Top Tier Travel: Couple finds paradise on Turks and Caicos


Between the perfect weather, picturesque beaches and celebratory atmosphere, Megan Pearson only wishes she could have stayed longer on Turks and Caicos.

“It was really like being in paradise,” says the newlywed, who married Kyle Pearson Nov. 10, 2018, at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort. About 25 friends and family members attended the destination wedding, which was planned by Pascagoula-based travel agent Jessica Drongowski.

“It was a great experience to share with our loved ones, and having them there made it even more fun,” says Pearson, a dentist who lives in Ocean Springs. “It was also amazing to get married on the most beautiful beach with the sunset as the background.”

When discussing where to hold the nuptials, Pearson says Drongowski highly recommended Turks and Caicos for its kid friendliness — and its unrivaled ocean clarity.

“The water was unlike anything we have ever seen,” Pearson says. “It was so clear you could see the bottom of the ocean floor.”

Among Pearson’s favorite activities were a daylong boat expedition to Iguana Island, which included snorkeling for conch shells, visiting with the iguanas and a stop at Seashell Island to eat conch ceviche and search for shells.

Temperatures stayed between 70 and 84 degrees, and rare rain showers lasted 15 minutes or less, Pearson says. She describes the resort staff as friendly and accommodating, with tips not permitted outside of the spa. Guests could walk into any restaurant and order whatever they liked, according to Pearson, because food and drinks were all inclusive at the venue.

Overall, she adds, a destination wedding can be a budget-friendly option for any couple.

“Jessica helped us plan the wedding during the off season,” Pearson says, “so we were able to get the wedding, cocktail reception, rehearsal dinner and wedding reception included at no additional charge — just the cost of staying at the resort for three nights.” While Drongowski made most of the arrangements, Pearson notes that a wedding planner on Turks and Caicos helped coordinate with the resort team.

The Pearsons have trusted Drongowski with their travel to other destinations, such as Disney World, a Disney Cruise, and Universal Studios. The travel agent has proven helpful and responsive, according to Pearson, and executed their wedding plans flawlessly.

“We would not change anything,” she says.

Wedding date: November 10, 2019

 

VENDORS

Ceremony venue: Gazebo at Beaches Turks and Caicos

Reception venue: Resort (location overlooking pool)

Jewelry: Bridal and Formal Boutique and House of Tux, Gulfport

Shoes: Dillard’s

Wedding gown: Bridal and Formal Boutique and House of Tux, Gulfport

Tux: Bridal and Formal Boutique and House of Tux, Gulfport

Wedding planner, Photographer, Florist, Caterer, Makeup, Hair, Videographer, Musician/Entertainment, Officiant, Rentals, Cake, Transportation, Lighting and Rehearsal Dinner: Provided by Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort