Colorful Micro Destination Wedding Inspiration from the Caribbean
This tropical-styled shoot, overflowing with colorful florals, was dreamt up by an incredible team of wedding professionals in the Caribbean. Longtime Virgin Islands event planner, Jennifer Johnson of Jenn Events, has just expanded her company to the luxury island of St. Barths with the newly acquired Epic Presentations; a bespoke St. Barths wedding and events company. With this shoot, Johnson wanted to show the other side of the Caribbean, beyond the beautiful beaches and into the lush tropical jungle. Epic Presentations and Jenn Events worked together to plan every detail of this micro destination wedding. East End Flower Shop created all of the over-the-top floral designs by hand. Read on to hear more from Caribbean wedding planner, Jennifer Johnson from Epic Presentations. Keep scrolling to see all of the beautiful photos by Soleil Creative. You can view all the images in the full gallery.
St. Barthélmey, the Virgin Islands, and all of the Caribbean is waiting for the return of destination weddings. We know that it is going to take time for us, to have a “new normal”, and when we do, it will look different than it has in the past. In this spirit, Epic Presentations and Jenn Events Collaborated to create what we have dreamed the 2021 weddings of the Caribbean to look. This shoot is all about the lushness off the beaches and the natural beauty unique to the US Virgin Islands. We went deep into the Botanical gardens of our islands to discover the beauty of the flora and fauna rather than the standard but still beautiful beach photos. We tied in what we believe will be the trends of 2021 and the deep emotional nature of the changes that are occurring in weddings at this time.
The Set + CEREMONY
A micro wedding with intimate details. The “other Caribbean”, the flora and fauna side of things. Capturing the light and the dark of these times.
The look and feel was ethereal and simple. Socially distant poufs were laid out and the bride, Shanah-Nequai, adorned her elegant veil while the groom, Gabriel Stephen, looked onto her lovingly. We chose Ceremonies By Claudette to perform the ceremony. A minster in the Virgin Islands who brings love and compassion to all she touches. The natural palm backgrounds keep things simple and natural.
The Drinks
Fresh squeezed and small batch for individuals or a small enclave. We are loving the idea of everything, or as much as possible, “Buy Local.” We are taking this into the bar and using small batch tequila as well as fresh squeezed tropical juices. Locally grown drink stirrers and utilizing a small local business for our fresh squeezed juice. B Squeezed prepared all of our fresh juice combinations. Tanteo supplied the Rum, from a distributor based locally, Neptune's Nectars.
The Dress
We love the idea of Vintage. It falls into the theory that more is not more right now but that wearing something with history is, whether it is your grandmothers veil or dress, or if you have decided to wear a vintage classic like this one. This is Oscar de la Renta Vintage with a veil that had a bit of glitter. We love the intricate work of the flowers that are hand stitched on to the dress. The Groom is in J.Crew custom menswear.
Beauty + Skincare
Hair and make up was provided by Olga of Expressions Vi. Natural glam. Nothing over done but enhanced with a statement. For her hair, we went with an all natural look Adorned with a floral art piece. For make up we wanted sexy, sultry, but natural. Sitting in her natural beauty, power, and presence.
We prepped with Skin By Nequai, a Virgin Islands plant-based skincare line that has all of your months before and day-of-wedding skincare needs. All natural products for your pre-wedding skincare prep. Clay Masks and Detox Facials leading up to the wedding and day of using the Rose Mist Spray.
Flowers
Longtime vendor partnerships and small businesses are important in today’s event world and we partnered up with one of our most trusted “friendors” to create this tropical Caribbean dream. Ali from East End Flower Shop designed regal tropical art headpieces and amazing flower masks. Flower masks will hit the run way this year.
For the table design we wanted tropicals mixed with local flowers. We all love traditional flowers. Roses, Hydrangeas and blush tones. However, deep traditions will be upheld in certain areas of 2021 weddings, but things like florals and décor will be a place where Brides and Grooms will buck tradition. We feel that going bright and bold will be the way forward. Everyone wants a lift and this is one way to get it.
Décor and details
Tropical Caribbean King and Queen Portrait. We used the traditional peacock chair and adorned it with the local passion fruit vine. We feel that our regal goal was achieved through the addition of the tall ginger staff the groom is holding and the pomegranate orb.
Nature
The natural essence of the earth and our world is in the forefront now more than ever. People want to be out in nature and experiencing all the outdoors has to offer. They want to be breathing open air and become a part of the natural experience. Nature is on trend. The Caribbean farm table was set deep in the arboretum as a way to capture the amazing beauty of some of the Caribbeans historic trees.
Additionally, the back drop to the table is upended roots from a tree that was taken down by Hurricane Irma and Maria. Another nod to our history. We love the mix of tropical flowers, coconut palm nuts, papaya and candles. All topped with a banana chandelier. Bananas were fresh cut from a local farm and twinkle lights were strewn throughout. The table is set with family heirloom silver from Tiffany and Company. Chargers, napkins and all its accoutrements all pose an opportunity for family heirlooms to be utilized.
Photography
The Caribbean sensitive eye of Fianna Fluess from Soleil Creative, a local Creative and Marketing company, shot all of the vignettes. Fianna grew up in the islands and understands the natural lighting and knew that, other than the small twinkles, the natural light was the best light. Soleil Creative has a keen awareness for all things island. We brought them in because of this and trusted that sense to be able to see our vision and bring it to light.
Budget Breakdown
Please note that prices do change, and this budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much a wedding like this might cost you.
Photographer: $4,000
Videographer: $2,000
Floral: $2,000
- Event Planning & Design: Epic Presentations
- Event Planning & Design: Jenn Events
- Flowers: East End Flower Shop
- Fresh local juices: B Squeezed
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Expressions Vi
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Skin By Nequai
- Officiants: Ceremonies By Claudette
- Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Soleil Creative
- Photographers: Soleil Creative
- Refreshments: Neptune's Nectars
- Refreshments: Tanteo