Intimacy …. that’s all you’ll feel. The warm embrace of intimacy, as you look at every image of Renita Croney and Rhys Powell’s wedding in Nassau, Bahamas. With endless beach sands, tall palm trees, the lull of the ocean breeze, and the audience of only their closest friends and family members, Renita and Rhys looked into each other’s eyes and said, “I do!” With soft colors perfect for an intimate beach ceremony, and food and music as a nod to their respective Bahamian and Guyanese culture, the couple gave a nod to their Caribbean heritage. Their wild card was the inclusion of almost 40 candelabras (some of which were up to 3 feet!) which proved to be a challenge to transport to Nassau. Like the caress of the warm ocean breeze, Renita and Rhys have found a love that is both awe-inducing and familiar. Thanks to Jeremy Harwell for these lovely photos.
text by Chioma Obii-Obioha
The proposal
“We met through mutual friends but it was completely unplanned, which was the fun part. The day Rhys proposed he took me on a romantic excursion of New York City, visiting our favorite places. It was the best evening, and just when I thought the night was all over, he stopped me in the middle of the street while walking home… the next thing I knew he was down on one knee asking me to marry him. I was so shocked and nervous I started laughing and repeating “No way”, I didn’t realize he was waiting for a “Yes”. Of course I gave him one!”
Incorporating culture
“We wanted the wedding to reflect our Caribbean backgrounds; he’s Bahamian and I’m Guyanese. In our cultures, food and music play a major factor. Rhys put together a great playlist for the DJ including Reggae and Calypso songs and our mothers hosted Saturday and Sunday brunches filled with traditional Bahamian and Guyanese food.”
This wedding was featured in the FW2013 Edition on newsstands now.
Vendors
• Venue-Old Fort Bay Club http://www.oldfortbay.com/club.php
• Photographer- Jeremy Harwell http://harwellphotography.com/
• Bridal Gown- Jillian Maslow http://www.jillianmaslow.com
• Flowers- Floral Arts http://www.floralartsbahamas.com/
• Flower Girl dresses- Ann+Audrey http://www.etsy.com/shop/annaudrey
• Cake – Delores Springfield Catering
• Guitar- Patrick Carey
• Steel Drums- Anku Sa Ra
• Trumpet- Yansi Mackey
• Hair- Afrotique http://www.bahamaslocal.com
• Hair – Bibi Salon http://bibisalonnyc.com/
Aww I love this … so chic!
I’ve been looking for an intimate locale for my destination wedding. Is the Old Fort Bay Club a private venue for members only? I’d love more information about booking my ceremony & reception there. I tried the number on their website but didn’t reach anyone. HELP PLEASE. Thanks.
October 2014 Bride