Imagine the perfect wedding.  Imagine the bride and groom on a sandy beach.  Imagine the witnesses and guests.  Get to work on the Wedding Checklist.  That’s how to plan a wedding, Island Style.  What’s every bride’s most essential tool?  A wedding planner: virtual, notebook, or real-life (hopefully with virtual and paper tools to get the job done)!

How to Plan a Wedding, Island Style

From imagination to reality, is the wedding planner’s mantra.  For Jill, our Stella Maris wedding planner, her wedding checklist is the key.  What begins in broad strokes, an exchange of ideas, comes down to the details of how to plan a wedding.

• Wedding ceremony planning
• Wedding reception planning
• Flower arrangements
• Music planning
• Photography schedules
• Wedding party decorations
• Wedding reception dinners and menus
• Accommodation arrangements for the bride and groom, and wedding guests
• Arrangements for Stella Maris Resort Flight service or other air charter from Nassau to our Bahamas resort for wedding guests
• Appointments and fees for the local Government Administrator

A professional wedding planner ensures that all the questions are answered.  “How do I choose flowers?”  “Where can our ceremony take place?”

Jill knows that the smallest details make the difference.  She handles every detail from intimate rehearsal dinners to spectacular Bahamas wedding receptions.  All are delivered with first class service from professional staff.

That’s how to plan a wedding so that on the ‘big day’ it’s all about you.

I still can’t believe that I did virtually nothing to prepare for the wedding other than answer a few questions and had ZERO stress on the day before and day of which is unheard of for the bride! It was exactly as you orchestrated it to be……..relaxed, remote, private and PERFECT! – Annette

Conch Shell on Sandy Cay Beach

When guests ask us what to do in The Bahamas we often speak of a visit to Long Island and Stella Maris Resort as a visit to the ‘original’ Bahamas.  A step back in time to simpler days, without all the hustle and bustle that permeates modern life.  A place to put body and soul back together again.  We gently guide our guests down the path from the excitement of arrival to seemingly unattainable ‘zone’ of ‘Island Time’ as we respond to their queries of ‘what to to in The Bahamas’.

A boat trip to visit Sandy Cay is new to our lineup of what to do in The Bahamas.  This lovely spot is just off Little Exuma, a pleasant boat ride from the Stella Maris Marina.  Your captain, Robert, is happy to share local lore.  Guests may make arrangement for the Eco Tour in advance, or let us know when here and we can schedule based on availability and weather conditions. Charter rate is $400 on a 16′ boat.

Bahamian rock iguanas on Sandy Cay

On Sandy Cay meet the resident Bahamian rock iguana.  Want to know more about the iguana?  The Shedd Aquarium conducts research on the Bahamian rock iguana.  Read more in this National Geographic post.

What to do in The Bahamas?  On Sandy Cay, search for the site of Captain Jack Sparrow’s buried treasure chest.  Two of the episodes, Dead Man’s Chest, and At World’s End are both on the list of films shot in The Bahamas.  Learn about the privateers and pirates, both real and fictional, that are part of the archipelago’s history.     The Bahamas has many pirate tales to tell, but that’s another story.

16 May 2012 is a very special date. Why? It’s the day that 16 couples from the UK enjoy the Bahamas wedding of their dreams.

At 16:00 hours (4.00pm local time) on 16 May,16 weddings will take place simultaneously on 16 gorgeous, tropical islands in The Bahamas.

Stella Maris Resort is taking part in the promotion.   The resort providing accommodation for the ‘Tropical Dream’ wedding package on Long Island.  Along with the services of their in-house wedding co-ordinator Jill Smith.

As a Beverly Clark Certified Wedding Professional, Jill is an experienced events planner. She is currently helping lucky couple Sarah Wassall and Colin Beechey, from Blackpool, to prepare for their dream Bahamas wedding.

Sarah, is a purser with British Airways, and Colin, a Concrete Plant Manager.  The couple will exchange their vows on one of Long Island’s beautiful beaches.

Sarah & Colin: Long Island, Bahamas Bride & Groom

So how did this dream beach wedding come about?

