We caught up with Blue Waters' wedding coordinator, Mandie Braithwaite, to chat about saying "I do" in Antigua...
Where in the hotel are wedding ceremonies performed?
Either at our private and secluded cliff top wedding gazebo, surrounded on three sides by the Caribbean Sea or under a beautiful wedding arch on the beach.
How many weddings do you organise per week?
We have a limit of three weddings per week, to ensure that all couples feel special.
How long do couples have to be on the island before they can get married?
Just 24 hours (providing the wedding has been registered).
What is the biggest wedding you have ever organised?
The biggest in terms of number of people attending would be 50. However the most elaborate to date would be the owners’ wedding, Mr. Ron & Trey Randall. They chose pure white décor with a fire eater and steel band to greet guests.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
There are many rewarding aspects, but I’d have to say either receiving a written note of thanks through the media or receiving photos of couples’ children. Seeing couples come back to Blue Waters to celebrate their wedding anniversaries is wonderful too.
What has been the most unusual thing a wedding couple has asked you for?
A couple wanted to get married without getting married! They wanted to have a ‘Spiritual Experience’. They could not be pronounced ‘husband and wife’ but had the full works, beach ceremony, butterfly release, water and candle ceremony and the bride wore a blood red dress.
Any romantic stories you can share with us?
I have quite a few romantic stories, but the one that touched me the most was that of an elderly couple who came out by themselves to get married and asked me to give away the bride. I wore her favourite colour, purple and so did she. I assisted her down the aisle as she had Parkinson’s Disease, to get married to her long time love, who waited teary-eyed at the gazebo, also wearing touches of purple. The couple looked beautiful and content, proving love has no limitations.
What do you arrange for wedding guests in the evening after the ceremony?
Either a beach or pool deck Caribbean barbeque, a romantic gazebo dinner or a dinner at one of our three restaurants; Bartleys, The Palm or The Cove. If it’s a large wedding party then they can enjoy exclusive hire of a restaurant.
Why is Blue Waters perfect for weddings?
Location, Location, Location! Not to mention the attention of a dedicated wedding coordinator who will always go the extra mile for her clients.
