On February 14th, Valentine's Day, a day of love, couples were headed to the Carambola Beach Resort at Davis Bay on the North side of the island. We go up over the hills and down to the other side to reach the Resort and witness the renewal of wedding vows.
First, we see the homes high on the hillside. We gaze upon the Caribbean Sea, then, as we curve around to the West, we see the island's edge and the beach.
We come upon the Carambola Beach Resort itself, tucked into the hillside like a fishing village on the beach of an exotic secluded island.
Entering the white curtained balinese-styled hallway, we meet Mr. And Mrs. Jacques Baheux, General Managers of the Resort who are participating in the wedding vow renewal themselves. (They have known each other for 32 years and recently got married.) We continue onto the beach where the ceremony will take place on the white, cool sand, before the open sea.
On the beach, one can just relax, but some were getting nervous even though it wasn't their first time around. Eh, Jacques?
The ceremony was performed by Captain John Macy - known around these parts as Captain Big Beard. He has been performing weddings on the island for 21 years. As the rites are read, we look at the couples from behind. The photos tell the tale of how much they love each other - especially when they can't see the camera.
As we conclude the ceremony, it is time to kiss the brides and have photos taken with Captain Big Beard.
And as we leave, we give our Congratulations to the couples and wish them yet another year of bliss. Rounding the hill on the way back, the islands of St. Thomas and St. John become visible on the horizon in the setting sun. The end of another perfect day!
The Best of St. Croix
Valentine's Vows 2007