THE HELMS-TOMPKINS WEDDING

Diana Helms & Jamie Tompkins

Diana Helms dreamed and cried as her fantasy of being married in The Bahamas with family and friends present floated through her mind … She dreamed of a boat whisking her to her Water's Edge Gazebo wedding ceremony … pulsating sounds of Junkanoo … cowbells, goat skin drums, horns and whistles … She dreamed of Little Joe Cartwright singing her first dance song … a reception dinner al fresco with a big ole orange sunset in the background … she dreamed of her 86-year-old grandfather being at her wedding …

These dreams and more all became reality when Jamie Tompkins and Diana Helms of Murrells Outlet, South Carolina, exchanged wedding vows at Pelican Bay at Lucaya November 21, 2008.

Jamie's best man surprised the bride by having all groomsmen don Rasta caps with hanging braids as they processed down the aisle for the wedding ceremony.

"Now I think back and look at my pictures and cry… thinking wow! it really happened! It all happened! All of my wants, wishes, and dreams came true!" recalls Diana.

Eighty family members and friends flew to Grand Bahama Island from the Carolinas and other parts of the U.S. to join the happy couple as they celebrated this joyous and most special occasion.

Diana and Jamie chose tropical blooms of bird of paradise, purple dendrobium orchids, stargazer lilies, orange helliconia yellow daisies for her bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets' as well as table floral creations …

The couple opted for Pelican Bay's Sabor Pool overlooking the marina for a casual air to be maintained throughout cocktails and dinner which featured scrumptious Caribbean inspired cuisine. Scattered around the pool were food stations of Conch Treats with Tomato and Conch Bruschetta with key lime juice and local herbs, Garlic Conch Bites, tender golden conch meat tossed in herb garlic butter, Conch and Plantain Balls with spicy mango infused tartar sauce.

Guests next moved to Station Two, a Carving Display of Herb & Pepper Crusted Beef with Cracked pepper jus, Horseradish, Grain mustard Caribbean whipped butter and Multi -Grain baguette.

Station Three showcased Chicken Treats of Chicken and Crab Cakes with mango curry dip, Chicken and potato pizza with tomato cream and roasted corn and Chicken Satay topped with peanut and thyme sauce.

Wedding guests enjoyed a two-tier wedding cake with a bottom layer of yellow cake with chocolate mousse filling and a Bahamian fruit cake was served as dessert.

"My wedding gave my family and friends a time to relax and enjoy each other's company without stress," said Diana. She adds that "we felt very special. The Pelican Bay staff really cared that our every need was met."

Diana's parents own a condominium at Port Lucaya, a stone's throw from Pelican Bay, making Grand Bahama Island a second home ... After visiting various locations on the island, Diana and Jamie found "the beauty and intimacy" they sought at Pelican Bay.

The fact that Diana and Jamie's wedding was "stress free and gorgeous, and that every detail was taken care of when the bridal party and guests arrived on the island was the best part of her wedding experience," she said.

"Marva, thank you very much for all of your patience, kindness, creativity, and hard work. Jamie and I will always be grateful. Staff at Pelican Bay was wonderful. We, along with our guests, were treated so very well. Your facility was clean, beautiful, and elegant. We cannot wait to come visit in the fall! I will highly recommend you and Pelican Bay. I would be proud to be a reference for you if needed in the future! "

Diana and Jamie honeymooned at Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, Bahamas.