THE PLANNING: We started planning a big wedding in New York City and became so overwhelmed with the logistics and cost that we finally decided we were either going to elope or have a very small, intimate wedding. We wanted the day to be really special and be able to enjoy it with no stress. We are both beach lovers but we were limited because of the zika virus, as we’re trying to conceive. Bermuda is clear of zika and just a two-hour flight from New York City. It was absolutely the perfect place to get married.
THE LEAD-UP: We only had eight guests at our wedding. We had dinner and cocktails on the outside deck at The Waterlot Inn the night before the wedding. It was the first time our families met, as everyone lives all over the U.S., and it was a great way to bring our families together.
GETTING READY: It was pouring rain the morning of the wedding. We were getting married at Stonehole Bay Beach in the early evening, so I said a little prayer and hoped the weather would clear. We decided we were moving forward with the beach wedding and everyone better bring an umbrella. Rain or shine, we were determined to get married at Stonehole Bay Beach.
THE WEDDING: The setting at Stonehole Bay Beach was perfect. You walk down a narrow sandy path with tropical foliage that leads to the most beautiful opening we have ever seen. There are huge rocks on both sides with the sand and ocean in between. Tom and I held hands throughout the whole ceremony. It was really intense emotionally. We were all shedding tears of happiness, even the groom, who never cries. I carried a picture of my mom, who passed away eight years ago, attached to my bouquet. I felt like she was there with me and I really needed that the day of my wedding. We mentioned Tom’s father, who’d also passed away, during the ceremony.
THE PARTY: We arrived at The Loren, the most beautiful hotel in Bermuda, and the skies parted to reveal a double rainbow over the ocean. Our photographer captured the moment perfectly. We felt truly blessed and stayed outside to watch the rainbow for a while before heading into cocktail hour, which was perfect. We really fell in love with The Loren. The food and service were impeccable. Our table centerpieces, arranged by Flowers by GiMi, were a stunning blend of white garden roses, white spray roses, white freesia, and a touch of greenery. Our private dining room at the Marée restaurant was perfect too, with great ambience.
THE HONEYMOON: We stayed in Bermuda for five days, and now we wish we stayed for a month. We really fell in love with Bermuda and are planning on taking our honeymoon very soon, most likely back to Bermuda.
THE FUTURE: Tom got a wonderful job promotion, which was why we couldn’t take a full honeymoon in Bermuda at the time of our wedding. I’ve been busy running my landscape architecture business, and now we’re trying to start a family. 2018 has been a stellar year for us. We feel very blessed and are thankful for such meaningful experiences.
ADVICE TO COUPLES: Make it an adventure, and keep it small and intimate. We wouldn’t have done it any other way. We’re both so happy we chose Bermuda and we will be back soon. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!
WEDDING DETAILS
CEREMONY: Stonehole Bay Beach
RECEPTION: The Loren at Pink Beach
WEDDING PLANNER: Bridal Suite Bermuda
PHOTOGRAPHY: Fiander Foto
FLOWERS: Flowers by GiMi
HAIR: Stylz By Traci
MAKEUP: Serena Brangman
OFFICIANT: Pastor Deborah Dean
