destination i do - spring 2014

A HONEYMOON TOUR OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

& HONEYMOONS TOO!

SPRING 2014

THE TRAVEL PUBLICATION FOR ENGAGED COUPLES & ROMANCE TRAVELERS

DISPLAY UNTIL MAY 20, 2014

Welcome BAG IDEAS

destinationido.com

Dressing the Destination Bride with

RANDYFENOLI

30 DESTINATIONS YOU’LL LOVE

dessy.com

DessyTwist_DestinationIDo_Spring2014.indd 1-2 13-12-04 5:46 PM

SOUTHERN CHARMS

Nashville – Not only does this hip and friendly town have

a history of music greatness, it’s up-and-coming for lots

of other reasons too!

Savannah – It doesn’t get more Southern than Savannah

and it has been a long-standing destination wedding

favorite for a reason, actually, lots of reasons.

Myrtle Beach – Much more than golf, this coastal locale

also has beautiful and affordable wedding venues to suit

your Southern style.

HONEYMOON HIDEAWAYS

Best Beaches – For couples wanting to feel the sand

between their toes and wade through turquoise waters,

these are our top ten picks for beaches in the Caribbean,

Mexico and Hawaii.

Kaua‘i – A longtime favorite of us DID travelers, Kaua‘i has

something to offer for every couple and at any budget.

Mediterranean – Come along as we go on the

Mediterranean sojourn of a lifetime and traverse through

Italy before setting sail to gorgeous ports of call.

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: V

UE

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y, v

ue

ph

oto

gra

ph

yon

line

.co

m

U.S. DESTINATIONS WITH A FOREIGN FEEL

You might have lofty aspirations of a honeymoon

or wedding in some far-flung part of the World, but

unfortunately, it’s not always in the cards. For those wanting

an exotic feel a little closer to home, check out the fantastic

Florida Keys (page 23), family-friendly Vail (page 26),

exclusive Beaver Creek (page 28), cozy Catalina Island

(page 30) and alluring New Orleans (page 32).

RUGGED RETREATS

Colorado Springs – For some lovebirds, the more remote

the destination, the better! The Ranch at Emerald Valley

certainly fits the bill with its tucked-away location in the

Rocky Mountains.

Wickenburg – This Arizona horse ranch has quintessential

charm, a stunning desert location and endless activities

for the cowboy or cowgirl within you.

Scottsdale – Four Seasons Hotels are known for capturing

the beauty of their chosen locations and, set among rocky

outcrops and soaring cacti, the Four Seasons Scottsdale

is no exception.

38

42

44

62

70

74

22

34

36

37

featuresSPRING/SUMMER 2014

DESTINATION i do

table of CONTENTS

8destinationido.com | S P R I N G & S U M M E R 2 0 1 4

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: V

UE

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y, v

ue

ph

oto

gra

ph

yon

line

.co

m

departments

EDITOR’S LETTER

ASK THE EXPERT – Dressing the Destination Bride

with Randy Fenoli

One of our all-time favorites, Randy Fenoli of TLC’s “Say

‘Yes’ to the Dress,” weighs-in on current wedding dress

trends and shares his tips for a wedding away. Spoiler

alert: He’s definitely pro-destination weddings.

FASHION FORWARD

After a recent wedding industry event at the historic

Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, the fabulous Kristy Rice,

founder of Momental Designs, with the help of some

extremely talented vendors, created a dreamy photo

shoot centered around artistry, romance and decades

past. This Fashion Forward takes the Romanticism

of the early 1800s and brings it into modern day.

THE GUEST BOOK – A Non-Traditional Welcome

We love the idea of “welcome bags” and have come

up with some new and innovative ideas for creating

the perfect destination-themed welcome.

BLUSH & BASHFUL – Financing Frustrations

When planning the destination wedding of your dreams,

you have no choice but to talk about one of the most

taboo subjects: money. We get down to the nitty-gritty

on how to handle awkward situations and how to make

sure it’s smooth sailing from start-to-finish.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

DESTINATION i do

12

16

46

58

80

Visit our blog, destinationido.com/blog, to get frequent updates on products

perfect for weddings away, places our traveling editors visit, beauty tips and

tricks, gorgeous destination wedding dresses and all things travel, romance

or wedding related!

Need even more inspiration beyond what graces our gorgeous pages?

Visit our oh-so-lovely Pinterest page, pinterest.com/destinationido.

Looking for other locations? Check out our website to order past issues

featuring: celebrity weddings, romantic castles, Thailand, Australia,

Europe, the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico, countless locations

in the U.S., the ultimate honeymoon hideaways and much more.

Destinationido.com/subscription

TO HAVE & TO HOLD – Dramatic Beauty Transformations

Every couple wants to look their best on their wedding day

and honeymoon and sometimes you want to go above-and-

beyond when it comes to new beauty routines. We’ve tried

and tested some of the most ground-breaking beauty

treatments. From laser hair removal, to at-home facials

– you’ll be ready for your close-up.

REAL-LIFE WEDDINGS

Picking the real weddings to be featured in each issue is always

bittersweet: they’re oh-so-gorgeous and inspiring, but narrowing

them down is never an easy feat. We try our hardest to pick the

best-of-the-best and bring our readers interesting destinations

and trend-setting couples. From a lakefront soirée in Michigan,

a sweet backyard bash in Santa Barbara and a bold Costa Rica

event, to a colorful Yosemite backdrop, the chic island of Malta,

a customized party in Costa Rica and a classic, lovely wedding

in Florida – we hope these real weddings feature something

which gets your heart racing and mind thinking. P

ho

to c

ou

rte

sy o

f: A

licia

Sw

ed

en

bo

rg, a

licia

swe

de

nb

org

.co

m

82

86

table of CONTENTS


Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of:

Alic

ia S

we

de

nb

org

, alic

iasw

ed

en

bo

rg.c

om

Susan Zimmer, married May 25, 2013. Disney’s Wedding Pavilion.©Disney WH-13-27536

At the age of 16, there was one word

which would automatically initiate

an eye-roll when my Dad would say

it – “balance.” He would tell me over

and over how important it is to strike

a balance in life to ensure a happy and

fulfilling existence…how fixating on one

thing could throw your life off kilter and

disrupt your personal harmony. Work too

much, your personal life can suffer, play

too much and you risk rocking the boat

at your job or in other areas of life.

As much as it pained me to hear

this proverb as often as I did,

I will admit…yes Dad, you were right.

Now, what on Earth does this have to do with your wedding, you

ask? It has everything to do with it. First of all – a great event

needs to reflect the personality and style of you as a couple, yet

balance with the needs and expectations of your guests. Let’s

say your personality is extremely adventurous – you dream of

hiking into the jungles of Costa Rica and saying your “I do’s” at

the top of a waterfall, with none other than your entire family

(everyone from age eight to 80) there to witness. This is where

balance comes into play (along with a bit of a reality check).

There’s a good chance most people wouldn’t or couldn’t attend

that type of wedding. Now, how could you create a state of

equilibrium between your desires and that of your guests? How

about having your wedding on the beach in Costa Rica and then

taking a honeymoon jaunt to have a special picnic at the top of

that waterfall?

Your dream wedding can absolutely balance with the needs

of your guests, even when it has to do with the tricky topic of

finances. Check out our “Financing Frustrations” story on page

80 to help navigate this part of your wedding planning.

The second way balance effects your wedding planning is this –

your relationship with your fiancé. Too many times the wedding

becomes more about the planning than the couple. Don’t let the

planning become more about the where’s and when’s than

the you’s and me’s. Start your marriage off on the right foot –

in perfect unison with one another.

You may need to strike a balance of where to have it – perhaps

the trip to Europe with 150 people doesn’t look like it will work

out, so why not have it closer to home? We’ve got a great section

on “U.S. Destinations with a Foreign Feel” (page 22) to help you

have your cake and eat it too.

This issue is packed with advice, ideas and inspiration to keep

that “B” word in check! Our “Ask the Expert” article with the one

and only Randy Fenoli will have you dressed and looking pretty

(page 16), some serious old-world inspired fashion and reception

décor at the Biltmore Estate will give you ideas galore (page 46)

and your guests will feel welcomed when you see some of the

fun welcome bag concepts we’ve come up with (page 58).

Your wedding will be one of the biggest and most exciting

days of your life – but remember – you still have a job, friends

who may need your shoulder to cry on periodically, a fiancé to

consider and many other things to keep in balance as you plan.

So go out there, put the “B” word into action and along the way,

let Destination I Do help guide you in your quest.

Yours Truly,

Jennifer Stein

Follow Us:

Pinterest: pinterest.com/destinationido

Twitter: @DestinationIDo

Facebook: facebook.com/destinationidomag

Instagram: DestinationIDo

Website and Blog: destinationido.com & destinationido.com/blog

The B Word“ ”

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of:

Be

tric

e L

an

grø

deditor’s LETTER


Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of:

Be

tric

e L

an

grø

d

ARR OBA INTERNATIONALA Creative and Marketing Communications Service

Tel: + 52 (998) 210 0181 [email protected] Smythe, Print Media Coordinator [email protected]

AMResorts Dreams Ad non-bld RightHandPg 7.75x10.375” TRIM 8.375x10.875”

(12.04) Destination I Do All About Honeymoons FP Spr Summer 2014 issue

TO LOVE, TO HONOR...

and Dream.

