The View from Venus
I normally leave the writing to Steve but I have been so overwhelmed by this holiday that I feel now is the time to write my debut review. Our Renewal of Vows holiday needed a female touch.
The organisation was so easy, Janet, owner of ‘And Two Became One’, organised everything. All she asked was what theme and colour did we want. Having lived In The Bahamas in my teens the theme had to be ‘Bahamian’ and the colour scheme daffodil yellow to match my dress. She arranged everything else.
Freeport on Grand Bahama is a beautiful place. Lucayan Beach which borders the Grand Lucayan hotel and many apartment blocks is stunning. White sand that stretches for at least a mile, clear blue waters matched on most days by a beautiful blue sky. Idyllic. What better place to renew your vows or in fact take that initial plunge into a life long journey together.
The day for the ceremony started out fine but as the day progressed the black clouds gathered and we all thought our day was going to be blighted by rain. Janet’s team worked hard to set everything out on the beach in front of Riviera Towers, where my brother lives, with a slight drizzle to keep them cool. Just as everyone arrived the black clouds disappeared however the sun decided to stay away but that was ok. The sea grape heart interspersed with conch and other shells looked magnificent with white chairs and daffodil yellow sashes setting the scene. I felt a million dollars in my dress set off by a beautiful pearl necklace and bracelet from Colombian Emeralds and a beautiful yellow bouquet of Bahamian flowers. Steve looking as dashing as ever waited in the heart for my brother to deliver me to him (don’t tell Steve but my heart skipped a beat just like it did 30 years ago). My mum, one of our five family guests, looked on with what I hope was pride. Dennis played the steel drum in the background and everything else slipped into oblivion. We’d asked Janet to perform the ceremony as we wanted it to be small and intimate and she did a magnificent job. After, we celebrated with the most ginormous cocktail glasses filled with bubbly and mango juice. The cake, decorated with Bahamian flowers was stunning and along with some beautiful cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, red velvet cookies and hand made chocolates (some being Goat Pepper and Balsamic Caramel … only in the Bahamas) the table looked magnificent. Cathy the photographer worked hard throughout and finished off with family and group photos with all the magnificent people who made our day so special. I was so overwhelmed by it all and so grateful for the hard work that Janet and her team put in to make our special day even more special.
Our day finished with a family meal at the China Beach restaurant part of the Grand Lucayan hotel where we spent three nights. This beautiful hotel overlooks the beach and has a lovely Senses Spa where we enjoyed a couples Massage. We also had an additional photo shoot on the beach at the Grand Lucayan and Mark did a fantastic job in getting us to act like teenagers again. Playing in the sea in a floor length dress with train, yes, why not. However the funniest bit was when Mark was lying flat out on the sand taking photos of us running through the water when a wave surprised him and wet him from head to toe. Payback.
After checking out of the Grand Lucayan Resort we travelled to Marsh Harbour on Abaco where we had a 6 night Voneymoon (no I didn’t make a mistake this is my new word for a honeymoon after vows). This was a perfect location to visit the Cays that form part of Abaco.
On our return Janet once again stepped up and organised for me and her to have a Harley Davidson bike ride with the Scurvy Few bikers. Another tick to my bucket list.
If you are trying to find a place to renew your vows or in fact take the initial plunge into married life away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life then consider Grand Bahama. Janet, And The Two Became One, plus her team can make just about everything happen. I am sure she has a magic wand somewhere. From a limo or sedan pick up at the airport, the right accommodation for your stay, to all the little details that make it your special day. Just ask and it will be done.
