What happens when two people in the business of weddings decide to get married? An event to awe even the most critical eye is the order of the day.
When Darcy Romano first asked Rodney Bailey to do some photography for Decatur House Museum (where she was director of events), she had no idea that their relationship was destined to go far beyond business. “We hit it off right off the bat, became event buds, and built a friendship for over a year before we started dating,” Darcy said. “I finally realized that I needed Rodney to be a much bigger part of my life.” After Rodney popped the question during a trip to Grand Cayman in August of 2005, the couple began a leisurely planning period. Knowing all that goes into putting on a big event, they had no intention of rushing the process. “We wanted to take our own advice to clients and enjoy our engagement,” Darcy said.
Their first big decision was to have the wedding in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. The area holds special meaning for the couple as their first vacation spot. It’s a destination they know well and were eager to share with their friends and relatives. “Our theme became ‘Come Away With Us,’” Darcy said. “We put the phrase on our save-the-dates and invitations.” They even chose the Norah Jones song by the same title for their last dance at the reception.
One trip to the island was enough to secure all the vendors they would need. Only the bridal party’s apparel and smaller décor items were brought from home.
To make the event as memorable as possible for their twenty-three guests, Darcy and Rodney invited them for several days of pre-wedding festivities, which included a sunset cruise off the island and even entertainment by Moko Jumbies, the island’s unique stilt-dancers. A rehearsal dinner in the secluded courtyard of Kendrick’s Restaurant, located at the top of the island, set the mood for a wedding day of endless splendor.
The 3:00 p.m. ceremony took place on January 20, 2007, on the lawn of Fort Christiansvaern, a historic Danish site of stunning architectural beauty. A vivid fuchsia aisle runner and flags crafted by the bride’s parents accented the already lush natural surroundings.
Darcy was breathtaking in a strapless gown by Anne Barge. “It was nothing that I at first envisioned,” said Darcy. “The first thing I noticed was the color: a blush pink rather than white. And it had so much flow and personality in the skirt.” The bridesmaids were lovely as island flowers in lime green dresses with pink tulle underskirts from Hitched in Georgetown. Immediately following the ceremony, guests were transported in limousines, courtesy of the bridal couple, to Clairmont Mill, a historic sugar mill perched at the top of the island. A villa built onto the mill is one of many things that makes this site an architectural gem. Lavish floral centerpieces adorned the tables. The tangerine table linens, fuchsia seat covers, and bright lanterns and umbrellas picked up the vibrant colors of the landscape. Local classical guitarist Steve Katz and DJ Kent Dartez entertained while guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner including lobster and filet mignon and looked on as the bridal pair danced to “When You Say Nothing At All.”
But the festivities were not over when the wedding day ended. The fun continued the next morning when Darcy and Rodney gathered with their guests for brunch at Carambola Beach Resort, then divided the group into scuba-divers and sun-soakers for the afternoon. “I was lying on the beach while Rodney took our more daring guests on a scuba diving expedition,” said Darcy. “He’s a huge fan.” Three more leisurely days on the island concluded the couple’s fairy-tale wedding extravaganza, but it was surely only the beginning of many exciting things to come for the newlyweds.
Rehearsal Dinner Location and Offsite Reception Caterer Kendrick's Restaurant-Jane and Dave Kendrick
Ceremony Site Fort Christiansvaern
Officiant Jim Taylor (bride’s stepfather)
Gown Anne Barge, Hannelore’s of Old Town, Alexandria VA
Bridesmaids Simple Silhouettes, Hitched, Washington DC
Make Up Consultation Leah McKay
Hair Consultation & Accessory Elegant Hair by Giselle
Wedding Planner Darcy Romano, A Perfect Wedding
Photographer Rodney Bailey & Associates; Lead Photojournalists: Gary Guevara, Mark Bettinger and Tabatha Luskey
Entertainment Ceremony & Cocktail Reception—Steve Katz, Classical Guitarist Reception DJ & Ceremony Sound—Kent Dartez, Big Daddy DJ
Invitations Not From a Box
Florist Beatrice Ramos, Wild Orchid
Transportation Catherine Willey Rowe, VI Limousines
Linen Rental Liz Kelley Waylan, DC Rental
Equipment Rental Reliable Rentals, Inc.
Guest Hotel Accommodations & Sunday Brunch Carambola Beach Resort
Bridal Party Accommodations & Reception Venue Clairmont Mill Bailey Romano Family Dinner Location Tutto Bene Restaurant Private Catamaran Sunset Sail Big Beard’s Adventure Tours Moko Jumbies Alli J. Paul’s Moko Jumbies