BOOK YOUR FREE WEDDING NOW

AND ENJOY FREE NIGHTS TOWARD YOUR

FIRST ANNIVERSARY STAY.

One magical celebration. Two lovers. Spectacular tropical locations. Unlimited-Luxury® privileges including your room or suite with private balcony. 24-hour room service. Multiple gourmet restaurants. Unlimited

top-shelf spirits. Land and sea recreation. Evening shows and more.

©2014

To find your local Romance Travel Specialist and book your Dreams destination wedding visit AllAboutHoneymoons.com

DREAMS CANCUN • DREAMS HUATULCO • DREAMS LA ROMANA • DREAMS LAS MAREAS COSTA RICA (DEC 2014) • DREAMS LOS CABOS • DREAMS PALM BEACH PUNTA CANA DREAMS PUERTO AVENTURAS • DREAMS PUERTO VALLARTA • DREAMS PUNTA CANA • DREAMS RIVIERA CANCUN • DREAMS TULUM • DREAMS VILLAMAGNA NUEVO VALLARTA

Throughout

this issue

SUBSCRIPTIONSPlease visit us online at destinationido.com/subscription or call our toll-free number

to order a one-year subscription – 866-359-9855.

Domestic and Canadian rates are $13.90 USD per year and foreign $29.90 USD.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIESPlease contact our corporate office at 480-759-9855 or visit us online

at destinationido.com/advertise.

FEATURED LOCATIONSIf you would like us to feature your location or wedding, please submit your request

via email to [email protected]

or visit destinationido.com/submission-guidelines.

© 2014 DESTINATION MEDIA, LLCAll rights reserved. Any reproduction of this periodical, in whole or in part, must

be approved and awarded written consent from Destination I Do Magazine.

Please note that Destination I Do Magazine provides this information only as a general

guide. Opinions expressed by writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the

publisher. Destination I Do Magazine is published twice annually with a quarterly cover

change. If you have purchased the same issue twice, please contact our customer

service department at 480-759-9855.

Contact UsPhone: 480-759-9855 | Toll Free: 866-359-9855

Web: destinationido.com

Blog: destinationido.com/blog

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @DestinationIDo | Facebook: facebook.com/destinationidomag

Pinterest: pinterest.com/destinationido

Instagram: DestinationIDo

Jennifer Stein

Carolyn Steere

Gordon Steere

Courtney Cox

Gerd Corrigan

Carolyn Gerin

Mike Walker

Debbie Armer

Glenn Karaban

Dan Tomkiewicz

Scott Rickles

Victoria Abbott Riccardi

Kinsley Brown

Kate Darnell

Elaine Hilbelink

Shana Kinnerup

Stacey Marcus

Sharon Naylor

Sarah Padilla

Samantha Payne

John Roark

Kristi Blane

Taylor Wilson

Editor-in-Chief/Publisher

Owner/CEO

Chief Operating Officer

Associate Editor

Creative Director

Senior Editor

National Advertising Director

Senior Advertising Manager

Northeast & Caribbean Sales Manager

Southeast Advertising Managers

Contributing Writers

Production Coordinator

Editorial Intern

ON THE COVER

SPRING: This bride from our Fashion Forward shoot,

“Romanticism: Honoring the Opulent Past,” is ethereal

in the “Abbey” gown by Claire Pettibone, makeup by

Blush Asheville and hair by Emily Anne Hair. She is taking

in the view from the iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville,

North Carolina and carrying a bouquet designed by Lily

Greenthumb’s Wedding & Event Designed and made

up of blooms purchased at FiftyFlowers.com.

Photography courtesy of With Love and Embers,

withloveandembers.com, styling and concept by Kristy Rice

of Momental Designs.

SUMMER: This real-life destination wedding couple

canoodles on the beach near their Santa Barbara reception

location. Her wedding gown is from Allure Bridals and his

suit is from Vacano Tailor Made Suits. Photography courtesy

of Gideon Photography, gideonphoto.com. Full story details

on page 86.

pg. 22

pg. 16

pg. 16

pg. 74

pg. 58

pg. 62

pg. 74

pg. 86


DID: What are some new and exciting trends you are seeing

in wedding dress fashion?

RF: The biggest trends I saw during Bridal Market were not

strapless dresses; they had yokes, they had straps, everything

you could imagine except strapless – v-neck, halter, you name

it, I saw it. I’m interested to see if these designs will be as popular

and if they’ll sell. I saw fewer ball gowns and instead, slimmer

silhouettes, lots of lace and tulle. But the tulle was in a softer,

slimmer silhouette. The lace was all mixed, from Chantilly to

Venise lace – mixed with patterns, layered and even ghosted

lace. And the trains were shorter.

Selecting the perfect gown for your

wedding day away is one of the most

important decisions you’ll make.

Questions you may be asking yourself

are, “How do I travel with my gown?”

or “What comes first, the destination

or the dress?” These are all answered

in the next few pages. Fan favorite

and star of the reality series “Say ‘Yes’

to the Dress,” Randy Fenoli, is here

to give his tips and tricks on finding

“the one” in regards to your

destination wedding dress.

DRESSING THE DESTINATION BRIDE WITH

RANDY FENOLI

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: T

LC, ©

20

12 D

isco

very

Co

mm

un

ica

tio

ns

Interview by Jennifer Stein

destinationido.com | S P R I N G & S U M M E R 2 0 1 4

ask the EXPERT

16

Across the board, any kind of gown you could ever want was

shown at Bridal Market Fall 2013. We saw 80 to 100 different

collections. I try to peek in at every booth we can get to so I can

come back and report on what is out there.

Because there is so much variety, there is something for

everyone…a bride can be traditional, bohemian, blinged out,

sexy, Cinderella, she can look any way she wants to look. If a

bride can’t find a dress for her, she’s not looking hard enough.

DID: Are there any trends you wish would go away?

RF: All trends should go away. What I mean by this is that

trends will date your wedding. Something traditional will stand

the test of time. At one point, we saw so many designs inspired

by “The Great Gatsby” and the movie came and left. By the time

the dresses hit the stores, the trend had already made its way

through. To go with a strong trend, later on you may say “Oh it’s

so 2013.” I prefer a timeless gown. I do not think strapless is a

trend, it’s been around for a long time and I believe it will stay. It

offers freedom of movement in a bridal gown…brides can party

and dance at their wedding.

DID: When it comes to shopping for a wedding dress, are

there any particular designs you think are tailored to the

destination bride?

RF: I have seen three destination weddings in Cayman during

the month of June. One I attended and dressed the bride in a

Pnina Tornai gown which was corseted, with a long train. The

next Cayman wedding in June, the bride wore a Carolina Herrera

with satin petals on the beach and the third was an Oscar de

la Renta with silk/satin organza and a peplum. The point is, for

destination brides they are not really choosing a look that would

typically be identified as a “destination dress.” I think they select

the gown they want and make it work with the location. You do

need to keep in mind the elements and the weather. You don’t

want to be getting married on the beach in Mexico wearing a

heavy satin gown with long sleeves. A destination wedding can

be anywhere – so there are endless options.

DID: Any tips and tricks for traveling with a wedding gown?

RF: Keep in mind how it will pack. Lace packs beautifully and

a lot of gowns this season are very packable. If you’re going to

take a larger gown, check with the airline to see what the rules

are and if they can hang it for you in first class. If it’s really large,

buy it an extra seat. If you’re going to pack it and if it will wrinkle,

know how to press it when you get to your destination. Certain

fabrics don’t pack well; silk/satin organza wrinkles very easily.

DID: When should a bride go dress shopping, before or after

she selects her destination?

RF: Pick the destination first because once you have that

figured out you’ll know the theme and feel for the wedding.

Even though it doesn’t have to match the destination, it needs

to fit the destination. Maybe you are having a barn wedding, yet

want to wear something completely unexpected like a crystal

studded ball gown. You could make it feel like it belongs by

hanging a crystal chandelier above your altar. But know what

you’re working with first. Perhaps you have a narrow aisle, but

your dad is walking you down and you have a large dress…that

could create a problem if you don’t know ahead of time, so pick

the venue first.

DID: What should a bride do if she falls in love with a gown

she can’t afford?

RF: That’s a tough one. My big no-no is trying on a gown

outside of your budget. I will try with everything in my power

to avoid a bride putting on a gown that is beyond what she can

spend. If you fall in love with it, then you’ll be broken hearted.

It’s like driving a Lamborghini but having the budget for a Honda.

Why would you put yourself in that position? It’s not about how

much money a person has; it’s what they want to spend. What

they’ve allotted for the gown is what they should stick to unless

they’re willing to cut somewhere else.

DID: Not everyone knows how to dress their body – do you

have any tips and tricks for brides to look their best and embrace

her particular “assets?”

RF: I think most women know how to dress in everyday

clothes…they know how to pick jeans and know their size.

They’ve never shopped for a wedding dress. They don’t

understand that all sample gowns come in a size 10, so not

everyone will fit into it correctly.

My advice: keep an open mind. Try it on. So many girls say,

“I don’t want strapless, beaded or lace,” yet some end up

walking away with a strapless, beaded lace gown.

DID: Veils: in or out?

RF: Absolutely in. Without a veil you’re just a pretty girl in a

white dress. Every girl should have some sort of hair accessory

to set them apart. This is the only time in your life you can wear

tulle on your head without looking foolish!

