Virgin Islands Wedlock Magazine by Relyon Mktg

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A Wedding Message from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board A bride will always remember two special occasions in her life: The moment she heard, “Will you marry me?” and the setting in which she said, “I do.” The ultimate journey for a couple begins when she and her groom begin planning their special day; in the British Virgin Islands that day can be filled with all the beauty and splendor found in our exotic paradise. Here, in the British Virgin Islands we open a gateway for brides and grooms to carve the most unique weddings and honeymoons of their dreams. Our lustrous islands set the tone for couples seeking to discover excitement and intrigue amongst nature and tranquility.The allure of our lush landscapes and vivid shores enthralls couples. Day by day, they have the option of being whisked between our 60 islands and cays where

they can explore our treasured seas or lull on our white sand beaches. Our notable botanic gardens provide explosions of colour to complement the peaceful tempo and serenity of our Caribbean homeland, while historic and cultural landmarks add nuances of elegance and tradition. We welcome couples to begin every pageturning aspect of their new journey together by tasting the flavors of our local cuisines, dancing to the vibrations of our rhythmic beats, and diving into one of our many nautical escapes. In the British Virgin Islands our enchanting backdrop makes an ideal occasion for a bride to tell her groom, “I love you.” Nature’s Little Secrets and the British Virgin Islands Bridal Association are prepared to fashion your vision into a reality. Our new marriage law allows couples to complete their documentation and registration within a one-day timeframe. To view a complete list of items and documents required for marriage in the British Virgin Islands visit www.crisvi.gov.vg Start planning today by visiting www.bvitourism. com! Sharon Flax-Mars Director of Tourism British Virgin Islands

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COLLIN AND NICHOLA Love’s Patience Has Sweet Reward

LSL BAKE SHOP & RESTAURANT The Cake Bosses of the BVI

FISCHER’S COVE The Real Romantic Paradise

PLUMROSE RESTAURANT & CATERING - Where fresh and tasty combine

MARIA’S BY THE SEA The Perfect Hosts

ON THE COVER

TIMELESS LOVE Discover Nature’s Romantic Secret within the National Parks of the Virgin Islands

Location: Sandy Spit Bridal Bouquet: JR O’Neal Botanical Gardens Photography: Khaptured Photography Wardrobe: Trefle Designs Bridal Veil and Accessories: Sageroots Make Up Artist: Akima Crabbe Models: Nicolas Lurac and Lenette Lewis

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KHAPTURING THE MEMORIES With Wedding Photographer Khari Adams

SAY ‘I DO’ WITH MI AMOR

NO TRIFLING MATTER! Kristin Frazer sizzles with Trèfle designs

MOVE OVER THE DIVA IS HAIR!

TheVIDestinationWeddingandHoneymoonGuide

PUBLISHER Relyon Marketing Group ADVERTISING Elton F. Callwood: sales@relyonmarketinggroup.com

EDITOR hank you for choosing the beautiful Virgin Islands as the setting for one of the most important life decisions you’ll make– your wedding. The Virgin Islands Wedlock Magazine is an informative, entertaining guide designed for prospective brides and grooms, sharing all you need to know about getting married here. A destination wedding can truly be a dream come true if you plan carefully and know what to expect. The VI Wedlock Magazine showcases the people waiting to help you make it happen. Everything you need from the fairytale gown and sparkling diamond rings, to jawdropping cake designs can all be found right here on our shores. Add to that the stunning scenery of some of nature’s most spectacular wonders forming the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos as captured by expert local photographers. On our companion website www.viwedlock.com, you will find features on experienced, local wedding planners and suppliers, who are committed to making your day no less than perfect. From the moment of engagement to choosing the honeymoon suite, VI Wedlock has you covered. All you need to do is love, laugh and go with the flow. Say ‘I Do’ in the Virgin Islands and create your own little secret.

Denise Clarke: editorial@relyonmarketinggroup.com

MARKETING ASSISTANT Tessa Walker

PHOTOGRAPHY Khaptured Photography Moments Photography, Hezikiah Maddox - Elton F. Callwood

GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT SmartArt Designs

Ph: 284-494-8105 Fax: 284-494-8647 P.O Box 4491, Wickham’s Cay 1, Tortola, Virgin Islands On the web: www.viwedlock.com for articles: editorial@viwedlock.com for advertising: sales@viwedlock.com VI wedlock magazine 2013

Collin Nichola s a H e c n e i t a Loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s P

d r a w e R t e e Sw

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From the moment he laid eyes on her, Collin Scatliffe knew that he had met his soulmate. There was just one small problem - Nichola was with someone else. By Denise Clarke Photos by Moments Photography (Anya Brewley-Schultheiss)

t one point I said it ain’t gonna happen and I kind of just left it up to fate,” he tells Wedlock. Fate (and a lot of patience!) would eventually work in his favour. Three years after that initial meeting, the two bumped into each other and Collin once again declared his interest. “I was like ‘so you still have that problem?’” he recalls, “... and you ain’t call me?” he enquired of the now-single Nichola. That was 2010, and the beginning of a beautiful and committed relationship. As the two got to know each other, they discovered that they had quite a lot in common. They like the same foods, shared similar interests and were even finishing each other’s sentences. “It’s almost like if she comes up with something I was just thinking about the same thing,” Collin says. “Ever since we started dating every day we were together - we were like white on rice,” adds Nichola. “We just clicked (and) from then I just let it flow.” And flow it did until the subject of marriage came up in late 2012. As Collin tells it, it wasn’t a Hollywood-styled proposal, but more of a decision by the love-struck couple to take their relationship to the next level. “It wasn’t like a storybook, fairytale, put a ring in the champagne thing,” Collin explains. “It was special though because we said since we love each other so much, we seem to have so much in common, we should get married.” Nichola had only one condition for marriage – that the wedding take place on either of the couple’s birthdays. Collin agreed that they would get married on the next birthday which would fall on a Saturday, and as luck would have it – his was just eight months away. On Saturday June 15, 2013, the divorcee who once swore he would never marry again, took Nichola’s hand and joyfully exchanged vows in an amazing ceremony at the Treasure Isle Hotel surrounded by their closest family and friends. “It was lovely… everything went great,” says Nichola. “Kudos to my mom

You can’t let age define where you find love. At the end of the day, I’m the one who’s in it and I know why I’m in it - I’m in love. I make him happy, he makes me happy, we’re good together.

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Maxine and Collin’s big sister Jeanette, they went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect so I basically didn’t have to do much. I just had to get my dress and show up.” Still beaming from the fabulous wedding ceremony, the couple is looking forward to sharing each other’s interests and raising Collin’s daughters. And they’re hardly wasting time, hinting at “working” for a son in the near future. “He always said he wouldn’t get married again so I feel real special that I came along and this man is like let’s do it again,” Mrs. Scatliffe adds. “We’re going to do everything to make it work.” And as for a few negative comments regarding their age difference, the couple is staying focused on their love for each other and growing their marriage. “You can’t let age define where you find love. At the end of the day, I’m the one who’s in it and I know why I’m in it - I’m in love. I make him happy, he makes me happy, we’re good together,” Nichola notes. She has the support of her husband, who says faith in God will lead them to rise above the negativity and keep their marriage strong. “I’m just looking forward to happiness,” he tells Wedlock. “The saying is it is not nice for a man to be alone. I’m just looking for someone to love me and that I can share the rest of my life with and we can have fun and enjoy life together.” VI wedlock magazine 2013

Cakes

You have graduations, baby showers, Mother’s Day… cakes are such a part of every occasion of our lives so I think that’s why it’s a year round business.

