Go Green
The latest in wedding floral trends
BermudaInspired Gifts
For your wedding party and one another Wedding Day Inspo International couples
share their big day with us — and you
The exquisite Coco Reef Resort sits on Bermudas south shore and offers spectacular ocean views from each of its 64 rooms. Situated on its own private beach and surrounded by manicured gardens, Coco Reef is the perfect intimate resort. Whether it’s a toes-in-the-sand wedding ceremony or an indoor affair in our Sol i Mar restaurant, Coco Reef is the picture-perfect venue for weddings and celebrations.
Fourways offers the perfect choice of locations around our historic property, from our 1727 restaurant of Bermuda Cedar and coral stone, to our romantic outdoors settings in either the Rose Garden or Palm Garden.
Fourways Catering has been serving Bermuda for over 40 years and is the island’s leading caterer. Combine culinary passion with commitment to outstanding service and you have Fourways Restaurant and Fourways Catering.
Follow these tips for a Bermuda-ful beginning to the next chapter of your love story. From paperwork to party planning, we ’ve got you covered with our insider’s guide.
Bermuda makes a beautiful wedding day backdrop, that much is for certain. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or you’re a Bermudian preparing for your big day on your home island, here is some needto-know info.
4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Civil ceremonies require an additional fee of $260. Two witnesses are required for every ceremony. Registry General staff are available to act as witnesses on weekdays, but you must inform the office of your need for witnesses when you confirm your marriage appointment. For Saturday ceremonies, you must bring your own witnesses.
• Get married on the high seas aboard ships registered in Bermuda in a civil ceremony performed by the captain of the ship. Make arrangements through Royal Ocean Events, info@royalwed. com, or P&O Cruises, celebrations@ pocruise.com.
• Civil ceremonies are performed by the Registrar General in a special marriage room at the Registry General Office on weekdays from 10 a.m. to
• File a Notice of Intended Marriage form with the Registrar General at least 15 days and no more than three months prior to the wedding day. If you download the form, it must be printed on legal-size paper — 8.5" x 14". Fill out the form and mail it to The Registrar General, Government Administration Building, 30 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda, along with final divorce decree or death certificate if you’re divorced or widowed. For more information on this process, visit www.gov.bm/getting-marriedbermuda or call 441-297-7739.
• Non-Bermudians who wish to marry in a Roman Catholic Church must meet several requirements. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda recommends planning at least eight to 12 months in advance. Find more information by visiting www.romancatholicbermuda.bm/ information/international-marriages.
Bermuda’s premier bar and grill restaurant located in the scenic beauty of the Belmont Hills Golf Course is the ideal wedding venue with spectacular views overlooking the Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour. Blû’s cuisine is bold American with generous Italian and Asian influences.
Create a memorable Bermuda wedding at Aurora restaurant and private dining room and bar, The Cove, located at Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa. Aurora’s award-winning cuisine features fresh local seafood and produce from Bermuda’s best fisherman and farmers.
Welcome to this issue of Bermuda Wedding & Honeymoon! Whether you’re planning your own wedding or simply flipping through the pages for fun, prepare to be awed by some stunning photos of our beautiful featured couples. From a traditional Indian wedding to the union of a Nigerian-British woman and a Serbian from Croatia, you’ll find international inspiration in this issue’s pages. Our couples share the many ways Bermuda’s outstanding wedding vendors went above and beyond to make their special day truly unforgettable.
In addition to our dreamy wedding day features, we delve into modern-day floral trends, and we share the latest Bermudainspired gifts to give to those who’ve supported you throughout your wedding planning process. We also hear from
Bermuda restaurants and venues with tips and trends for a successful rehearsal dinner.
We could not create this gorgeous magazine without the partnership of the island’s incredibly talented photographers. We are so grateful to each and every one who shared their picture-perfect wedding day captures. Thanks and appreciation also go out to the Bermuda businesses that support Bermuda Wedding & Honeymoon magazine, and to the couples who shared their special day with us for this issue.
Happy reading!
Leslie Hurd Associate Publisher
For 40+ years, Portofino has a been a favourite with both locals and visitors alike.
We provide the perfect setting for events both large and small. At Portofino our philosophy is simple; We pride ourselves on excellent food and unrivaled service.
Come Enjoy our cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and our delicious food selections, which are guaranteed to satisfy every appetite.
sSimple and Amit first met online and began a long-distance relationship. When they finally moved to the same city, they were inseparable, and have been so ever since.
“We decided to get married in Bermuda because we heard it had beautiful blue skies and incredible pink beaches, and it didn’t disappoint,” says Simple.
Simple shares her thoughts on the couple’s wedding vendors:
“He was a pleasure to work with. He made us and our guests feel very comfortable, which led to beautiful and natural pictures.”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
“We had a unique situation where some of our guests arrived on a cruise that docked in Bermuda, while others flew directly to the island. Although we arrived in different ways, we all enjoyed an intimate wedding on a beautiful cliff at The Reefs.”
CATERING: The Reefs Resort & Spa “The chefs were able to create a comprehensive and delicious Indian menu. We were blown away by their ability to customise it in such an authentic way. We actually had guests that came from India and even they couldn’t stop raving about the food.”