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: T

LC, ©

20

12 D

isco

very

Co

mm

un

ica

tio

ns

Interview by Jennifer Stein

S P R I N G & S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 | destinationido.com

ask

the

EXPE

RT

17

DID: Hot pink platform heels: in or out?

RF: I say if you’re going to spend money on an accessory,

spend it on the shoes. I think you should spend $600 on shoes

that you’ll wear again and again rather than $60 on a pair

of shoes that will go in the trash when the wedding is over.

Accessories either elevate or depreciate your look. If you

should add a pop of color, do it in a shoe.

DID: Covering up tattoos: in or out?

RF: Tattoos are part of your life’s history. What are you doing

at your wedding but telling your story? It’s who you are, so why

cover it up? It doesn’t have anything to do with being a trashy

person or anti-religion. It had significant meaning to get it in the

first place – so embrace who you are, never be ashamed of that.

I do have a funny story, though, of an exception to this. A bride

came in and she made a point to tell the consultants her family

wasn’t allowed in the dressing room. Grandma went in despite

the efforts of keeping her out and saw the bride’s tattoo which

read, “This ass belongs to Joey.” She was marrying Mike. The

wedding was almost called off.

DID: Ombre: in or out?

RF: I saw a lot of it this season on the runway. I’m also seeing

it in flowers and décor, from going from white in one room

or area, to a light shade of pink to red.

DID: If you could have your dream destination wedding, where

would you choose to say “I do” and what would you wear?

RF: I personally love destination weddings over at-home

weddings. It’s everything you dreamed about and planned for

and it’s over in eight hours? [A destination wedding] limits the

guest list to people who are really important to you – the people

who will actually pony up and be there. And that’s who you really

want there anyway. Plus, it’s not just a one day affair. Instead of

only a wedding day, you get to spend time with your guests for

several days. I personally would do a destination wedding.

I would choose a place with beautiful beaches and water and

a beautiful ballroom which overlooks the ocean. I’d like to have

both the ceremony and reception in the ballroom because, well

let’s be honest, I don’t like to perspire. At all. I’d choose a place

where there were beautiful sunsets and I’d love for my guests

to experience a beach destination. There are so many things you

can do at a beach wedding.

I would wear one of the tuxedo jackets that I designed myself.

I have eight to 12 jackets where I selected the fabrics and they

really reflect my personality. Definitely a bowtie and a dress shirt

with French cuffs, cuff links and, of course, patent leather shoes.

To follow Randy Fenoli – visit facebook.com/randyfenoli

or twitter.com/randyfenoli.

For exclusive online content, info about how to get on the show

and more from this interview, log on to destinationido.com/randyfenoli.

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: T

LC, ©

20

12 D

isco

very

Co

mm

un

ica

tio

ns


ask the EXPERT

18

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: T

LC, ©

20

12 D

isco

very

Co

mm

un

ica

tio

ns


depa

rtmen

t HEA

DING

19

WHERE TO SEND MATERIALS:https://destinationidomag.egnyte.comusername: didoadvertpassword: didoads2011

Destination I Do

Due to pub: 121313

issue: Spring / Summer

Specs:L: .25in (3/8 LR)T: 8.375 x 10.875B: .125

+1 310 323 9155 x18

It’s the day you’ve been dreaming of all your life, so choosing the perfect setting for your wedding takes careful thought. You want a setting that makes a grand statement, yet is as warm and intimate as your first kiss.

MAY WE SUGGEST NEWPORT BEACH? SURELY, LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.

Some say Newport Beach “takes the cake” when it comes to rich choices for your wedding, from the most sumptuous to a simply sweet ceremony for two. You say only the world’s finest resorts will do? Newport Beach prominently rises to the occasion. If you prefer a precious ceremony on the beach at sunset, Newport Beach shines.

In this glamorous setting filled with promise, you can truly unwind with your family and friends to celebrate your new life together. Newport Beach is a place to return to often, celebrate anniversaries and introduce your children to the romantic spot you chose to wed.

Spend your honeymoon days exploring the many Newport Beach neighborhoods as you “Play. Hide. Seek.” Rise and beam as a new day greets you as Mr. and Mrs. No need to crawl out from under the covers in your luxury suite. Just sleep in and toast your new life with a champagne breakfast–in-bed. Stroll the quaint streets of Balboa Village. Enjoy some beach time before you steer your Duffy electric boat to the nearest

Dock & Dine. Explore the boardwalk on a bicycle built for two. Treat yourself to luxury shopping at Fashion Island, Balboa, Crystal Cove or Corona del Mar. Choose the next fine dining experience from ever so many choices.

Borrow “something blue” from Newport Beach, an ocean of engaging choices for the ultimate wedding you seek. A paradise drenched in sunshine and rolling with verdant hills as idyllic as your future together.

WEDDINGS Newport Beach is minutes

from John Wayne, Orange County airport,

meaning friends and family can easily join

you for the big day — no passport required.

HONEYMOONS Many Newport Beach

lodging facilities are award-winning resorts

with beaches, golf, tennis, fine dining, spas

and other amenities.

TOP TIP Newport Beach has the West

Coast’s largest recreational harbor. Since

the weather is Mediterranean-like — sunny

and temperate all year long — couples take

advantage with activities

from paddle boarding to

sunset cruises. Other op-

tions include kayaks, pon-

toons, dinner cruises, pedal

boats and whale-watching

excursions.

CONTACT INFO 800-94-COAST,

VisitNewportBeach.com/weddings

PHOTOS (TOP TO BOTTOM): KATE NOELLE, GEORGE KAMPER, WWW.THATGIRLPRODUCTIONS.COM, GEORGE KAMPER, GONDOLA COMPANY OF NEWPORT

COME “PLAY. HIDE. SEEK.” IN NEWPORT BEACH

ADVERTORIAL

VisitNewpor tBeach.com

NPB3558-24-Advertorial-Wed-DIdo-r1F.indd 1 12/4/13 3:42 PM

BEAVER CREEK CATALINA ISLAND FLORIDA KEYS NEW ORLEANS VAIL

It’s easy to daydream of far-flung destinations for your wedding away

or honeymoon, but unfortunately not always plausible. Whether trying to save

time, money or stress, these are some foreign-inspired destinations right here

in the good ol’ U.S.A.

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

xwith a foreign feelU.S. DESTINATIONS


foreign FEEL

Pull into the resort’s unassuming gravel driveway, valet your car

for the length of your stay and quickly check-in before being

whisked away on the resort’s private boat. Board your transport

to paradise and enjoy a 15-minute ride to the quaint and quiet

Little Palm Island.

The suites are reminiscent of Fijian bures with peaked, thatched

roofs and outdoor showers. These rooms are definitely

honeymoon-worthy with chandeliers, romantic king-sized canopy

beds, giant soaking tubs and private patios. Prepare to really

get away, because the accommodations at Little Palm Island

don’t include televisions and have limited cell-service. In fact, the

adults-only resort requests that you limit your cell-phone time in

public – ensuring guests get a quiet, relaxing getaway.

One downside to this particular island is that there isn’t a great

beach for wading or casual swimming. The calm surrounding

waters are much better suited for water activities like paddle

U.S. DESTINATIONS

Florida has thousands of fabulous, romantic spots, but there’s just

something about the Florida Keys. The islands interspersed with

turquoise waters definitely feel closer to the Caribbean than the U.S..

I recently visited the luxe and private Noble House Hotels & Resorts

property, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on Little Torch Key. If you’re

looking for an extra-special honeymoon experience without having

to break out the passports, this is a legitimate and lovely option.

Feels Like:

THE CARIBBEAN

THE FANTASTIC FLORIDA KEYSWords by Courtney Cox

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: L

ittl

e P

alm

Isla

nd

Re

sort

& S

pa

23S P R I N G & S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 | destinationido.com

fore

ign

FEEL

boarding, kayaking and snorkeling. Luckily, Little Palm Island

provides complimentary equipment. Be sure to ask a staff

member at the activities desk when the best times are to be

in the water as there are lots of wildlife including small sharks

and jellyfish.

After a busy day of activities or lounging by the pool, dinner at

The Dining Room is a must. To truly feel a world away, request

a table on the beach. As a heads-up, Little Palm Island does

have famous residents: Key Deer. They’re harmless, but are

accustomed to human interaction, so don’t be surprised if one

of these miniature deer decides to join you for dinner. To cap off

a beautiful evening, be sure to order the Key Lime Pie – it’s the

best I’ve ever had.

A can’t-miss for any honeymooning couple on-island is a stop

by the SpaTerre. The spa menu is surprisingly extensive and

offers a wide variety of unique treatments. I opted for the Milk

and Honey Body Wrap and it left my skin silky smooth. Couples

should request the “Rainforest Room” to enjoy their treatment

in a private hut boasting Vichy showers and an outdoor

soaking tub.

Having personally been to Tahiti and Fiji, Little Palm Island has

a very similar feel, just on a much smaller scale. With its sandy

walkways and lush vegetation, it’s a quintessential honeymoon

resort with a laid-back, adults-only ambience, stellar service

and romantic isolation.

For an exciting day away from Little Palm Island, continue

an hour south to Key West, Florida. This area is huge with

tourists and boasts lots of shopping and live music. The

pedestrian-friendly Key West also offers a nightlife not found on

the tame Little Palm Island. If you’re looking to say “I do” or stay

a night or two, Ocean Key Resort & Spa has a dream location

right off the water. The rooms are spacious and recently

renovated and the resort’s dock is a gorgeous sunset ceremony

spot. Looking to explore the Florida Keys even more? Don’t fuss

over the drive to and fro as Florida’s Highway 1 is both scenic

and easy to navigate.

