What was once a Puerto Rican destination wedding had become Exuma, Bahamas after Hurricane Maria sadly decimated PR (and the wedding venue) during the fall of 2017. I’d technically been to the Bahamas twice, although both times while cruising, and to ship-owned islands… so, not the real thing. I had only heard of Exuma in regards to the failed Fyre Festival (viva Ja Rule!), so was excited and unsure of what to expect.
The weekend amounted to a great balance of wedding festivities and free time to explore. I love Caitlin and Shaun because while they are classy people, they are super laid-back and I always have a great, stress-free time in their company. Also, Caitlin’s family has adopted me on several beach trips, and they are just wonderful. Missing this wedding was not an option!
Elian and I booked a room for three nights at the recently renovated Peace & Plenty hotel, located smack dab in the middle of Georgetown, Great Exuma’s capital. Although the resort where the rest of the wedding guests were staying was lovely, we were happy to have the freedom of staying outside the resort property (and save a bit of $). We rented a car for our three days, which enabled us to roam and become acquainted with the tiny (37 mile wide) island.
After settling into the hotel, Elian and I walked around town, eating conch quesadillas at Blu on the Water and lusting over the turquoise Bahamian water color. That evening, we attended a traditional Bahamian junkanoo on Grand Isle Resort & Spa’s beach. It was a fun night of dancing, traditional local music, and laughter.
The next morning all of the wedding guests set off on an island-hopping, boat excursion (each island surprisingly unique in it’s own way)! As an added bonus, there was rum on board (you’re welcome). I saw the biggest star fish I’ve ever seen in my life, we hiked to beautiful cliff overhangs, landed on an island full of massive iguanas, and swam with friendly pigs and their adorable piglets. The animal lover in me was beyond happy.
Elian and I were not ready for the day to end so after heading back toward town, we took the water ferry over to Stocking Island, just a 10 minute ride away. We absolutely loved this little slice of paradise. Chat n’ Chill is a must stop for bloody marys (and ridiculous American tourists), beach volleyball, friendly island cats, and good vibes all around. Perhaps best of all were the sting rays that caressed our legs as we stood a few feet into the water’s edge. I was scared but someone assured me they were gentle, and sure enough they were. I locked eyes with one as he swam up to me and I’ll never forget it.
The evening festivities included a cocktail party for the wedding guests at Grand Isle. After the party ended, the bride was off to rest, understandable with the big day ahead, but Elian and I wanted to continue the debauchery. We had heard about the Georgetown fish fry so decided to swing by, as it was on our way back to Peace & Plenty. The fish fry was wild. It’s basically a collection of little restaurants cooking up delicious food, mixed with small bars and dance clubs, all on the shoreline. Don’t even ask me what these pinks beverages are.
Day 3 kicked off with a conch stew and cornbread breakfast (had to try it) followed by a few free hours before the wedding. We decided to venture to Little Exuma, the greater island’s tiny counterpart. Some of the scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were actually filmed on Little Exuma. Side note: we loved roadtripping on Exuma; driving on the left side of the road is so much fun!
We made our way to the Tropic of Cancer Beach; how cool to stand on the latitude line marking the spot! This beach was stunning. It was generally deserted, the sun was shining bright, and the water color was gorgeous. We both fell into deep afternoon naps. Eventually it was time to make our way back to Georgetown to get ready for the evening ahead.
The ceremony took place on the 17th hole of the Grande Isle golf course. An intimate wedding, there were fewer than 40 guests in attendance. Windy and comfortable at 75 degrees, Caitlin walked down the aisle, looking beautiful as ever, to an acoustic Love Story by Taylor Swift. The ceremony was followed by a delicious dinner on the beach, and an amazing night of dancing. To cap off the evening, Shaun surprised Caitlin with a fireworks show. What a wedding to remember!
The next morning involved a bottle of champagne by the Peace & Plenty pool, and then somehow scoring a first class seat on the flight back to the States. It was such a great weekend escape and I’m grateful I was able to be there to wish my friends well on their new marriage. Exuma is pretty special indeed <3
