ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to position for projected growth in the wedding and honeymoon market worldwide, Barbudan descendant and Broadway performer, Tracee Beazer, returned to her roots to stage her dream wedding. Last Friday, as part of the destination's "Romance Promotions", the accomplished actress and software engineer, Paulo Barrett, tied the knot in a sunset ceremony at Villa Colibri at Pigeon Beach in Antigua.
 
Tracee and Paulo will travel to Barbuda to participate in the launch the Barbuda Moons Romance Program during a media event on May 12th at the historic Martello Towers in Barbuda.
 
Beazer's credits include roles in several on and off Broadway productions including Tony Award winning musicals, Hairspray, Memphis and The Wedding Singer, as well as television appearances in Law and Order: SVU, 
 
"I couldn't think of a more beautiful place and a more exciting way to begin our new life together. I always tell everyone how wonderful Antigua and Barbuda is and by getting married here, I got the chance to personally introduce my friends and colleagues to my piece of paradise.” Tracee said.
 
The couple was joined by their parents and more than 40 family members and friends mostly from the United States and United Kingdom. The soiree turned into an all night pool side production with impromptu performances from Broadway actors and other entertainers on the guest list . Many of these first time visitors to the destination have expressed intentions to return for a longer visit and to tell their friends about their phenomenal experience and discoveries.

US Director, Derede Samuel-Whitlock, who attended the ceremony, indicated “This has been our largest destination wedding to date, with the couple's  large following of well traveled guests. This year, the size of the wedding, was an additional criteria that we considered in selecting the winning couples.  Given the economic challenges, we want to ensure that this promotion generates publicity but also helps to spur business during the off season. I am confident that we have a new cadre of "brand ambassadors" who will help spread the word about Antigua and Barbuda and all that we have to offer.”
 
The couple will spend the first few days of their honeymoon at St. James' Club before traveling to Barbuda to enjoy a “Day Moon,” a day trip taken before, during or after the honeymoon filled with experiences to help the couple unwind and keep romance alive.


 
The Barbuda Moons Romance Program comprises five different travel packages, from day trips to longer stays, and features authentic Barbudan experiences such as secluded pink sand beaches, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and an abundance of fresh seafood and local game.
 
The theme “Two Islands, Two Hearts, One Love,”  has been integrated into the marketing message of the upcoming“Romance Month” promotions. Couples will have the option of getting married on one island and honeymooning on the other, with endless possibilities in planning any celebration of commitment, be it a  proposal, engagement, bachelor and bachelorette parties or renewal of vows.  

 
Now in its fifth year,“Romance Month” highlights Antigua and Barbuda"s competitive advantage in hosting destination weddings, particularly the "no residency requirement" for couples who wish to get married. Two destination weddings will be hosted this year to showcase the range of venues, themes and services that are available to meet the needs of today's discerning couples.
 
The destination weddings.are sponsored by: Colombian Emeralds, Exotic Antigua, Mingles, Photo Fantasy Antigua, Indigo Event Services, The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, The Ministry of Tourism and The Barbuda Council. 
 

Photo Credits: Ted Martin of Photo Fantasy