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The BVI's natural beauty, pristine crystal-clear waters, magnificent white-sand beaches, lush hillsides and panoramic island views provide truly romantic settings for unforgettable weddings.
By Elise Donovan
Canadians Sue and Jamie met and fell in love, becoming teenage sweethearts in the late 1980s. It took 30 years of romance, a lifetime of love and shared moments, including the birth of their daughter, before they finally tied the knot. For their special day, Sue and Jamie “didn’t want a big traditional wedding, but something unique and special.” They chose their favourite spot in the world, Loblolly Bay. “It’s so beautiful and quiet, with sand as far as you can see. It’s like our own little place,” says Sue.
On a previous vacation, Sue and Jamie became captivated by the miles of gleaming white sand, caressed by the azure, crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean that is Loblolly Bay, one of the beaches lining the coral shores of Anegada, the BVI’s most secluded, tranquil island.
“Anegada is old Caribbean, but it takes it one step further. You go to the beach and you have it for yourself. You share the dirt roads with the donkeys and the cows — we love that whole atmosphere,” says Jamie.
Leaving behind the snowy, bone-chilling cold of Ontario, Sue and Jamie flew to the BVI in mid-March with a close-knit group of eight adults and four kids and chartered a 43-foot catamaran for their 10-day wedding excursion. They sailed to Peter Island and spent a couple of nights in North Sound. Then, they rented a pick-up truck to explore Virgin Gorda and take in the breathtaking mountaintop views before sailing on to Anegada for their special day.
As suggested by their photographer Amanda Baker, renowned for capturing amazing wedding photos, they arrived in Anegada around 3 p.m., when the temperature was right, the sun shone at an ideal angle and the sea breeze whistled gently, making an idyllic combination for perfect wedding pictures. “It was absolutely beautiful, exactly what we wanted,” said Sue.
Sue’s strapless cream-colored dress sparkled in the afternoon sun and flowed lightly below her knees as she realised her dream of walking barefooted down Loblolly Bay’s sandy aisle. She met Jamie under a palapa on the beach; both overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment and the ultimate expression of their 30-year love, they finally said, “I do.”
After exchanging vows, Sue and Jamie were surprised and delighted by a juggling show put on by Crazy Richard, the juggling pirate. He gave them their first personalised wedding gift. “Using a magnifying glass, he burned our names into a piece of driftwood and gave it to us.”
Later, the wedding party enjoyed dinner at Big Bamboo, Anegada’s signature restaurant owned and operated by husband and wife duo Aubrey and Diane Levons. They feasted on Big Bamboo’s scrumptious array of barbecues, succulent lobster and a tasty wedding cake fresh from Anegada’s own Dotsie’s Bakery. “The Levons made it so special for us, they were helpful and genuine — and decorated our tables with shells and lit candles.”
The newlyweds spent their wedding night, complete with champagne, at Anegada’s Neptune’s Treasure beachfront hotel, whilst the rest of their party went back to the boat. The following day they rejoined their crew and continued their enchanting journey to Scrub Island, Jost Van Dyke and Sandy Cay, where they had hermit crab races in the sand and did a fantasy treasure hunt for the kids. They snorkelled in the spectacular caves and savoured the trip’s last dreamy night anchored at the treasured Norman Island.
Sue and Jamie say their BVI wedding excursion, “exceeded expectations. It was exciting and romantic… Our friends said it was the best wedding that they’ve been to. This spoils it for any other vacation — it’s tough to go back to the all-inclusive [resort] and other spots after being to the BVI.”
The newlyweds plan to rename their sailboat in Canada Loblolly, as a reminder of their special place, and plan to return for their anniversary. Until then, they’ll just have to look at their memories. “The pictures are amazing. They are fabulous,” says Jamie.
Unlike Sue and Jamie, New Hampshire couple Stephanie and Dave’s relationship moved quickly from the minute they met. In six-month intervals, they moved in together, got engaged and married. They also wanted something very intimate. Tortola was ideal.