FLOWERS: Flowers by GiMi
“They were able to put together a ‘mandap’ for us with the exact colour of flowers we wanted for our Indian wedding. The structure was elegant with flower arrangements that matched our outfits, which made our day even more perfect.”
“We needed a DJ who could spin both English and Indian music, and transition between the two without ruining the flow of the dancefloor. We flew DJ Prodiigy (Zora) in from Toronto, and he delivered.”
Sol i Mar restaurant at the Coco Reef Resort offers a truly unique dining experience. Beautiful floor to ceiling glass windows surround the restaurant, imparting picturesque views of the ocean. Our menu features creative international cuisine infused with Bermudian flavors and an extensive wine list that includes wines from around the world for an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or an enjoyable evening with friends, our attentive staff will make sure your visit to Sol i Mar is nothing short of extraordinary!
Celebrate the joining of two families with a pre-wedding rehearsal dinner.
tThe rehearsal dinner has long been a staple wedding activity where love and laughter come together over delicious delights. A rehearsal dinner serves multiple purposes, but perhaps the most important feature of this event is that it allows your two families to come together as one. A rehearsal dinner is also a time to work through any last-minute wedding day details, and it’s a gesture of gratitude and goodwill for those who’ve supported you throughout your life, including the moments leading up to your big day.
Rehearsal dinners often take place at a restaurant — a public venue by nature — but couples can add a little intimacy and privacy to this special meal by hosting the event in a private room, says Belinda Barbieri of Dining Bermuda, a restaurant group with 13 eateries and cafés on the island.
Add intimacy to your rehearsal dinner by booking a private room.
“A trend we are seeing is that brides and grooms are taking advantage of private rooms and spaces at restaurants to allow their rehearsal dinner to be an exclusive and more intimate affair,” says Belinda. “Whereas they may take over an entire restaurant for the actual wedding, a rehearsal dinner can utilise a private room or area like the St. George Room and Deck at Lido, Peg Leg and Garden at Fourways, 9th Hole Private Dining Room at Blu, or The Cove at Aurora. These spaces overlook spectacular ocean or garden views bringing the outside beauty inside, no matter what the weather.”
Private rooms can generally be secured for no additional cost, though there’s often a minimum food and beverage spending threshold that must be met.
A welcoming venue that relaxes you upon entering. This is where great food, exceptional service and an alluring atmosphere combine to create an unmatched dining experience. Bermudian owned It’s where the locals eat!
Most venue managers in Bermuda agree that the rehearsal dinner is meant for the couple’s families and wedding party only.
“A rehearsal dinner is the last memorable event before the start of a new journey of marriage,” says Thyme Restaurant’s Shannon Simons. “The dinner’s purpose is to show hospitality to the wedding party and overseas guests. It’s a time to wine, dine, and relax with the ones you love and will get to love.”
The rehearsal dinner’s menu is generally decided on ahead of time, so when it comes to planning yours, you should be sure to notify your chosen venue about any dietary preferences or food allergies among your group. You can opt for a formal sit-down meal or a buffet style service, which Cassius Fevriere of the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club says is the more common choice these days.
Our beautifully crafted recipes mix together two Bermuda rums, orange juice, pineapple and other tropical fruit juices, bitters, falernum and grenadine.
We spent years perfecting the perfect combination of ingredients to create cocktails delicious enough to put the Simons name on, and are always introducing new fresh fruit flavors to suit any taste.
www.enjoysimons.com
Sail to this lush tropical island with your first sip of Bermuda’s national cocktail, the rum swizzle. First enjoyed in the 1930s, this delicious beverage quickly caught on with thirsty locals and visitors alike.
After sharing our delicious recipe with friends for over 10 years, we felt it was time to share it with the world.
With one taste of a Simons Rum Swizzle, you’ll enjoy the dark and gold rums, tropical fruit juices and other natural flavours.
Prepare to hit the beach from the very first sip.
Buffet, three-course meal, or canapes? You decide.
“However, for the smaller weddings, we see more plated three-course meals and sometimes cocktail reception canapes,” says Cassius.
Regardless of the venue you choose and the food that’s on your plate, the most important element of a rehearsal dinner is those who are seated around the table with you.
“The rehearsal dinner is a show of who’s most important to you, and to give them your appreciation for being a part of your wedding,” says Fourways Catering’s General Manager Andy Detzer.
“Your rehearsal dinner gives you the opportunity to toast not just to each other, but to the two families joining together,” says Shannon.
www.eebermuda.com | florist@eebermuda.com
events@eebermuda.com | 441-238-3331
City of Hamilton, Bermuda
The Exclusive Group of Companies is Bermuda’s premier event, floral, rental and home retail company offering clients a variety of options and services when planning their special event or furnishing their home.
We aim to make your dreams a reality. Our team of dedicated professionals strives to provide an innovative service that exceeds our client expectations. We will take the stress out of planning, decorating and managing your event from beginning to end. We also provide a wide array of products for rent along with in-house floral options.
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Add a modern feel to your wedding by going green. Choosing foliage, the latest trend in wedding flowers, allows you to incorporate a bit of Bermuda into your décor.
“Weather permitting, we love to use local foliage in our designs,” says Flowers by GiMi head floral designer Claire Bleeker. “We do have to import foliage and florals, however if I can enhance a design with local foliage, I will. It’s always nice to be able to put that local touch on the décor.”
