REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Rebecca Davidson Photography

    Chynna Martinez and Derran Ebanks

    May 13, 2023 in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

    A Warm and Timelessly Elegant Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

    Chynna was interning at a bank in 2014 when she first met Derran, who was on staff. A mutual co-worker made the introduction, and casual workday conversations quickly grew into a friendship. Over time, that bond deepened; and they officially started dating in 2017.

    “I thought Derran was very suave,” Chynna says, recalling her earliest impressions. “He carried himself with confidence, but what really stood out was how caring and thoughtful he was.”

    “When I first saw Chynna, I was awestruck,” Derran shares. “She was beautiful, smart, and independent. I knew I had to be creative if I wanted to win her over.”

    bride in suite at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

    Celebrating Love at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

    In October 2020, Derran proposed at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The property has always been a special place for the couple, and getting engaged at The Ritz made it that much more meaningful. When it came time to plan their wedding, it only felt right to celebrate the big day at that same location. 

    bridal bouquet and wedding details

    “Because our relationship grew over time,” Chynna describes, “the planning process felt like a natural extension of that. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman was already a place we loved, which made the venue decision an easy one. From there, the focus was on creating a celebration that felt true to who we are, balancing elegance with warmth, and making sure family and friends were at the heart of it all. We worked with talented vendors who understood our vision, and our photographer, Rebecca Davidson, captured the day beautifully.”

    groom's portrait at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
    groom getting ready at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

    A Warm and Timelessly Elegant Wedding

    Chynna and Derran’s wedding day was filled with love, joy, and heartfelt emotion. The bride wore a BERTAwedding gown as she walked down the aisle on The Great Lawn, surrounded by the open air and natural beauty of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. 

    “Seeing family and friends gathered together was unforgettable,” she shares. “Being pronounced husband and wife was a moment we’ll never forget. There were plenty of happy tears, bursts of laughter, and quiet glances between us that made the day feel both overwhelming and deeply personal.”

    bride and groom portraits at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

    The outdoor ceremony space carried a sense of timeless elegance, with a color palette of whites, golds, and neutrals blending seamlessly with the island setting. Keeping with that same ambiance, the wedding reception was designed to feel warm and refined, dressed in candlelight and carefully chosen floral arrangements

    outdoor wedding ceremony setup at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

    “The space felt both inviting and sophisticated,” says the bride, “perfectly matching the tone of the day. Our food and cocktails highlighted our favorites, and the energy on the dance floor fueled by live music and the joy of our guests made the evening unforgettable.”

    wedding ceremony and decor at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

    “The focus was on creating a celebration that felt true to who we are, balancing elegance with warmth, and making sure family and friends were at the heart of it all.”

    bride and groom wedding ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

    Instead of taking a single honeymoon trip, Chynna and Derran travelled throughout the year following their wedding day, creating mini-moon experiences in each destination. Chynna says, “The most memorable part was being able to stretch the celebration out over time, sharing adventures, quiet mornings, and new experiences together as newlyweds.”

    wedding cake and fireworks at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location, Catering & Cake: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Planning & Event Design: Simona Bonnici—The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; Floral Design: The Flower Dell; Wedding Dress: BERTA; Bridal Salon: Chic Parisien; Hair: Beauty by Ciera Beckman; Makeup: Stephanie Ford Makeup Artistry; Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss; Engagement Ring: Island Jewellers, Cayman Islands; Invitations: Tigerlily Creations; Violinist: Kate Allenger; Entertainment: Local Motion; Cinematography: Hollins Films; Photography: Rebecca Davidson Photography

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