There are few beaches on earth more beautiful than Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman – soft white sands, seriously crystal blue still water, sea turtles and coral reef, warm weather and a handful of fabulous places and properties to drop anchor along the shore and stay for a week or two. This is the epitome of a picturesque honeymoon and destination wedding. And one of those places to make it so is The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman, a super special luxury resort built right on that white sand. A place I’ve been many times (I even had a family member wed there), this is one resort I will never get tired of visiting.
You won’t see many indoor photos of the property here, as beautiful as it is and as inviting as the rooms and suites are – for me, it’s the grounds and beach that I just can’t stop staring at.
Imagine waking up to breakfast on your oceanfront terrace before heading down to the beach for a lovely day lounging in beach beds and chairs just footsteps from the sea (oh, and they have beds in the water too if that suits your style). Then enjoy lunch delivered to your spot or happy hour poolside before getting dressed to dine at one of the resort’s several stellar restaurants. If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck. The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman boasts several delish spots, including an acclaimed Eric Ripert restaurant, Blue.
Now that this place is practically home and you’re settled into island time, gear up for the big day in the world famous La Prairie Spa (to give you that blushing bride glow).
Then comes the wedding – wait until sunset and you’ll have that expansive beach all to yourselves for the ceremony (and reception if you choose). Or take your party to the pool deck, ballroom or one of the property’s seven restaurants if barefoot in the sand isn’t your style.
Last Three Images: David Wolfe
When to Go: For the best weather, December through April is ideal (be prepared for peak season rates but no hurricanes).
Travel Tip: A day on a catamaran or yacht is a must! Charter a boat out to Stingray City and swim with these special creatures for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Rose and Christian wed on the white sand of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman at the beautiful 
A Spanish guitarist serenaded the happy couple as they said “I do” in a ceremony infused with traditions from the bride’s Philippines heritage.
Then the newlyweds and their guests said farewell to the beach and headed to 
It’s day two of our “day after” wedding shoot on Grand Cayman and today our darling bride and groom models get wet! Cristin and Dave braved the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and swam with the stingrays, wedding dress and all! They were such amazing and willing participants and the stingrays were hamming it up for the cameras too! Trash the dress takes on a whole new meaning when wild animals are involved! But these unusual creatures quickly became more like pets (they meet several thousand people a week so they are quite tame). And don’t worry, no people or rays were harmed during our shoot!
Once Dave and Cristin “trashed” their couture, we took a quick ride over to Stingray City, a sandbar in the Cayman Islands where stingrays and tourists alike congregate and mingle. But brides and grooms? Now this isn’t something we see everyday! Both bride and groom were very, very brave for this shoot!
Our 
The rays are so accustomed to people, you can even feed them and give them a little kiss. Though at times they looked like something from another planet, they acted like they were part of this new family. Talk about a photo to hang up back at home!
What do you think? Would you dare something only thrill seekers do for your trash the dress session? Just remember, we took every safety precaution; if you decide to get a bit adventurous with a trash the dress session, be sure to be safe first and foremost!
An enormous thank you to Danielle Cococcia of
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