DLocal greenery that adds beauty to wedding designs include palm fronds, monstera leaves, sword fern, five-fingered fern, Japanese yew, and mock orange.
“Foliage is definitely in at the moment,” says Claire. “A lot of couples are asking for foliage runners, or we can use foliage to decorate tent poles. People are even asking for different textural foliages with accents of white flowers for their bouquets.”
Embrace the beauty of foliage and let nature be your guide.
lLeticia and Jake’s relationship did not follow the typical path most couples take to fall in love. Before they really knew one another, they were living together in the UK as a result of Leticia’s move into a shared house where Jake happened to reside. Leticia eventually returned to her native Bermuda and after a year of long-distance dating, Jake also relocated to the island. He later proposed at the couple’s favourite spot, Cooper Island.
“We weren’t sure whether we wanted to have the wedding here or in the UK, but ultimately decided to have it here, so we could share our love of Bermuda and our new home with everyone,” says Leticia.
The bride shares her thoughts on the couple’s wedding vendors.
“As we had quite a few overseas guests flying in, we wanted to give them the full Bermuda experience with the Warwick Gombey Troupe. It was perfect. It really brought everyone together to watch and dance along. The energy was just amazing.”
TRANSPORTATION: Bermuda Train Company
“We had the train take us from the church to our wedding venue at Cambridge Beaches. We thought this was a special added touch, especially for first-time visitors to the island. The journey was so smooth and felt really unique.”
PHOTOGRAPHY:
“Amanda was great, very at ease and helpful with organising everyone in the photos. We weren’t sure what kind of photos we wanted to get other than the standard family ones, but Amanda was great and helped to capture our day perfectly.”
CAKE: Cake Boutique Celebration
“Kayo made a beautiful wedding cake for us. We wanted something natural and Kayo did a great job helping to bring our cake vision to reality. The cake flavours were amazing!”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
“We got married at Breezes at Cambridge Beaches and Nadja, who is the Events, Catering & Conference Operations Manager, really went over and beyond,” says Leticia. “She helped to set out timings for the day for all the vendors and was full of experience and suggestions that were definitely helpful. Planning a wedding can be stressful, so don’t feel bad leaning on friends and family for help.”
“We asked Randy to play at the cocktail part of the evening. He has a beautiful voice and it was a really lovely added touch to the day. We gave Brian a few song selections of the music we like, and he used that to make the perfect playlist. He kept the dance floor alive all night.”
Show appreciation to your loved ones with gifts reminiscent of Bermuda.
pPlanning a wedding is no easy task, and there are bound to be friends and loved ones who help you along the way. Show them how much you appreciate their support with a special Bermuda-inspired gift. This small island is home to a surprisingly extensive array of boutiques, shops, and retailers where you can source everything from lovingly made local crafts to fine jewellery and high-end fragrances.
In the heart of Hamilton, 59 Front, named for its centrally located address on Front Street, carries gifts and home items that will keep the Bermuda memories alive in the minds and hearts of your loved ones. Three volumes of the Picturesque Bermuda coffee table book series, featuring photographs spanning the 50-year career of Bermudian photographer Roland Skinner,
Bermudian gifts bring colour and cheer to your kitchen, wardrobe, and more.
are on offer at 59 Front and make for a wonderful keepsake memento. Throw pillows, tea towels, and totes with a design that features the year of Bermuda’s first settlement, 1609, and a map of the island make for gifts that are both practical and memorable.
The Island Shop, also located in Hamilton, features the designs of local artist Barbara Fisness hand-painted on ceramics, linens, and much more.
“A Bermuda Christmas ornament is a lovely momento that will bring back memories of the special day every holiday season,” says The Island Shop’s Brianna McCann. “Our glass ornament featuring two longtails under a palm tree moongate is especially fitting. Our ceramic ball ornament featuring the island outline is also another beautiful option.”
For the parents of the bride and groom, Brianna recommends The Island Shop’s cottage wooden tray, with a whimsical rendering of a quaint Bermudian cottage. Pick up Bermuda wine glasses for you and your soon-to-be-spouse, and you can toast to a lifetime of happiness together.
Couples can treat themselves with lingerie, games, massage oils, and more at Eve’s Garden.
Eve’s Garden owner Liz Adderley encourages couples to remember to treat themselves. This lingerie and adult store in Hamilton offers many tools and toys to enhance the relationship, like games, couples’ toys, massage candles, massage oils, blindfolds, and bachelorette party favours.
“Make the honeymoon as special as the wedding ceremony,” says Liz. Couples can also treat themselves with gifts from Uplift, a bespoke hemp business that works to raise awareness about common misconceptions when it comes to hemp and cannabis. Elegant bongs, glass pipes, decorative stash boxes, grinders, and infusion machines
are just a few items couples can gift one another to elevate their CBD and cannabis regimens.
Combine gift-giving with a special, memorable experience at Della Valle, where sandals are handcrafted in Bermuda using 100% Italian materials.
“If couples are looking for a unique gift for their wedding party they can do the sandal experience, which allows them to choose custom sandals and footwear for the wedding party, even as far as matching the sandals to the colours of their wedding,” says Della Valle’s Belinda Barbieri. “It can be for everybody including the bride, mother of the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girl. Even the men can have sandals, especially perfect if they are doing a beach or outdoor wedding. Not only is it a unique gift that can be enjoyed for many years after the wedding day, but
it’s also an experience when the group gathers together to have the sandals made and create memories. It can be turned into a party with bubbles, nibbles, and more.”
