Caribbean Bride Magazine recently hosted our exclusive Lucky 13 event in Barbados at the luxurious One Sandy Lane Estate. The unprecedented property tour followed by a gourmet lunch brought together some of the regions and North America’s most creative and talented wedding planners along with special guest and celebrity planner Colin Cowie. The innovative event concept created by Barbadian Dave Cox, Publisher of Caribbean Bride Magazine, allowed wedding professionals to network in an intimate setting unlike any other event in the Caribbean. Guests of the magazine flew in from all over the Caribbean including Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands, Antigua, Trinidad as well as Toronto, Canada.
As part of the event, the group of only 13 professionals were granted full access to both Colin Cowie and his wealth of wedding planning experience and to explore the exclusive One Sandy Lane property. Famed for its clients like Rihanna and Oprah, One Sandy Lane is known as the Caribbean’s preeminent hot spot for celebrities and high net worth individuals who demand an unparalleled level of service. The Lucky 13 group was treated to a champagne reception in one of the impeccably decorated 10,000 sq. ft. suites perfectly handcrafted by artisans from around the world.
The Lucky 13 event created connections between wedding and event planners across the Caribbean and North America while showcasing the very best of the Barbados. Dave Cox commented, “It is through collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing that, as a region, we can improve our romance offerings and truly delight couples from all over the world.”
Planners were inspired by intimate conversations with Colin Cowie, wedding planner of the stars. Mr. Cowie has curated luxurious weddings and events for the who’s who of Hollywood and the royal families of the Middle East, authored several books and has certainly seen it all in his career. He stated, “One Sandy Lane is an amazing property that is perfect for hosting a unforgettable wedding. If was great to sit and chat with so many talented planners and share my experiences of working around the world with the group.”
A custom farm to table menu was created for the three-course lunch by local chefs Javy Porte and Jason Mellowes and included roasted lamb lollipops, red wine and thyme braised duck salad, and roasted chicken and avocado risotto with saffron foam. The group enjoyed world-class wines overlooking the turquoise beauty of the Caribbean Sea and fabulous cake artistry by local cake maker Esther James wowed the guests and brought high praises from Mr. Cowie.
Top wedding planner in the Cayman Islands JoAnne V Brown of Celebrations Ltd. remarked she was blow away by the venue and the chance to make meaningful connections with other progressive and creative planners. “I was so excited to be selected as one of the Lucky 13 – the opportunity to expand into other luxury offerings of the Caribbean could not have come at a better time. I look forward to the endless possibilities.”
Lucky 13 attendees did not leave empty handed. Luxury brand Burberry presented special gifts to each participant and hosted a private cocktail reception following the lunch at their Limegrove store. Guests also received cosmetics from Mereadesso and a limited edition bottle of the special reserve Clifton Hall Great House rum. The daylong event ended with a tour of the historic Clifton Hall Estate where the wedding specialists were able to explore the historical charm and unique architecture of the property. While sipping Owner Massimo Franchi’s signature rum punch, the group was enthralled by the story of how Clifton Hall rum came to bear its name.
Mr Cox, reiterated the magazine’s passion for creating opportunities and lasting partnerships for wedding professionals in the region. The event was produced by Toronto based media solutions agency Digital Coconut who hinted that discussions were already underway with other luxury properties and brands to hold events in other destinations.