The ancient Greeks also believed pearls should be a part of wedding. They thought pearls would bring love and all guests of wedding were adorned in pearls. Pearls were sacred wedding gems given as gifts and word “pearl” became highly associated with “love.”

Religious writings also contain references to pearls. Early Christian writings, in conjunction with Virgin Mary and Jesus, speak of value of pearls. The famous metaphor found in Bible warns of casting pearls before swine, comparing gems to something of value to be held close and not flaunted or shared with those who are unworthy or unappreciative of such beauty.

The Spanish used to force slaves to dive for pearls along Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of Central America. French explorers found Native Americans wearing pearls. As crusaders, conquerors and Christians traveled around world, so did beauty and rarity of pearls. Because of popularity of pearls from 1524-1658 it was known as pearl age in Europe.

In more recent history, Iowa used to be center of trade for mother of pearl buttons until World War II when newly invented plastic took over from quality pearl buttons.

• The Bluff House Beach Hotel located in Green Turtle Bay, Abaco, Bahamas, offers a wedding package that includes: a wedding coordinator, a wedding cake, a minister or administrator to perform ceremony, a photographer, bride’s bouquet and a bottle of champagne. They will also be happy to arrange for a live band and a buffet.

• Small Hope Bay Lodge located in Andros Island, Bahamas, is a smaller resort consisting of 20 cottages, one of which is a honeymoon cottage. It offers a simple wedding package for $500 which includes all necessary paper work, a cake and champagne, a video and photos. At this resort you can get married on beach or even underwater!

• Bahamas Wedding Paradise is an organization that offers several wedding packages. You can select one of their packages or design your own. Packages range in price from $360 to over $3000 (please note that Bahamas Wedding Paradise is not a hotel or a resort).

Make wedding of your dreams a reality and start your married life in tropical paradise of Bahamas.