For Americans John and Shannon Wilson, their joining in holy matrimony was not about formalities. “We’re not into the big wedding at the church; a thousand people you don’t know. We wanted something a little more laid back, low key.” The two became one on the tranquil shores on Saint Lucia in a lovely ceremony surrounded by family. Every moment of their wonderful wedding day was captured in stunning colour by St. Lucia Wedding Photographer, Bill Mortley. “Love them,” says John about the wedding photographs.
Like many others, the Wilsons found St. Lucia Wedding Photographer, Bill Mortley as they read the reviews on the island on Trip Advisor. This got them thinking about wedding photos and they began exchanging emails with a couple who wrote one of the glowing reviews. They also read of the extremes to which Bill has gone to ensure the very best for his clients, even as some hotels seek to ban outside photographers and force couples to use only their service. After contacting Bill, they were further captivated. Happily Bill has exceeded their expectations. “Couldn’t ask for more; It’s beautiful,” says John. Shannon 29 and a Nurse at Virginia Mason, met John, a 31-year-old Programmer Manager for Air Solutions, at an acquaintance’s going away party.
Having known each other for over three years, the newlyweds, who live in Seattle Washington, feel marriage has changed the game. “Now that she’s my wife, I can’t just say I quit”, John jokes about his new commitment. For Shannon, “It just feels weird.”
The Wilsons’ day was far from strange, dawning bright and remaining beautiful. “I’m loving it, it’s been perfect, It was HOT….really HOT,” says Shannon. “It’s supposedly the hurricane season but it’s been beautiful every day.” For Shannon and John being away from the crowds at home is priceless.
They did need one important slice of home, their family, to complete the occasion. John and Shannon took time out to explore the island on Joy’s sailing tour but took advantage of their honeymoon in paradise to relax together. “Every other day has been poolside,” smiles Shannon. Post by St. Lucia Wedding Photographer.
Having lived abroad for several years, it was a heartwarming welcome home for Tessa Saunders when she returned to Saint Lucia for her nuptials with fiancé Michael Schreck, a native of New Jersey, USA.
The sunny setting was a natural choice for the long-time lovers, who also wanted a traditional church wedding. “I always wanted Tessa to get married at home because the cathedral in Castries is just beautiful and I wanted her to get married in her childhood parish and where she grew up,” says Michael . Tessa remembers, “about 4 years ago we were at walking down the shore and we were talking about weddings and I told him I want to get married at home. ‘
At home it was as the two joined Tessa’s family for what was to be the first introduction to her lifemate. “I was very nervous,” Says Michael, “Besides being an inter-racial couple, I am 13 years her senior, older than her oldest sibling. But from the first 30 seconds when we reached up Pavee Hill it felt right and I felt at home.
Tessa’s mother was just very endearing and the whole family, her brothers and sisters, Nigel, Francis, Maria and Dylan, really accepted me and didn’t judge me.”
The meeting was no less warming than Tessa’s first with his family. “It was a little intimidating,” Tessa says in turn, “Because the first time I met Michael’s family his dad had passed away. We were already going out for a year but the first time I met them was a couple of days before his dad’s funereal. I walked in expecting everybody to be sad and upset but everybody welcomed me and it felt right from the beginning.”
There, as in Saint Lucia, the difference was accepted but still noticed. At Michael’s urging Tessa recounts, “It’s funny because the repast, which we call the wake here, was in Wisconsin which is like, farmland. Everybody was coming up to me saying ‘hi, you must be Tessa, Michael’s girlfriend’ and I was asking myself ‘how does everybody know I’m Michael’s girlfriend?’ and I realized I was the only Black girl there.” Their peals of laughter ring out together at the seven-year-old family joke.
Michael, currently a chef working at the Indy Race League, and Tessa, who now works in accounts receivables at Hilton hotel, first met on the job. “I was manager on duty one night at the hotel we were both working at and Tessa was working at the front desk. I saw her smile just light up the lobby and I knew right then that I just had to meet her. There’s also a glitch to that because she thought I was an ass when she first met me,” says Michael, and Tessa quickly agrees, “Yes I did.”
