missbonedoc

Okay, I NEVER thought I would be posting on any sort of wedding message board, but it looks like people are so helpful here! We are having somewhat nontraditional nuptials. I work 80 hours a week and didn't have time to plan a big destination wedding, but thought it would be a way to get around inviting too many people (we just couldn't draw the line between guest 4 and guest 400... so we're going with 4!) When we first started looking into destination weddings, there was so much additional paperwork (and sometimes a waiting period) required that we decided to "make it official" at the courthouse in the States before we go to St. Maarten/St. Martin and Anguilla. Neither of us imagined a courthouse wedding, so we'd like a small faux ceremony on the beach mainly for the beautiful pictures! When we return to the States, we're having a bigger reception/party at the Conrad hotel. Would really appreciate any input or recommendations! -Has anyone gotten married on either island? Is there one you would recommend over the other for the pics? We're staying at the Radisson on St. Martin and CuisinArt on Anguilla. - The wedding planners are quoting a few hundred dollars for the "ceremony" even though there's no paperwork required. Do we really need the coordinator or can we just go to any beach and start saying vows and taking pictures? - Are there any photographers on the islands you recommend? There are a ton of US photogs that I love, but can't really justify $2500 to fly them down for a 1-hour wedding with 4 guests. - The wedding coordinator also quoted me $200 for a bouquet. I'm not particular at all (and actually don't like flowers). Would I be able to find a bunch of fresh flowers on the island? I can bring my own ribbon to tie around the stems! Thanks in advance for all your ideas!