Getting married is a huge step in life, and finding the perfect venue is at the top of a couple’s list. Destination weddings have gained traction and momentum in the past decades, as people want to make an already important event even more special.

The BVI provides not only a stunning visual backdrop for any wedding, but local vendors are ready to welcome couples and their loved ones for a nuptial experience like none other. For a special twist on the “big day”, look no further than CocoMaya restaurant and photographer Julia Starkey.

CocoMaya

A beautiful beachside location on Virgin Gorda makes CocoMaya a spectacular place to say “I do”. Just minutes from the ferry dock in Spanish Town, the experienced and professional management team at CocoMaya will work closely with couples to craft a bespoke day for the wedding they’ve been dreaming of.

Imagine an intimate wedding on the sand, next to the gently lapping waves of the Caribbean sea. The gently swaying breeze rustles the palm trees and the ocean is the soundtrack to your vows. After tying the knot, the newlyweds and their guests can enjoy cocktails and champagne at the bar or on the beach as the sun begins to go down, setting the sky on fire. Dinner is always impeccable at CocoMaya, with menu options ranging from Spanish favourites like tacos to Asian fusion dishes and sushi, guests will be delighted with an incredible meal.

 

After dinner, dancing on the beach or walking along the shore is the perfect way to end the perfect wedding day. The moon rises over the sea and the twinkling lights from CocoMaya provide a magical backdrop for photos and extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime.

The team at CocoMaya have unparalleled access to all the best vendors and services in the BVI, including pastors, florists, musicians and event planners, and can help with any request the couple can dream up. With a seamless and memorable experience for everyone, a wedding day at CocoMaya is truly the best way to begin a new life together.

Caribbean Jules Photography

Born and raised on Tortola, Julia Starkey is fondly known as “Jules” within the BVI community. She owns and single-handedly runs Caribbean Jules Photography. Specialising in portraiture of all kinds, she captures vibrant photos of weddings, engagements, families and maternity sessions. 

Focusing on outdoor photography using the fantastic natural Caribbean light that the region has to offer, Julia’s photography is often characterised by bright, saturated colour with the backdrop of the Virgin Islands framing her pictures. 

Julia travels to all of the sister islands such as Jost van dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda. With easy travel between islands, weddings on remote beaches can be a beautiful backdrop to your big day. Often working closely with wedding planners at BVI Weddings, together we help a couple’s day go as smoothly as possible. 

With conversations beginning sometimes a year in advance, Julia is able to give recommendations for off the beaten path locations and able to customise any session to the couple’s needs. Julia has also had working relationships with private islands offering her portraiture photography services and packages to private islands such as Guana island. 

Julia’s easy-going nature helps create a stress-free environment for couples, doing a combination of both candid shots and directed photography. She often works alongside the wedding planner to make sure the day flow seamlessly.  

Not one to exclude anyone and always up for the challenge, Julia has also photographed private and charter yachts, restaurants, and boutique hotels like The Sugar Mill Hotel. Julia’s work also includes 3D virtual tours of properties and yachts. Her commercial work often ends up online and in different publications. Julia also takes time to do charity work with the Humane Society photographing animals to be adopted. 

After graduating with a Fine Arts degree in photography from Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, Julia moved back to Tortola to continue her passion of capturing people’s precious moments in the BVI.

With a knack for finding especially unique backdrops for images and deep local connections for hard-to-find places, images from Julia are nothing short of amazing.

 

CocoMaya Restaurant

cocomayarestaurant.com

[email protected]

+1 284 495 6344

Caribbean Jules Photography

Julia Starkey, photographer

caribbeanjulesphotography.com

[email protected]

+1 284 340 8877