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Take your bridal dreams to

If you’ve ever dreamed of that one place where you could find unique items for each occasion from the bridal shower to the honeymoon, then the Infinity Wedding and Cake Accessories Store is the answer.

or nearly 20 years, Infinity has cemented a reputation as the ‘go-to’ place in the British Virgin Islands where a bride can be at ease knowing that the little things such as invitations and not-so-little things like the ring pillow are available right here on the island. Now Infinity has scored again with its cake accessories section where a wide array of baking accessories can be found. It was in 2008, that proprietor Sandra Ward decided to add cake accessories to the product line. Starting with fondant – the popular icing that gives today’s wedding cakes that silky look – Ward wanted to see if this was a product her customers would be interested in. She soon found that not only were they interested, they were asking for more baking-related products, and as any savvy business person would do, she supplied the demand. “I had no idea… because I’m not a baker as such,” Ward says. “We started to ask people to give us lists and that’s how the cake section got to this stage. I would say the customers helped to build the cake accessories section of Infinity.” From baking pans, to fondant, to edible pearls and cake stands, the store has an expansive inventory that ensures supplies are available year round. After all, as Ward points out, cakes are a part of almost every family and social event. And when the busy wedding season is over, people will still be eating cake! “You have graduations, baby showers, Mother’s Day… cakes are such a part of every occasion of our lives so I think that’s why VI VI wedlock wedlock magazine magazine 2013 2013

I think as a customer, knowing that you shop at a store and the store has an interest in meeting your needs, I think that also helps to set us apart.

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it’s a year round business. Cupcakes are also very popular and those become family events where mothers and their children can bake together because the cupcakes appeal to children,” Ward says. As the foremost person interacting with customers daily, shop assistant Tamara Williams has taken care to familiarise herself with all the products in order to ensure shoppers leave the store satisfied. “The most popular items are fondant, (and) gum paste… we have icing colours, cake boxes, decorating tips, decorating bags, couplers which you use when you’re icing the cake and want to change the tips quickly... we also carry decoration for cakes like the pearl dust, the edible decorating pearls, and the fondant cutters - they are very popular,” Williams explains. Of course, trends in both the bridal and baking industry keep changing, so Ward regularly attends trade shows to keep abreast of the changes. One of the latest trends is the faux wedding cake, created with foam cut in the shape and size of a cake, which is then iced to match the theme… well, she explains it best. “You could very well go to a wedding and see a 4-tier cake and think that the four layers are all filled with cake, and the foam allows you to have maybe one cake on the top or on the bottom so that’s popular because it allows people to have their desired design but still not having to pay that much,” Ward tells Wedlock. Being the only store on island with such a vast inventory is a plus for Infinity, but Ward is not complacent. She knows she faces competition from online stores which sometimes offer items the store does not have in stock, or at a cheaper price. Nevertheless, she advises potential brides and grooms to factor in shipping and customs costs, as shopping locally may turn out to be a better bargain. “That’s why whenever we’re placing an order, we try to ask customers what they need… I have heard customers compare our prices and they have said they’re reasonable because we order wholesale and when they order (online), they order at retail, and they have to factor in the shipping and the customs costs,” she notes. Add to that the peace of mind that comes with interacting

first hand with an item that’s going to play a role in your life-changing moment – well, no photograph on a screen can give you that. “Here we’re able to give them the opportunity to feel, to touch, and also the immediacy… once they see it and it’s something they want, they don’t have to wait one week for the shipping. They can walk out of the store with the item,” she says. “Also, I think as a customer, knowing that you shop at a store which is interested in meeting your needs also helps to set us apart because we do that. They’ll ask us to order products and if it’s a time when we place an order, it’s a joy for us to call customers up and say what you ordered is here,” Ward adds. “I think what makes us stand out is the service,” Williams notes. “We’re very friendly to the customers, and we really try to go out of our way to help them. If we don’t have the product we try to see where else they can get it. We have a listing of related services so if you need a pin-on we know someone who can do it. We know decorators, we know coordinators, persons we can suggest that can help you make the moment special.” And as brides the world over are becoming more health conscious, Infinity is keeping up, with new additions planned for later this year. In addition to a planned renovation, the store will roll out ‘kosher’ products in its cake section so that even the health conscious bride won’t be left out of the festivities.

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THE CAKE BOSSES OF THE BVI LSL Bake Shop & Restaurant Often with a wedding or birthday cake we find out what sort of things the person likes, what kind of job they do, if they like fishing or cars or whatever so that we when we make that cake for the person, it’s an individualized cake.

Mention wedding cakes anywhere in the Virgin Islands and the LSL Bake Shop and Restaurant in The Valley, Virgin Gorde is sure to come up.

eriene Maduro has been baking up sumptuous goodies for well over thirty years. She’s touted as ‘the best in the BVI’ by many who have sampled her delicious pastries. Originally from the island of Antigua, Seriene - as she is popularly called - moved to the British Virgin Islands in 1979, later settling in Virgin Gorda with husband Lester. “My grandmother used to bake cakes… from then I always liked baking so when I came here to live I started again,” Seriene says. “I started at home baking black cakes and other cakes, then after I got to Virgin Gorda people were demanding cakes so I did it.” It started out as L&S Accessories with cake pans and other baking supplies sold alongside the pastries. But as the business grew, the accessories side was abandoned to focus on baking.

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The name changed to LSL after the birth of her second daughter, Lesteine. LSL stands for Lesley - the eldest daughter, Seriene and Lesteine. With daughter Lesteine working alongside her in the business, Seriene has earned the reputation for not only delicious wedding cakes, but also intricate, eye-catching designs that have her customers beaming with delight. “I love to see a wedding cake and I like to work with them to create the fanciness, I really like to see the finished product,” she adds. Lesteine is also developing a reputation as the “cake boss” having studied cake making and decorating overseas. “She went away to school and came back with all these fancy cakes. So I usually do the wedding cakes but if you want a cake for a baby shower or anything like that, Lestine is the one who does it because she is very good with that,” Seriene tells Wedlock. With so much experience between them, the staff at LSL know exactly what to do to ensure the bride and groom get what they want, even if sometimes the happy couple aren’t too sure themselves. Ordinarily up to one month’s notice is required to ensure orders are ready in time for the big day, and LSL will go out of the way to make sure the finished product reflects the

Cakes

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couple’s personalities and tastes. unheard of. “Some people will give you exactly “These days, things are really hard what they want, others will just tell you so we work with those with a budget to do your thing. Often with a wedding to finalize what they really need. Some or birthday cake we find out what sort people go overboard because they want of things the person likes, what kind of a really big cake but we don’t push that job they do, if they like fishing or cars or on you. I like to ask how many people whatever so that we when we make that you’re catering for and I will suggest a cake for the person, it’s an individualized size. It doesn’t make sense you have 50 cake,” she explains. persons at a wedding and order a five/ This year’s popular flavours include six tier cake,” she notes. red velvet, chocolate, and As for those whose tastes might be regular pound cake, but there a little bit different, LSL bakes are those who prefer rum or a vegan cake – minus eggs I like to ask how many people you’re fruit cake. Of course with the and milk – in plain or chocolate catering for and I will suggest a size. It cupcake craze taking over the flavours. Seriene and her team wedding scene, LSL is more also scour the Internet for the doesn’t make sense you have 50 persons than happy to oblige brides latest trends to ensure that at a wedding and order a five/six tier cake. who wish to have fanciful they’re in-tune with customers’ cupcakes for the wedding. needs. “I don’t know what’s the “We like to be a step ahead of fever with cupcakes but that is the trend right now… whether everyone else and I guess that’s one of the reasons we are so you shape it to form a character or you just do something plain popular… sometimes things come out that nobody has heard of with the name written out on each cake, we do all that,” adds before and we try to introduce it to our customers,” she adds. Seriene. Whether it’s a simple wedding cake or a towering, intricate And the prices are very competitive with the average cost of a design, LSL Bake Shop and Restaurant gives brides one less three-tier cake going for around $350. Of course, Seriene and thing to worry about. Breads, cakes, cookies as well as catering her staff are more than happy to accommodate a tight budget services are also offered and dinner is served at the restaurant and requests for simple cakes for small weddings are not by reservation.

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CRAZY WEDDING TRENDS YOU MAY WANT TO TRY Lots of brides are spicing up their weddings with crazy new trends that flaunt their individual personality and style. If you don’t feel bound to stick with tradition, you might want to include a few of these trends in your wedding.