Posing in the garden
More than seven years later, the first testy meeting has resulted in Tessa’s first and Michael’s second marriage. Michael says it was down to the wire in 2008 for a very patient Tessa . “I was teasing her because she was like ‘if you don’t marry me in December…’, that was in June, and I was like, ‘is that all it takes? I can last till December’.”
Wedding album page
The June wedding saw the couple sticking to the religious theme and using the Benedictine Centre at the Morne for their special occasion. They were more than satisfied with the service provided by the nuns who run the place. Michael, who always believed nuns to be guarded and cloistered from attending weekday mass as a child in New Jersey, was pleasantly surprised. “When I got there Sister Emmanuella, who we had talked to over the phones, and all the other nuns were all so sweet and welcoming.”
The stunning views (the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other), the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the food service, had even Chef Michael impressed. “It’s just very warm and friendly. You feel like you’re at home.”
Various poses for wedding album
Tessa saw the magic from the start. “As soon as we walked in and saw the church, the archway was like wrought iron and there were initials ‘M’ and ‘T’ and that just sold it for us.”
Although there were rules to follow, such as keeping the music down, the ceremony was for Tessa, “More than I imagined it would be.” So enjoyable, kids a jovial Michael, “I still had my hand up one girl’s dress when I was after the garter. So I was happy.”
The real joy however was being surrounded by family and friends, even with the limited number from overseas. “We never would have been able to get our wedding done without the help of our family. And it’s wonderful that our family got together for Tessa and I and everybody had a good time.”
The guests list was fitting for the two who met in a hotel, with twenty-five people flying in from England, America, the Philippines, Ghana, Portugal and Haiti, the only thing missing was international flags to welcome everyone.
Guests also got to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of Saint Lucia with a round the island boat trip replacing the traditional New Jersey post wedding brunch. The full day trip, “It was fun from the moment we got on the boat until we got back,” included stops at the famous Sulphur Springs, swimming and snorkeling at Anse Cochon and lots of local eats.
Having fun with photographer Bill Mortley
In typical style Michael ends with the cherry on top, “We should have had the boat ride before the wedding because by that time I would have learnt to dance a little more Lucian style. By Sunday Tessa’s brothers and sisters had given me some pointers and I had loosened up my hips.”
Don’t worry Michael all the dance steps were caught by my snappy professional lenses and the high quality memories will remain with you and your guests for generations.
There’s an elixir in the air on this little Caribbean island, and Craig and Michelle Davis have breathed in deeply. Michelle had always had the dream of being married in St. Lucia. “I’d never seen a picture of the island. I must have just seen or heard of it on a film or something.”
Luckily, her husband Craig agreed to it when they were making plans. “We began to look into it and see what a beautiful island it is, and I wanted to come here even more.” “The island is amazing and the hotel is fantastic. The people on the island are just so friendly. We couldn’t ask for a better place to get married. My dream came true. I had my dream Wedding Photography”, said Michelle.
Michelle and Craig Davis met each other over 6 years ago at a local pub near their homes in South Wales. Craig noted, “We didn’t have a first date”, Michelle said. “We would go to cinemas, hang out together doing things that we both really enjoy. I’m really lucky I found someone that likes what I like doing. We love sports. We’ve been to millions of sports…Grand Prix…rugby…any sport there is, we’ve done it. That’s one of the things I really enjoy about him…that we enjoy the same things.” In speaking with Craig he said, “Each and every time we saw each other we grew closer and closer. I dropped her off from a date, later sent her a text and said, ‘Let’s give it a go.’
They did. “When we go out, I love being with Michelle. I love being with my wife.” “I can be who I am with him”, Michelle said. “He’s patient. He’s always there to listen and he never judges me.” “Michelle makes me who I am. I know I’m the best person I’ve been in the last 6 years. She brings out my best. Michelle’s qualities are beautiful”, Craig exclaimed.
Michelle said, “I’m really lucky to find someone who likes doing what I’m doing.” In preparing for their day, they started their search by going on a few blogs and found Bill Mortley Photography.
