access in villages. It has spread because the earthquake has left so much damaged that being near a clean water source is very difficult. I really wouldn't worry, but if you are looking for a good charity there are a lot of local Haitian groups who are in the midst of this nightmare that can benefit. Real Hope for Haiti and the Heartline Hospital are two great groups where the money goes directly to the projects vs the big charities where the money seems to stay in the corporate offices. Krys

Just a quick report for all you T&C brides. Tomas shifted east last night, so we just got a little wind and rain. Here at the house the gusts were max 34 mph. We've already taken a few of the shutters down off the screened in porch and are preparing for a blustery day as Tomas heads north in the Atlantic. I would suspect they'll open the airport today. We're relieved that it was more of a "non-event". Happy Planning with your weddings! Krys

Rain cleared off and it's been partly sunny today. Andy's been putting shutters up at the office. I've been getting things indoors and shopping at the grocery store. Pick up the kids later and a final grocery run to snuggle in for Friday. Looks like it's moving west now and may impact the southern bahamas more than us...but we're all prepping just in case. Airport and banks will be shut tomorrow. So all is good. One thing people in the US don't realize is that our homes are made of concrete with steel bars going through the poured concrete, we're all pretty solid. Too much rain is the biggest concern in the low lying areas, but most people build with that in mind. going to do lots of fun baking with the girls tonight to have fun treats tomorrow..... Krys