Backyard Monsoon

    Not all outdoor weddings are filled with sunshine (literally). This one particular wedding was an outdoor event, and that weekend was scheduled for 100% chance of rain, and a lot of it. However, the KYAE team and I did not let that stop us from creating a magical evening for the newlyweds.

Wade and Sadie wedding took place at Wade’s father’s private home on a large piece of

land with a phenomenal view of the lake locally in Burlington NC. The lake was the background of the ceremony and it was absolutely beautiful. IT was the main reason Sadie didn’t originally want a “big” tent.  She didn’t want to block that view but with little to no shade, they finally trusted KYAE in putting up several tents both small & large enough to house buffet

lines, bars, and at least half the guest count.  This would allow the elderly couples places to seek shelter from the sun.  However, as the week grew closer we watched as the drought we had for the past few weeks came to an end and we were calling for 4-8 inches of rain in just a few short days…with possibilities of over 10 inches.

After much debate, the reception took place under a large tent that fit just under 300 people. The tent was filled with many round tables, two bar areas, two large buffet lines, a dance floor, lounge areas, and various other fun items and décor. The best part of the wedding was that the rain held up and didn’t hit until the wedding was almost halfway over. At that point, everyone was already under the tent dancing the night away.

    Jenn and I arrived at 11:45 to start unloading her car and begin set up for the long day ahead. The rest of the team arrived between 12 pm and 4 pm. The first wedding I worked I was underprepared. I didn’t bring backup clothes, or backup shoes, or any drinks for myself throughout the day, but since this was an outdoor wedding and there was a high chance of rain, I over packed and even brought rain boots. (go me!!).  Jenn had always warned to always be prepared.

          With nearly 300 guests, we had a team of 12 KYAE members assisting with everything from checking restrooms, helping with parking and greeting, driving Sidexside ATVs to bring guests from the parking areas, along with making sure guests were not going back to their vehicles to get their own beverages.  You have to make sure guest safety is your number one priority on top of making the wedding a memorable experience for the bride, the groom and all the other guests. 

    We weren’t hit with the rain until right after cake cutting.  However, it poured cats and dogs nonstop as if a monsoon had stopped right over top of us.  We nearly received 4-6 inches in a mere few hours.  With Jenn’s quick thinking we grabbed any linens and umbrellas from outside trying to save any and all décor as quick as possible.  Then once the rain started flooding the tent we quickly began picking up linens to try and save them from being stained with mud.  We had already tied up all of the corners of the 8’ banquets into cute rosettes to keep those linens off of the ground.   

As we began breaking down chairs and pulling décor the mud became almost like quicksand even in the tent because with the ground leading to a lake all of the runoff from the house came through the tent.  At that point we were trekking through mud under the tent trying to sort through all of the supplies and load them into Jenn’s car. Luckily I had my rain boots and rain jacket, or else I would have had a rough time with take down.

The coolest part about the rain and the mud was that the bride and the groom were

the most easygoing and happy go lucky couple. They were running in the rain, jumping into the lake and dancing in the mud, and they didn’t have a care in the world. They lived in the moment and that was the most beautiful thing to witness.

    After hours of tear down and loading up the car, we finally left the site around midnight and I was so exhausted. This wedding was the longest wedding I had ever worked and required a lot of labor, but it was worth it to see how happy the bride and groom were. That is always the most rewarding thing, when the bride and groom are smiling ear to ear because you and the team you are working with helped create a night they are never going to forget. That is my why.

Can’t wait to see what I learn at our next event…

Sincerely,

Kayla, 2019 summer intern

#lifeofanintern

#teachablemoments

Looking for a Honeymoon?

What is a Sandals honeymoon like, and what cool things can you do? Well, first off, you have to narrow it down to what interests you the most. There are 6 total Islands you can choose from through Sandals. There is Jamaica, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, and Barbados. Each Island has many resorts to choose from, with Jamaica having the most resorts of the 6 Islands. Technically you can also do Turks & Caicos but beware that is a Beaches Resort property which means there will be families and children.  But we’ve sent honeymooners there too!

    If you plan your honeymoon in Jamaica you have the option to choose between 6

resorts. There is Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, Negril, South Coast, Ochi, and Royal Plantation. The best part about Jamaica is you can stay at one location and enjoy the amenities at all the other Sandals locations. It gives you a chance to see all the beauty Jamaica has to offer.  Just note some are several hours away from one another while some are right down the street.

    The next Island is the Bahamas. The Bahamas includes two resorts; Royal Bahamian, and Emerald Bay. You have the option to swim with the pigs in the Exumas, swim with the dolphins and sea lions over in Nassau, go scuba diving, and many other off land adventures. If you’re looking for a smaller quaint island, then the Bahamas is for you.

    Then comes Saint Lucia with three resorts to choose from. There is Regency La Toc, Grande St. Lucia, and Halcyon Beach. This Island gives you the same option as Jamaica where you can stay at one resort and visit the other two during your stay. This Island offers tours of St. Lucia's volcanic origins, scuba diving, golf courses, beautiful turquoise waters, rainforests, dolphin and whale watching, and many more amazing experiences.  If you’ve had your eye on Hawaii but didn’t want the long day of traveling, most compare this

island to Hawaii with its beautiful hikes and waterfalls.  Make sure to start your adventure with an excursion the minute your plane lands by jumping into a helicopter and shorting your commute to the resort from the airport from nearly 2 hours to just over 15 minutes.  Worth the extra funds for this fun adventure.  You can also book a private transfer with snacks and beverages for the long ride if helicopters aren’t your thing.

    Antigua and Grenada each have one resort on their Island. Antigua’s resort is,

Grand Antigua, and Grenada’s resort is, Grenada. Antigua is voted to be the world's most romantic resort.  It is home to the country's best and most famous beach, Dickenson Bay. They have exotic Rondoval Suites, Mediterranean Butler Villas, the lovers rock sunset cruise, and many other romantic activities for you and your spouse. Grenada is known as the spice island, as well as the most innovative all-inclusive resort. This island comes with breathe taking skypool suites, your own personal tour of Grenada with motorboat rentals, scuba diving experiences, and various other activities.

   

The last Island I will be talking about is Barbados. Barbados has two resort options; Barbados and Royal Barbados. When in Barbados, you can go snorkeling, take a trip to their very first rooftop pool, visit their new craft beer garden, take an adventure inside their breathtaking caves, and many more. This island is known for their sea turtles and their Friday Fish Fry with the locals.  It’s the two must do excursions.

    The best part about booking through Sandals is that no matter where you decide to

go, all the resorts are all-inclusive, with unlimited gourmet dining as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, breathtaking beaches, indoor activities, outdoor activities, entertainment, snorkel and scuba dive for free (if already scuba certified) and distinct experiences at every location. You just have to find which island and resort suites you the best. 

 

Contact us today for a consultation to go over the properties and which one best suites your needs whether you’re a chill in a hammock kind of person or looking to find an adventure…we’ve got something for everyone down in the Caribbean. 

Sandals is currently offering 7 rooms every Wednesday at 7 random resorts for an additional 7% when booking 7 days (changes every week and we never know which ones are selected). Also note we offer a 10% discount for any active and veteran military (including their destination weddings too).  Sandals & Beaches Resorts has an amazing Select Guest Rewards program for those that continue to travel the brand…not to mention most rooms/resorts offer a FREE night stay with Anniversary stays of 7 days or more.  Talk us about more information and details.  We can’t wait to see where you decide.