Maestro of marriage
She loves to see the look in their eyes
Maura Curley
She takes care of everything from the license to the limousine- and dozens of details and flourishes in between.Debra Williams is much more than a wedding planner. She’s a maestro of marriages, a wizard who transforms a couple’s fantasy into magical moments they never forget.
Williams founded her business, Fantasia Weddings and Honeymoons, in 1990, which specializes in weddings in St. Thomas. Back then, it was a lot of subtle ceremonies on the sand. While the beach still makes a beautiful backdrop, Fantasia’s services have evolved to include a palette of options from the simple to the sublime.
Couples can choose a ceremony under a Moroccan wedding tent at Emerald Beach Resort, on the terrace of a private villa or be whisked by helicopter or boat to the beach at Hans Lollick Island. In fact they can rendezvous wherever they desire. One of Williams’ most memorable events involved the bride and groom emerging from individual yachts in the middle of the sea to say their island I dos.
Williams works with a team of professionals, including Emmy award winning videographer and editor Michael Kollins, photographers Tom Boyd and Eric Johnson, and the duo of Sugar and Spice, who offer hair and makeup services. She contracts calypso music with Andrew Douglas, and the bands TNT and Spectrum for larger events. But Williams can get just about any kind of music, even a harp on the beach.
Floral and food services, which include tropical bouquets, boutonnieres, hair ornaments and Fantasia’s signature sweet - the Pina colada wedding cake - are also offered.
Williams says wedding are bit bigger these days, and people prefer island themes, with palm fronds, tiki torches, local music, with West Indian buffets and barbecues.
A non-denominational minister who marries many of her clients, Williams is passionate about what she does.
She says" I just love to see that look in their eyes."
Maura Curley is publisher of virginvoices.com
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