The Accidental Wedding Planner

In 1999 I was working for my family’s destination management company in the Virgin Islands. We had been in St. Thomas since ‘87 when my dad decided to semi-retire and live the island life. He started an art shop. Which was a long shot because he was not an artist. He decided to make shell pictures in shadow boxes and somehow that led him to corporate gifting, of said shadow boxes, and voila in no time he was a partner in a destination management company that handled corporate group incentive programs. These incentive trips involved, boat charters, transportation, lavish parties, team building, parasailing, beach barbecues, trips to the British Virgin Islands and lots of “painkiller” drinking. The business quickly popped him out of semi-retirement and led to my career of incentive group program management and becoming a logistical radical that became obsessed with details. 

Fast forward to my favorite cousin getting married at Caneel bay and there I am on the site inspection to assist them with details of this momentous occasion. Caneel Bay was a dream property of 176 acres of exclusive island luxury. A resort like no other. Seven of the most fantastic beaches in the Caribbean nestled into the National park of St. John, U.S.V.I. were on the property. I fell in love with the property and the business of all things weddings. My cousin said to me “ Jenn, I think weddings would be a good fit for you. I think you might end up loving it” Loving it I did.  For me, it is everything I love wrapped up into one incredible occasion.  I am into family. The more family dynamics the better for me. There is an orchestration that goes into producing a wedding like no other event. Yes, there are a million details but each one is to fulfill a vision and a love story that unfolds throughout the day of the event. 

My cousin’s wedding was on June 10th, 2000. I was already full time at Caneel Bay and had a few weddings under my belt before his but this was the catalyst to my life change. 

My cousin Philippe met his Bride to be (Doreen) on a blind date that was set up by two friends who worked at Cartier at their flagship store on 5th avenue in Manhattan. Their wedding was 90 guests that came from all over the world. Three days of all things love. 

Many of the choices that they made for their wedding were classic and timeless as their pictures still show. Their union has stood the test of time and so has my love for weddings. Every wedding is unique and exquisite in creating a moment in time that can never be replicated.

The cake: Sylvia Weinstock. (Which they carried down in three pieces from NYC)

Doreen’s dress: Michelle Roth

Shoes: Warren Edwards

Invitations: Cartier

Calligraphy: Scribe Ink

Photography: Don Hebert

-JJ