The Perfect Setting for a Cayman Sunset Wedding

Staying at the Ritz Carlton, this New Jersey physician and his RN wife-to-be were looking for a quiet and secluded spot for their sunset wedding, with his three daughters in attendance as witnesses. After looking at several spots, I took them to My Secret Cove which fit the bill perfectly. This tranquil little spot is beautiful now, as the vegetation lost during last summer's storms is coming back. The waves have also smoothed down the sand, creating a perfect crescent for a small wedding party like this one.

Very simple, very beautiful bride.

A happy smile from the bride as the groom repeats his vows.

Group hug!

Everybody was in on the "proof" shot.

This package is called "Tropical Splendour" and in addition to the legal requirements, it includes photography, champagne, wedding cake, and tropical wedding flowers as seen here.

Call to arrange your own tropical splendour (345) 94986577 or visit www.caymanweddings.com.ky
ceremony by Joy of Weddings, arrangements by Cayman weddings, flowers by Trisha's Roses, cake by Miss Vivene's Cakes and photography by Marcos Montana.

Cayman Cruise Elopement - What the Doctor ordered!

Today the temperature in Minnesota was 40 below, but this Wayzata physician and her salesman husband-to-be were more than warm in the 80 degree Cayman weather when they accompanied me to pick up their Special Marriage License. Despite a small hitch, this adventure loving duo were unfazed and totally confident everything was aligned to make their marriage happen.

The couple met and fell in love attending a friend's wedding in Hawaii and wanted a Caribbean
wedding while cruising on the Ruby Princess. They picked the wedding-friendly Cayman Islands for their very simple, no frills ceremony. Of course, I took them to My Secret Cove.

If a place can hold "happy vibes" then this tranquil spot has them. Every time I share it with someone I listen for their little gasp of delight that such a spot exists. This couple was no exception.
Standing barefoot and letting the waves wash their footprints away, as I announce they are "husband and wife."

We rounded up some cruise visitors from another beach to be witness and photographer.

Here we all are, the couple, Joy and the reluctant photographer and witness, aka my husband.

Of course we had to have the "proof" shot for family and friends at home in Minnesota, who are about to be surprised. So everything ended well and happily thanks to a good-friend and Kinkos, and this couple got their simple wedding in the Cayman Islands, and later today will continue their honeymoon cruise.

Call me for your own simple Cayman wedding, standing barefoot in the sand. Call (345)5256551 or email me at mywedding@candw.ky

Grand Cayman Cruise Commitment Ceremony

This group of swing-dancing friends were in town last week on a cruise and witnessed their friends commitment ceremony.

I thought this would be a good time to talk about what a commitment ceremony is, and under what circumstances I perform the ceremony.

The couple watch while their friend signs the Commitment Certificate.

The whole group, with the photographer who accompanied them read the words on the Commitment Certificate.

The Cayman Islands Registered Marriage Certificate is legal world-wide. Cayman has no residency requirement for visitors, which means you can have a legal marriage performed while you are in port. The onus to make sure your documentation is correct, falls on your Marriage Officer. Sometimes this gets complicated because divorce law in different states and countries is different. It is possible that for some reason or other you can't get your original divorce decree, or you can't get it in time, especially if you're only going to be in Cayman for one day. In some circumstances, a Commitment Ceremony is appropriate and called for.

The most important thing to remember is that a Commitment Ceremony is completely at my discretion. I don't do them often, and I don't do them lightly. Because they are non-legal and non-binding, a couple can't just turn up and decide they want to have a Commitment Ceremony.
They must convince me that but for certain circumstances, they would be doing a legal marriage ceremony. I do not do same -sex commitment ceremonies. This has nothing to do with my personal beliefs but is out of sensitivity to the small community I live in.

Similarly, if your documentation is incomplete I will not be able to file for your Special Marriage License. It is your responsibility to ensure that all is in order for your Cayman Islands wedding. This is one reason that I encourage couples to book early and send in their deposit to book their wedding. I have a refund policy on deposits. Your Marriage Officer is a professional, and should be treated with courtesy. I am proud of the professional service I provide. However it is my prerogative to decline to perform your ceremony, if anything about your paperwork or your demeanor does not sit well with me. In doing this I am protecting my license from the government, and my reputation. This has only happened twice in 14 years.

It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to be part of the happiest day of your life. Call me for your own Cayman Islands Cruise Wedding or Cruise Renewal (345) 5256551.

Cayman Cruise Wedding Blessing for Californians

When this Los Angeles bride contacted me months ago, it was to say that she had already had her civil wedding, her US serviceman husband was overseas, and when they took a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their one-year anniversary and his safe return, she wanted a meaningful, civil ceremony. I was happy to help her plan her Cayman Wedding Blessing ceremony with family and friends in attendance.


The bride gets ready at our West Bay office, with her mother-in- law and sister-in-law's help.

The beautiful bride put a lot of thought and effort into making this a perfect day.

I don't think it was quite as hot as Iraq or Afghanistan in full fatigues...but it was hot!

Doubling their luck, not one but two starfish!

"Bubbly" compliments of Simply Weddings given to all servicemen, policemen, and firefighters.

The whole group whoop it up, after which they enjoyed the sun, sand and sea with lunch at Alfresco's Restaurant before heading back to their cruise ship.

Having a run on the beach is hard work!

Portrait shot at Blue Water Beach

"It couldn't have been a more perfect day."

