Nirvana and Nikolai’s Wedding in St Maarten - part one.

Posted by Andy Mann Posted in General, Weddings |

It would be very easy for this post on our blog to be all about shooting a wedding in St Maarten as Tropical Storm Noel rolled over the top of us. We could talk about the constant rain and wind, the umbrellas, the fireworks in the rain, the changes in schedules, the rocks rolling down the hillsides with all the rain……but that wouldn’t really be the true story……

The true story is that even the weather couldn’t spoil this wonderful wedding. Whilst most people have not been in this situation before, we have. We have had several weddings over the years where the main participant has been the clouds, the rain and the storms. For some it (literally) overshadows the events and moments, for others it’s hardly a factor. With Nikolai and Nirvana and the rest of the extended family and friends it could have been a Hurricane and it couldn’t have spoiled the day(s). With cocktails, birthday parties, rehearsals at the church and rehearsal dinners, civil ceremonies, full mass at the church, receptions for 200 and even brunch on the Sunday - they went for it all. They took it all in their stride and with good grace and as a result enjoyed every minute. This will have to be in two parts!

The rehearsal dinner was at the Waikiki Beach, Orient Bay/Beach on the “Riviera” of French St Martin.

It was also Eva’s birthday - complete with surprise birthday cake!

 

It’s raining outside?? No one cared too much.

The following day close family and friends went up the hill from the Westin Resort (fabulous hotel) to Nirvana’s family home for the Civil Ceremony. With a brief respite from the weather, the ceremony was held on the deck with a magnificent view as a backdrop.

 

Now it was time to “get ready” for the church ceremony at 4pm. Nikolai gave Nirvana a very cool painting as a wedding day gift.

Kisha, Nirvana’s best friend and maid of honor - a tremendous help for us throughout the wedding weekend.

Sidney - the ring bearer.

Nirvana was awesome to work with. Always cooperative, always ready to have some fun. With the rain falling just four feet behind her, she took a moment to play with the flower girls and ring bearer.

 

Meanwhile - Nikolai had rounded up his groomsmen and was getting aboard the Hummer for the trip to the church. Anita, who was helping me with the wedding, was quite pleased - it was her first trip in a Hummer!!

Time to go!

 

—-to be continued………..