RENT THE CAKE

Who knew you could rent a cake for your wedding? Turns out that fancy five-tire cake might not even be real! So how does this work? Bakers offer faux pre-designed cakes for rent to use as the centerpiece at the reception. For the ceremonial cake cutting, a piece of real cake can be placed in a hidden compartment for the couple to share, while a delicious sheet cake is served to guests. It’s a great way to save money and still showoff a grand cake.

BRIDAL DIAPERS

Everyone knows how long it takes for the bride to get ready on her wedding day. So who wants to have to unhook all those buttons and thingamajigs just for some natural relief? Enter bridal diapers to the rescue. Critics say they’re really just ordinary adult diapers. But some reports suggest more brides are using them to eliminate the need to rush to the ladies room.

INSTANT HEIRLOOM

YOU'RE NOT INVITED!

There’s a new trend around wedding circles that almost seems rude. With smaller budgets, some couples are opting to notify friends of the special date and politely advise them that they’re not invited! If you happen to receive one of these dis-invitations, look on the bright side - at least you won’t have to spend a ton on gifts.

UNUSUAL FOOTWEAR

It may have started with the Converse but now cowboy boots and other unusual footwear are also making it down the aisle. More and more couples are using shoes to express who they are, or to inject a little fun on the most memorable day of their lives together.

LOUD COLOURS

Gone are the days of the boring white dress. Brides these days are not only experimenting with bold colours like pink or even black, but are also allowing their bridesmaids to do the same.

Bridal bouquets are not just made of flowers anymore. Ribbons, feathers, seashells, and even jewelry are being used to create fantasy bouquets for the bride. Whether it’s a tight budget or just to honour to the family heirlooms, more brides are shunning fresh cut flowers for these tastefully arranged works of art. VI wedlock magazine 2013

PLUMROSE RESTAURANT CATERING

– Where fresh and tasty combine Photos by Elton Callwood

You would think a country made up of sixty islands would have seafood restaurants covering every square inch but until recently a lip smacking seafood dish was not the easiest thing to find in the British Virgin Islands.

hen, in April 2013, local chef Imran Ashton opened the Plumrose Restaurant. Nestled on the water’s edge at Prospect Reef, Plumrose puts a refreshing spin on foods you’ve been eating all your life, yet had no idea they could taste this good. “We do light, high standard, high quality food… and we want to be known as the place for fresh seafood,” says Ashton, who apart from running the business is also the resident chef. As we chat, a local bird swoops in from the garden, stopping to check for scraps (there is none) before heading to the lagoon on the other side. “I’ve been in the industry a long time and a lot of people who come to the territory want fresh, local seafood. We have ties with local fishermen so we get fresh conch and wilks on the menu everyday along with local pot fish, salmon, mahi mahi, tuna and swordfish,” Ashton continues. Another bird flies in, perhaps attracted to the artificial tropical paradise created by the décor of green tablecloths and bright

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Catering

To me the food sells itself you don’t need all of these heavy sauces on fresh food to eat it.

coral-hued chairs. As you enter, the sight of the open kitchen stands out, allowing diners to view the food preparation first hand and share in the cooking experience. As for the name Plumrose, that came from a fruit Ashton’s grandparents used to grow. “I like the flavour, the taste and the name and it’s different… I get a lot of compliments on the name,” he shares. With more than 10 years in the kitchen, the 34-year-old has channeled his vast experience into creating a menu that caters to a wide variety of palates from the meat lover to the vegetarian. On this menu, one can dine on something as delicate as steamed mussels or the more familiar grilled steak in a peppercorn and brandy sauce. The mushroom pasta is also popular, but it is the fish roll which comes highly recommended by the chef himself. “It’s like a mini sandwich with fresh fish between homemade bread, it’s seared and baked in the oven and served with a turmeric coconut sauce and a mango and pineapple salsa. It’s very delicious,” Ashton boasts. And to that Wedlock can attest. After the interview, Ashton whipped up the dish for the Wedlock team, and the mountain of flavours emanating from one bite left each of us searching for words. Homemade desserts complete this mouthwatering menu. And though we weren’t able to sample it ourselves, we are told the signature Plumrose chocolate brownie, made from a secret family recipe, is to die for. You won’t see potatoes or rice on the printed menu either. The chef wants to surprise you. “If you look at the menu, you won’t see any starch there… what you will see is the meat and the sauce that goes with it. The reason for that is I want to keep it revolving, meaning the dish changes ever so often. I try to keep it interesting all the time,” he explains. Keeping food interesting is just one of the tips he picked up in the kitchen over the years. Working his way up from mopping floors to cooking in restaurants around the Caribbean, Ashton knows that the best way to keep foods tasty is by using fresh ingredients and, as much as possible, local foods. Through studying at the New England Culinary Institute, a six month internship at the River Café in London, and later cooking at The Body Holiday Spa Resort in St. Lucia, he learnt that the effort which goes into maintaining food quality can never be too much. “At the River Café, every morning religiously they got in fresh mushrooms, lemons, crabs, tomatoes, everything fresh. That’s where I got the concept that I want to do everything fresh and homemade. They made their own pastas, even their VI wedlock magazine 2013

own icecream. Here at the restaurant I’m making my own deserts, sauces, breads, pizza dough. The quality is much better than the store bought stuff,” he says. “I think I was fortunate to have worked at these places because it really opened my eyes to what fresh, light and easy cooking can do. To me, the food sells itself. You don’t need all of these heavy sauces on fresh food to eat it,” he continues. As it turns out, there are quite a few people who have a taste for light, healthy food. Business has been steadily climbing, with young professionals in particular patronizing the lunch time menu. But growing up, running a restaurant was the furthest thing from Ashton’s mind. In fact, he earned a bachelor’s in business administration and, after working as a legal assistant, briefly entertained thoughts of studying law. His fate was decided when he seized an opportunity for a full scholarship to culinary school. “It was basically a leap of faith because I was leaving a steady job and going into the uncertain. I’m going to school, no income, nothing… and there have been some hard times, but it all happened for a reason. I like to say you are put in certain positions and things happen to you that make you the person

you are,” he asserts. While studying, Ashton hatched the idea to open a restaurant. But it would take several years of experience gathering, developing management skills, and finding the necessary capital before he could make his move. He started a catering business while working as a chef on private charter yachts. Later, he joined Charlie’s Restaurant at its opening as head chef before being promoted to the position of executive chef at the Moorings properties. Ashton is also a member of the award-winning BVI Culinary Team and easily transfers the skills and tricks he picked up in international competitions to his business. This combined experience serves up a delectable dining experience at Plumrose and a welcome addition to the BVI food scene. “If you look at my menu you will see our local dish, fish and fungi, and surprisingly that’s one of the most sold items. I’ve travelled the Caribbean extensively and every island that you go to, they have their national dish on the menu. And it hit me... yes people do sell it but it’s not there on the menu that you can get it everyday, so I made sure it’s on our menu because we have to be proud of our culture,” he insists. Plumrose’s catering services are available for weddings, receptions, and special functions.

Plumrose’s catering services are available for weddings, receptions, and special functions.

