Anguilla Destination Wedding: Cocktail Party

So, you’re caught up on our rehearsal dinner at Picante (amazing) so let’s fast-forward one night to our welcome party at Elvis’ Beach Bar. Unlike our rehearsal dinner which was limited, our cocktail party was a chance for all of our out-of-town guests (read: everybody) plus hotel staff to get together and mingle with the help of an open bar.

Elvis and his crew spent hours slinging rum punches and Red Stripes to happy guests who chatted in the sand. We had originally planned on having our welcome party at the Dune Preserve but after a few hitches, we opted to host our soiree at Elvis’. The Sandy Ground location was a bonus for everyone who wanted to head to the Pumphouse later in the evening. When all was said and done, we were convinced that the location was perfect. The toes-in-the-sand feel was quintessentially Caribbean and the perfect way to welcome out-of-towners to the beaches of Anguilla.

With it being the night before our wedding, we had talked about what we would do for dinner after our sunset cocktail party. With so many friends in town, we assumed we’d go in different directions, playing host to our respective crowds. When everyone began scattering, Scott pulled me aside and asked if I wanted to do dinner — just the two of us — at nearby Dolce Vita for our last unmarried dinner. We would part ways later, but it was the perfect way to unwind, reconnect after a crazy week, and enjoy some quiet time before Friday’s festivities.

Another incredible night in the books. Our photographer — and these photos! — was one of the greatest investments. Looking back on the week reminds me how great our wedding festivities were. Every event surpassed my expectations… and considering the Type A planning that went into everything, that’s saying a lot. 

xoxo from Anguilla,