“The day we got married was the most beautiful, perfect day,” says Stephanie of their Fort Recovery wedding at the West End of Tortola. “When I started to walk down the beach, staring out at the ocean, seeing Dave waiting there for me, it was so perfect. He was so handsome. I wanted to run with excitement. I said, ‘Oh my God — you’re here and this is your wedding.’ I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. It was just perfect,” says Stephanie.
For Dave, who was in the BVI for the first time, it was surreal. “It was unbelievable. Standing on the pier waiting, when I finally saw her coming down the beach, it was very emotional. I couldn’t take the smile off my face. It was right before the sunset, and the water was quiet. It was amazing.”
After the ceremony, the two had a candlelit dinner on the beach and were happy to have no one else around. They say that the pictures surpassed their expectations. “The pictures are just us being us — we’re just there happy in love, and Amanda just happened to be capturing it.”
Planning a wedding for most people can be nerve-racking, whether a simple intimate gathering or a royal gala comparable to Will and Kate’s. A BVI wedding planner can take all the anxiety out of your wedding planning and make it seamless and fun. All you have to do is show up, relax and enjoy your special day. Experienced and talented wedding photographers like Amanda Baker and Norman Allen will make suggestions from thousands of naturally picturesque locations to suit your desires.
Wedding Requirements
You do have to ensure that you cover the basic requirements to make your marriage legal. A wedding specialist will assist you in getting all the necessary documents in order, but if you're doing it yourself, a marriage licence is easy to obtain, and the certificate is valid internationally. A couple is required to be in the BVI for three business days before they can be married. Upon arrival, apply for a licence at the Attorney General's Chambers, located on the second floor of the Central Administration Complex in Road Town, Tortola. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Your application will take three business days to be processed. Both petitioners must be present at the Attorney General's Chambers when applying for the licence. After the licence has been granted, it remains valid for three months from the date it's signed.
You need to have the following for a licence: 1. Your passports as proof of identity, and your date of arrival in the BVI; 2. Proof of marital status (certified original copies of the decree absolute for divorced spouses or the death certificate of deceased spouses); 3. A fee of $110 (in BVI postage stamps) for a special licence for those residing in the BVI for three days, or $50 (in BVI postage stamps) for those residing in the BVI for 15 days or more; 4. Two witnesses to sign the licence application. They don't have to be the same two who will be signing at the marriage ceremony; 5. If a minister is performing your ceremony, provide a letter from the minister stating he or she is going to marry you; and 6. If you're not planning to use a minister, having applied for the licence, go to the Registrar's Office to schedule an appointment for the date, time and location you want. The Attorney General's Chambers sends all the required documents, including the licence, to the Registrar's Office after processing. The Registrar presents these documents to you on the day of your wedding.
Fees payable to the Registrar's Office are $35 if the wedding ceremony is to be performed in a church, and $100 if it's performed elsewhere. If you plan to be married in a church, you must make arrangements with its minister and wedding announcements must be published on three consecutive Saturdays or Sundays. Publishing of announcements is not necessary if a marriage licence is obtained.
Norman Allen Photography
Belmont Estate
Tel: 284-795-4014
E-mail: info@normanallen.com
Website: www.normanallen.com
With nearly a decade of experience in wedding, event and portrait photography, Norman Allen Photography will beautifully capture your most special memories in a unique and non-intrusive manner. By the time your portrait session or special occasion is over, you will have become our friends! Our work is inspired by your emotions. We are delighted to be invited to express your most cherished life events in one-of-a-kind photographic art. With nearly a decade of experience in wedding, event and portrait photography, Norman Allen Photography will beautifully capture your most special memories in a unique and non-intrusive manner. By the time your portrait session or special occasion is over, you will have become our friends! Our work is inspired by your emotions. We are delighted to be invited to express your most cherished life events in one-of-a-kind photographic art.
