When I got married eons ago, my “something blue’ was the spectacular blue water of Grand Cayman where we spent our honeymoon!

Visiting this wonderful island was something I considered once in a lifetime….yet here I am!

This is the view of the serene blue water and the fabulous Ritz Carlton pool from my room on the 8th floor–Penthouse Level!

When I received the invitation to explore the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman, I jumped at the chance to see what today’s honeymooners could expect.

Fine dining, luxurious ocean-front accommodations, pristine Seven Mile Beach, and the aqua lounge–drink service while you float peacefully in the ocean. Oh yeah!

These are just my iphone pics. When I get the images from the Ritz Carlton, I will be sure to update you all. A slice of heaven like this, is just too good not to share!

Remind me to tell you about Sting Ray City!

Until later, your editor on location

Stephanie Gandy Riley

There are many reasons to plan a destination wedding or honeymoon in Jamaica. It’s lovely, the weather is great, you can enjoy wonderful food, and the list goes on. But, for me, the list should be topped with the Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica.

This resort is a destination in and of itself. There is a Jerk Cooking School on the beach here, the rooms are wonderful, and the service and cuisine are tops. Cuisine…..best meals, perfectly paired with wines, exquisite presentation…best of any destination in the Caribbean. Hands down.

This luxury destination offers an “all inclusive” meal package, which even includes beverages and room service. It’s not the customary drunk fest you might expect from all inclusive resorts. This is a fun place, but people are respectful. Even the few kiddos we saw were a delight.

This is the view from my room, taken with my iPhone (I was too excited to pull out my “real” camera!). The room I had was spectacular, and truly larger than my first college apartment.

When we arrived on property, we were greeted by the staff, who always had a warm smile to offer. That’s one of the things people like best about Jamaica–the friendliness of the people.

World-recognized friendliness + Ritz Carlton = perfect vacation.

The special event team at Rose Hall offers spectacular decor, and they have an impressive collection of preferred vendors. This is an outdoor party they set up on the veranda, that boasts fab views of the regal green lawn below and the blue water beyond.

If I were getting married again, I’d choose to wed on that fab circular lawn, and then have my guests dine and party on this veranda.

Many guests choose to wed on the beach, and the set up there is also lovely, but I like to wear heels and they seem more suited to lawns than shifting sands.

Check out this floral arrangement and chic table setting. It’s not all shells when you are decorating in the tropics.

and this mini arrangement was on each of the chairs!



If you’ve read our Summer/Fall issue, you know we love fancy chair covers and embellishments. Even in the Caribbean, we are scouting out the best for you, our dear reader!

Look for better shots of this prestige destination in our Winter/Spring 2011 issue. And when I get back to the states and plug in, I’ll share my own camera images too!

This location is about as perfect for newlyweds as they come. I couldn’t possibly make you wait until December to hear about it.

Just book the flight. Next time I’m bringing my husband.

Your editor, Stephanie Gandy Riley

on location in Jamaica

This little cutie, actually Frederick Theodore Schlosser, debuted at 5 lbs 6 oz–less than a Louis Vuitton handbag–but he’s been stealing hearts in a man-sized way ever since his debut.  

The world’s most glam grandma, Tucson Bride & Groom publisher Fran Samuel, is over the moon with the new addition. Of course, so are his parents Rachel and Ted, and new big sister Savannah.

Struggling to find a cake topper that really expresses who the two of you are? It’s a common dilemma and one that has yielded a great new product from Ambrosia of Tucson. Cake maven Jaynie Rossi, known for her one-of-a-kind cakes, now creates personalized cake toppers.

We’ve seen firefighter cake toppers and police officer cake toppers, but what if you’re not blonde and blue eyed, or what if the bride is taller than the groom?

Jaynie’s toppers begin with a photograph of the bride and groom and photos of the bridal gown and tuxedo. The toppers reflect the dress and tux, hair and eye color, height difference between the pair and any distinguishing factors that the couple desires.

Our event planner friends are a great fan of this product and we have to admit we think it’s pretty neat too!

Images by Zweddingz by Philip Ramackers and Co.

We just love it when a couple brings in their cultural heritage to a wedding celebration!

Whether it’s a Mariachi band, bagpipes or the family plaid–shown on the cute groom above–a nod to those who came before you is a welcome addition to your wedding.  You can get great Celtic fashions from Scottsdale’s own Claymore Imports.

Aside from the wearin’ of the family plaid, Celtic traditions include the bride donning a brooch that is said to bring good luck. The Lukenbooth brooch, which originated in Scotland in the sixteeth century, was a heart-shaped token of love, often given at weddings and engagements.

This traditional gift given to a man’s sweetheart was considered a lucky charm, and when worn on the bridal gown, it was said to protect the wearer against evil eyes and the attention of fairies. Even if you’re not worried about fairies, the sentiment behind the Lukenbooth brooch is charming.

While vintage pieces are hard to find, newer versions of these brooches can be found on the following websites:  lindaclifford.com;  peninhand.com;  argyllbagpipes.com;  celticstudio.com

Image courtesy of Zweddingz by Philip Ramackers & Co.