celebrate with us!
In December of 2023, we got engaged in Virgin Gorda- a spot very special to the Jenkins family and somewhere they have been visiting for decades. For this celebration, we can't wait to make new memories with our closest friends and family just steps from where we got engaged a year ago.
Our working wedding information is listed below, and we genuinely hope you'll make a trip out of this and stay a few days with us before or afterwards to get to explore the island and its waters. Our schedule is roughly as follows, with more information on events down below:
Dec 3: Jess and Andrew arrive in Virgin Gorda
Dec 5: tbc snorkel boat trip around the island, 30 min drive from villas, transport not provided
Dec 6: sunset cocktails and dinner at Sol y Sombra, walking distance from villas, transport not provided
Dec 7: wedding and reception, transport provided
Dec 8: brunch, walking distance from villas, transport not provided
Dec 11 or 12 (or never): Jess and Andrew depart Virgin Gorda
We know it's physically far away from many of you- that's part of the allure of British Virgin Islands! Ask us if you have any questions on travel or accomodations, and we really look forward to being with you all! Let's sun, beach, snorkel, and dance the days away!
J+A
Getting Here
Air & Ferry
There are several ways to get to Virgin Gorda, but we find the easiest is to get to San Juan in Puerto Rico (SJU) and then fly directly into Virgin Gorda's airport (VIJ). It's a 25 minute flight from San Juan. Airlines from SJU to VIJ are Cape Air (affiliated with United, Jet Blue, and American) and Tradewinds.
It can be more cost friendly to fly to Tortola (Terrance B. Lettsome Airport), the island just across from Virgin Gorda, and take a 20 minute ferry to Virgin Gorda. The ferry leaves directly adjacent to the airport at Beef Island in Tortola; you can walk 5 minutes between the two, or take a taxi if you’re carrying luggage. More info on ferries here.
Most flights to/from Tortola will connect through Miami or San Juan, PR.
You can also fly into St. Thomas and then get on a quick Cape Air or Tradewind flight from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda, OR a ferry to Virgin Gorda.
Virgin Gorda is part of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) which is British territory, so you will need a passport.
Cars
Speedy’s or Mahogany car rental companies in Virgin Gorda offer reasonable daily rentals. The best way to book a car thru Speedy’s is online or to message them via WhatsApp at either of these numbers: (284) 495-5235 or (284) 495-5240.
Our reception, dinners, and most accommodations in the Valley, where we are staying, will be less than a mile away by car. We highly recommend getting a car for your group and with other friends for the easiest and most flexible way to get around and explore. If you don’t get a car, taxis are available and another affordable way to get around. Work with your villa or hotel managers/concierge to help book taxis.
WHERE TO STAY
We encourage our friends to book villas and houses instead of hotels; this is the best way to enjoy the island and stay close to us. We will happily coordinate who is looking for houses together into groups and make recos on certain houses and villas. We have several connections to homeowners and property managers on the island. The area we are staying in on the island is the southern part of the island called 'The Valley.' The beaches we'll be staying along are Valley Trunk, Spring Bay, and Little Trunk Bay, also close to The Baths. If you book in any of these areas you'll be within a 5-10 minute walk.
Villas
Villas Virgin Gorda ($$): We have a discounted rate with Villas Virgin Gorda with a minimum of four night stay. Reach out to Michelle Dietz at info@villasvirgingorda.com or +1 284 540 8002.
Guavaberry ($$): We have a discounted rate with Guavaberry and it’s directly adjacent to the beach where we are getting married (and got engaged). You can look at their one, two, & three bedroom bungalow options, as well as the deluxe villa properties they manage. Just try to look at properties in the locations we mentioned. Guavaberry requires a minimum of four nights which will activate a 10% discount on bungalows, and a 5% discount on deluxe villas. Contact them at info@guavaberryspringbay.com for details.
On the Rocks ($$): Same management as our rental house, Bernadette Gore (she also manages a few other properties), email bernadette.george@smithsgore.com, or call/whatsapp +1 284 542 2118 for details.
For all the above, when reaching out let them know you’re coming for the Jenkins/Sullivan Celebration.
Hotel
Rosewood Little Dix Bay ($$$$): This is a five star property with every amenity in the Valley. It’s a five minute car ride from the part of the island we will be married on. Please sneak us into the brunch buffet if you choose this accomodation option. Ladies, we'll definitely be doing a girls afternoon here.
Remote Work
For all you remote workers out there, there is great cell phone service and wifi at most houses/accommodations. We’ve worked and zoomed successfully from the island.
Come, stay a while!
things to do
Explore the Island’s beaches! First and foremost, Virgin Gorda is known for its calm beaches and crystal clear water.
Short hike to Devil's Bay at Top of the Baths (wear a swimsuit). Go early to avoid people.
Boats & Snorkeling: Virgin Gorda is home to magnificent beaches, reefs, and rock formations. There is world class snorkel and scuba diving on every side of the island; Little Trunk Bay where our wedding is held has some of the best snorkeling. We will arrange one (or more) snorkeling expeditions/boat trips around the island in the days prior to our wedding. If your villa doesn't come with snorkel equipment you can rent it from Dive BVI in Spanish Town.
Beaches to drive to/explore:
Savannah Bay
Mahoe Bay
Leverick Bay (other side of the island, shop at Pusser's)
Beaches in walking distance:
Spring Bay
Valley Trunk
Little Trunk
The Baths
Devil's Bay
Spanish Town - town in the Valley where the marina is, our wedding reception, grocery stores, small shops, Dive BVI, etc.
The Spa at Rosewood Little Dix - it's iconic.
Restaurants:
Top of the Baths
Coco Maya
Island Pot
The Bath and Turtle
Chez Bamboo
The Rock
Sugarcane
Hog Heaven (for lunch or early dinner driving over to the other side of the island, high view)
Cocktails - try a Painkiller, it's a BVI signature.
Grocery Stores:
RiteWay Virgin Gorda
Buck's
Rosy's
dress code
Thursday Drinks
Tropical disco, think island vibes, ABBA, & sequins
Friday Pool Party & Welcome Dinner
Your poolside best! Bring a towel, bathing suit, cover-up.
Saturday Wedding
We ask that our guests wear all white to our Saturday ceremony and party
"beach cocktail chic". Accessories should be neutral to fit the white code, not colorful.
Have some fun with this!
Sunday Beach Picnic
Beach attire! Bathing suit, towel, cover-up!