Bahamian Wedding Rhapsody

By Lisa Matte

Pluck the decorative top off an ornate wedding cake. Perch it on a tropical beach. Add a blushing bride and a tuxedo-clad groom. Sprinkle with vows of enduring love and wrap in a warm embrace. That's the tried-and-true recipe for a perfect beachside wedding and it's exactly what you'll get when you exchange vows in the waterfront gazebo at Our Lucaya.

Located on Grand Bahama Island, just a short drive from the airport and hustle and bustle of Freeport, Our Lucaya is an island retreat consisting of three resorts within the resort. Accommodations range from the kid-friendly Reef Village at one end of the property to 10-story Breakers Cay at center to the more tranquil (and perhaps romantic) Lanai Suites and Lighthouse Pointe and the far end of ribbon of white sand beach that defines the resort.

While the property as a whole boasts a grand total of 1,350 guest rooms, landscaping and architectural layout combine to create intimate havens that reflect their location. Guests staying at individual properties within the resort share services and amenities ranging from a towering water slide at Reef Village to a tranquil infinity pool between Lanai Suites and Lighthouse Pointe. The same holds true for dining venues that run the gamut from succulent Asian cuisine at China Beach and mouth-watering tenderloin at Churchill's to over-stuffed burgers at Prop Club and Italian bistro-style fare at Portobellos.

Other Our Lucaya services and amenities include three swimming pools, one lap pool, swim-up bar, watersports center, two 18-hole championship golf courses and a full-service spa. And thanks to an accomplished staff of on-site wedding planners, you'll slide gracefully from your wedding day into your honeymoon. Visit www.ourlucaya.com or call 877-772-6471 for information about Our Lucaya wedding packages.

Photos courtesy Our Lucaya

Boston-based travel writer Lisa Matte is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Author of City-Smart Boston (Avalon), Lisa's work has appeared in numerous national and regional publications including American Way, Skylights, AAA Journey, Bridal Guide, Coastal Living, Outbound Traveler, and Travel Weekly.