I walked into the Bahamas a stranger and left with two killer friends! With the trepidations of my family on mind as I boarded the Delta airlines plane to the Bahamas, I didn’t know what to expect. I was going to meet a very unique couple from San Diego, CA, ones whom decided against a traditional wedding and opted for a couple only elopement.
Not knowing what to expect, my mind was immediately put at ease as I dined with the pair, James + Christine at Sabor, an absolutely delicious restaurant at the Pelican Bay Resort. Conversation was never strained as we got better acquainted with one another. Let’s put it this way, we closed the place. I walked away that night so excited for the day ahead. I had just met an amazing couple, 9 years in the making courtesy of San Diego State University.
God had a few things in store for us by the way of precipitation. 80% chance of rain on the day of their chosen nuptials. Dodging raindrops proved challenging. The original plan of getting married on Taino Beach(home of the famous Wednesday Fish Fry) quickly changed to Plan B: a covered area, beachside, at a local resort courtesy of Bishop Reno Vanzelan Smith. The minister touted as the go to minister for marriage in the Bahamas, also featured on the Wedding Channel, had beautiful words of sentiment to share with James & Christine. I was really taken aback on how however small the ceremony was, he imparted such a piece of his soul on the couple and made their service very personal.
So, yeah, it rained more and more and more and more! And we sat in the car awhile. Got out when we could. Attitudes made this so easy. Ultra laid back and fun loving couple, up for anything, made our shoot versatile. We got some the first day, but it was the second day that we dedicated to getting out there and making it happen.
And, it rained, and rained and rained and rained, AGAIN! And essentially, the same day unfolded as the day before. We just played it as we could and finally towards the end of the day, the clouds parted and we were left in the ultra damp tropics as we strolled The Garden of the Groves; an absolutely gorgeous and might I add sweltering backdrop to our pictures. By the strolls end through the Groves, it was time to hit the beach. Trash the dress? Yeah, you could say that about her Nicole Miller gown although it held up beautifully in the Lucayan surf.
We finished out that day with a complimentary cocktail (in light of the newly married couple), of the beachside conch roast hut, Toni Macaronis. Let’s just say that ‘Toni’ has nothing to do with macaroni or being Italian for that matter. He was a very outspoken and friendly local Bahamian and it was fun immersing ourselves in with that culture. On to the Fish Fry . . .
To view more of James + Christine’s wedding pictures, please visit my full album on Facebook. Not a friend? I’m friendly!
A very special thanks to the very helpful and friendly staff of Pelican Bay Resort in Lucaya for playing host to me and also to our photo shoot in the lobby. Much appreciated!
S-
