So thrilled to be sharing Nicole and Frank’s Glamorous Cayman Island Wedding today!
Frank and Nicole met while working and sitting next to one another in Boston. They became best friends and did everything together (including yoga and cycling classes). Friendship transformed into dating, eventually moving in together, competing with one another for career promotions, a move to a new city and two dogs. Throughout their entire relationship and all the challenges they’ve taken on together, they have always managed to not only grow their love, but remain best friends.
When they started discussing their wedding plans the Grand Old House in Grand Cayman was their first choice as Nicole’s dad has gotten married there 8 years earlier!
Tell me about your dress?
Before Frank proposed, I had already fallen in love with Grace Loves Lace wedding gowns. Their dresses are unique and perfectly portrayed my personality. I loved the custom curve-hugging fit of the gowns and delicate lace. While they are based out of Australia, right after we got engaged they opened a showroom in NYC. I immediately decided it was fate, booked a flight and planned a girl’s weekend in the city with family and friends to look at dresses. I could have worn any of their dresses I tried on, I loved them all. The stylist ended up bringing out the GIA gown last and it was not a design I originally planned to try on. As soon as I put it on I knew it was the one. Even months are the wedding I am still obsessed with the dress!
How did he pop the question?
I had always told him I didn’t care when or where he proposed but I wanted our dog, Bo, there. At this point, we had not yet gotten our second pup and we were a little family of three. After traveling for work and being away for over a week I could not have been more excited to come home and see Frank and our dog. My flight kept getting delayed multiple times and by the time I landed in Charlotte it was almost 2am. After getting off the plane the first thing I noticed was our dog was in the airport. The only thing that went through my head was how did Frank get our dog into the airport and is he allowed in here. Bo came running up to me and when I picked my head up to see Frank, he was down on one knee! I will never be more surprised in my entire life!
What was your favourite moments from the wedding?
I had so many favorite moments from our wedding! I am not usually an emotional person. As much as everyone said your wedding day is magical and the best day of your life, I never truly understood how powerful of a day the wedding would be. I always said, as long as him and I are married at the end of the day- that would be the perfect day for me. Our wedding was truly magical and it was more than anything I could have ever hoped for or envisioned. Not only was the wedding the best day of my life, but I could never put into words how wonderful and soul awakening it was.
How would you describe your overall wedding experience?
Unbelievable! The Grand Old House and all of our vendors were absolutely amazing. Everyone did such a phenomenal job I don’t know where to start. Dunja and the entire staff at GOH we’re perfect. Everything from helping us plan to service to managing the day. We plan on going back every year to the venue for dinner around our anniversary. You as our photographer made my life so easy! The way you captured the day and took control of everything was amazing. I could never have dreamed how beautiful the photos came out. Our DJ as well was awesome. Our guests absolutely loved the music and how great he was at keeping the party going. The overall experience was phenomenal!
What advice would you offer other couples planning a destination wedding?Don’t stress over the small stuff! While planning the wedding, everything seems like it’s make or break the day. It’s easy to get hung up on place cards or seating charts or save the dates, etc. Just know everything falls into place and having a good team (planner, photographer, venue, dj, etc) ensures it goes smoothly and people have your back on any hiccups that could occur!
What photography related advice would you offer to a couple?
Don’t pose too much and just enjoy having fun with one another during the pictures!
How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?
Absolutely awesome! As someone who is laid back, it was so amazing how in control you were of the day from getting ready through the wedding ending. It made my life a thousand times easier and I didn’t have to worry at all on our special day!
Were there any unique items in your wedding that you would like to highlight?
There were multiple items that were unique and meant a lot to us at our wedding. My grandfather couldn’t make the trip so as my ‘something blue’ I wore a blue cross anklet he had given me when I was a child. Our table numbers were also pictures of frank and I at particular ages- we had so much fun comparing the two of us at different stages in our lives while making them. I had also forgotten to bring ‘something borrowed’ so one of my bridesmaids lent me her beautiful silver ring the day of the wedding which meant a lot to me as well.
venue: Grand Old House
Groom’s & Groomsmen Suit: The Black Tux
Bridesmaid’s Dresses?: Birdy Grey
DJ: One World DJ
Dress Boutique and Dress Designer: Grace Loves Lace
make-up & hair: Rock Gorgeous Salon
Ring Designer: Tacori
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Janet Jarchow, is a Grand Cayman Photographer specialising in Wedding and Portrait Photography as well as videography. She has photographed hundred of weddings on all three of the Cayman Islands and abroad. Her light and airy photographic style lends itself to the beauty of the Cayman Islands. You can contact her here.