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Venues & Accommodation

ROMANTIC PARADISE With no phones, no television, and natural air conditioning courtesy of the ocean breeze, this cottage means no disturbances â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the perfect haven for romance. 26

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Photos by Elton Callwood

A gentle wind rustles the leaves of the sea grape trees as tiny sand pebbles flirt between the toes. Two lovebirds embrace beneath the golden rays of the Caribbean sun, lips locked in a public affirmation of ‘I Do’.

f this sounds like your idea of a dream wedding, then the Fischer’s Cove Beach Hotel is where you need to be. Tucked away on the southwestern shore of Virgin Gorda lies this cosy family resort. Opened more than forty years ago by Andy and Norma Flax, the hotel is operated today by the couple’s children. Known for its quaint wooden cottages and laidback atmosphere, Fischer’s Cove also boasts hotel rooms with modern amenities and conveniences. But it is its rustic feel and stunning beach views which draw so many couples to soak up some of what this romantic paradise has to offer. With a dedicated wedding coordinator, Fischer’s Cove assists with everything from the marriage licence application right down to hiring VI wedlock magazine 2013

Photos by Maddox Photography

The restaurant comfortably the minister for the ceremony. seats 125 persons, but can “We do a lot of local We help with wedding cakes, entertainment, accommodate up to 200 weddings and tourists too… flowers every aspect of their wedding, guests in a cocktail setting. we help with wedding cakes, Here, they serve up sumptuous entertainment, flowers - every once they need our assistance we are there. seafood dishes, along with aspect of their wedding, once authentic West Indian and they need our assistance we continental cuisine. are there,” Manager Angella The rustic property is also a popular hideaway for honeymooners Flax tells Wedlock. who favour its secluded, idyllic beach and inviting hammocks Besides the beach, the property also hosts weddings in its scenic shaded by tropical palms. A favourite with newlyweds is the Sea garden as well as the open air restaurant for those who prefer Island Cottage – a remote cottage minus the trappings of modern indoors. technology perched just a hop and a skip away from the water’s “We can set up our arches anywhere on property, so they can do edge. With no phones, no television, and natural air conditioning it here in the restaurant, on the beach, in the lounge or in the tropical courtesy of the ocean breeze, this cottage means no disturbances – gardens. We also have a little picnic area for those who may want the perfect haven for romance. something more informal,” she adds. In all, there are eight cottages and 12 hotel rooms on property. But A two-week notice is usually required for the helpful staff at Fischer’s what Fischer’s Cove lacks in size, it more than makes up for in warm, Cove to adequately prepare for your magical moment. But even if personalized service, with staff who are more than willing to go the you’ve decided on a whim to get hitched, the staff will go out of their extra mile to make your stay unforgettable. way to make it happen. In addition to hosting wedding ceremonies, wedding and baby “There are some people that would come to stay with us, like the showers, the property is also popular for community functions. atmosphere, like the views and just decide to get married. We try as Internet access, satellite television and air conditioning are available much as possible to help them get it done; as long as their goals are in its hotel rooms, and large groups or families have the option of realistic we’ll work with them,” Flax says. selecting adjoining rooms with connecting doors. Situated on the beachfront, the dining area commands a With so many options from the bridal shower to the honeymoon, no spectacular view of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, a few neighouring wonder Fischer’s Cove is known as The Real Paradise in the Virgin islands, as well as yachts sailing by. Guests are also welcome to play Islands. the grand piano at the bar.

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Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s By The Sea

THE PERFECT

HOSTS

Everything before the actual wedding we can offer. We can do the bridal shower, we can do the reception, and then afterwards we can do the baby shower.

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Perched on the edge of Road Town harbor with a spectacular view of the Sir Francis Drake Channel lies Maria’s By The Sea, an intimate family-owned hotel in the Virgin Islands.

ince 1977, Maria’s has been welcoming visitors to the islands to discover nature’s little secret and enjoy the warmth of Caribbean hospitality. Now with expanded facilities such as a new banquet hall and a business centre, to complement the two dining rooms, Maria’s is developing a well-earned reputation as the ideal venue to host wedding receptions, bridal showers, or even the wedding ceremony. “What we want most for the customers is that they get a consistent level of high service from everyone here,” says Hannah Terrett, Marketing and Events Coordinator. “I’m aiming to make every event the best… so they see that this is a great location to be. We’ve got ample parking, a fantastic location, high level of service, and different function areas to host various events.” With a comfortable seating capacity of 150, the main dining room is able to host wedding receptions and bridal dinners; while the 200 capacity banquet hall is suitable for ceremonies. Smaller, more intimate rooms are available for bridal showers. “Everything before the actual wedding we can offer,” says VI wedlock magazine 2013

When you enter into one of our ocean view rooms and open the door you forget that there are a hundred other people around you… it is just absolutely beautiful.

General Manager Julia Dawson. “We can do the bridal shower, we can do the reception, and then afterwards we can do the baby shower. In the past most receptions were hosted in the dining

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room… lately, we are doing more in the banquet room depending on the size and what the bride requires.” Maria’s by the Sea restaurant is also famous for its mouth-watering menu,

offering catering services to special events held on property as well as offsite locations. With its popular dishes in high demand, the hotel staff has become accustomed to catering for large functions, from cocktails to full buffet dinners. The hotel is also staffed for a la carte dining for these functions as requested. With 76 beautifully appointed rooms and suites equipped with convenient amenities, the hotel is able to host a full wedding party even if the ceremony takes place off property, Dawson adds.

As for newlyweds looking to kindle the romance, Maria’s ocean view suites is the perfect honeymoon spot, offering stunning sunset views caressed by the gentle waves of the Atlantic. Maria’s is also great for family vacations with adjoining rooms for privacy as well as a twobedroom suite. Add to that the convenience of a variety of shops and restaurants just a leisurely walk away. “One of our key selling points is our ocean view rooms,” says Dawson. “When you enter into one of our ocean view rooms and open the door you forget that there are a hundred other people around you… it is just absolutely beautiful.” It was the family matriarch Maria Dawson who, more than three decades ago, had the foresight to add ten guest rooms to her thriving restaurant, where an adjoining games room had began to draw serious crowds. Throughout the years, more rooms were added as increasing numbers of tourists began flocking to the Virgin Islands. The newest addition, which opened earlier this year, features 38 modern rooms and suites, the banquet hall, a fully-equipped business centre, and in a few months, a state-of-the-art fitness centre. With the Dawson childrennowactivelyinvolved in the hotel’s operation, the property is poised to be a main contender in the tourism industry. The family atmosphere adds a special touch to the level of hospitality and service one experiences at Maria’s By the Sea, with some employees having served the hotel’s guests for more than 20 years. “Family is what makes

Maria’s different,” notes Dawson, “While of course times and things have changed - we’ve had new employees and some who’ve been with us for 20 plus years - but at the end of the day I would like to think that our atmosphere here is one of family and that our employees see this as a place that they can call their own.”

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Timeless Love Discover Nature’s Romantic Secret within the National Parks of the Virgin Islands.

estled in the pristine archipelago that is Nature’s Little Secret, the British Virgin Islands has a number of protected and historical areas that offer a wonderful backdrop for your special day. These National Parks and Protected Areas are of natural and cultural significance to the heritage of the Virgin Islands; thus, they are managed by the National Parks Trust to ensure they can be accessed and enjoyed by many generations to come. Fortunately for today’s adventurous and savvy couple desiring a uniquely romantic setting for their nuptials and reception, these picturesque areas can also serve as the perfect destination wedding location. The parks featured in this article are but a sampling of many coveted possibilities.

Photographer: Khaptured Photography

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Shark Bay For the more daring couple, Shark Bay near to Brewer’s Bay, Tortola offers a unique blend of seclusion, romance and adventure. Located on the northwest side of Tortola, this secluded hillside retreat promises an authentic immersion within nature. There are two lookout platforms, which lend themselves to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the pebble shores of Shark Bay. The hiking trails allow natureloving guests to explore the majestic boulders, gentle creatures, beautiful flowers like orchids and bromeliads, as well as palms and other tropical trees which inhabit the park. Tucked away deep within the park, amongst these majestic boulders is the ‘Bat Cave’, a serene and intimate retreat for the couple that prefers not to be disturbed. Perchance the sight of a Pelican, Brown Boobie or Frigate bird soaring effortlessly through the blue-hued skies above may grace your happy gathering with nature’s blessing. VI VI wedlock wedlock magazine magazine 2013 2013

Location: Sandy Spit Bridal Bouquet: JR O’Neal Botanical Gardens Photography: Khaptured Photography Wardrobe: Trefle Designs Accessories: Sageroots Make Up Artist: Akima Crabbe

Sandy Cay Sandy Cay a protected area and Sandy Spit, a proposed protected area, are located northeast of Jost Van Dyke. With white sandy beaches, brilliant turquoise water, and a certain ‘less is more’ ambience, these pristine islets are out-of-the-way and therefore ideal for a free-spirited and enchanting beachfront wedding. Your wedding day symbolizes the dawn of a new beginning and should be both exceptional and memorable. The National Parks and Protected Areas of the Virgin Islands mix historical nostalgia with the unspoiled beauty of nature to provide unforgettable settings that will guarantee an experience you and your guests can cherish forever. Which one will you choose to make your special day timeless? Booking and written permission to use of any of our twenty-one national parks and protected areas must be secured prior to the day of your event. To apply, please contact the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands by phone at 1 284 494 3904 or 852 3650. Or email us at bvinpt@bvinationalparkstrust.org.

