Jump to content

Paradise Island Site Visit- Ideas and Questions


MrsWeiss1211

Recommended Posts

Was in the Bahamas last weekend for a mini vacation and got to meet with a bunch of vendors! Planning a wedding is so much fun!

 

Wedding Planner - Anne Marie Williams

 

I love Anne-Marie, she is super maternal, very detailed oriented and willing to go above and beyond.  We were really lucky that she was doing a wedding at the Cloisters and Luciano's the weekend that we were there and we were able to stop by before the wedding to see the setup at both locations.  Throughout our time with Anne-Marie, she was following up with the pick up/drop off and other details for the wedding that day which was awesome because it means that she is very detail oriented.  She also had the 3 string quartet play for us so that we can decide whether we wanted to go with just the violinist or a 3 string and having 3 definitely makes a difference!

 

Ceremony - Cloisters -  Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.  What more can I say?  I can't imagine being married anywhere else

 

Reception - Luciano's  - I didnt expect Luciano's food to be so delicious, we were sooooo pleasantly surprised.  The Seafood Wellington was unbelievable and we will probably be advising everyone at the wedding to order it.  The Coconut Panna Cotta was also very yummy. The staff were extremely accommodative, willing to make changes and checking with us after every course.  The outside area is also very spacious. The lights come on after sunset which gives it a very romantic feel, especially when combined with the lights on at the Atlantis across the harbor.  Like the Cloisters, I can't imagine a more perfect setting.  My fiance was sooo happy with my pick

 

Cake - Swiss Pastry Shop - We had to pay $25 for cake samples which isnt common in NY, but very common in the Bahamas.  Either way, the cakes by Manfred were delicious, but be careful because the cakes he provides at the tasting are whipped cream with sponge cake.  If you want fondant, he usually makes it with pound cake which means that it will probably taste different from the cake samples.  If possible, I would ask to taste their buttercream and fondant cakes as well.  

 

Flowers - Wildflowers - Can't say much yet but Natalie spent 2 hours talking with us.  She will be doing a sample setup for us to see if we like it. Anne-Marie uses Wildflowers for 90% of her weddings.  I'll give more feedback on them when I see some samples.  However my first impression is that you should know what you want and don't want because they may over recommend

 

Makeup - Regina - Recommended by Anne-Marie.  I paid $100 for a test, but i looooved her.  She put eyelash extensions on me and it was gorgeous!

 

Overall we had a really great experience and can't wait to have our wedding in Dec!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 58
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I forgot to report my update - i was there the same weekend as Crazed Trader.  We already did our intital site visit with vendors so this was part vacation, part small stuff.

 

First and foremost we applied for our wedding license - it was really quick and easy - we arranged this service through Mathew Sweeting's office so we had an escort, although i think it would be pretty easy on your own.  While it was fast, I'm so glad we did this ahead of time and won't have to leave our guests during wedding weekend to go downtown.

 

While we were downtown, I stopped by Bobbie Brown and arranged for them to come to the hotel wedding day.  It's just my sister and me so I was quoted $85/each.  I expected that - I'm just glad they are willing to do it.  I did a trial - not full wedding makeup, but regular and I completely trust the BB artists to do a soft, natural look.  Phew, what a relief.

 

I also did a hair trial at Mandara Spa.  They tried to convince me to do it a day or 2 before the wedding but again, I don't want to leave my guests to do all these things - there will be enough to do then.  I brought in pictures and thought I was pretty clear about what I wanted but it didn't come out that way.  it was OK, but not great and it cost my $144 (including automatic tip).  So I'm not sure what I am going to do for the wedding.  I don't think I can do it on my own.  My friends have said they hated their trial too so I may do it and just be more proactive with giving instructions.

 

Other than that we didn't do anything formal.  We met with the GM at Carmines to arrange our rehearsal dinner.  Jose was trying to convince me to do Luciano's instead and I know the food is better, the atmosphere/view is better and they are more attuned to dealing with parties, but Carmine's is just so convenient.  The dinner is for all family, not just those in wedding party so its quite a group to gather.  There are some people who are notoriously late and then factor in the size of Atlantis and not being familiar, there is no way people will arrive on time.  At least this way if they are late, its not holding up everyone including the transportation vehicles.  I think having it on-site will reduce our stress level - if someones late, so be it, they just need to walk over themselves.  We also spoke with someone at Mosaic to arrange our Sunday brunch. 

 

I was expecting to see a wedding on the Royal Overlook but my wedding coordinator was incorrect about that.  There were TONS of weddings that weekend, but none in my spot :(  Oh well. At least my fiance and I had some time to spend in the areas and work out some of the logistics we had been debating over (like when and where to do the junkanoo).

 

10 more weeks - lots to do!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh yeah, the other thing I realized last weekend is that I have to do pre-wedding events indoors.  I am a mosquito magnet - we were out on the patio of Seaglass for about 30 minutes and I got about 6-8 bites on my legs.  So I have to avoid that at all costs - my wedding dress is short and I don't want to look like a leper!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Well, it's 2 weeks until my REAL visit!  Hard to believe how fast it has gone.  I'm pretty much done with everything - finalized and confirmed all the details with vendors and have all my clothes and wedding supplies/gifts.  Now its just a matter of packing it all!  At least most of it is only going one way :)

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mrs Weiss, 

 

Thanks for getting all that info on your recog mission. 

 

I am going to contact that DJ!

 

RE: Ben Jamieson - We are using him, we didn't have a problem catching up to him or meeting him, I am not sure what went wrong there with you.  I am sorry to hear it happened though, because he really is a nice guy.

 

Floralarts: We are going with them and they have been fantastic. We haven't had any hesitation and Monique has been fast to respond and give suggestions.   We tried florama on Bay St and they weren't even interested.  

 

Swiss Pastry shop: I go here everytime when I am down there.  They make awesome cakes, and great sweets for a sweet table.

 

Lucianos - If you haven't been but I think I read someone is using them has AMAZING food and great service.  If you book your wedding there be sure to request that you are to have your reception on the OPPOSITE side of the Green Parrot Bar (next door) it gets sooo loud that you cannot hear a thing. .. unless of course you can speak between the loud bass beats.

 

  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

All this information is so helpful!!! We just began planning a wedding for June 2, 2012 in the Bahamas and I feel so overwhelmed.  I looked into hiring a planner to spare me from losing my mind but this forum alone has made me feel at ease. The Bahamas wedding planning seems much more difficult than other destinations and the information seems harder to find.  So I am a church mouse onlooker but just wanted to say thanks and keep the posts coming!   

 

Does anyone have experience with Anna Fox?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter
  • Posts

    • Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!
    • When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the perfect wedding favours for your guests. These small tokens of appreciation are a great way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day and to make them feel appreciated.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...