If you’re looking to thank your wedding party with attire, why not outfit them in a pair of traditional Bermuda shorts? TABS Bermuda brings a fresh look to this iconic Bermuda style with bright colours and fresh designs.
“We can create bridal party packages for any budget, but a few of our top picks are a muslin lounge set, the perfect gift for bridesmaids on the day of the wedding, and of course socks and Bermuda shorts, which allow your guests to step out in island style,” says TABS Bermuda Head Buyer Charley Roblin.
Accessorise your wedding party with beautiful Bermuda jewellery and cufflinks found at Walker Christopher. Darling
Bermudiana flowers are shaped in dainty gold earrings and can be accented with pink freshwater, black Tahitian, or traditional white Akoya pearls. Walker Christopher captures the whimsy of the Bermuda Longtail in a charm that can be worn as a necklace charm or earrings. The traditional Bermuda dinghy, offered in gold, features brilliant sails that display the maker’s talent. This gorgeous piece of jewellery can be used in earrings or cufflinks. And finally, the authentic coins for which Walker Christopher is so well-known are incorporated into charms, pendants, earrings, and cufflinks.
Invite your loved ones to look back on your special day, and their time in Bermuda celebrating your love, with unique Bermuda-inspired gifts that will bring a smile for years to come.
If there is ever a time to treat yourself to handmade, bespoke shoes, it should be your wedding day.
Having sandals custom-made for you and your entire bridal party is a special experience at Della Valle Sandals, which offers private, after-hours fittings so you and your bridal party can have the boutique to yourselves. Sandals can be ready the same day, ideal for destination weddings. These stunning sandals can be enjoyed well beyond your wedding day, and can also be a bespoke gift for your bridal party.
Sandals are made from all Italian leather, and soles can range from flats to wedges to heels in narrow, wide, and regular sizes. Choose from more than 40 different colors of leather to match your wedding day theme, or a wide variety of sparkling crystal styles.
Della Valle Sandals
19 Queen Street, Hamilton 441-236-7263
www.dvsandals.com
dvsandals@gmail.com
Handmade in Bermuda
Featuring hand-made sandals, customized to your foot with all Italian leather and materials.
Sandals can be ready in one hour!
Spring to Fall open Monday to Saturday.
Please contact us for Winter hours. Also available for private appointments and events.
telephone 441-236-7263
email dvsandals@gmail.com
www.dvsandals.com
Coco Reef Resort
Perhaps two of the most important choices when planning a destination wedding are the accommodations you’ll select for your guests and the venues at which you’ll tie the knot and celebrate.
When it comes to accommodations, it’s wise to choose a location that’s close to your ceremony and reception. Proximity to shopping, dining, and activities are other musts to keep your guests happy and comfortable during down times between planned wedding events.
As for your wedding day venue, a good first step is to solidify your expectations. Do you want a casual beach reception, or would you prefer an indoor venue in case of inclement weather? Will you want a venue that provides food, or would you prefer to hire your own caterer? Do you want the ceremony and reception to be in the same location? What sort of ambiance do you want for the celebration?
Many couples opt to host their guests and their wedding at the same location for a seamless experience. Bermuda offers a wide variety of elegant hotels with dreamy venues where you can say “I do.”
Read on to learn about our favourites and all they have to offer.
Coco Reef Resort is an intimate island resort where couples can personalise their big day at any of its many venues. Choose a toesin-the-sand ceremony at the resort’s raised beach area or an ideal indoor setting at the Cafe Coco Restaurant, which couples can make their own with selected flowers and décor. Located just 10 minutes from the capital of Hamilton, Coco Reef can serve as a onestop shop offering accommodations for your guests and a gorgeous venue in which to say “I do” and celebrate. The hotel’s beautifully innovative design and renowned cuisine are just some of what makes Coco Reef an ideal wedding venue. Coco Reef’s comfortable and clean accommodations, stunning views, and a nearby grocery store and bus stop make it a lovely place for your guests to stay during their time in Bermuda.
Willowbank Resort
Willowbank Resort is another venue where you can accommodate your guests, tie the knot, and celebrate, all at the same location. With picturesque views and seaside charm plus two private beaches, access to watersports, a pool, tennis court, and more, this is a lovely resort for your guests to call home while they join in on the destination wedding fun. Welcoming local staff deliver a quaint Bermudian getaway experience, so you know you and your guests will be in good hands. You can opt to host your ceremony indoors in the Conference Centre or outdoors at the Sea View Lawn, the Hibiscus Lawn, or at the Ocean Dining Room and Terrace. A beachfront celebration is also possible here at Harbour Beach. With a maximum capacity of 150, you can invite all your friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate as you kick off the next chapter of your love story.
