Day two on our trip to Barbados started with a drive the the atlantic side of the island. We meet with several planners and officials from the goverment at the Crane Resport to talk about the inn and outs of ceremonies in Barbados. The briefing was very informative. If we were wondering whether or not we could get a selection of linens and decor, all our concerns were laid to rest when in the room we found a sample setup for a reception. it was beautiful and very appreciated. The Tour of the Crane was very inspiring and breathtaking. The color of the ocean here was like nothing i have ever seen. there are a number of perfect locations for a wedding ceremony on the property. they also have a brand new ballroom that is perfect for an indoor reception. The drive to Huntes Gardens took us by Harrismith Beach and an abandoned house that sits on a cliff. the entrepreneur in me is thinking about getting investors together to buy it and turn it into a spectacular venue. Lunch at Huntes Gardens was a special treat. The place is relatively new but looks like it has been there for years. Mr. Hunt, who is quite a character has taken special care in putting togehter the gardens, which were lush and beautiful. A rehearsal dinner for 12 would be ideal in this little piece of heaven on earth. And finally we toured the St. Nicholas Abbey, which is another fabulous location for a wedding or rehearsal dinner. The distillery is rather unique and you can have custom rum bottles made. the rum pepper, which is a spice was so good, i had to buy a bottle. Larry the new owner and architect has restored it very well. he said it isn't haunted but other members of my group think otherwise. But the mysterious chiming of the clock, not on the hour or half hour, let us to think otherwise. The day ended with another delightful dinner at the Tides Restaraunt and Gallery. I have the say the food the whole time has been extremely good. And the gallery helped fuel my new love of Bajan artists. I knew that before the trip is over i would be buying a piece -stayed tuned to the next blog to learn more.

Congratulations to Shawn Kingsley on the launch of his new clothing line One Duey Kingsley. At a first story loft style space on Louisisana on Friday night, Shawn showed of his new line. It is a very sexy, vibrant line. My favorite piece was the fabulous wedding gown - very Jackie O!!

On the first day of the FAM trip after our lovely breakfast and tour at Sandy Lane, we visited Cobblers Cove another great spot for weddings and the two private suites were beatiful with their private pools. Then onto The Great House, which was still abuzz from the wedding a member of the boy band Westlife (i have no idea who they are but apparently the papparazi and OK magazine were all there). This house was really fab and where I discovered the term - Chattelhouse - which means house that can be moved. After that visited several vacation homes all in the Altman Villas collection, each one more amazing than the next. Then onto lunch with at Lonestar with Corrie Scott a native Bajan (not Baban or Barbadian and no one can tell me why Bajan) who really was quite a delight. She knew so much about the island and the artlife, which is quite abundant. Then off to several Elegant Hotel properties including Tamarand Cove. Cocktails this evening was hosted by The Cliff Restaurant, which i have to say is probably one of the most breathtaking places i have ever been to. Many kudos to the owner who clearly has poured his heart and soul into the restaurant and alot of imagination. The fire torches coming off the side of the cliff were stunning and the effect produced a glow well into the ocean. look at the video. Before dinner at Daphnes, we toured with Andrew the general manager, the House, which is another special space for weddings on the beach and then had a scrumptous meal. Favorite part of this dinner was the Watermelon Martinis and socializing with local wedding planners and decorators.

Had a great tour of Crave Cupcakes with Brad. They are building a great market for weddings and events. Your guests will love them YUMMY. http://www.cravecupcakes.com/contact.html

Thank you to the Barbados Tourism Authority for hosting the VIP Wedding Planner Trip. Over the next couple days I will be blogging quite a bit about the locations, restaurants and people that I visited with. The first picture is from the front of the Only 5 Star Diamond Resort on the Island called Sandy Lane, which was also where Tiger Woods got married. This is an unbelievable piece of heaven on earth. Cecily who is the Catering Manager hosted the loveliest and scrumptous opening buffet breakfast for the group. Still dreaming about the fish and the smoothies.