Ceremony by Joy of Weddings from a script supplied by the bride, arrangements by Simply Weddings, flowers by Trisha's Roses, cake by Miss Vivene's Cakes and photography bt Margot of Picture This. Married less than two years and looking for great wedding shots on a Caribbean Island while on a cruise vacation? Call me today to set up your own Cayman Wedding Blessing and get great pictures like these of an event you will treasure for the rest of your life. Call Joy at (345)5256551 or email me at mywedding@candw.ky

Grand Cayman Cruise Wedding for NC Couple

Weddings rings on Starfish at My Secret Cove

New Year's Eve 2008 and this North Carolina couple weren't sure they would have their dream wedding in the Cayman Islands because her divorce was not going to be final until they had already left for their Carnival Inspiration cruise...and the Cayman Islands Government doesn't accept faxed copies of documents for the purpose of getting a Special Marriage License!

Luckily her best friend stepped in and offered to get the papers from the court house and overnight express them to me. They arrived the evening before the wedding...Whew!

The groom's three sons were along for the occasion and enjoyed the very hot day.

A glass of chilled champagne was certainly called for.

The ceremony over, this couple were happy to be standing in sand, not snow.

Yes, a good time was had by all...You Tube anyone?

A good way to end the old year and bring in the new!

So this love story, and the year 2008 ended happily for this family, and also for me.

Let me help you have your own great beginning to the rest of your life, call me for your Grand Cayman Wedding, Wedding Blessing or Wedding Vow Renewal (345)5256551

For this Grand Cayman Cruise Wedding, photography by Dubadah Boldeau, ceremony by Joy of Weddings for Simply Weddings, flowers by Trisha's Roses.

Starfish Point New Year's Wedding for Utah Couple

When this Salt Lake City couple, staying at The Reef Resort in East End with a family group of 18, contacted me about a New Year's Day wedding they requested Rum Point, but I realised that on a public holiday the beach at Rum Point would be teeming with people and recommended Starfish Point on Ivory Kai instead. I was influenced by the fact that the bride's three young children would enjoy this tranquil and beautiful spot. In 14 years as a Marriage Officer I have only done 3 weddings at this spot, yet it my favourite place in the whole Cayman Islands.

Looking for Starfish!

I think it's very important to include children in the festivities.

Sparkling white grape juice was provided for the children. This little girl is holding a Sand Dollar, I gave each child one as a souvenir of the day.

Caymanian tradition says only the groom should open that first all important bottle of champagne! Of course the cork must be found and saved, even if it means jumping into the water.

Looking at the proof after being congratulated and announced by their Marriage Officer.

The newly-weds (far left) pose with the whole gang. The groom's mother and father are to the far right. They told me that this wedding coming at the end of a family vacation was a complete surprise. Yes, a great time was had by all. Happy New Year!

Call me for your own 2009 wedding. wedding blessing, or wedding vow renewal and create your own memories of an unforgettable vacation in the Cayman Islands.
Call Joy at (345)5256551 or email mywedding@candw.ky

New Year's 50th Anniversary Vow Renewal - Grand Cayman

What a way to start the New Year! A 50th Anniversary Vow Renewal with this very special couple from Hamilton, Virginia. The surprise celebration was arranged by their three daughters to take place during their New Year's cruise when they were accompanied by 15 members of their family.

I used the same ceremony my mom and dad, Francine and Vernon Jackson composed for their own 50th anniversary vow renewal and everybody was in tears, including the Marriage Officer!

Sometimes in my work you come across people like this couple who are very special, and still in love after 50 years and it it a very touching and heart-warming experience.
The reading I chose for the ceremony was "Happiness in Marriage" which was read by one of their daughters. No doubt about it, this couple knows the secret of marital bliss, and it shows!

Here they are signing their renewal certificate. Note the photo on the table taken on their wedding day.

The happy couple show off their Renewal Certificate. In the background, Governor's Beach.

Love is in the air! Music provided by Michael Lemay on the steel pan.

Ceremony by Joy of Weddings, from a script written by Francine and Vernon Jackson of Cayman Weddings, arrangements and flowers by Trisha's Roses. Official photographer, Marie of Island Photos, video by Christie of APEX videos.

Here are some thank you's from this family in their own words.

"I can't say enough Thank-You's to You for being that special someone we hoped you were to attend to my parents day. You were the perfect match.

Doing this over the internet was very scary for us and we just couldn't have hoped and received a more wonderful person than yourself....

Thank-You for doing such a great job and Thank-You for allowing my parents to use your Parents vows.

I would write on your blog just to let other people know how special we all think you are but I cant figure that out so I'm sorry for that....

Thank-You Again and Again

Stephanie B-D"

"Dear Joy:

Thank you so much for our beautiful wedding renewal. It was truly a wonderful surprise for us. We feel

blessed to have such great children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family is what life is

all about. Arlyn and I truly want to thank you for allowing us to use the vows written for your own

Mom and Dad. It was very special and emotional and said it all. Is it possible for you to E-mail

us a copy of them for our special memory album? Our E-mail address is (deleted)

Again, thank you so much and we hope to see you again sometime maybe in Atlantic City or

Las Vegas. Have a wonderful New Year.

God bless you and your family'

Arlyn and Pat"

Call me to celebrate your own wedding vow renewal in 2009 on one of the world-famous beaches in the Cayman Islands. Call Joy at (345)5256551 or email mywedding@candw.ky