A KEY WEST GETAWAY

Words by Courtney Cox

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x (1

st-4

th) &

Oce

an

Ke

y R

eso

rt &

SP

a (5

th-6

th)


foreign FEEL

KEY WEST B IG P INE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS MARATHON

ISLAMORADA

KEY L

ARGO

Do you promise to go diving or snorkeling together, try flats fishing and kayaking along pristine mangrove shorelines? Will you take an ecotour, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets while dining on fresh seafood? And will you spend time hand in hand, forging a bond that will last a lifetime? If you commit to all of the above, say I do to Key Largo. fl a-keys.com/keylargo 1.800.822.1088

You Do.

MCTKL-8031 Destination I Do Magazine LO2 • Spring/Summer 2013

wed in

wide open spaces

Dido_layout_SS13_FINAL.indd 21 12/20/12 11:36 PM

KEY WEST B IG P INE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS MARATHON

ISLAMORADA

KEY L

ARGO

Do you promise to go diving or snorkeling together, try flats fishing and kayaking along pristine mangrove shorelines? Will you take an ecotour, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets while dining on fresh seafood? And will you spend time hand in hand, forging a bond that will last a lifetime? If you commit to all of the above, say I do to Key Largo. fl a-keys.com/keylargo 1.800.822.1088

You Do.

MCTKL-8031 Destination I Do Magazine LO2 • Spring/Summer 2013

wed in

wide open spaces

Dido_layout_SS13_FINAL.indd 21 12/20/12 11:36 PM

If you fly into Denver, the Colorado Mountain Express shuttle

service is a reliable option for the two-hour drive west

and includes snacks and Wi-Fi. Once you arrive, The Arrabelle

at Vail Square is a quick (and beautiful) 15-minute walk from

Vail Village and has more to offer than just its beautiful yellow

and hand-stenciled exterior. Stay connected during your stay

by borrowing a complimentary iPad or GoPro, or completely

check-out at the spa. Their treatments are delightful with

heated massage tables and a signature oil made of pine, sage

and rosemary.

If you’re looking to be at the heart of it all, The Lodge at Vail

was the first resort in Vail and understandably boasts the best

location. Whether you’re honeymooning or bringing the whole

gang, there’s an accommodation which will suit your needs:

hotel rooms, condos and even mountainside chalets with

up to six bedrooms.

Once you’ve gotten your shopping out of the way, head over

to one of the 16 mountainside Specialty Sports Venture shops

for a different type of adrenaline-inducing activity. Explore Vail

Mountain any way you like, as this is the largest ski resort in

the United States with 5,289 acres of skiing.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the Big Bear Bistro in Vail

Village is great for a delicious, quick lunch. Or, if you’re looking

to stay on the mountain, The 10th is a sit-down restaurant with

stunning views of the Lower Range.

Whether you’re in Vail to enjoy your newlywed status or to say

“I do” at the gorgeous Vail Mountain Wedding Deck, pour

yourself a Bavarian beer, don your Lederhosen and take more

than a couple moments to enjoy this breathtaking destination.

When it comes to destinations in the U.S. which have a distinct European essence

– Vail definitely fits the bill. This iconic mountain town is the perfect blend of the

Colorado outdoor lifestyle and charming, Bavarian-inspired architecture. Vail Village

in the summertime is a maze of running streams, vibrant floral displays and buzzing

visitors. Bring the kids, bring the dogs – heck, bring the whole family; there’s

something for everyone in this friendly and low-key town.

Words and Images by Courtney Cox

VAIL:

EUROPEAN INSPIRED


foreign FEEL

A roaring fire in the oversized fireplace welcomes you as you

pass through the lobby and the natural light pours in through the

glass ceiling like an open-air atrium. Considering this boutique

hotel only has 100 rooms, the staff will immediately get to know

you, offering a genuine smile and asking what they can do to

make your stay more comfortable.

The accommodations are a marriage of rustic and modern,

but the overall experience at The Sebastian includes service

and attention to detail rarely found these days. From nightly

turn-down service which includes fresh baked cookies or cake

pops, to the weekly “Sparkle & Pop” reception in their library

(they serve sparkling wine along with white chocolate covered

popcorn), you will find yourself wondering when you can get

yourself back to the hotel again.

A free ski valet service in the winter saves you from lugging your

equipment from point A to point B while in the summer, they are

happy to arrange just about any activity you can imagine. We

enjoyed a guided hike to an area called Booth Falls and were

awe-struck by waterfalls, breathtaking panoramic views of the

Rockies and even a bear sighting.

After a long day of strenuous activities, relax with a signature

drink and expertly crafted casual dining menu at their cocktail

bar – Frost, or unwind at Lenora, their wine and tapas bar.

If you’re looking for a hearty steak, I would recommend Elway’s.

Located within The Lodge at Vail, this fine-dining experience will

have you sharing dishes and opting for an ideal wine pairing at

every course. From start-to-finish, the service, sumptuous food

and ambiance had me ranking this restaurant among the best

in Vail.

If you’re looking to get married in the Swiss Alps or a small

European village, but the distance or cost have you thinking

twice, I would recommend taking a peek at Vail Valley – it really

is a U.S. destination with that foreign feel you may be after.

ALPINE INSPIRATION Words by Jennifer Stein

Situated in the heart of Vail Village you will find a modern, yet cozy boutique hotel

boasting a European feel and a thoughtful approach to leisure – The Sebastian Vail.

VAIL:

EUROPEAN INSPIRED

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: T

he

Se

ba

stia

n -

Va

il -

A T

imb

ers

Re

sort


fore

ign

FEEL

BEAVER CREEK: WILDLY DISTINCT

Beaver Creek, Colorado has a “foreign feel” in the sense that it feels

worlds away from anywhere else. This quiet, gated ski village has all

the options you could desire in terms of destination wedding venues

and accommodations, but is still a quaint retreat for your home-away-

from-home nuptials. The mountain-chic town is known for attracting

public figures looking for privacy and world-class skiers determined

to find a challenging ski run or two.


Feels Like:

A SWISS VILLAGE

Beano’s Cabin

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: V

ail

Re

sort

s


foreign FEEL

If your guest list includes a number of families, The Beaver Creek

Lodge is a great option for where to lay your head. Not only is it

ski-in, ski-out, the property has a rental company on-site and will

valet your equipment for easy comings and goings. The rooms

are recently renovated with a separate living room. For groups

wanting to stay together, Beaver Creek Lodge also offers a

number of comfortable condos ranging all the way up to 3,400

square feet and complete with full kitchens.

Even if you don’t opt to choose Beaver Creek Lodge for

your accommodations, you have to make your way to the

Rocks Modern Grill for a memorable meal. Executive Chef

and Superman Justin Kalaluhi spends his days foraging for

mushrooms and fishing for Rainbow Trout while cooking up

sumptuous delights by night. I highly recommend the Beaver

Creek corn chowder – the perfect start to any meal!

If you’re looking to skip the mountain-style décor, The Osprey

at Beaver Creek is a modern, boutique option. It was named the

“#1 Resort in the Continental U.S.” in the 2012 Travel + Leisure

World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey and is the closest hotel

in America to a ski lift – a mere 20 feet away.

On the flip side, if you want luxurious, quintessential lodge décor

(think a moose head wall mount, roaring stone fireplace and

sumptuous leather furniture), the SaddleRidge condos are right

up your flannel-loving alley. Each were decorated by former

Ralph Lauren lead designer, Naomi Leff, with no expense spared.

Head over to the Clubhouse for a dramatic reception beneath

soaring forty-foot vaulted ceilings and surrounded by the largest

collection of American Western antiques outside of a museum.

Hold court with General Custer’s hat and Geronimo’s tomahawk

as you celebrate your union as man and wife.

For the important task of saying, “I do,” the Beaver Creek

Wedding Deck is the best and most breathtaking option. It can

accommodate up to 200 guests, is wired for sound and has

knock-your-socks-off views of Vail Mountain in the distance.

The deck is available June through September and should

be booked a year in advance for holiday weekends and the

month of September. As an added bonus, your guests will enjoy

expansive vistas during their commute thanks to the chairlift up

the mountain.

Speaking of getting around, Beaver Creek Village boasts

a fabulous, complimentary service called “Dial-A-Ride” for

anyone staying within the town gates. Thus, you don’t have

to worry about getting your guests to and from wedding events

– transportation is prearranged and included!

For an adventurous ride, call up Lakota Guides for white water

rafting and off-roading which will keep your guests’ adrenaline

pumping and have them rolling with laughter thanks to the

company’s awesome guides.

While spending quality time with your guests is a major perk

of a destination wedding, be sure to set aside a night to

yourselves to enjoy a romantic meal at Beano’s Cabin. A meal

here will definitely be one for the history books and is distinctive

enough for any event or special occasion.

Beaver Creek is one spot which will cement itself in your

heart and will keep you and your guests coming back for

years to come.