An area steeped in history layered with modern-day offerings, the Royal Naval Dockyard is both an ideal home base for your guests and a wonderful place to tie the knot. With shopping, activities, restaurants, and Prince Alfred Terrace’s 10 three-bedroom residences, Dockyard offers plenty for your guests to see and do. Prince Alfred Terrace can accommodate more than 60 guests. Welcome your guests to the island with a cocktail reception at one of Dockyard’s numerous restaurants and invite them to explore the island’s beauty with a jet ski tour, fishing expedition, or low-key beach day at Snorkel Park. Venues here include the Commissioner’s House, the Victualling Yard, or striking Black Bay Beach, where flecks of sea glass lend a colourful, glittering quality to the sand. There’s a wide range of restaurants for your reception and you can continue the party into the night aboard Calico Jack’s floating bar or at Snorkel Park’s Club Aqua.
Trust Atlantic Caregiving to provide exceptional childcare tailored to meet your needs. From live-in and live-out nannies, to overnight care and one-time babysitting, we offer personalised solutions ensuring that everyone can enjoy your celebration with peace of mind.
MARCH 2, 2024
FLOWERS: Exclusive Flowers
“Nicola Costain did the head table, bouquet, and bridesmaid flowers. She was really nice to work with and on time with such beautiful flowers.”
tThe best relationships often start with strong friendships, and Kiki and Jovi took this sentiment to heart. The couple met in 2019 at a beach party in Bermuda. They developed a friendship so deep that by the time they decided to get married, they joked that the union would simply formalise their best friend status.
“Falling in love wasn’t instant; it was gradual, surprising, and wonderful,” says Kiki. “I think we first realised we loved each
other after the pandemic, when everything around us felt so frantic and scary. We could look at each other and feel peace and comfort.”
Kiki, who is NigerianBritish, and Jovi, a Serbian from Croatia, decided to tie the knot in the very place where their love story started.
“We didn’t get lost in the Bermuda triangle,” says Jovi. “Instead, we found each other.”
Kiki shares her thoughts on the couple’s wedding vendors.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Donovin Seymour
“An absolutely wonderfully lovable man. He was able to capture our special moments together and the true spirit of our guests. We are so lucky to have had him there for our day. He felt like family toward the end of the night.”
WEDDING DRESS: Queen’s Fashion Couture Bermuda “Whey Garcia worked around the clock to design and make my dress exactly how I wanted it.”
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Coco Reef Resort
“An underrated and magical venue with a beautiful view of pinkish gold sand and stunning hues of turquoise and azure waters of the South Shore. The inside of the venue itself was lit throughout with the bright and airy spring skies of Bermuda. The staff were all so efficient, energetic and a delight to work with.”
WEDDING PLANNER: Bermuda Event Solutions Ltd.
“Kathleen is so professional and knowledgeable and just an all-around wonderful human being who provided us with so much advice and guidance that allowed us to have an amazing day.”
“Kayo
“Our wedding day was a true celebration of the merging of our lives,” says Jovi. “It was amazing to incorporate Kiki’s Nigerian traditions and clothing into our day. We shocked everyone with a baby and gender reveal. We feel blessed to have been able to share the day with amazing people we call good friends and family.”
ALEXANDER MASTERS
129 Front Street, Hamilton 441-532-6232
www.xxiv.alexandermasters.com
info@alexandermasters.com
AMANDA TEMPLE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mission Road, Paget 441-504-2339
amandatemple.com
amandatemplebermuda@gmail.com
DONOVIN SEYMOUR
PHOTOGRAPHY
441-705-2354
www.donovinseymourphotography.com
donovinseymourphotography@gmail.com
FIANDER FOTO
441-516-6498
www.fianderfoto.com
melanie@fianderfoto.com
GAVIN HOWARTH
PHOTOGRAPHY
441-532-3234
www.gavinhowarth.com
info@gavinhowarth.com
MEREDITH ANDREWS
PHOTOGRAPHY
441-505-3686
www.meredithandrewsphotography.com
meredith@meredithandrewsphotography.com
ZEUDI HINDS
PHOTOGRAPHY
441-737-5077
zkphotography@yahoo.com
Facebook: @zeudihindsphotography
CEREMONY VENUE: The Unfinished Church
“We were able to have a gorgeous ceremony there with our closest family and friends. That was a must-have for us, and we were so happy that the weather did not take that away from us.”
mMichelle and Michael met on the dating app Bumble in December 2016 and had their first date in January 2017. A 2019 cruise with Michael’s family that stopped in Bermuda led the Orange County, Californiabased couple to choose the island as their wedding destination.
“That was my first time in Bermuda, and I just fell in love with the island,” says Michelle. “On one of our days exploring Bermuda, we stumbled on the Unfinished Church and saw a wedding
ceremony being set up. Instantly I thought, ‘This is where we are getting married — at this church!’”
Michael proposed on June 20, 2020, amidst the global pandemic and a frightening cancer diagnosis for Michelle’s mom. The couple married at home in a Zoom ceremony. As the pandemic waned and Michelle’s mother recovered her health, the couple planned a Bermuda celebration.
Michelle shares her thoughts on the couple’s wedding vendors.
ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING DAY
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Gavin Howarth Photography
“We did our engagement shoot in Bermuda, a few days before our wedding. Gavin was amazing and so open to us pitching the idea of having our engagement shoot at the caves.”
“Wedding coordinators are worth every penny and more,” says Michelle. “It’s your special day, and you shouldn’t have to worry about all the details. A destination wedding is the way to go. It’s intimate, like a vacation and wedding celebration with your best friends and family.”