Virgin Portraits
The Allamanda Gallery 124
Main Street, Road Town, Tortola
Tel/Fax: 494-6680
E-mail: amanda@virginportraits.com
Website: www.virginportraits.com
Virgin Portraits has been providing professional photography services in the British Virgin Islands and other Eastern Caribbean Islands since 2000. Specialising in destination wedding photography, children’s and family portraits, as well as Caribbean landscape and tropical floral images, photographer Amanda Baker showcases her work both online and in the Allamanda Gallery — a full-service photographic art gallery located in the heart of Road Town, Tortola. Please visit Amanda’s website and blog at www.virginportraits.com for samples of her work and more information about Virgin Portraits.
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Canadians Sue and Jamie met and fell in love, becoming teenage sweethearts in the late 1980s. It took 30 years of romance, a lifetime of love and shared moments, including the birth of their daughter, before they finally tied the knot. For their special day, Sue and Jamie “didn’t want a big traditional wedding, but something unique and special.” They chose their favourite spot in the world, Loblolly Bay. “It’s so beautiful and quiet, with sand as far as you can see. It’s like our own little place,” says Sue. 
Leaving behind the snowy, bone-chilling cold of Ontario, Sue and Jamie flew to the BVI in mid-March with a close-knit group of eight adults and four kids and chartered a 43-foot catamaran for their 10-day wedding excursion. They sailed to Peter Island and spent a couple of nights in North Sound. Then, they rented a pick-up truck to explore Virgin Gorda and take in the breathtaking mountaintop views before sailing on to Anegada for their special day.
Sue’s strapless cream-colored dress sparkled in the afternoon sun and flowed lightly below her knees as she realised her dream of walking barefooted down Loblolly Bay’s sandy aisle. She met Jamie under a palapa on the beach; both overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment and the ultimate expression of their 30-year love, they finally said, “I do.” 
The newlyweds spent their wedding night, complete with champagne, at Anegada’s Neptune’s Treasure beachfront hotel, whilst the rest of their party went back to the boat. The following day they rejoined their crew and continued their enchanting journey to Scrub Island, Jost Van Dyke and Sandy Cay, where they had hermit crab races in the sand and did a fantasy treasure hunt for the kids. They snorkelled in the spectacular caves and savoured the trip’s last dreamy night anchored at the treasured Norman Island. 
Unlike Sue and Jamie, New Hampshire couple Stephanie and Dave’s relationship moved quickly from the minute they met. In six-month intervals, they moved in together, got engaged and married. They also wanted something very intimate. Tortola was ideal.
After the ceremony, the two had a candlelit dinner on the beach and were happy to have no one else around. They say that the pictures surpassed their expectations. “The pictures are just us being us — we’re just there happy in love, and Amanda just happened to be capturing it.”
You do have to ensure that you cover the basic requirements to make your marriage legal. A wedding specialist will assist you in getting all the necessary documents in order, but if you're doing it yourself, a marriage licence is easy to obtain, and the certificate is valid internationally. A couple is required to be in the BVI for three business days before they can be married. Upon arrival, apply for a licence at the Attorney General's Chambers, located on the second floor of the Central Administration Complex in Road Town, Tortola. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Your application will take three business days to be processed. Both petitioners must be present at the Attorney General's Chambers when applying for the licence. After the licence has been granted, it remains valid for three months from the date it's signed.
You need to have the following for a licence: 1. Your passports as proof of identity, and your date of arrival in the BVI; 2. Proof of marital status (certified original copies of the decree absolute for divorced spouses or the death certificate of deceased spouses); 3. A fee of $110 (in BVI postage stamps) for a special licence for those residing in the BVI for three days, or $50 (in BVI postage stamps) for those residing in the BVI for 15 days or more; 4. Two witnesses to sign the licence application. They don't have to be the same two who will be signing at the marriage ceremony; 5. If a minister is performing your ceremony, provide a letter from the minister stating he or she is going to marry you; and 6. If you're not planning to use a minister, having applied for the licence, go to the Registrar's Office to schedule an appointment for the date, time and location you want. The Attorney General's Chambers sends all the required documents, including the licence, to the Registrar's Office after processing. The Registrar presents these documents to you on the day of your wedding.
Norman Allen Photography
Virgin Portraits