Feels Like:

A SWISS VILLAGE

Beano’s Cabin

Chapel at Beaver Creek The Osprey

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (le

ft t

o r

igh

t) V

ail

Re

sort

s (1

st &

3rd

) &

La

ko

ta G

uid

es

(2n

d)


fore

ign

FEEL

Catalina Island is only about an hour

ferry ride from both Long Beach and

Dana Point, California, but you’ll feel

as if you’ve been transported to an

island far, far away. In fact, Catalina

Island’s long-standing relationship

with Hollywood has seen its shores

transformed into the beaches of Tahiti,

the coast of North Africa and many more

locations around the World.

Hop aboard the Catalina Express and upgrade to the

Commodore Lounge for a bottle of bubbly en route to your own

personal getaway. Dock into Avalon Bay like many Hollywood

starlets before you and check into the Pavilion Hotel. An

easy walk from the dock, this boutique hotel boasts recently

renovated rooms and a complimentary wine and cheese hour

every day.

The city of Avalon resembles a miniature Amalfi Coast and is

entirely pedestrian-friendly – making it easy for your destination

wedding guests to explore at their leisure. The reasons are

evident why the island was so enormously popular with the

rich and famous in the 1930s: the views are breathtaking, the

Feels Like:

THE

AMALFI COAST

CATALINA ISLAND:

HOLLYWOOD’S MAGICAL ISLEWords by Courtney Cox

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: S

an

ta C

ata

lina

Isla

nd

Re

sort

Se

rvic

es


foreign FEEL

ambience relaxed, and the air smells like homemade candy and

waffle cones. What more could you want when trying to get away

from the everyday hustle and bustle?

For a quick lunch, swing by The Lobster Trap for classic clam

chowder and phenomenal lobster rolls. Looking for a nice

dinner out? The Avalon Grille has a hit on their hands with

Executive Chef Paul Hancock. Catalina is famous for their

lobsters and Chef Hancock contracts directly with local

fishermen for the best.

Looking to say “I do” on-island? There are options for every

couple, whether you want a beachfront ceremony or a reception

high in the hills with a view of the bay. Descanso Beach Club

can not only be the setting of your beachfront ceremony, but

is ideal for catching some sun with your guests. It’s one of the

only beaches in California which serves alcohol and also boasts

fire pits and luxurious cabanas. Descanso can accommodate a

wedding for up to 200 guests and the nearby lawn is perfect for

a tented reception.

If you’re looking for a more historical setting, the Catalina

Country Club is gorgeous with Spanish vineyard-inspired

architecture and an outdoor courtyard which can comfortably

seat 150 guests. March through October is considered

Catalina’s wedding season, but the local experts recommend

September and October as the water is warmer and you’ll miss

the summer crowds.

For a little adventure, take a drive through the interior to see the

island’s bison population. They were left behind by a film crew

and have since become famous residents. Stop by the Catalina

airport for lunch and enjoy a bison bonanza burger at the “Airport

in the Sky.”

If you’re looking to see more of the island, keep driving all the

way to Two Harbors for a much quieter, quainter ceremony

or reception. The Banning House is a beautiful and historic

option for couples and the 1910 Craftsman-style home offers

unparalleled views. The wrap-around porch can accommodate

100 guests, but research accommodations as options are limited

on this side of the island. While you can drive to Two Harbors

from Avalon, we would recommend taking the ferry from San

Pedro, California if you’re going to host your event here as

the drive, while beautiful, is long and quite bumpy! As another

optional activity, consider taking a historical tour of the island’s

iconic casino in Avalon.

This charming island’s history as “Hollywood’s exotic backlot”

will weave itself into your event and offer you and your guests

a dreamy getaway – just like the 1930s stars looking for a trendy

respite from the glitz and glam of fame.

Feels Like:

THE

AMALFI COAST

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x (1

st-5

th) &

Sa

nta

Ca

talin

a Is

lan

d R

eso

rt S

erv

ice

s (6

th)


fore

ign

FEEL

NEW ORLEANS: THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Never having had the opportunity to indulge in the party scene

of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, I was eager for the chance to

see what all the hype was about. I was surprised, and pleased, to

discover that the infamous drink-fest experience known as Bourbon

Street was just one small piece of an amazing destination.

New Orleans proved to be a place rich

in culture, history and European

influence. Having had the opportunity

to travel to many amazing international

locales, what struck me as so appealing

about New Orleans was the feeling that

I was strolling the streets of an

international destination, but on

a domestic budget.

The French influence, in particular, is so prevalent you see

and feel it in everything from the architecture to the infamous

wrought iron balconies, street names, restaurants and even

street performers. This culture embodies the (appropriately

named) French Quarter and the romance oozes around every

corner. Having to remind myself on more than one occasion

that I was on assignment for a bridal destination story (and not

a European travel blog), my immediate excitement turned to the

wealth of opportunity New Orleans affords for bridal parties and

out-of-town guests to experience something so close to home,

yet feels like they are an ocean away.

With a European flare for tolerance, this is a city with a real

sense of humor and filled with some of the friendliest people

I’ve encountered. The destination couple has options ranging

from a historic cathedral ceremony and opulent ballroom

reception, to a private garden or even quaint restaurant as their

Words by Shana Kinnerup

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) N

ew

Orl

ea

nsO

nlin

e.c

om

, Ale

x D

em

yan

# N

OM

R4

& J

en

nife

r S

tein

32

foreign FEEL


backdrop. One of the most decadent options I found was at the

luxurious Omni Royal Orleans, located in the heart of the French

Quarter. This historic property is the only hotel with a private,

unobstructed roof-top space, with views which lend themselves

to a romantic celebration. Also offering a grand ballroom and

garden courtyard, they can host up to 400 guests.

Consider other local flare to add some character to your wedding

such as horse-drawn carriage rides through the French Quarter

or your own brass marching band by hiring a second line.

Having accidentally stumbled upon a wedding second line

on my last night, my jealousy was immediately palpable. Your

own band will lead you, your bridal party and wedding guests

on an escorted parade through the streets of the French Quarter

to your next destination. Envision a ceremony at the historic

St. Louis Cathedral followed by a bridal party parade to one

of the rich banquet rooms at famous Brennan’s New Orleans.

Enjoying my last morning in New Orleans, I reflected on a few

things I learned during my experience. Bourbon Street does

not define New Orleans. Beignets are not just for tourists. The

French Quarter is, visually, like no other place in this country.

The European culture will, without encouragement, embellish

the destination wedding (that’s in $, not €).

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) N

ew

Orl

ea

nsO

nlin

e.c

om

, Ale

x D

em

yan

# N

OM

R4

& J

en

nife

r S

tein

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: O

mn

i Ro

yal O

rle

an

s

fore

ign

FEEL

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs has a longstanding

reputation for its luxury accommodations, world-class service

and extraordinary cuisine, but now guests can experience

all this and more in a rustic setting surrounded by 100,000

acres of pristine national forest. At an altitude of 8,200

feet, this new all-inclusive mountain retreat, located a short

45-minute drive from its parent property, defines rustic charm

at its finest. If you are looking for a private escape without

sacrificing creature comforts, look no further than The Ranch

at Emerald Valley.

THE RANCH AT EMERALD VALLEY

Words by Carolyn Steere


rugged RETREATS

During your stay you can enjoy hiking, biking or horseback

riding and the dedicated staff will even patiently teach you the

fundamentals of fly fishing in their well-stocked, pristine alpine

lake. After your day of mountain activity, a glass of fine wine is

only steps away accompanied by the scent of pine and a Rocky

Mountain sunset that rivals any you’ve seen. Soak away any

remaining stress in the outdoor hot-tub or relax in your private

mountain log cabin by a roaring fire.

The beautifully appointed Grand Lodge is the hub of activity

and where the carefully prepared meals are served. The same

fine dining you would expect at The Broadmoor is found here

with chef-inspired gourmet offerings at every meal and snacks

in between. For added variety, guests can be whisked down the

mountain for a round of golf, pampering at the spa, a few sets

of tennis, shopping or dining in one of The Broadmoor’s fine

restaurants. The two properties offer the best of both worlds.

The Ranch at Emerald Valley is a perfect romantic honeymoon

retreat for those who love the outdoors or are looking for a

mountain setting for an exclusive destination wedding event.

The expertise that has been refined by The Broadmoor staff

will have every detail covered. This is truly one of our “Dearly

Beloved” properties.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: T

he

Bro

ad

mo

or


rugg

ed R

ETRE

ATS

A horse ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona

may not be the first place you think

of when you begin dreaming of your

destination wedding day. That’s okay;

it wasn’t entirely on my radar either

when I was invited to check out a

historic property called Rancho de los

Caballeros. But after visiting, touring

the property and indulging in all they

have to offer…I’m a believer.

This charming ranch feels like a throwback to the 1950s. Much

of the furniture and décor is original, giving it a vintage feel, but

you’ll find modern luxuries throughout. Located on approximately

20,000 acres, the resort property boasts its own golf course, spa

and all-inclusive dining. Many of their guest rooms can open up

to one another, making a buy-out or even partial buy-out, ideal

for destination wedding groups. Each room is spacious, cozy

and unique – really giving you the feel of a bed and breakfast

rather than a hotel or resort.

One of the top reasons people visit the ranch is for the horses.

They have 100 saddled horses and several wranglers to make

sure you’re matched with the right one. Grab a cowboy hat

HOME, HOME ON THE RANGE: A DESERT GETAWAY Words by Jennifer Stein

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: R

an

cho

de

los

Ca

ba

llero

s

36

rugged RETREATS


As you plan your destination wedding, you want to make sure

the location you select offers not only an ideal escape, but

sumptuous food, crowd-pleasing activities and breathtaking

backdrops. One getaway I experienced first-hand, provided all of

this and more.