The promotion is the brainchild of The Bahamas Tourist Office in the UK. Each of The Bahamas’ 16 main islands offers a unique way to say ‘I do’.  The competition – which searched for 16 couples who wanted to get married in The Bahamas – was designed to reflect this. As you can imagine, it wasn’t a difficult task!

The BTO secured sponsorship with travel specialist Kuoni, leading UK jewellers Goldsmiths, and Benjamin Roberts an award-winning bridal wear manufacturer. Local partners were found on each of the 16 islands to provide accommodation, wedding planning and videography for each individual wedding.

The 16 different Bahamas wedding packages range from beautifully simple and romantic beach ceremonies to some unusual and adventurous events.

For instance, the ‘Enchanted Encounter’ Bahamas wedding package involves the couple (certified divers) marrying on the ocean floor just off Grand Bahama Island with dolphins in attendance. Another couple will plunge into Captain Bill’s Blue Hole on Andros in the Bahamas wedding package ‘Love in The Deep Blue Sea’.

UK couples were encouraged to upload a video or send a picture with 50 words explaining which island wedding they would prefer to win and why. More than 250 entries were received.

The public were then asked to vote for their favourite couple by text message or via the internet. Thousands of votes were cast.

A wonderful variety of entries were displayed on the Bahamas 16 Islands Wedding Invitation website and on Facebook.

Here’s an extract from Sarah and Colin’s entry: “When we first met Colin and I agreed we wanted to be married in the Bahamas. Amazing Bahamian people, beautiful beaches & crystal clear water, it is our dream paradise. Long Island has the Columbus monument, caves and churches for us to explore. It would not just be our wedding but a memory of a lifetime.”

One of the 16 weddings was chosen by the public vote. The the rest of the winning 16 entries were then chosen by a judging panel comprising Miranda Eason, Editor of You & Your Wedding magazine, Pippa Jacks of Travel Trade Gazette, and Tommy Thompson, Deputy Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

So that’s how Sarah and Colin won their dream Bahamas wedding. They fly out with the other 15 couples on 12 May. We wish them all the best!

You’ll love Shutterfly’s award-winning photo books. Try it today.

If you’ve been searching for incomparable Bahamas weddings, look no further than Stella Maris Resort. Here, we’ll work with you to create that special day you have always dreamed of, whether it’s saying your “I do’s” on the sandy beach or celebrating with friends and family in an intimate reception setting. Our complimentary Bahamas wedding planner can help you choose the right setting to create a uniquely memorable Bahamas weddings. Stella Maris Resort offers:

• Customized Bahamas wedding packages
• Complimentary dedicated wedding planner to help ensure your day goes smoothly

At Stella Maris, we go above and beyond to offer our guests all the comforts of home with the added benefit of warm weather, glistening waters and sandy beaches. By combining your family traditions with the traditions of the Bahamas, you can enjoy an entirely new way to celebrate your holidays.

We make it easy for you and your family to spend time scuba diving, or snorkeling during the day and enjoy having a home-cooked holiday meal dinner in the evening. Just some of the things that makes a Christmas special in the Bahamas includes our:

• Weekly Rum Punch parties
• Junkaroo rhythm beats
• Island games
• Live bands
• Dinner buffets

Also, you can enjoy our year-round island delights which include snorkeling, boat excursions, sun bathing, diving, fishing and much more. We are happy to offer your family a new adventure every single day.

Not sure your family can afford a Bahamas Christmas vacation? Check out the available holiday vacation packages and gift certificates our island resort offers. We want your holidays to be stress-free. What better way to eliminate stress than to live the Bahamas lifestyle? Start planning your Bahamas Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s vacation today. Contact us to let us know how we can help you celebrate.

Promotional Offer: Receive a $400 Instant Savings on stays of 6 nights or longer or a $250 Instant Savings on stays of 4 or 5 nights

You must make your reservation by October 24, 2011 Travel Period: December 22, 2011 through and including December 28, 2011 (customer must check out no later than December 29, 2011) to be eligible for this Christmas special offer

Minimum Stay: 4 consecutive nights

Terms & Conditions: The Christmas week special offer must be booked in conjunction with an air-inclusive vacation package, is valid when flying from any city in the USA or Canada, and requires a stay at one of our participating member hotels. The $400 Instant Savings requires a stay of 6 consecutive nights or longer, while the $250 Instant Savings requires a minimum stay of 4 or 5 consecutive nights. Limit one Instant Savings per booked room; up to two rooms allowed per booking. Minimum of double occupancy in the room. Not valid for group bookings.