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club
“Hal was extremely helpful with helping us coordinate rooming for our 40 guests for the week. He provided us with the best service and hospitality. We had plans to have our reception at their private beach, but the weather forced us to move it indoors to their hotel. It worked out even better, because all guests were staying at the hotel anyway, so that meant more time to party.”
WEDDING PLANNER:
Nandi Outerbridge of Bridal Suite Bermuda
“We knew we needed someone in Bermuda to help us get everything together. She made the whole process carefree. Any concern we had, she took care of it.”
Clockwise from top left: Donovin Seymour Photography, Alexander Masters, Donovin Seymour Photography (2), Amanda Temple Photography, Donovin Seymour Photography
aAyana and David first met in 2010 not long after Ayana had moved to Bermuda, when they were both employed at the same reinsurance company. David soon moved on to a new role at a different business, and the couple didn’t cross paths again for nearly eight years.
“Seemingly out of the blue, David sent me an e-mail on a random Monday morning in July 2019,” says Ayana. “Unbeknownst to me, he had seen me from afar twice in one week, which he took as a ‘sign’ of some sort, after not having seen me in eight years.”
That random e-mail inspired an after-work drink, which turned into a marathon fourhour dinner, which put the couple on the fast track to love. The couple decided to tie the knot at the Coral Beach & Tennis Club.
Ayana shares her thoughts on the couple’s wedding vendors.
CEREMONY & RECEPTION:
Coral Beach & Tennis Club
“South Shore views are unmatched, and the property is enveloped in traditional Bermuda and understated elegance. We knew they would make every effort to bring our wish list into fruition.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: Amanda Temple Photography, Alexander Masters
“No other photographer on the island fully captures the romance and whimsy of love like Amanda. With her keen eye and exacting standards, Amanda captured the beauty and magic of our special day. Where Amanda does ‘romance’ like no other, we asked Alex, an expert at taking candid photos, to take photos of everyone ‘in the wild.’”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
“I knew I needed a team of experts in their chosen fields, professionals who were warm and patient problem solvers. Our key vendors had all worked together many times before and were committed to keeping our wedding vibes joyful and upbeat. During this process, so many from our wedding team became our friends.”
WEDDING PLANNER:
Kathleen Dodwell, Bermuda Event Solutions
“I had a clear vision of what I wanted for my wedding, and I would not have been able to accomplish it without Kathleen. I thoroughly enjoyed having her by my side during the wedding planning process.”
From a robust public transportation system to for-hire private services, getting around Bermuda is a breeze.
wWhether by two wheels or four, there are many ways to get out and explore the island of Bermuda. If you’d prefer not to be behind the wheel, you can easily rely on the island’s robust public transportation options, which include buses, ferries, and taxis.
The island’s pink and blue buses are inexpensive and run regularly. Passengers wishing to pay in cash must have exact change in coins. Bus tickets, tokens, and passes are more economical than paying cash and can be purchased at many hotels and guest houses, or at the Hubert Winfield (Sparky) Lightbourne Central Bus Terminal on Washington Street in Hamilton, the Hamilton Ferry Terminal, and Visitor Information Centres.
Regular ferries run from Hamilton to points around
Hamilton Harbor, and to western parishes and Dockyard. Schedules change depending on the season and can be found at Bermuda hotels, Visitor Information Centres, or the Hamilton Ferry Terminal. Opt for a transportation pass, which gives you unlimited use on buses and ferries for various
Certified Blue Flag taxis are driven by governmentcertified tour guides, and are available upon request for island tours.
If you’d like to travel around the island at your own pace, consider renting a bicycle, scooter, or electric car.
time periods ranging from one day up to three months, if you plan to use the buses or ferries several times a day. Call 441-295-4506 for more information.
Taxis can be hired, and all taxis are metered and tariff-fixed by law. Special all-inclusive pre-booked tours vary in price per person.
To elevate the experience for you and your wedding guests, consider a private transportation service like Park Prestige Services. The company’s Bermudian-born drivers are well-dressed, courteous, and knowledgeable, and they take great pleasure in going above and beyond. Park Prestige’s vehicles are immaculately kept to provide comfortable and esteemed transport. Your guests will appreciate Park Prestige’s friendly, prestigious, fun, and reliable services.
OCTOBER 14, 2023
“Beyond our wedding day, Dirk Beck at The Loren was a key player in making our wedding weekend a success, from helping plan all the pre-wedding events to the incredible food and drink his team provided throughout the weekend.”
vVictoria and Zach met in 2017 when she interned at the CPA firm where Zach was employed. After dating for five years, the couple became engaged in 2022. They knew they wanted to have a destination wedding as a means of bringing together those they love most in a new place they could all explore and experience together.
“When wedding planning began, Zach’s mom mentioned
Bermuda as a great destination for our crowd due to its proximity to North Carolina and Georgia, where we’re from,” says Victoria. “I googled ‘wedding venues in Bermuda’ and saw photos of the Unfinished Church. I knew immediately that beautiful venue was where I absolutely had to get married.”
Victoria shares her thoughts on the couple’s wedding vendors.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
“It was so special to bring both of our families together in one place, and Bermuda was the perfect setting for it. We loved that our friends and families from both sides and various phases of life got to know each other and spend time together, and with us as a couple. The water and beaches are beautiful and exotic, and it’s unbelievable that Bermuda is just two hours away by plane from where we live. Everyone is so kind and welcoming in Bermuda and we can’t wait to go back.”
