The bride was absolutely stunning in an off-white, strapless flowing gown. In her composed hands, she carried a perfectly precious bouquet of regal purple orchids and white lilies. The groom was eq
Photo by Zachary Pelka
ually as eye-catching in white linen slacks and shirt.
Yet despite the at-first-glance typical wedding attire, this wedding was in fact very atypical, but absolutely no less heartwarming and lovely.
The first hint of the out-of-the-ordinary came from a quick glance at the groom?s feet. He wasn?t wearing spit and polished dress shoes. No, he was comfortably casual in sandals, a very fitting shoe for the beautiful island wedding of Michelle Lee and Christian Anschuetz which took place on Dec. 8, 2012. The location was the serene and secluded Governor?s Point on spectacular Scrub Island in the majestic Caribbean.
This worldly traveled couple fell in love with the idyllic island after a short holiday. When they began planning their wedding, Scrub Island was their first choice and only choice. ?This was not the first wedding for us, and we really wanted to make the event more of an experience for our family and guests. The island is so special and magical, plus there is so much to do. Our wedding turned into a fantastic four day vacation for our guests and we stayed at Scrub following the ceremony for our honeymoon,? Michelle explained.
Before Michelle and Christian fell in love with Scrub Island, they fell in love with each other. On a European vacation in June of 2012, Christian popped the question totally out of the blue on a sensational sunset boat cruise on the breathtakingly blue Lake Zurich in Switzerland. ?The proposal caught me completely off guard. It was a surprise to Christian too. He hadn?t planned it and didn?t have the ring with him.? I kind of thought Christian might ask me when we got to Italy. You know, the country is known for its romance and passion. But it was romantic and the perfect time and place,? Michelle shared.
?Choosing Autograph Collection?s? Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina was also the perfect selection. The private island?s lavish and luxurious resort is located just one mile offshore from Tortola Airport. It is sheltered, quiet and tranquil. ?The resort is just beautiful and it has all the amenities. We weren?t sure how many guests would be able to make the trip, but 38 came to share our special day.? There is so much to do here from snorkeling to sailing to sightseeing. Everyone agreed it was the best wedding they have ever attended and more than that, the best experience,? the two, now one, detailed.
To kick-off the festive weekend, Michelle and Christian arranged for a full day of sailing, snorkeling and fun throughout the British Virgin Islands on a luxurious catamaran followed by a Caribbean beach party at the resort?s private North Beach.? ?Every guest said they felt like they were the guest of honor from the moment they were greeted and presented a welcome cocktail upon arrival at the hotel. The staff at Scrub Island went out of their way on every occasion. They opened the resort?s stores late at night when something was needed for any of us. They were very attentive,? Michelle continued.
Working with the skilled and proficient staff at Scrub Island, Michelle says she was able to put together a wonderful wedding in a very short time. ?We worked with Beth and Heather from miles away and they were simply phenomenal to work with. They helped with every detail.? Through them we secured a fantastic florist who provided fabulous flowers, centerpieces and bouquets. My bouquet was made of deep purple orchids and white lilies. The others in the party carried bouquets of just purple orchids. Our wedding theme was starfish, the bakery weaved the theme into our cakes and pastries, and we provided artisan blown glass starfish as gifts to our guests,? Michelle and Christian said.
The ceremony, performed by a minister from Tortola, took place just before sunset. One of Michelle?s sons, a student pianist, recorded a song that was played during the ceremony. A family friend, who also happens to be a professional photographer, captured every memorable moment on film. A unity sand ceremony followed the nuptials. ?My two boys, Christian?s two daughters,? Christian and myself each poured different colored sand into a glass heart-shaped cylinder and then shook it up to symbolize that we all are now one and can?t be broken apart,? Michelle wistfully recalled.
The reception that immediately followed was held on the resort?s grandiose Grand Patio. During the cocktail hour, a parade of creative and delicious hot and cold hors d?oeurves were passed. Libations include the famous Scrub Island cocktail called the Passion of Scrub. Dinner was a delightful sit down affair. ?Given our limited number of guests, the restaurant let us choose from five entrees, so it wasn?t a usual banquet menu. Every dish was truly cooked to order. The food was fantastic. The filet was so mouth-watering we even converted two vegetarian eaters for the night into carnivores,? Michelle laughed.? ?After dinner, the chef came out and stopped at every table to say hello and to check if things were okay. That was such an extra special touch and something you don?t find often at most weddings.?
While Michelle and Christian nixed a traditional wedding cake, they did have a cake for the children. And what a cake it was. A local Tortola bakery created an unforgettable chocolate cake covered in white chocolate and then drizzled with rich fudge. Wait?there?s more. On the cake?s top were chocolate covered strawberries. Surrounding the sugary masterpiece were white almond cookies in the shape of starfish, keeping with the wedding?s theme. ?The whole thing, from start to finish, was everything we hoped for and more,? the couple alleges.
This beautifully blended family calls Chicago home. ?We are all together and the kids are teasing each other, a sure sign they are getting along,? Michelle and Christian said with a smile. Another sure sign of this family?s togetherness commitment was the ?ebb and flow of love? reading the newly joined couple chose to share with guests during the wedding stay.
Rarely do we find ourselves at peace on calm water, gazing into still waters and simply enraptured by the beauty before us. Like love, life ebbs and flows. Sometimes we need to let some things go while we hold on for dear life to the things that really matter?like family.
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