The Four Seasons Scottsdale treated my husband and I to an

overnight stay, culinary delights, relaxing spa treatments and just

enough quiet time to refuel and rejuvenate.

First stop: signature margaritas and a lazy dip in the pool. After

meeting some “regulars” from New York and hearing why they

have been coming back every year for five years, we headed

back to our luxury-appointed room, complete with panoramic

views of the sprawling desert landscape. We were greeted

by homemade seven-layer dip and pomegranate sangria.

Reservations at Talavera Restaurant kept us from eating

every last bite of our in-room snack and promised even more

culinary talent and stunning sunset views. Our server gave

suggestions and brought over a few favorites: wagyu short rib

ravioli and chilean sea bass with potato risotto. Our table was

quiet and romantic; the service and experience start-to-finish

was outstanding.

The next day we indulged in Swedish massages with a few Thai

elements which had us both relaxed and recharged. We walked

through the resort to check out the different areas to hold

a destination wedding and were struck by how peaceful and

serene the property was. The three on-site ceremony locations

are ideal for any destination couple and would promise

a flawless backdrop and place to say “I do.”

Between the sunsets and scrumptious food, this was no ordinary

overnight getaway, but one aimed to fulfill each of our senses

at every turn.

SCOTTSDALE SPLENDOR

Words by Jennifer Stein

(they’ll loan ya one if you don’t want to pack it) and hold on

for the ride of your life! With the 20,000 acres of meandering

desert, and morning and afternoon rides, you can ride to your

heart’s content.

Their spa is a stand-out as well. Don’t worry about the fact they

don’t have a locker room – it’s actually a major plus because

each luxury-appointed treatment room has its own private

bathroom, shower and changing area. You can hang around

your treatment room as long as you like, because at Rancho de

los Caballeros, their goal is to get you to slow down and enjoy

your experience.

The all-inclusive dining here is impressive. Buffets are offered

at breakfast and lunch and a formal dinner with menu selections

at night. Their food is expertly crafted and inspired. One activity

you should definitely take advantage of is their outdoor cook-out.

Dine under the stars, toast marshmallows over an open fire and

take in the crisp, dry desert air.

There are countless places to have your wedding here – from

large open spaces on the ranch to the lush green golf course –

couples will be surrounded by views of the Bradshaw Mountain

Range in the distance.

From stunning sunsets and rustic elegance, to endless activities

and relaxing respite, Rancho de los Caballeros is an ideal locale

for a destination wedding. If it wasn’t on your radar before, we

hope it is now.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) R

an

cho

de

los

Ca

ba

llero

s (1

st &

2n

d) &

Th

e F

ou

r S

ea

son

s S

cott

sda

le (3

rd)

37

rugg

ed R

ETRE

ATS



Much More Than Country

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: N

ash

ville

Co

nve

nti

on

& V

isit

ors

Co

rpo

rati

on


southern CHARMS

Nashville might not be an obvious choice for a destination wedding or honeymoon,

but those are the spots I personally love most: unexpected, original and surprising.

The city has recently come into the forefront of pop culture thanks to the ABC hit

show “Nashville,” but what you might not realize is that this iconic, hip town has

been making a name for itself for years – and in more ways than one.

The city has seen a record-breaking number of visitors in the

past three years and after going, it’s not hard to see why. Beyond

the diverse and impressive music scene, Nashville is being

hailed by many as a major up-and-coming foodie destination.

Stand-outs are Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant because of

the live music and succulent fried chicken, Peg Leg Porker for

classic, inexpensive West Tennessee BBQ and The Southern

for their fresh oysters and biscuits. While none of these eats are

particularly new, the folks in Nashville are doing classic comfort

food really well.

For a place to hang your hat, any one of these hotel options

has something wonderful to offer. The Omni Nashville Hotel

is a brand-new property located in downtown Nashville and

is the only four-star hotel in the area. It just so happens to be

attached to the Country Music Hall of Fame and boasts a rooftop

pool and comfortable, modern rooms. For a more historic option,

The Hermitage Hotel was built in 1910 and would make

a stunning home for your honeymoon or destination wedding

festivities. Everything about this five-star, five-diamond hotel is

glamorous and unforgettable. If you’re expecting a large number

of guests, the Gaylord Opryland Resort is the option for you.

The Opryland Resort can handle just about anything you throw

at it and boasts massive conservatories and twelve restaurants.

While the hotel is right next door to the Grand Ole Opry, it is 20

minutes outside the city, so plan on driving most places.

For a night out on the town, there are, of course, the infamous

Broadway honky-tonks. However, don’t be surprised to hear all

kinds of live music coming through those swinging doors; rock,

jazz, and blues – you name it, Nashville’s got it. Look for the

“Live Music Venue” signs shaped like guitar picks outside of any

venue which has live music at least four times a week.


Much More Than Country

The Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage Plantation

Ryman Auditorium

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) N

ash

ville

Co

nve

nti

on

& V

isit

ors

Co

rpo

rati

on

(1s

t &

4th

) &

Co

urt

ne

y C

ox

(2n

d, 3

rd &

5th

)

S P R I N G & S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 | destinationido.com39

sout

hern

CHA

RMS

For country music fans, the Ryman Auditorium, a.k.a. the “Mother

Church of Country Music,” the Grand Ole Opry and the Country

Music Hall of Fame are all musts. Music buffs in general would

enjoy a tour of Music Row, a neighborhood of unassuming

buildings which house some of the biggest recording studios in

history. Elvis recorded more than half his entire music catalog

here and the list of other famous names who have made music

here is mind-blowing.

If music doesn’t interest you or your guests, not to worry –

there’s always wine and historic mansions. Arrington Vineyards

and its rolling hills would be a beautiful spot for a rehearsal

dinner or a romantic date night. They offer free wine tastings

every day and live jazz music on the weekends. Another

breathtaking spot for your wedding events is Belle Meade

Plantation. The carriage house which dates back to 1892

is perfect for a rustic reception and the formal gardens are

understated and lovely for your ceremony. History nerds need

to make time to visit The Hermitage: President Andrew Jackson’s

homestead dating back to 1804. The level of authenticity here

is captivating and more than 90 percent of the home and its

interiors are perfectly preserved.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the World, and there

are certain places which have a palpable energy – a feeling in

the air which makes you happy and excited to be there; Nashville

is one such place. If you think Nashville is just country music,

you’re wrong. In reality it has so much more to offer: historic

sites, ground-breaking restaurants, beautiful countryside and

good ol’ Southern hospitality. Whether you visit for a few days

to say “I do,” or stay a week for your honeymoon, for goodness

sake – just make the trip!

4.

The Hermitage Plantation Country Music Hall of FameArrington Vineyards

Belle Meade Plantation Broadway Honky-Tonks

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x (1

st-4

th, 6

th &

8th

) &

Na

shvi

lle C

on

ven

tio

n &

Vis

ito

rs C

orp

ora

tio

n (5

th &

7th

)


southern CHARMS

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x (1

st-4

th, 6

th &

8th

) &

Na

shvi

lle C

on

ven

tio

n &

Vis

ito

rs C

orp

ora

tio

n (5

th &

7th

)


sout

hern

CHA

RMS

Make memories to last a lifetime inone of the most romantic place on earth.Whether you’re planning a

tastefully intimate ceremony or

an elaborate dream wedding

event, choose Hidden Mountain

for your unforgettable wedding

or reception in a setting that will

“wow” your guests! Our beautiful

mountaintop gazebo is often

chosen for the ceremony itself,

and countless newlyweds have

honeymooned with us in one of

our romantic cabins, complete

with all the extra amenities

to make a stay worthy of the

momentous occasion!

4. 5.


SAVANNAH The Hostess City

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) T

he

Ke

ssle

r C

olle

ctio

n (1s

t, 3

rd &

4th

) &

Sa

van

na

h A

rea

Ch

am

be

r o

f C

om

me

rce

(2

nd

, 5th

& 6

th)

42

southern CHARMS

Located overlooking Savannah’s largest and most historic

square, the iconic Mansion on Forsyth Park is a highly sought

after wedding venue for good reason. This newly renovated

boutique hotel is part of the Kessler Collection, known for well

curated collections of local art on display throughout each

of their properties. The Mansion will not disappoint as a charming

place to lodge your guests, pamper them at the Poseidon Spa,

share a meal at the 700 Drayton Restaurant and host them

for your wedding event. The black candelabras and cut-glass

chandeliers catch the light in the Viennese Ballroom which

seats 200, or if you prefer a fresh air location, the Marble

Garden Courtyard, overlooking the pool, palms and fountain

is also exquisite.

Located a short distance away directly on the Savannah

riverfront is its trendy sister hotel, the Bohemian Hotel Savannah

Riverfront, where you can start your amazing culinary tour of

the city. Executive Chef Zachery Martin is a master at preparing

American comfort food with a decidedly Southern contemporary

flare at Rocks on the River and a quick elevator ride opens to

Rocks on the Roof, where you can enjoy spectacular views,

award-winning food and live entertainment. Another unique

Savannah dining experience can be found during the day at the

family-style Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, but get there early as the

line forms quickly. For a totally fun (and educational) culinary

experience for you and your guests, check out the 700 Kitchen

Cooking School where Chef Darin Sehnert expertly walks you

through the preparation of some select Low-Country dishes,

which you then have the privilege of savoring coupled with well-

chosen local wines.