VIDEOGRAPHY:
Dreamy Wedding Films
“Felix and his team worked seamlessly with our photographer and wedding planner to capture and memorialise our special day so beautifully. Even after the wedding, I had many add-on requests that they accommodated without hesitation.”
WEDDING PLANNER: Bermuda Event Solutions
“Kathleen was our go-to girl. Anything we needed or wanted to layer into our special day, from draping to lighting to arranging all the other vendors, she made it happen.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: Gavin Howarth Photography
“Choosing Gavin was one of the best decisions we made. His experience with the venue we used was priceless and made for absolutely stunning photos that we will cherish forever. His ability to work under pressure on our tight timeline and keep us on track for the day was unmatched.”
MUSIC: Working Title
“I cannot sing my praises enough for our band. They kept the party rocking and our guests raved that it was the best wedding band they had ever experienced.”
FLOWERS: Helen Sawden Flowers
“She turned my floral vision for a classic and timeless wedding into a reality.”
ACCOMMODATIONS
COCO REEF RESORT
3 Stonington Circle
South Shore Road,Paget 441-236-5416
www.cocoreefbermuda.com reservations@cocoreef.bm
CORAL BEACH & TENNIS CLUB
34 South Road
Paget
441-236-2233
www.coralbeachclub.com
Facebook: coralbeachclubbda
Instagram: @coralbeachbda
FOURWAYS INN & COTTAGES
1 Middle Road, Paget
441-236-6517 | 800-962-7654
www.fourwaysinn.com info@fourways.bm
THE HAMILTON PRINCESS & BEACH CLUB
76 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke
441-295-3000
www.fairmont.com/hamilton
THE LEDGELETS COTTAGE COLONY
6 Ledgelets Drive
Sandys
441-504-6962
www.theledgelets.com retreat@theledgelets.com
NEWSTEAD BELMONT HILLS GOLF RESORT & SPA
27 Harbour Road
Paget
441-236-6060 | 866-706-7801
www.newsteadbelmonthills.com
concierge@belmonthills.com
PARAQUET GUEST APARTMENTS
72 South Road, Paget
441-236-5842
www.paraquetapartments.com info@paraquetapartments.com
POMPANO BEACH CLUB
36 Pompano Beach Road
Southhampton
441-234-0222 | 800-343-4155
www.pompanobeachclub.com
pompano@logic.bm
info@pompanobeachclub.com
PRINCE ALFRED TERRACEVACATION RENTALS
1 Cockburn Road
Sandys
441-516-3855
www.princealfredterrace.com
enquiries@princealfredterrace.com
ACTIVITIES BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY
Bermuda Office
22 Church Street, Hamilton 441-296-9200
www.gotobermuda.com
HIDDEN GEMS OF BERMUDA
Royal Naval Dockyard Sandys 441-236-1300
www.bermudahiddengems.com info@islandtourcentre.com
LADYBOATS
61 Harbour Road, Paget 441-236-0127
www.ladyboats.com ladyboatsbermuda@gmail.com
CATERERS & RESTAURANTS
9 PARISHES
Dockyard Terrace, Sandys 441-535-6463
www.9parishesbda.com orders@9parishesbda.com
AURORA
Newstead Belmont Hills
Golf Resort and Spa
27 Harbour Road, Paget 441-232-8686
www.aurora.bm ga@aurora.bm
BLU BAR & GRILL
5 Belmont Hills Drive
Middle Road, Warwick 441-232-2323
www.blu.bm
CAFE LIDO
60 South Shore Road
Elbow Beach, Sea Terrace, Paget 441-236-9884
www.lido.bm
DOCKSIDER PUB & RESTAURANT
25 Front Street, Hamilton 441-296-3333
www.docksider.bm
catering@docksider.bm
FOURWAYS CATERING
1 Middle Road, Paget 441-236-6517
www.catering.bm
info@catering.bm
NEWSTEAD BELMONT HILLS
GOLF RESORT & SPA
27 Harbour Road, Paget 441-236-6060
www.newsteadbelmonthills.com concierge@belmonthills.com
PORT O CALL
87 Front Street, Hamilton 441-295-5373
www.portocall.bm
portocall@yellowfin.bm
PORTOFINO
20 Bermudiana Road, Hamilton 441-292-2375
www.portofino.bm portofino@logic.bm
SIMONS SWIZZLE
441-236-1379
www.enjoysimons.com orders@enjoysimons.com
SOL I MAR
Coco Reef Resort
3 Stonington Circle
South Shore Road, Paget 441-236-5416
www.cocoreefbermuda.com info@cocoreef.bm
THYME
1 Cataract Hill, Paget 441-236-1379
www.thymebermuda.com events@thymebermuda.com
CEREMONY & RECEPTION SITES
BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST
Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget 441-236-6483
www.bnt.bm/hire-a-venue palmetto@bnt.bm
CAFE LIDO
60 South Shore Road
Elbow Beach, Sea Terrace, Paget 441-236-9884