They read about a couple from Britain who were married the year previously. They used Bill Mortley Wedding Photography and couldn’t speak highly enough of him. “We looked at a slideshow of your work. It was pretty fantastic and we knew right away what we were going to do. We even changed our wedding date so you could take photos of us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve made, so thank you again, Bill”, remarked Michelle. Craig noted, “The photos are not just pure poses, but are taken when people are being themselves…very natural, and that’s the part that you see…the laughter… the happiness in people. While we were listening to what the minister was saying, you were capturing what was going on around us. We had that to look at later. It’s been absolutely fantastic.”
They mentioned that they are planning to return for their ten-year vow renewal. Michelle said, “That’s the plan anyway, but we may not be able to wait 10 years.” “Definitely will come back to this island and will recommend it to anyone…and get Bill Mortley Photography…definitely…don’t get anyone else.” Thanks Michelle.
My husband and I travelled to St Lucia alone to get married and a fab 10 night stay at the resort. On arrival we took the helicopter transfer which we booked a little nervously as I was worried about what would happen to our luggage, however St Lucia Helicopters were very professional and they take your luggage separately and we had no problem whatsoever – when you land at the heli pad they also provided a free taxi to the resort – certainly recommend it – especially if you’re getting married – pull out all the stops!
TTD in the ocean
As we arrived into the resort about an hour before everyone else our room wasn’t quite ready however we soon found that the pool bar was open and they had set up a TV in the sunset lounge (open air) with the football (soccer) on showing the Champions league games. Our room was 743 which was on the 3rd floor and was right next to the pool. The room was beautiful, clean and spacious – it was really handy having British and US plugs – no need for an adapter and the voltage meant that my hair strengtheners worked ( I know the girls reading this will find this valuable info! Sorry boys!) The only tip I would say is take more coat hangers as these are few and far between! Food wise we had no problem with choice, however the standard and service was hit and miss – however that said we never once had a problem with any of the waiters – all friendly and helpful.
1st page of wedding album
Bar service was great and we can recommend the BBC cocktail (baileys, Banana and Coconut cream) and we would like to say thanks to Emmanuel – he was always happy and we find this adds to the enjoyment of any holiday. The nightlife is as expected – low key – but this is why we went to the Caribbean – to relax. The beach is as the resort description small – but uncrowded (and we were there for part of the Easter Holidays) the water isn’t crystal clear – but that’s not to say it is dirty, it’s just the sand!!! I think people the people that are complaining about the water quality have never seen the North sea?! Trips – we joined the Joy’s cruise from on the beach $80 (US) per person and loved it – thank you Joy for the surprise wedding cake that you prepared for us.
Wedding: Just the two of us and I have to say the paperwork side of things was hassle free and just what it should be. Jessica the wedding coordinator arranged for the minister to come to the resort a couple of days before the wedding and basically that was it!
Couple pose for photographer Bill Mortley with Pitons in the background.
We decided to get married in the Gazebo – before we left we were determined to get married on the beach however the location is not what you want – people eat BBQ food around it every day and to us it just didn’t feel quite special enough. We went for a walk to both locations when we arrived and once we set eyes on the views from the gazebo instantly we knew it was the place for the big day – Jessica was only too happy to switch the location for us. I got the free manicure offered by Virgin – I have natural nails and let me say ladies – do them yourself and spend the hour with your fiancé instead! Not great – luckily it was free! I had my hair done the morning of the wedding at the salon and was happy with the service. My fiancé was given a room free of charge for a few hours on the morning to get changed which was really good of them to arrange – speak to Jessica and she will point you in the right direction. The day itself was PERFECT and fab. We used Bill Mortley wedding photographer as recommend by other brides – he was extremely professional and worked very hard to get every shot he could – he is full of excitement and vision. He persuaded us to get dressed again the day after our wedding and drove us, at no extra cost to the Pitons and the botanical gardens to take more photo’s… he even introduced me to a US custom of “trashing the dress” – yes I went into the sea in my dress………. x Finally – thank you to Anthony the Virgin rep – we would have missed our flight home if it wasn’t for your help, love Mr and Mrs. Collins xx
