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Nicole and Dominic had a gorgeous romantic beach wedding in front of the rolling waves on the Caribbean ocean of the Cayman Islands. Arriving to the ceremony with a beautiful setup taken care of by Elina of Parfait Events, all the guests were ecstatic about the venue. They all picked up a parasol and some lemon flavoured water and took their seat on the sand right next to the ocean to await for Nicole to arrive. After the ceremony and some fun family photos and an great group shot, we all headed to Casanovas for a reception on the pier looking back at the restaurant, it was amazing and so romantic! Love this venue!!! Once everyone got a glass of champagne and imprinted their thumbprint the guests were escorted upstairs to their ocean, sunset view dinner reception. Here we did a first dance and cake cutting and then the amazing meal from the talented chefs at Casanova.
With great Appreciation:
Venue: South Sound & Cassanovas Restaurant
Planner: Elina Parfait Events
Photographer: Rebecca Davidson Photography
How did you two meet?
Nicole –
We met at school (ringing college of Art and Design) where we were both getting our degrees in Graphic Design. It was actually one of those moments where I put my foot in my mouth without knowing it. Once someone in our class told me, I reached out to Nicole via Facebook to apologize and the rest is history, as “they” say.
How did you propose?
Dominic – We were going for a run after work the Thursday before her Mom visited Seattle (she had no idea she was coming early). I was hanging out on our deck with our dog Meka (who is awesome). She stepped one foot inside the sliding glass door and I kneeled down, held out the ring (upside-down, of course), called her name and ask her to be my wife. By the way, she said yes!
How long have you been together?
Nicole – 5 years and counting
What was you favourite memory from the wedding?
Nicole – Walking down to see him for the first time and his reaction. I was so excited to see him if felt like forever (it was just the night before). The butterflies and excitement while having it just be the two of us was perfect!
Nicole – Oh also as soon as my mom and I started to walk down the aisle my garter fell down to my ankle, it was either walk back down the aisle the opposite way to fix (that would have looked bad :D) it or try my hardest not to fall….
Dominic – Everything!
How would you describe your overall wedding experience?
Nicole – AMAZING! I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Dominic – Fantastic, perfect.
What advice would you offer to other couples planning a destination wedding?
Make sure one of you is a planner. Give yourself at least a year to plan. Try not to worry to much about the family drama that comes with every wedding… In the end it is a day for just the two of you and whoever really wants to be there will make sure they are there. It all works out somehow in the end.
What photography related advice would you offer to a couple?
Nicole – Just be relaxed
Dominic- Do your research and make sure you BOTH are happy with the photographer’s portfolio before signing the contract.
Tell me about your dress, where did you find it, how did you choose it and know it was the one?
It was my first and only day of dress shopping and I was lucky enough to be there with my mom. As soon as I put the dress on I knew, I didn’t want to come out of it! It is the perfect blend of Dominic and I, exactly what I wanted for my wedding dress.
How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your day?
GREAT! We were both so nervous about feeling awkward while taking the photos, but it turned out to be just the opposite. It was so relaxed and fun it was a great way to spend our first hour together that day!
Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not!
Nicole – Yes and it was one of the best parts! I was so worried that we weren’t going to get that special moment when I was walking down the aisles (thank goodness I didn’t wait I was trying not to trip the whole time) and I would take the moment alone we got before the ceremony any day!
Dominic – Yes, it was exciting to anticipate what she would look like.
Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos?
Nicole – Just have it be as Zen as possible around you while getting ready.
Any tips that you have about preparing your wedding party for photos? What did you tell them, how did you get them to cooperate, what
Nicole – Their personalities show best through photos when they aren’t coached
Dominic – Don’t be shy, take charge, order people around. Yell if you need to, your paying for the photographers time. Also you might be missing the perfect lighting if you or the others dilly-dally. did you do or what would you have done differently?
Any tips on what to bring?
Dominic – For the bride bring a bridesmaid if anything should go wrong or to help with her dress.
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We couldn’t of have done anything with our 3 key people, Elina, Marie Ana from Casanova and Rebecca. They were all so extremely helpful with answering all my many questions!
What were your most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome?
Nicole – We are both designers and Dominic didn’t have but input on the look of the wedding, something I was so worried about! Elina did such an amazing job pulling off my vision and then some! As soon as Dominic saw everything he was blow away by how everything looked. It was such a great feeling and I owe it to Elina!
Dominic- Everyone getting along and having a good time. Luckily, everything way great!
What is one piece of advice you would give to other couples for planning their wedding?
Have fun with the whole process
What is the first song you danced to as husband and wife? Mother and daughter? Mother and son?
First Song – My Funny Valentine by Frank Sinatra
Mother, Daughter – Wind Beneath my Wings – Bette Midler
Mother, Son – Georgia On My Mind by Ray Charles