1. Real Weddings

Thara & Joel: A Seaside Wedding in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Thara and Joel first met while studying for their MBAs at the University of St. Gallen. Both vowed to focus on school and not date within the program,

Thara and Joel first met while studying for their MBAs at the University of St. Gallen. Both vowed to focus on school and not date within the program, but that pledge didn’t last long. After no more than a week at school, Joel and Thara began their relationship. The Bride Thara Pillai, 38, business development executive The Groom Joel Abdinoor, 33, chief financial officer The Date November 25 Three years later, Joel got word that he would be transferred to Grand Cayman for business, and it was at that time that this London-based couple decided to take their relationship to the next level. Just before the move, Joel popped the question on Easter Sunday during a walk through Hyde Park. Island-bound, Thara and Joel set out to marry at their new home in Grand Cayman. Though it wasn’t a “destination” wedding in the most traditional sense of the word, it certainly was a fantastic getaway for the couple’s 40 guests.

Fresh, vibrant flowers sat atop the sage green tablecloths. The flowers were cut short, so guests could see one another and converse across the table.
Joel’s Canali suit complemented Thara’s dress perfectly, and the boutonniere matched the theme of the wedding.
The bridal bouquet (made with Leonotis, champagne roses, calla lilies, orchids, and stephanotis) wouldn't have been complete if it didn't fit the festive island theme. To ensure variety in the bouquet, Thara chose to use orange, red, and white as the colors.
In order to give the reception a dinner party ambience, the couple chose long tables instead of small circular ones. The Chinese hanging lanterns and flower décor added an elegant touch, while a guitarist played classic rock ballads.
Setting the mood for the romantic outdoor setting, Joel read Thara a poem by Brian Andreas, called “No Words,” during the wedding ceremony.
In true seaside style, the couple wed on a deck at the Grand Old House. The aisle was made of bamboo mats and lined with vases, complete with colored stones and candles. Amidst a variety of flowers and fall foliage, the couple stood beneath a bamboo canopy, woven with chiffon. A special salt ceremony incorporated both of their mothers, joining their families in unity.
The Grand Old House in Grand Cayman is a plantation-style venue that hosts scenic weddings inside and out. Recalling tradition, names and wedding dates of those who married at Grand Old House are carved in stone at the chapel.
Days before the wedding, a Nor’easter destroyed most of the deck. Luckily, the couple’s consultant enlisted a crew, which was rebuilding and repairing the deck just hours before the ceremony was to begin. The newly finished deck wouldn’t have been complete without the brown wicker chairs facing the ocean, allowing guests to enjoy the view.
The seating cards and menu placed on each gold charger balanced the sage green tablecloth and flower centerpieces.