When it is time to work off the calories, things to do and enjoy

abound in Savannah. Getting around is easy on foot or jump on

one of the trolley tours which will drop you off to stroll the town

parks and historic district. Since Savannah has the distinction of

being one of “America’s most haunted cities,” be sure to spend

one evening on the Old Savannah Ghost Trolley touring sites

where you may encounter the paranormal.

Your guests will be delighted with your choice of Savannah

for a truly unique destination wedding. Let the warm Southern

hospitality of its wedding planning community help you with the

most important party of your life.


If there is one thing they love to do in Savannah, Georgia it is to host a party,

particularly big, important parties. This historic and charming city is known

for its warm hospitality, superb Low-Country cuisine, Southern tradition

and picturesque settings. SAVANNAH The Hostess City

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) T

he

Ke

ssle

r C

olle

ctio

n (1s

t, 3

rd &

4th

) &

Sa

van

na

h A

rea

Ch

am

be

r o

f C

om

me

rce

(2

nd

, 5th

& 6

th)

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: S

ava

nn

ah

Are

a C

ha

mb

er

of

Co

mm

erc

e


sout

hern

CHA

RMS

MYRTLE BEACH

As the proud spouse of a man who is entirely golf-obsessed, I assumed Myrtle Beach

was merely a golf destination. However, after a recent visit, I found that not only

does this portion of South Carolina’s “Grand Strand” offer amazing links, it’s ideal

for destination weddings. Myrtle Beach provides similar Southern charm as

its Charleston competitor, but with gorgeous beaches and lower prices.

Words and Images by Courtney Cox

Broookgreen Gardens

44

southern CHARMS


If you’re looking to host your event at a resort, the Myrtle Beach

Marriott Resort & Spa at Grand Dunes can handle anything

and everything thanks to its extensive event and conference

experience. With beach views and large spaces, it’s ideal for

larger weddings, but be aware – you can’t have your ceremony

on the beach here due to city ordinances.

A fun alternative to hosting your guests in a hotel is to rent

a large beachfront home in Garden City Beach. These homes

can accommodate as many as 26 people, but range in both

price and size. Overall, they’re surprisingly affordable and offer

comfortable furnishings, large kitchens and spacious, friendly

back porches. Best of all, the beach in Garden City does allow

ceremonies and receptions on the sand. To look into renting one

of these amazing homes-away-from-home, contact Dunes Realty.

If you have a golf lover in your life, treat yourself and them

to a ceremony and/or reception at one of these gorgeous,

world-class country clubs. The Grand Dunes Members Club

has a high-end, Mediterranean-style feel and offers weddings

on the beach since they’re just outside the Myrtle Beach city

limits. Pine Lakes Country Club is an oldie, but a goodie and

is considered the “granddaddy” of country clubs since it was

the first golf course established in Myrtle Beach back in 1927.

The dramatic clubhouse makes for a stunning backdrop for

your ceremony and the historic interiors, a charming reception

location. The Dunes Club is perfect for the modern couple

wanting a location with gorgeous views and chic, neutral

interiors. Their spacious, oceanfront lawn is a great alternative

to a traditional beach ceremony.

If you’re not looking for a country club or beachfront wedding,

Brookgreen Gardens has stunning alternatives. This expansive

and sophisticated public garden is on 9,000 acres and includes

immaculately groomed spaces and quintessential Southern

backdrops. For an intimate and picturesque reception, the

Holliday Cottage will charm the socks off of you and your guests.

After a busy day touring the biggest and best wedding venues

in Myrtle Beach, I was continually surprised by the affordable

prices and logistically convenient packages. More often than

not, a flat fee will get you most everything including set-up,

rentals, wait staff, linens and even dinner. For a couple looking

to get big bang for their buck and keep the planning process

simple, Myrtle Beach is a fantastic option. Spring and fall are the

most popular times of year for weddings so be sure to book a

year in advance for the more popular venues mentioned above.

In the time leading up to your destination wedding, treat your

guests to some good ol’ fashioned fun at either Broadway at

the Beach or The Carolina Opry Show. Also, take advantage of

the world-class golf since the majority of Myrtle Beach’s courses

are open to the public and absolutely spectacular.

Myrtle Beach surpassed my expectations and is undoubtedly

a hidden gem within the destination wedding market. If you’re

considering a beach ceremony or Southern charmer of

a wedding, definitely keep Myrtle Beach at the top of your

must-consider list!Broookgreen Gardens

Wachesaw Plantation Willbrook Plantation Golf Course

Broadway at the Beach

45

sout

hern

CHA

RMS


1

“The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet excercises it; tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it...” - Frederick Law Olmsted

1: The historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville,

North Carolina is the setting for this photo

shoot aimed to be a romantic nod to the

passionate past. The table settings and

dinner details are courtesy of East West

Vintage Rentals, the linens are from

La Tavola Linen, the wholesale flowers from

FiftyFlowers.com were arranged by Lily

Greenthumb’s Wedding & Event Design

and the hoop art place cards hanging from

each chair are by thimbleandthistle. Our

couple is elegant in a suit from J.Crew and the

“Abigail” gown by Claire Pettibone.


fashion FORWARD

HONORING OPULENT PASTTHE

PHOTOGRAPHY: WITH LOVE AND EMBERS, STYLING, CONCEPT AND DESIGN: KRISTY RICE OF MOMENTAL DESIGNS, VENUE: THE BILTMORE IN ASHEVILLE,

NORTH CAROLINA, PLANNING: ERICA STAWICK WITH ASHLEY BABER WEDDINGS, CAKE, WINE AND CATERING: THE BILTMORE, WHOLESALE FLOWERS:

FIFTYFLOWERS.COM, FLORAL DESIGN: LILY GREENTHUMB’S WEDDING & EVENT DESIGN, FILM: BLUEBERRY CREATIVE, HAIR: EMILY ANNE HAIR,

MAKEUP: BLUSH ASHEVILLE, GOWNS: CLAIRE PETTIBONE, HAND PAINTED STATIONERY & CELL PHONE CASES: MOMENTAL DESIGNS,

CALLIGRAPHY: MEANT TO BE CALLIGRAPHY, LINENS: LA TAVOLA LINEN, VINTAGE RENTALS: EAST WEST VINTAGE RENTALS, JEWELRY: LULU FROST,

HOOP ART PLACE CARDS: THIMBLEANDTHISTLE, EXOTIC WOODEN MONOGRAM LETTERS: SKILLTREE DESIGNS, CASUAL SHOES: TIEKS BY GAVRIELI

Romanticism

2 3 4

2: With the Biltmore Estate dating back

to 1895, there were countless historical spots

from which to pose. Our brides are gorgeous

in gowns by Claire Pettibone, jewelry by Lulu

Frost, hair by Emily Anne Hair and makeup

by Blush Asheville.

3: This hand painted stationery suite

by Momental Designs features a family-style

crest monogram much like what may have

topped the Vanderbilt family’s own letterhead

in decades past.

4: Our bride takes a moment to admire the

lovely, rolling hills of Asheville, North Carolina.

She’s equally as striking in the “Abbey” gown

by Claire Pettibone, hair by Emily Anne Hair

and makeup by Blush Asheville.


fash

ion

FORW

ARD

5


fashion FORWARD

5 & 6: Bringing hand painted, watercolor

details into the modern era was easy with

this invitation placed in a container with lush

foliage and moss and these custom cell phone

cases. The designs were brought to life

by Momental Designs and the calligraphy

is by Meant To Be Calligraphy.

7 & 11: Inspired by the era of Romanticism, this

classically beautiful tablescape is brought into

modern-day with pops of pink. The nature-

inspired linens are courtesy of La Tavola Linen,

the table settings and vintage details are from

East West Vintage Rentals and the flowers

from FiftyFlowers.com were arranged by Lily

Greenthumb’s Wedding & Event Design.

8, 9 & 10: This couple manages to take their

eyes off of the iconic surroundings in order

to admire each other. The large wooden

initials pay homage to our inspiration of

the estate’s massive art collection and were

handcrafted by Skilltree Designs. Our groom

is classically dressed in a suit by J.Crew and

our bride is elegant in the “Abigail” dress

by Claire Pettibone, jewelry from Lulu Frost,

hair by Emily Anne Hair and makeup by

Blush Asheville.

6 7

9

8

10 11


fash

ion

FORW

ARD

12 & 15: These gorgeous bouquets

were inspired by the feeling of the late

19th century, but are no doubt fit for any

modern bride. The flowers were purchased

at FiftyFlowers.com and the bouquets were

created by Lily Greenthumb’s Wedding

& Event Design.

13 & 14: These gorgeous brides may look

like they just stepped out of an episode

of “Downton Abbey,” but their hair by Emily

Anne Hair, makeup by Blush Asheville

and jewelry from Lulu Frost are timeless.

16 & 17: The rolling hills of Asheville, North

Carolina and expansive grounds of the

Biltmore offer endless options for canoodling.

Our couples take advantage in gowns

by Claire Pettibone and a suit by J.Crew.

The lovely wreath wrapping-up the couple

in image 17 was created by Lily Greenthumb’s

Wedding & Event Design.