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Location: Mount Healthy Bridal Bouquet: JR Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal Botanical Gardens Photographer: Khaptured Photography Models: Kirk Adams & Jenese Adams

The Mount Healthy National Park -

the ruins of an 18th century windmill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; possesses unrivalled historical charm. This 250-acre sugar plantation was once a site where enslaved Africans cultivated sugarcane and processed it into sugar, which was then shipped to Britain to be sold. Easily accessible by road, this stone block ruin (the last remaining mill in the Virgin Islands) creates the perfect backdrop to an idyllic private picnic. VI wedlock magazine 2013

Location: JR O’Neal Botanical Gardens Photographer: Khaptured Photography Models: Kirk Adams & Jenese Adams

Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens Established in 1979, the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens are 2.87 acres of tropical seclusion. Once an Agricultural Experiment Station in the early 1900’s, the centrally located botanical gardens is now home to a collection of native and exotic plants, fruit trees, palms, and flowers. Here, blushing brides can become Eve all over again, and create their own one-of-a-kind floral bouquet from collections within the garden. Ginger Lilies, Heliconias, Anthuriums, Ixoras, Hibiscus, Jasmine, YlangYlang, and Shower of Gold. This lush tropical oasis consists of a main lawn and three other smaller lawns. For a small intimate indoor celebration, the Fishlock Hall’s expansive veranda provides panoramic views of the main lawn and floral collections. If it is a romantic stroll you desire, take the winding trails through the gardens, under the many pergolas and cascading flowering vines. The Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanical Gardens provide a picturesque wedding location that is easily accessed in the heart of Road Town

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Feature

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to have an open mind, just be really relaxed, go with the flow and not worry about things that might go wrongâ&#x20AC;?

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Judy Mark

By Denise Clarke Photos by Khaptured Photography Location: Scrub Island Resort

Judy and Mark lived just two minutes from each other in Connecticut, USA, but it took a chance meeting on the dating site, Match.com, to bring them together.

It’s pretty amazing,” Judy tells Wedlock, still beaming from their May 2013 wedding in the British Virgin Islands two years after they first met. “I really was kind of disgruntled with Match and wasn’t really serious about it and getting ready to get off.” As fate would have it, Mark Peterson saw her profile and reached out before she had a chance to deactivate her Match. com account. The two began exchanging emails, but it would be a few weeks before they would meet in person. Judy had to go into the hospital for minor surgery, and Mark would be out of town during the week she was recuperating. Nonetheless, Mark emailed her as soon as he returned from his trip and they set a date to meet – March 1st, 2011. “We just had so much in common,” Judy recalls. “He had two dogs, I had two dogs, he’s in insurance, I’m in insurance… we talked for hours and we’ve just been together ever since.” VI wedlock magazine 2013

With similar professions and a mutual love of animals, the relationship quickly blossomed. Six months after their first meeting, Mark popped the question but it wasn’t quite the fairytale proposal he had planned. They were on vacation, and Mark had already bought the ring with a romantic proposal in mind. But the perfect moment just didn’t arrive and the proposal was delayed until they returned home. The setting didn’t matter much to Judy, who gladly said yes to spending the rest of her life with Mark. The couple began making plans for a destination wedding. They knew it would take place in the Caribbean but wanted an island neither of them had traveled to before. But though Judy had visited Tortola many years ago, the BVI became the natural choice for the appeal of hopping between its many islands. “We wanted to go somewhere where it was just the two of us to make things simple and whimsical, something fun and relaxing, where there is no pressure. We thought it would be really fun to just meet and celebrate with all new people,” she says. They booked their stay at the Scrub Island Resort, and tied the knot at Governor’s Point on May 18th in a beautiful ceremony performed by a local minister. A month later, they hosted a reception in their hometown for family and friends. Aside from the hassle of carrying her wedding dress from New York to Puerto Rico before arriving on Tortola, Judy would not have it any other way. “You have to have an open mind, just be really relaxed, go with the flow and not worry about things that might go wrong,” she advises. “I think you can’t go there with certain expectations... just give it up and have faith in the people who you’ve spoken with and that you’ve chosen to handle your food or your flowers or your photography.” Some of that faith comes from being proactive before the wedding. Judy became Facebook friends with local wedding photographer Khari Adams and was able to view his extensive portfolio. By the time the wedding came around, Judy and Khari had developed a good rapport and she had confidence in the person she was entrusting to capture the day’s memories. Meanwhile, it’s the second marriage for both Mark and Judy, and the two are looking forward to growing in love and sharing new life experiences. “We have very similar interests in what we do for a living and sports that we like to do,” Judy shares. “I’m looking forward to just travelling with him, laughing a lot, building a friendship and growing old together.” And as she adjusts to her new family, which now includes two children and four dogs, Judy says faith in God and keeping your heart open will lead to meeting the right person. “I think so many people I know feel that they’re never going to meet the right person and think that it’s just a question of faith in God. I think there’s someone out there for everyone. You just have to open your heart and love will come to you.”

We wanted to go somewhere where it was just the two of us to make things simple and whimsical, something fun and relaxing, where there is no pressure.

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GETTING MARRIED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Getting married in the Virgin Islands has never been easier. The Office of the Civil Registry has simplified the process for marriage licence application.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Certain documents will be required for the application process. All documents must be originals or certified as true copies of the originals.

These include:- Proof of identity and residency status (passports) - Proof of marital status (including certified copies of divorce decree) - Two persons to witness (and to sign) the application for the licence. These two witnesses need not be the same two witnesses who are present at your marriage ceremony. - US$220 for a Special License and US$120 for an Ordinary License. The Registrar General will perform a civil marriage at the Civil Registry’s office for a fee of US$340, or at an outside venue for US$220. If you wish to be married in a church of your choice, you must make arrangements with the minister of the church in advance.

ouples now only need to be in the Territory for just one day before they can be married. With the implementation of the Civil Registry Information System (CRIS), the application for marriage licence can be submitted online by visiting www. crisvi.gov.vg and following the simple instructions. An online application for a Virgin Islands marriage licence must be reviewed by the marriage officer before it can be submitted to the Registrar-General's Office. Note that a marriage licence is issued for a specific marriage officer and marriage ceremony venue. It is imperative that you discuss your plans with the Marriage Officer before submitting the application for their

approval of the ceremony, which will be followed by submission of the application in person to Registrar-General's Office for approval of the application. You can also apply in person for your marriage licence at the RegistrarGeneral’s Office, which is located upstairs of Burhym Electrical Services in Wickham’s Cay, Road Town, Tortola. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A Special Marriage License (requires one day residency) takes one working day to process, while the Ordinary Marriage License (requires 15-day residency) takes three working days. Once granted, the license remains valid for three months from the date it is issued.

-Source: www.crisvi.gov.vg

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Decor

Choosing a colour scheme for the wedding is very important to the bride because it often reflects her personal tastes. Among all the other details you have to plan, your wedding flowers is one of the most important and exciting decisions you are going to make. Here are a few suggestions on how to use wedding colours and floral arrangements to enhance the venue and liven up your photographs. SELECTING A COLOUR SCHEME A colour scheme is always a good way to link the entire event and bring harmony to the scene. No matter what the setting â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from ballroom to living room, from private garden to public park or beach, flowers will serve to enhance the decor of

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the venue. Take time to look at wedding colours schemes in books or magazines, and note how the weather and the light will affect the colouring used. Keep in mind that weather, natural or artificial lighting can change the true colour of a flower.