To take advantage of this special please contact us now.

Offer Details:

• You must make your reservation by September 30, 2011 to travel now through December 23,2011
• Offer valid for a minimum 4-night or longer air/hotel/dive air-inclusive vacation package (double occupancy) from the continental USA and Canada, at a participating member hotel, minimum double occupancy. •Offer valid at participating BOIPB member hotels only.
• Offer valid for one dive credit per person and requires a minimum 2-tank dive purchase per person.
• Both airline tickets must be purchased on same flight/same itinerary and cannot include voluntary stopovers.
• Not combinable with any other air credit promotions.
• Not valid for purchase of First or Business Class tickets.

Contact us soon to take advantage of this special!

A Quiet Peace

I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about Long Island that is instantly relaxing. I’m standing on my balcony at Stella Maris Resort, noticing how greatly the view varies from what I’ve seen on Nassau and Grand Bahama — no high rises or chain restaurants stand between the glittering Caribbean Sea and me. It’s almost silent here, save for birdsong and the rustle of lizards across dry leaves.

The next morning, we join divemaster Robert Cokley for a day of diving, and again, I feel at peace. We’re not rushed, and instead find time to gawk at what lies beneath the boat. Even the harbors in Long Island are worth noticing, not just for the clear water, but also for the patchwork of undulating Cassiopea jellyfish, a harmless variety that resembles the Queen Anne’s lace flower.

We take our time underwater as well. Cokley takes us first to the MV Comberbach wreck, a 102-foot long British freighter. Right away, we spot a turtle. But as we slowly wind around the structure, our eyes settle on cleaner shrimp, gold spotted moray eels and other finds we would have missed if swimming at any other pace.

As time runs out on the dive clock, we gradually ascend and I realize that I’m grateful that every island moves at a different speed. Rushing around is a must in places like Manhattan, but I believe I’m much better suited to a place like Long Island, where a slow amble is perhaps the best pace to take in all the beauty it offers.

Brooke Morton

Now it’s your turn and the timing is great to take advantage of our 5 or 7 night Sun & Sea Inclusive Package. And Stella Maris Resort Club offers diving for nearly every experience level. Visit us to learn to dive, experience the Bahamas first Shark Reef, and much more. Make your reservation today!

Based on 30 years of research and interviews this book describes 70 plants, which are used by Bahamians to treat different health problems. Without prejudice this book gives structured information about different names, botany, habitat, preparation and uses of these plants as well as about possible side effects or toxicity. Besides that some history about The Bahamas, a short description of Bahamian vegetation, a list of toxic plants and some pests. A detailed glossary and indication list make it a nice reference for herbalists, (ethno-)botanists, students and interested families. The bibliography helps to find interesting books and links for further research. With this book the author hopes to help save valuable knowledge about medicinal plants, named “Bush Medicine” by the Bahamians. It has shown to be helpful since many genera¬tions and fortunately the Bahamians are already getting more aware of this field, starting to preserve and cultivate more plants for a better protection and use.

Product Details:

• Paperback: 232 pages; 150 colored photos with a few black and white drawings
• Publisher: CreateSpace (June 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• Size: 8 x 10 in (20.32 x 25.4 cm)
• ISBN-10: 1456503146 • ISBN-13: 978-1456503147
• Link with more information and a download as sample: http://www.bush-medicine.com
• by Dr. Renate Willmanowicz

Carolyn’s Favourite has been added to the accommodations available at Stella Maris Resort. If you prefer the attention and amenities of our hotel system, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath may be reserved with full hotel services. Or if you are looking for a week or longer residence on Long Island select Carolyn’s Fafourits as a vacation rental and enjoy Long Island living at your own pace.