www.lido.bm
COCO REEF RESORT
3 Stonington Circle
South Road, Paget 441-236-5416
www.cocoreefbermuda.com
reservations@cocoreef.bm
CORAL BEACH & TENNIS CLUB
34 South Road, Paget 441-236-2233
www.coralbeachclub.com
Facebook: coralbeachclubbda
Instagram: @coralbeachbda
FORT ST. CATHERINE
15 Coot Pond Road, St. George’s 441-297-1920
www.gov.bm/fortstcatherine
FOURWAYS INN & COTTAGES
1 Middle Road, Paget 441-236-6517 | 800-962-7654
www.fourwaysinn.com info@fourways.bm
THE LEDGELETS
COTTAGE COLONY
6 Ledgelets Drive
Sandys 441-504-6962
www.theledgelets.com retreat@theledgelets.com
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BERMUDA
1 The Keep, Sandys 441-234-1333
www.nmb.bm
Instagram: @nationalmuseumbermuda Facebook: natmuseumbda
ROYAL HAMILTON
AMATEUR DINGHY CLUB
25 Pomander Road, Paget 441-236-2250
www.rhadc.bm
info@rhadc.bm
ROYAL NAVAL
DOCKYARD VENUES
441-234-1709
www.dockyard.bm/wedco/
WILLOWBANK RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTRE
126 Somerset Road, Somerset 441-234-1616
www.willowbankresort.com
reservations@willowbank.bm
DESIGN, TAILORING & WEDDING ATTIRE
DELLA VALLE SANDALS
1 Queen Street, Hamilton 441-236-7263
www.della-valle-sandals.myshopify.com dvsandals@gmail.com
GIBBONS COMPANY
21 Reid Street, Hamilton 441-295-0022
www.gibbons.bm
RENEE HILL ORIGINALS
Old Cellar Lane
47 Front Street
Hamilton 441-232-0154
www.renehillos.com
TABS BERMUDA
12 Reid Street, Hamilton 441-704-8227
www.tabsbermuda.com
hello@tabsbermuda.com
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
BANK OF BUTTERFIELD
Main Office: 65 Front Street
Hamilton 441-295-1111
www.butterfieldgroup.com
HSBC BERMUDA
Main Office:
6 Front Street, Hamilton 441-295-4000
www.hsbc.com
FLOWERS DEMCO/PETALS DESIGNS
14 South Road
Devonshire 441-234-7777
www.demco.bm demco@northrock.bm
EXCLUSIVE FLOWERS
75 Reid Street, Hamilton 441-238-3331
www.eebermuda.com
FLOWERS BY GIMI
Retail Store: HSBC
Harbour View Center
37 Front Street, Hamilton 441-297-4464
www.flowersbygimi.com info@flowersbygimi.com
GARDINE’S FLOWERS ‘N THINGS
Shelly Bay Plaza
110 Northshore Road 441-293-4971
gardinesflowersnthings@northrock.bm
GIFTS & JEWELLERY
59 FRONT
59 Front Street, Hamilton 441-279-5429
ALEXANDRA MOSHER STUDIO JEWELLERY
5 Front Street, Hamilton 441-236-9009
www.alexandramosher.com hello@alexandramosher.com
BERMUDA PERFUMERY
Stewart Hall
5 Queen Street, St. George’s 441-293-0627
www.lilibermuda.com info@bermuda-perfumery.com
BROWN & COMPANY
35 Front Street, Hamilton 441-279-5442
www.brown.bm shop@brown.bm
CRISSON JEWELLERS
6 Queen Street, Hamilton 441-295-2351
www.crisson.com
THE ISLAND SHOP
3 Queen Street, Hamilton 441-292-5292
www.islandexports.com
sales@islandexports.com
UPLIFT
1 Burnaby Street, Hamilton 441-621-0420
www.upliftbda.com team@upliftbda.com
WALKER CHRISTOPHER
GOLDSMITHS
3 Queen Street, Hamilton 441-295-1466
www.walkerchristopher.com
walkerchris@link.bm
HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE / RESPITE CARE
ATLANTIC CAREGIVING
Chevron House 2nd Floor
11 Church Street, Hamilton 441-292-9690
SPAS & BEAUTY
SPA OASIS
14 Laffan Street, Hamilton 441-297-2347
www.spaoasis.bm
spaoasisbermuda@gmail.com
THE SPA AT CORAL BEACH
441-239-7222
spa@coralbeach.bm
TRANSPORTATION
BERMUDAFUL MOMENTS
71 St. David’s Road, St. George’s 441-333-5886
www.bermudafulmoments.com info@bermudafulmoments.com
CURRENT VEHICLES
76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton 441-296-8949
www.currentvehicles.com info@currentvehicles.com
PARK PRESTIGE SERVICES
4 West Avenue, Hamilton 441-505-4401
parkprestigeservices@yahoo.com
WEDDING CONSULTANTS
BERMUDA BRIDE
3 Park Road, Suite One, Hamilton 441-295-8697 or 1-866-912-9115
www.bermudabride.com
nikki@bermudabride.com
BRIDAL SUITE BERMUDA
3 Limehouse Lane, Hamilton 441-705-6739
www.bridalsuitebermudaweddings.com
EXCLUSIVE GROUP OF COMPANIES
129 Front Street, Hamilton 441-238-3331
www.eebermuda.com
Make Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club your home in Bermuda
Make RHADC your home in Bermuda
There has never been a better time to join
There has never been a better time to join
- www.rhadc.bm -