MATCH WITH THE VENUE The colours at the venue should also be taken into account. If there is a very strong element, such as a deep blue carpet, pink walls, or bright red pew cushions, these need to be considered. THE BRIDAL BOUQUET The correct choice depends of course, on the bride’s taste and preference. The goal is to convey personality through colour and style. When the bride prefers to carry out a monochromatic colour with the gown and general decor, wedding flowers should be bold with a range of colour values, forms and textures. For extra flair, dress up the bouquet with ribbons and beading. BRIDESMAID'S BOUQUETS The wedding colour you elected for bridesmaids’ bouquets should carry through the colour harmony and the ambiance of the ceremony decorations. Usually, flowers in rich colours that contrast with gown colours create the most impressive attendant’s bouquets. Using a contrasting wedding colour makes the flowers stand out and become a visually important focal point of the wedding picture.

MIX AND MATCH COLOURS Instead of adopting a monochromatic colour scheme for your bouquet, infuse pops of colour, using flowers with vibrant hues (yellow, red, orange, etc.) as accents. Select shades that complement the existing colour scheme used throughout the wedding. Brightly coloured flowers should never take the attention away from your wedding dress, therefore, insert smaller bits of colour here and there to keep everything flowing. FUN FLOWER FACTS • Brides in ancient Rome would carry bunches of herbs to symbolize fidelity and fertility, and to scare off evil spirits. This tradition is still reflected in Indian weddings in which the brother of the groom sprinkles flower petals over the couple at the end of the wedding ceremony to protect them from evil. • In the Middle East, the bitter herb Artemisia is used in the bridal bouquet to make sure that the marriage survives bitter times as well as good times. • Ancient Greek brides included ivy in their bridal bouquets as a symbol of their tenacious spirit and never ending love. • The Victorians were fascinated by the meanings of different flowers, and were one of the first groups to popularize the wedding rose, which represents true love. • Tossing the bouquet is a tradition that began in England, when women used to try to rip pieces off of the bride’s dress and flowers in order to attain some of her good luck. To distract the crowd the bride would toss her wedding bouquet and run away.

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Planning a Beach Wedding?

DO’S AND DON’TS

any brides dream of the perfect beach wedding without realizing the little details which must be taken into account in order to pull off the perfect day without a hitch. Here are a few tips to bear in mind when planning a beach wedding.

DO DITCH THE FLOWERS. Who says your bouquet has to be made with flowers? Opt for a seashell bouquet which fits in better with the natural theme! If you absolutely must have flowers, fill your bouquet with bright, tropical colours such as bright yellow, orange, or pink. DO PREPARE FOR WIND. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding the one thing you can count on is wind. And chances are the gusts might be even higher at the beach, which means if you’re not careful, programmes, flowers and anything lightweight will be literally gone with the wind! Try weighing them down with shells or use ribbons to tie them to the chairs. You may also consider using placing the programmes in baskets that guest can grab on their way to be seated. DO CREATE A CEREMONY AISLE. With an outdoor ceremony, you typically have much more flexibility with the seating arrangements. A ceremony aisle is a trendy look which gives each guest a front-row seat as you walk. DO HAVE A SHOE CHECK where guests can slip out of their dressy shoes before hitting the sand. Providing flip flops will be an added bonus if the budget allows. You could also provide a few small paintbrushes for guests to dust off the sand before slipping back into their dancing shoes. DO ARRIVE IN STYLE. As the distinguished guest of honour, why not arrive in grandeur by boat? Step it up a notch and sail into the ceremony to meet your Prince Charming. DO TAKE SILHOUETTE PHOTOS. There’s something magical about a silhouette photo that just screams romance. Be sure to talk to your photographer beforehand so he/she knows exactly what you want. Then get ready to create the perfect momentum for your wedding album. DON’T PROCEED WITHOUT A BACKUP PLAN. You can plan up to a year in advance but you can’t control the weather. So when planning an outdoor wedding, it is wise to have a solid backup plan. Have a tent ready or reserve a space indoors in case the plans need to change abruptly. If using tents, make sure they are securely anchored. DON’T USE POINTY CHAIRS. Use broad wooden folding chairs to seat your guests. They’re better able to withstand the wind, and are less likely to sink into the sand. DON’T WEAR HEELS! Sand and high heels just don't mix. Wear sandals, sneakers, or dress up your barefeet with jewels but whatever you do, don’t wear shoes that require a personal excavator for every step you take. DON’T PANIC when something doesn’t quite go according to plan. It’s outdoors, it’s the beach, it’s nature. You can’t control the turtles choosing to hatch and steal your spotlight or a rogue wave coming a bit too close for comfort. Whatever happens, just go with it. Keeping your mood light will help guests to relax. Remember to have fun. It’s just another day at the beach.

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g n i r u t p a h K s e i r o m e m e th

Photography

Photos by Khar

“Architect by career and photographer by hobby” is how Khari Adams describes the unlikely way he found himself with dual callings at the age of 34.

“

I did my first wedding for a friend - it wasn’t mine to shoot… I was there as a guest but when I posted pictures everyone was starting to go crazy and from then I started getting calls,” he tells Wedlock. Following in the footsteps of his father, Khari was well on his way to a career in architecture. But parents Edwin

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i Adams

and Sylvia Adams’ subscription to the National Geographic magazine would awaken a curiosity for photography in the young Khari, and the fascination with stunning pictures of animals and nature only grew over time. “I always had that design, technical aspect so I knew I would do that kind of work,” says Khari, admitting a deep sense of satisfaction with seeing an architectural design come to life. “Originally I was supposed to do engineering which was less creativity and more numbers but that was a little too difficult so I fell back into architecture which I really grew to love. And I am as much passionate about architecture as I am about photography, and they kind of have a good relationship

between the two.” He knew his outgoing personality would not be satiated sitting in an office crunching numbers. So Khari turned to his hobby, initially shooting pictures of landscapes, animals and insects, the type he had seen in National Geographic. “Upon taking a couple photos for fun, people noticed that I had a knack for it so I was encouraged by a few people… Stacey Mather in particular was very instrumental. He is one of those who steered me in a good direction with photography and told me that if I’m going to take it seriously it’s better to invest in it early,” Khari shares. He followed that advice and began studying the work of

professional photographers. “I didn’t really have a direction that I wanted to take photography from back then but I always liked weddings, I liked nature and I had a few friends I used to take pictures of. I guess the merger between taking pictures of friends and nature is what kind of helped me to kind of blossom into the wedding genre,” he adds. Christening his work ‘Khaptured Photography’ (an obvious spin on his unusual name), Khari has developed a solid reputation as a professional wedding photographer with a keen eye for detail, and the creativity to ‘khapture’ lasting memories of that special day. VI wedlock magazine 2013

If I have the chance Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll speak to the bride, to find out what she wants or has in mind. If I can know that earlier, I can start playing out in my mind as closely as possible how everything is going to go.

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“If I have the chance I’ll speak to the bride, to find out what she wants or has in mind. If I can know that earlier, I can start playing out in my mind as closely as possible how everything is going to go.” He takes his work seriously, and regularly does research to keep up to date with trends in photography. “I have certain concepts and I look online for ideas to see how I can do things differently,” he adds. But just what goes into capturing the perfect shot? And how does Khaptured Photography manage to capture it all? “I think once my subject is comfortable and I get them to relax, then the perfect shot comes off. I even surprise myself sometimes at how good something comes off and I can’t even say myself what I did to make such a shot so perfect. But once I hold the camera up and start processing stuff in my mind most of the time it comes off excellent,” he adds. And because he enjoys it so much, it doesn’t even feel like work. That fun-loving, bubbly personality is what seems to rub off on his subjects, and make for very happy memories indeed. “I’ll always make you feel comfortable, make you laugh, make you enjoy that moment being ‘khaptured’. You’ll remember it in your mind and you’ll see it in the photos. You can tell when someone is not comfortable, and I’ve learned that the lighter you can make the mood the more it will be seen in the photos. And Khaptured will always give you that.”

