Business tycoon, Richard Branson, has revealed that despite a fire destroying most of the Great House on his private island in the Caribbean last week, his daughter's wedding will still go ahead and take place on the island this December.
Branson's daughter, Holly, is the latest in a long list of celebrities who are choosing destination weddings over ceremonies at home. The 29-year-old is planning a low budget wedding on Necker Island that is scheduled to take place just before Christmas.
Last week, as Hurricane Irene raged through the Caribbean, the Great House on Necker Island was hit by lightening. The eight-bedroom house caught fire and was destroyed by 100ft-high flames in the early hours of the morning on Monday 22nd August.
Around 20 people were in the house and they all managed to get out and they are all fine.
"We had a really bad tropical storm with winds up to 90mph. A big lightning storm came around 4am and hit the house. It took hold incredibly quickly, with flames 100ft high. It ripped through the house very quickly.
"Kate Winslet, her boyfriend and her family were there and Holly and some of her friends were also staying. My mother was there and they managed to get her out and she is fine.
"The main house is completely destroyed and the fire is not yet completely out. My office was based in the house and I have lost thousands of photographs and my notebooks, which is very sad. But all family and friends are well – which in the end is all that really matters.'
Despite the devastation, the billionaire is insisting that his daughter will be getting married abroad on the £60million Necker Island, the same place where her parents tied the knot years ago.
Holly and fiancee, shipbroker Freddie Andrews, had originally been planning a budget wedding where their guests would pay for their own flights and bring tents for their accommodation. It looks like the guests will have to strictly rely on their tents now as the fire destroyed the Great House with the exception of the swimming pool and a Buddhist statue.
Richard and his wife married on the island 22 years ago and Holly is keen to marry on the same island even if the house is not rebuilt in time.
Branson added: ‘We'll all stay here for the time being. There's a lot of damage and we won't be able to stick it back together again right away. It was a beautiful house.
"We will rebuild the house as soon as we can. We'll all stay here. There's a lot of damage but we'll create something even more special out of the ruins."
Necker Island has always been a popular spot for celebrity destination weddings and the luxurious retreat was the venue for the wedding of popstar, Nick Lachey, and MTV presenter, Vanessa Minnillo, last month.
Caribbean weddings are on the increase as many couples look for exotic destinations for their nuptials. The Caribbean offers a wide selection of tropical islands boasting white sand, palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, luxury resorts and picturesque surroundings for weddings abroad.
About the Author
Orlando Consuegra has worked on the Cuba holiday industry from its very begining, initially as a Tour Guide for Saga and Kuoni, he travelled the island helping thousands of holiday makers to make the most for their holiday in Cuba.
Praised by many as one of the best tour guides in Cuba, both for his impeccable knowledge and his very correct manners, Orlando got promoted to Guides Coordinator in the Cubanacan Travel Agency. During this period Orlando helped organise fam trips for European tour operators as part of the insertion of Cuba in the world's holiday industry.
Promoted again as General Supervisor of The Holiday Place in Cuba, Orlando helped build very strong relationships with all the hotels in Cuba while enforcing a very high level of service and attention to all company's clients.
Orlando writes a blog "Know Cuba holidays like Us" at The Cuba Experience website where he shares his deep knowledge in Cuba and its holiday industry.
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