BELAIR – St. Maarten-St. Martin Premiere Wedding Showcase “proclaimed a success,” the organizers quoted Master of Ceremonies (MC) Fernando Clark, who kept guests entertained. This was also the sentiments from main endorsing bureau St. Maarten Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) and participating vendors at the event.
“The island needed something like this, bringing businesses together in one location not competing, but networking with each other, while giving the public a free sample…‘try before you buy experience.’ Tourism is our main industry, but after our season has gone, it’s the locals that command the market. They’re spending and they have the buying power,” said organizers.
Vendors were able to sell their merchandise on the spot, and that was welcomed and enjoyed by all.
Visualized by Sharon Remy and presented by Celestial Weddings, the event was to allow existing businesses and start-ups a platform to showcase their ideas, talents and services in one setting. Under the theme “see, taste and touch,” guests enjoyed samples from Sandy’s Creole Cuisine, Mont Blanc Catering, Cake House Bakery and Booze it up.
Other participating vendors were: Fantopia, Exquisite Designs, Ama Jewelers, Cakes by Sarah, Vacation Your Way, Quality Food Catering, Island Health Systems, Manrique Capriles, Marcha Bell Designs, T’s Closet, HI Art de la Decoration, Soualigua Service Point, Kaptiva Swimwear Boutique, Michelle’s Glamorous Salon, Rent-A-Sound, Stiles Photography, Sonesta Resorts, Shells Unique Creations, LCA Studios-Videography, Au Temps des Fleurs, Ardyss, Frolic Adult Shop, Blue Skies Photography, Vid Media Solutions and Maguerita Couture.
The event began at 11:00am sharp. “We need to change that mindset of island time, and start respecting people’s time,” said event director Sharon Remy. At 11:00am, doors were opened and at 11:05am, the national anthem was sung by Tamilia Chance, followed by an incredible lineup of entertainers and guest speakers, and concluding with a pulsating fashion show.
Asked if this will be an annual event, organizers responded, “Most definitely. Local vendors have already re-confirmed for next year, and this time we’re opening up to the world. A few businesses from Canada, Holland, the United States and five Caribbean Islands have also signed up for participation. We have begun scouting out venues large enough to accommodate.”
When asked what they would change about the event, Remy replied, “The nonchalant attitude of the governing offices in support or encouragement for these types of events, and most definitely the public support of our own. We do not patronize local businesses enough.”
The Premiere Wedding Showcase, the first of its kind on the island, promises to be a yearly event that will boost these parts of the region, not just as a tourist hotspot, but also as a special events destination long after high season and carnival festivities, a spot light on Caribbean gems and talents.
Stay connected through their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sxmcelestialweddings; Twitter and Instagram for more showcase news, details and experiences. Interested persons can also meet cast members and view their showcase album.