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Jewelry

The wedding ring has come a long way from the twisted twine once given to blushing brides several centuries ago. Exquisite samples of this modern symbol of eternal love await brides-to-be at Mi Amor luxury jewelry store in Road Town on the island of Tortola.

“

When it comes to the bride, Mi Amor has tried to suit every taste and style,” chief executive officer Eileen Bourke tells Wedlock. “Whatever you want we have tried to find the perfect design for you.”

With more than 40 years in the jewelry business, Mi Amor Luxury Group has assembled an extensive collection of wedding bands featuring gold, silver, and other precious metals in intricately tasteful designs available at very competitive prices. Whether you are getting engaged, married, or renewing vows, Mi Amor is sure to have exactly what you need to symbolize the

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moment. “We have a range of choices for our customers… you don’t always have to go with white gold and white diamond - you can go with chocolate, black, or blue diamonds, you can mix it and match it to suit your skin tone and your style,” Eileen explains. Mi Amor has also developed a reputation for working with budget-

conscious couples, not just with special bridal collections but also by introducing a layaway plan. The store boasts bridal collections with his and hers wedding bands starting at $699 and even a 10-carat gold triple set with real diamonds for sale at $800. For those with a preference for silver, a ¼ carat diamond and silver collection can be had for just $200. Mi Amor also offers bridal registries, another option to assist couples to get exactly what they need. “Sometimes couples are too shy to say what they need. We tell them register with us, pick out what you like and ask your friends and family to put $50 or

$200, whatever, and give everybody a chance to contribute towards the rings. It’s better than another toaster that you don’t want,” Eileen adds. In-house jeweler, Fernando ‘John’ Reblora, is a former Tiffany’s designer from the Philippines who has upwards of 20 years experience in jewelrymaking. In addition to sizing wedding bands, he also makes, redesigns, and repairs them. Eileen herself has spent more than 20 years in the jewelry business, working first in St. Thomas, USVI, then spending 15 years with Colombian Emeralds in Tortola. When that company decided to pull out of the Virgin Islands last year, the former nurse saw an opportunity to fill the void. “I knew what I needed to do to finetune the business for the local market. I knew what people here were looking for and finally when I opened the business, I know I can do whatever you want me to do. You want silver, you have a budget, you want to size something, remake something, or redesign something that you already have? I have a jeweler and a watchmaker on staff so I can do pretty much everything,” she notes. And the customers welcome Mi Amor, the store with familiar faces but offering a new product line reflecting local tastes and, of course, at highly competitive prices.

“I wanted to keep everything as familiar as possible so that people would feel nothing much has changed, except the product and the prices. I’m listening to everybody, whatever you think you want I’ll try to get it. It’s not just limited to high end jewelry, we have something for every taste and every age group,” she adds. Mi Amor specializes in certified loose diamonds, Zambian and Colombian emeralds, sapphires, rubies, gent’s jewellery and gold fashion jewellery. They also carry exclusive brands such as Monica Ross Kosann, Phillippe Chariol, Roberto Coin, Forevermark by De Beers and Trollbeads. The store

also sells designer watches including Raymond Weil, Phillip Stein, Glam Rock, Bering, Citizen and Guess, as well as fun family brands such as Fire CZ, Lauren G Adams, The Hook Company, Maharlargo and Kiddie Kraft. Whether it’s an engagement, wedding, anniversary, graduation, or any special moment, Mi Amor is guaranteed to have something in their collection to suit the occasion. Customers can take advantage of special discounts and incentives throughout the year. All collections can be viewed on the company’s website www.miamorluxury.com.

Fernando ‘John’ Reblora, In-house jeweler and former Tiffany’s designer, has upwards of 20 years experience in jewelry-making and design. He designs, repairs, and sizes wedding bands and all types of jewelry. Photography: Stacey Mather

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thingstoexpectinthe firstyearofmarriage ITWONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TALLBEABEDOFROSES,BUTITCANBETHE MOSTEXCITINGTIMEOFYOURLIFETOGETHER.

Civil Mariage Officer Mrs. Victoreen Romney-Varlack performing a wedding ceremony at Sugar Mill Hotel, Tortola, BVI. Photo by Elton Callwood

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Be prepared for the honeymoon blues

Right now you’re on a high but then comes real life. The stresses of work, family, and sometimes children will have to be balanced with the needs of your new spouse. Regardless of how long you’ve known each other or even lived together, things will change when you realize you’re in this for the long haul. But there’s a reason you said ‘I Do’, so keep that in mind for the rough days.

Romancemightbecomea low priority

Maybe before you couldn’t keep your hands off each other but it won’t be like this every day. Schedule and keep dates with one another to keep your marriage interesting and sparks flying. Studies show that the wild romance typically wears off within the first two years. Thereafter, it takes serious commitment to each other to keep the relationship going.

You’ll want alone time

Your spouse may be your best friend but that doesn’t mean you want to go everywhere and do everything with him or her. If your spouse is outgoing and you are not, it’s unfair to require him to stay at home with you all the time. Having separate friends or developing a hobby can help you to better appreciate time spent together.

Your expectations clash with reality

Too often, expectations of marriage are based on an ideal rather than the personality or abilities of the spouse. Understanding your spouse’s likes and dislikes, and appreciating him/her for their individual characteristics and flaws will lead to an acceptance of the person you married. Keep your expectations realistic. You are dealing with another human being, not superman or superwoman.

Money, chores, or even inlaws can be a problem

Money can be one of the biggest sources of conflict in a marriage. Even if you had the discussions before marriage, the grind of running a household will present challenges neither of you thought would occur. Sharing chores might also be a sore point if one spouse feels overwhelmed. Additionally, inlaws who overstep their boundaries will present a source of contention. It is important to have a frank discussion with your spouse if any of these issues become a problem, and communicate each other’s expectations. Communicating and respecting each other’s opinions on these issues will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

You will go to bed angry

Sure, you’ve been told not to let the sun go down on your wrath but guess what – you’re human! You will have fights and they won’t always end with a kiss-andmake-up before bedtime. You’ll need time to calm down and assess the situation before resolving the conflict. Conflict is healthy but don’t let it go on for too long either.

will learn more about each other. Learn to appreciate the differences as part of what makes this person unique.

You’ll do a lot of forgiving

Marriage is about accepting that this person you love is not perfect and will make mistakes. You will need to learn to forgive them and move on, just as you will need forgiveness for your mistakes. That could also means saying you’re sorry even when you don’t think you were wrong.

Patiencecannotbetoo much

Things won’t magically transform into a fairytale happily-ever-after the moment the ring is slipped onto your finger. It takes time to grow a marriage. Be patient with each other and work on it together.

You will have to compromise

Marriage is a partnership. You won’t always get your way. You will have to do a lot of compromising in order to make this partnership work. This often means foregoing your own interests for what is in the best interest of the marriage. It is important that both spouses understand the need for compromise and that it is not a one-way street.

You have differences

Surprise! Before marriage you had so much in common you could finish each other’s sentences. But now you recognize little things about him you didn’t notice before. As the relationship grows, you VI wedlock magazine 2013

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Fashion

NO Kristin Frazer TRIFLING sizzles with MATTER! TrĂ¨fle designs Kristin Frazer is not one to boast. But when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re from an island of barely 30,000 people and your work is being featured in acclaimed publications like Essence and Marie Claire, that is something to be proud of.

By Denise Clarke

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Kristin Frazer (left) with her cousins and business partners in Sage Roots.

he 29-year-old is basking from all the attention she’s receiving for her budding swim wear line, Trèfle, which was featured in both magazines earlier this year. The opportunity to be featured in Essence, a fashion and lifestyle magazine which celebrates African-American women, came through a close friend who knew of her work and had contacts in the fast-paced New York City fashion scene. That was two years ago.

