How long have you been planning destination weddings?
In my early twenties, I started helping all my girlfriends with their engagement and wedding parties, and have been doing it professionally for the last 2 years.
Why did you choose to become a Destination Wedding Specialist?
As a travel consultant, I helped several soon-to-be-married couples choose the perfect honeymoon. I soon realized that many of the couples I was meeting were looking for more creative ways to celebrate their weddings. One couple in particular was so desperate to move away from a traditional wedding that they came to me begging to find the quickest way to get them to a wedding chapel in Las Vegas. After spending the afternoon listening and working with that couple my true passion surfaced. I immediately devoted my time to the organization of their entire wedding!
What's your favorite part of the job?
I love not having a favorite part! Working with couples during the most joyous moments of their lives is absolutely great. I specifically enjoy making dreams come true, even the absolutely wild and outrageous ones. Who said it does not snow in Jamaica! The planning process from start to finish is filled with such excitement that I can honestly say that I love it.
Which destination is your favorite and why?
A wedding in the Bahamas can be one of the most exciting and exclusive events available to couples in love. The Bahamas is a very flexible location and with a little creativity anything is possible! It can be a very posh and elegant island which is a great backdrop for an upscale wedding or, it can be toned down for a much more casual beach style wedding. Lastly, the Bahamas remains an extremely accessible destination for all couples and budgets.
What's the most exotic location that you've planned a wedding in?
A year ago, I met a couple who wanted their wedding to look and feel as if they were on a deserted island. We found a deserted beach along the coast of Anguilla which was only accessible by local fishing boats and had absolutely no amenities to speak of. After a lot of careful planning, the couple along with guests traveled via St Maarten on a string of fishing boats to their destination “a deserted beach”. They wanted to feel as though they were the only ones on the island and apart from a few sleepy crabs they were! The event was unbelievable.
What's your personal philosophy on love?
Love is a hugely debatable topic; my experience thus far dictates that to be in love, two individuals must truly accept each other and all of their minute idiosyncrasies. Once that mountain is scaled the result is an infinite amount of bliss. Throughout my career I have been witness to many couples in all stages of their “love life” and I would be lying if I claimed that every single one of them were truly in love. That being said I believe that, like a destination wedding, love is challenging. It obliges you to pour your soul into it and ultimately, with a little bit of luck and good weather it remains yours to treasure forever.
Do you have a story you'd like to share with us?
There are too many stories that I love for me to choose one, but I would gladly tell you once we meet.
Do you have a quick tip for us?
Mostly, destination weddings require rigorous planning however, the outcome will definitely be one you and your guests will never forget!!!
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