For the past 20 years, Greg Caseley has responded to developments in the wedding market by providing everything from tuxedos and gowns to limousines and catering services to couples getting married.
But recently, he has spotted a new trend.
Lately, his customers have been coming from all over Canada and around the world to say “I do” on P.E.I.’s sandy beaches.
“We’ve had people here from Japan, Australia, South Africa, Germany, England as well as the United States.
“Often they ask my wife, Kathy, and I to stand up for them. Then afterwards, they stay on for a vacation,” says the Kelvin Grove businessman.
Many of today’s couples are choosing exotic destinations like P.E.I. and Jamaica to tie the knot instead of their hometown or city.
“People tend to move around a lot more than they used to, so they’re not rooted in any one community. So they’re looking for destinations where they can take their family on vacation while they celebrate their big day,” says Caseley, president of the newly formed P.E.I. Wedding Association and one of five wedding planners on P.E.I. who organizes 60 weddings for visiting couples each year.
“The market is strong for destination weddings at the present time, and I believe that P.E.I. really needs to capture that market,” says Caseley.
Canada’s smallest province is a paradise for destination weddings, he says.
“Prince Edward Island has so many great things going for it. It has beautiful scenery, sandy beaches, amazing food from the garden and sea, fresh, clean water and friendly folk. It’s also very safe for families.
“So after the reception there’s everything from golf to Anne of Green Gables - The Musical for wedding guests to enjoy,” he says.
Caseley is not alone in his enthusiasm for destination weddings.
At the Anne of Green Gables Museum in Park Corner, George Campbell has organized countless weddings for Japanese visitors since 1987.
Couples often pick the location because of their fascination with P.E.I. author L.M. Montgomery.
“The ceremony is carried out in front of the fireplace in the same parlour where Montgomery was married in 1910. Rings and vows are exchanged and the hymn, The Voice That Breathed O’er Eden is played,” says George Campbell.
The idea that the Island is growing as an international destination is music to Caseley’s ears.
Conde Nast Traveler magazine recently named P.E.I. as one of the top five Islands in North America. The 800,000-circulation magazine publishes an annual Top 10 list.
“Getting this kind of publicity will certainly help the wedding destination market,” says Caseley.
As he looks to the future, he sees another trend.
“There’s a move away from formal weddings to beach weddings,” he says.
This is due to the introduction of private marriage commissioners, following the Marriage Act of June 2006.
Credit Sally Cole,Guardian Newspaper
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