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Then earlier this year, the prestigious Marie Claire came knocking. “I was actually in New York on business and the day before I left I got an email and it said ‘interview for Marie Claire magazine are you interested’. I thought it was a joke!” Kristin tells Wedlock. “I literally thought the person had emailed me by mistake.” As it turns out, it was no mistake. Kristin and Trèfle swimsuit are splashed in the June 2013 issue of Marie Claire along with

Inspired by the strength and success of her mother and grandmother, Kristin decided to honour them with the naming of her company. Trèfle means ‘clover’ in French. swimwear designers from Brazil, Australia and Turkey. But long before the international journalists came calling, Kristin was a little girl fooling around till the wee hours of the morning on a sewing machine her grandmother and later her mother used. In this family, sewing is as commonplace as the coconuts swaying on the trees outside, so from around age six, Kristin began to fiddle with a needle and thread. “I was one of these kids who would be in my mom’s sewing room up until three o clock in the morning sewing, because I was passionate about it. And I didn’t even realize that I was pattern making and draping at that time… I didn’t realize that I was doing all these things until I got into college to pursue studies in fashion design.” But even before graduating, Kristin knew she wanted to run her own business, after all, the spirit of entrepreneurship runs in the family. Grandmother, Ruth Clover Anthony, started Clover’s in Road Town over forty years ago, and even as the young Kristin stepped in after graduation to fulfill a promise to keep the store going, she wanted to create a legacy of her own. “Since we live in the Caribbean I wanted to start with swimwear, something that could just sell all around. I wanted my brand not just to be in the BVI but international and I wanted my brand to be able develop into other lines,” says Kristin.

Photographer: Melville Lettsome Make-Up Artist: Akeema Crabbe Model: Andrea Howe Location: Trunk Bay, British Virgin Islands Designer: Kristin Frazer/Trefle Designs

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I appreciate where I am, where I’ve come from, including the pitfalls and the setbacks and the discouragements and the many doors slamming in my face. It’s only made me stronger. Inspired by the strength and success of her mother and grandmother, Kristin decided to honour them with the naming of her company. Trèfle means ‘clover’ in French. “I love her dearly, she taught me the ins and outs… so I just decided that since we all sew (even my aunts and cousins) I decided to take it upon myself to name the company after my late grandmother,” she explains. Since that fledgling start in 2008, the company has seen steady growth. The swimsuits will be joined by a resort wear collection which will debut this summer. Casual wear and a bridal collection will follow in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile, requests for Trèfle swimwear have come in from several stores in Los Angeles, California and other parts of the United States following the Marie Claire feature. “It was exciting to be the only designer from the Caribbean to be featured in this article. So the next step is to get into Vogue! The only place you can go is up right?” she quips. The Virgin Islander however, has not forgotten her roots, and has used the publicity to show off the natural beauty of her island home. “Firstly, I like to consider myself as an ambassador of the BVI. So wherever I go I try to sell the BVI the same way as I would try to sell my brand because I come from a beautiful place,” she asserts. Even with the successes thus far, Kristin is not about to rest on her laurels. She wants to see Trèfle designs being sold in hotel boutiques in the Caribbean, and in major retail chains in the United States. “I want to be able to go into a Macys or Nordstroms, or Henry Bendels, the boutiques in the Caribbean hotels; I just want to go to these places and just look on the rack and see my stuff there and then look on the beach and see someone in a Trèfle piece… it would really be satisfying to me to see that my work is being appreciated by other people.” Her “work” includes being co-founder of a natural skin/hair care line called Sage Roots, launched in 2012. The business plan involves building both these brands to become household names. And though she manages to fill nearly every minute of the day between running three businesses, Kristin is filled with gratitude to God for blessing her with the opportunity to have achieved this much. She’s not quite where she wants to be, but with quiet confidence she expresses immense satisfaction and comfort with where she’s at. “Someone looking in may think that I am on top of the world but I am not. I still have a long way to go. I appreciate where I am, where I’ve come from, including the pitfalls and the setbacks and the discouragements and the many doors slamming in my face. It’s only made me stronger.”

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Beauty

There are few occasions when looking flawless matters, and a bride on her wedding day is definitely one of them. hat’s why places like Diva Hair Salon, Beauty Supply and Accessories Bar exist. Opened in June 2013 on James Walter Francis Drive in Tortola, this chic outfit brings a refreshing brand of panache to the BVI salon scene. Owner Judy Ollivierre dreamed of owning a salon since childhood, and finally decided there is no time like the present. Inspired by her own salon experiences, she set about creating a luxurious atmosphere which induces the kind of pampering and relaxation one expects from a salon. “The salons here I find are too simple,” Ollivierre tells Wedlock. “We needed something like this… I wanted to be different, seeing that Tortola has so many salons you have to stand out.” With its stylish waiting room, a separate mini-salon for children, a nail room, and even a VIP room for those who crave privacy, Diva does stand out. It’s a full service salon, offering regular services such as wash and style, weaving, braiding, locking and natural hair care. The wall to wall mirrors and styling chairs are present but that’s where similarities with the typical salon end. Surrounded by hot pink and zebra-striped décor, customers wait for their appointments in air-conditioned comfort in the trendy lounge. The children’s mini-salon is separated from the main salon, and is brightly decorated with hot pink styling chairs and a flat screen television. Manicure and pedicure services are available in the nail room. But the real star of this salon is the VIP room – an ultra private enclosure where the ultimate pampering experience awaits. For a reasonable price, one can enjoy this exclusive service, sip on champagne or apple cider, and enjoy light snacks while watching television as your personal stylist works her magic. The VIP room is well suited for bridal showers or the bride getting ready on her wedding day.

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“The bride and her bridesmaids can not only rent the VIP room but the whole salon and have that privacy for the day,” Ollivierre explains. “And if she doesn’t want to be seen before the wedding, she can come and have it for as long as she wants to get her hair and makeup done.” The VIP room is available for special events, private parties, or for persons who just need a little privacy before unveiling their new do. The enclosure was also created to give added privacy to those with troublesome hair issues, like alopecia, who may want to keep this from prying eyes. And if you’ve ever been to a salon where you were forced to watch Pokemon for two full hours because that’s the only way the kid next to you would sit still in the chair, then you’ll

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appreciate that children have their own space at this salon. And no, the kids’ room is not a babysitting club for children accompanying parents to the salon, Ollivierre points out. Only children being serviced are welcomed in the salon. “I think the salon is a place where people come to relax and to enjoy and unwind especially if they’re coming from work, that’s why I separated both of them,” she says. “The children can be serviced in their own space; the adults could have private conversations and children aren’t there to hear them. When you go to salons they talk a lot of ‘melee’ so to speak, so I don’t think that’s cool for the children to hear. They need to have their own private space,” she adds. This modern take on salon services is all

the real star of this salon is the VIP room – an ultra private enclosure where the ultimate pampering experience awaits. One can enjoy this exclusive service, sip on champagne or apple cider, and enjoy light snacks while watching television as your personal stylist works her magic

If you’ve ever been to a salon where you were forced to watch Pokemon for two full hours because that’s the only way the kid next to you would sit still in the chair, then you’ll appreciate that children have their own space at this salon.

thanks to a woman who did not allow early setbacks to deter her dream. After studying finance and business administration at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, she went to work as an internal auditor in the public sector. After many hours spent researching, Ollivierre came up with the perfect combination of colours and style to create the exact look she wanted for Diva. “Everything I came up with from the ceiling tiles to the floor tiles, to the doors, the furniture - everything,” she notes. The salon is complimented by the beauty supply and accessories store which greets customers as they walk in. The neatly arranged assortment of hair products and accessories include a top-of-the-line selection of natural oils and cremes for hair and skin care. The eyes are also drawn to the accessories area where the latest styles in handbags, hats and costumed jewelry can be found. Also available is Diva’s own hair extension line, Diva Luxury Hair Extensions – which Ollivierre boasts is 100% Indian and Brazilian virgin human hair. All in all, a more complete beauty centre cannot be found elsewhere on the island. Diva is not just a salon, it’s an experience. VI wedlock magazine 2013

VI wedlock magazine 2013