There’s no better job than the one you want to do; the one you were born to do; the one you are passionate about ~ for me, that’s Wedding Planning.
The Facts
My interest in Wedding Planning didn’t actually begin with my own wedding ( I’ve been married for 9 years now). I was doing my Masters in Government when I got married and could have cared less about wedding details. I picked 3 things that were important to me and the rest I saw on my wedding day. But when my sister-in-law, who lived away, got engaged a year later, I became her unofficial planner. A few months later, another friend got married and I found myself at the centre of her planning as well. This went on for a while, friend after friend.
After three 3 years of ‘unofficial wedding planning’, my husband insisted I investigate Wedding Planning as a profession. I felt that I had some good experience, but I wanted to be sure that I was really capable of charging someone to plan their wedding. I decided to become certified first. As history has shown, one certification is never enough for me. I went ahead and did another certification in Destination Wedding Planning.
Even then, I still did not feel confident. I continued ‘helping out’ a few more friends with their weddings until my husband, being the quintessential businessman, put his foot down.
I was at a crossroads in life. I loved teaching and I loved wedding planning. It so happened that I was due some leave from school. So, I held my breath and applied for an indefinite leave of absence.
Fast forward a few years and voila! I Do Islands went from dream to reality and here we still are, almost a hundred happy couples later!
Charities
Our entire team at I do Islands, believes in giving back. We acknowledge that we are our brother's keeper and we have chosen two charities that are close to our hearts, those with no voice who often times get forgotten - children and animals.
I do Islands has been a long-standing partner and supporter of iCann HELP Learning Centre.
iCann HELP Learning Centre is a special needs institution founded by principal Rachael Cann. Cann’s goal is to provide a first class educational experience to individuals with Special Needs in Kingston, and lend support to their families.
Cann is a Special Education Teacher and Autism Specialist. She believes in creating a non-restrictive learning environment that facilitates functional education. Cann is passionate about preparing her students for a life that is as fulfilling, happy and self-sufficient as possible.
For more information about iCann HELP Learning Centre, you may visit their website here.
I do Islands are huge supporters of local animal rescue initiatives. We currently sponsor the Montego Bay Animal Haven – a non-profit animal rescue based in St. James, Jamaica. “Montego Bay Animal Haven was founded in 2009 to raise awareness of the plight of stray and abandoned animals and to try to tackle the problem in north-west Jamaica. Since 10th January 2019 [the sister group] Angela’s Army of Angels has also been looking out for strays in Kingston.”
“As a registered non-profit organization, [they] rely completely on donations, both of time and money. Every little bit helps. The Haven currently operates from a private home, a situation which is far from ideal, but [they] now have a farm location, which allows [them] to help more varieties of animals.
“One of [their] main drives is to educate people and spread compassion for themselves and others, so that we can return to a sense of community and family. One of the best ways to do this is to reconnect with the animals."
For each confirmed wedding, I do Islands makes a donation to MBAH. If you would like to also donate to the Montego Bay Animal Haven, you may do so here