ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

It was a moment of "ecological ecstasy" at this year's destination wedding as Ron Critchlow and Jacky Adams, exchanged nuptials and vowed to  “Live Greener, Happily Ever After." The simple shore-side ceremony held last Saturday at the Nonsuch Bay Resort was officiated by Mr. Ulric Matthews and was witnessed by the couple's parents, stakeholders and tourism officials. 

 

For the sixth year the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) in conjunction with several partners collaborated to sponsor the destination wedding, the highlight of the annual June is Romance Month promotion.

 

The couple were selected from a group of engaged couples who submitted their love story as part of a yearly contest and promotion that showcases Antigua and Barbuda’s strengths and unique selling points as a wedding and honeymoon destination.

 

The Eco-chic affair reflected the simplicity of the couple's eco conscious values and commitment to preserving the environment and minimizing the carbon footprint of their celebration. The affair capitalized on the natural landscape as the backdrop and incorporated local flowers and natural elements into the wedding décor to include bamboo from Antigua’s very own rainforest. The couple also requested that local produce be used to reduce the impact of carbon emissions, typically associated with the transportation of imported foods.  

 

The couple who met at a scooter club in New York, conducted a photo shoot on a motor scooter in celebration of this eco friendly pastime that they share.

 

US Director Derede Samuel Whitlock said, "This simple ceremony was designed to reflect the couple's respect for the environment and the eco-conscious practices that are a core part of their daily routine. Green weddings are growing in popularity and allow those who support eco-friendly products and practices to make a statement about these values in their wedding theme. With many local hotels already Green Globe certified and others looking to incorporate more sustainable management practices, the destination is poised to capitalize on this growing niche.”

 

This year’s Eco Chic wedding was covered by The Green Bride Guide, the foremost Green Wedding Guide and Blog in the US.

 

As a result of ongoing promotions in the romance category, Antigua and Barbuda has received several accolades as one of the Caribbean’s top destinations for Weddings and Honeymoons. Chief among these are  About.com, Brides Magazine and Caribbean Travel and Life. This year's “green themed” wedding will focus on strengthening Sustainable Tourism and presenting "Green Weddings" as a new offering in the tourism product. 

 

This year's destination wedding was sponsored by Nonsuch Bay Resort, Colombian Emeralds International, Indigo Event Services, Staci Hair and Makeup at Mingles Salon, Cheke's Scooter & Car Rental, Zia Photography, Quin Farrara & Company, ABS TV, The Ministry of Information, Philton's Bakery, Exotic Floral, American Airlines and American Eagle, Florexotica and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.