16 17

12 13

14 15


fashion FORWARD

Marisol Guerrero was in her twenties when she was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. With no money or health insurance, she didn’t know how she was going to afford her healthcare. Through a local organization funded in part by Susan G. Komen®, Marisol received financial assistance for her treatment. Today she leads a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® team that raises money to support Komen and uses social media to raise breast cancer awareness among young women.

“I thought my life was

over at 24 years old.”

I AM SUSAN G. KOMEN.

$10.00 donation to Susan G. Komen. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaidbalance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP.Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy: www.mGive.org/P.

© 2014 Susan G. Komen. For financial information, please visit ww5.komen.org/donate/disclosurestatement.html

Help save lives. Donate at IamSusanGKomen.org or text SGK to 90999 to give $10.

18: Our bride is ethereal and worthy of the

Biltmore’s lush surroundings in the “Abbey”

gown by Claire Pettibone, hair by Emily

Anne Hair and makeup by Blush Asheville.

Her bouquet’s flowers were purchased at

FiftyFlowers.com and put together by Lily

Greenthumb’s Wedding & Event Design.

19: Taking a token from the estate’s massive

art collection, Kristy Rice of Momental Designs

hand painted this seating chart and placed it in

a gilded, ornate frame.

18

52

fashion FORWARD


20 & 24: Our couple holds their own against

the Biltmore backdrop with undeniable

romantic chemistry and sharp looks including

a suit by J.Crew, the “Abigail” gown by

Claire Pettibone, jewelry from Lulu Frost,

hair by Emily Anne Hair and makeup by

Blush Asheville. The flowers for our groom’s

boutonniere were purchased at FiftyFlowers.

com and designed by Lily Greenthumb’s

Wedding & Event Design.

21: Basking in the light of love, these two

make one enviable pair. He’s dapper in a suit

by J.Crew and a boutonniere made up of

flowers from FiftyFlowers.com and designed

by Lily Greenthumb’s Wedding & Event

Design. Our bride’s perfection in the “Abbey”

gown by Claire Pettibone, hair by Emily Anne

Hair and makeup by Blush Asheville.

22: Romantic, gilded touches from East

West Vintage Rentals took our tablescape

over the top and perfectly complemented

the linens from La Tavola Linen and floral

décor ordered from FiftyFlowers.com and

designed by Lily Greenthumb’s Wedding

& Event Design.

23: This quaint and classic cake by the

Biltmore was given a personalized touch

with the addition of hand carved, wooden

initials by Skilltree Designs. The table linen

is courtesy of La Tavola Linen, the cake

stand is from East West Vintage Rentals

and the flower accents were ordered from

FiftyFlowers.com.

19 20

21 22

23 24

53

fash

ion

FORW

ARD


25

26 27

28 29

25: Our bride is breathtaking with hair

by Emily Anne Hair and makeup by Blush

Asheville – both inspired by iconic

decades past.

26: This stationery by Momental Designs

and calligraphy by Meant To Be Calligraphy

nearly outshines our bride’s beautiful

“Abbey” gown by Claire Pettibone.

The floral, stitched belt is a perfect

representation of the Romanticism period.

27 & 28: Kristy Rice with Momental Designs

was inspired by both the Biltmore’s art

collection and lush gardens to create

a series of stationery suites for the modern

couple. Family crest-inspired details pay

homage to the Vanderbilt family and menus

in a vibrant hue are a respectful twist

on tradition.

29: This invitation by Momental Designs

is right on-theme with the bride’s “Abigail”

gown by Claire Pettibone and jewelry

from Lulu Frost.

“Kiss me, so long but as a kiss may live!”

- Percy Bysshe Shelley


fashion FORWARD


depa

rtmen

t HEA

DING

55

jimsformalwear.com

Our nationwide network provides a convenient service for your out-of-own groomsmen.

Over 5000LocationsNationwide

Visit our website to print acoupon and find your nearestJim’s Formal Wear Retailer.

the Suggested Retail Price ofEVERY TUXEDO RENTAL

plus, the GROOM’S TUX is FREE!

OFF$40

for rental

Grey AspenSlim Fit Tuxedo

for purchase

RivieraDestination Suit

for rental

Tan Havana Slim FitDestination Suit

for your Destination Wedding!Rent or Buy the Perfect Ensemble

groom’s attireDestination

30: Our couple stroll the estate’s massive

grounds with a glorious view of the Biltmore

house. This U.S. National Historic Landmark

provided all the inspiration we needed

in creating a romantic, modern take on

history. Our bride’s “Abigail” gown by Claire

Pettibone and groom’s suit from J.Crew

make for proper attire.

30

“Bursting with a sense of pride, the Biltmore is a place yearning for exploration.” - Kristy Rice, Momental Designs

56

fashion FORWARD


The magnificent Biltmore Estate

was chosen as the setting for this

issue’s “Fashion Forward” as it

created such inspiration for artist

Kristy Rice of Momental Designs.

The property harkens to a bygone

era, yet its rich history and stunning

grounds have been preserved for

visitors to appreciate today.

“There is a timeless spirit at Biltmore which is completely unique

to the property,” says Maura Scarmack, wedding designer with

Biltmore’s catering and events team. “Visually, Biltmore’s lush

landscape is a living tribute to the famed founder of American

landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted, who planned

and designed the estate’s landscape over a century ago.”

“The majesty of the Biltmore home and grounds was an

irresistible backdrop with all its beauty and splendor seen at

every turn,” recalls Kristy Rice. “When I first approached the

estate, cliché as it may sound, I felt as if I were stepping into

a master’s painting. Immediately I knew, somehow this feeling

of being immersed in a magical scene of historical magnitude,

needed to be distilled.”

Rice, with the help of extremely talented wedding vendors

and the on-property staff, crafted a photo shoot to suit the

exceptional, historic surroundings but with a modern twist.

“Vintage details such as threaded buckles and floral appliques

confirm the era of a time gone past, while watercolored cross-

stitch-inspired artwork adds a nod to modernity,” says Rice.

Couples are offered something entirely exclusive when they

select the Biltmore for their wedding celebration. “Biltmore

is much more than a wedding venue; it’s a totally immersive

experience for couples, their wedding party and their guests,”

says Scarmack. “The caretakers at the Biltmore can often be

found offering historical storytelling and take great pride in

maintaining a national treasure,” says Rice.

Where better to celebrate your timeless love, than in a classic

and everlasting setting such as the Biltmore Estate?

THE BILTMORE ESTATE An Artist’s Reverie

Words by Jennifer Stein

You can also follow us on Twitter (@DestinationIDo), Facebook (facebook.com/destinationidomag),

Pinterest (pinterest.com/destinationido) or Instagram (DestinationIDo)

D E S T I N A T I O N I D O . C O M / B L O G

YOU’RE INVITED! Visit us at our new and improved BLOG for daily updates

on the latest in destination wedding fashion, trends, etiquette,

real weddings, travel ideas and SO much more!

Ima

ge

by

Tre

nt

Ba

iley

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y, t

ren

t-b

aile

y.co

m

fash

ion

FORW

ARD

As guests arrive for your destination wedding, there is no better way

to welcome them than with a gift bag reflecting the local flair of your chosen

location. Co-Founder of gifting website, Navy & Lavender, Michal Mufson

explains, “It is incredible to have the people you love travel near and

far to help you celebrate your wedding. Some have bought plane

tickets, hotel rooms and even hired babysitters so they can

make it to your special day.” Navy & Lavender shows

us an array of unique gift bags to kick-off your

destination wedding weekend and are

guaranteed to show your guests just

how much their attendance

means to you.

SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE WITH

Welcome BagsW

ords by

Taylor W

ilson

Imag

es by

Nav

y & L

avender


guest BOOK

SOPHISTICATED CITY TOTE:

Navy & Lavender’s New York City tote

is perfect for welcoming guests to the

hustle and bustle of the Big Apple! A box

of Hampton Popcorn and Tate’s chocolate

chip cookies will give them a taste of

favorite local treats, while a personalized

bag of coffee candies and two granola

bars will keep them energized for all the

fun a city wedding has to offer.

$36

SEASIDE ISLAND TOTE:

Guests will have fun in the sun at your

wedding with Navy & Lavender’s island-

themed welcome tote! Salt-water taffy,

kettle corn, sea salt & vinegar potato

chips and all-natural fish gummy candies

fit the bill perfectly.

$36


gues

t BOO

K

RUSTIC MOUNTAIN TOTE:

Navy & Lavender’s mountain-themed tote

is perfect for those getting married out

west. A bag of “Cowgirl’s” popcorn trail

mix, a hand-stamped box of mountain

rock candies, Deep River potato chips

and fly-fishing themed cheddar biscuits

are the perfect snacks to enjoy in the

great outdoors.

$34

SOUTHERN COUNTRY TOTE:

Show them some good old Southern

hospitality by giving guests a welcome

tote filled with lemonade cookies,

a personalized bag of old fashioned

candies, a scrumptious rice crispy

treat and Low-Country traditional

benne wafers.

$38


guest BOOK

DELECTABLE VINEYARD TOTE:

Greet guests to your vineyard wedding

with snacks which complement your

event, such as wine crackers, cheese

straws, rosemary & olive oil potato chips

and sweet caramels. The wine crackers

are hand-made with real wine!

$36

LIVELY VEGAS TOTE:

Everyone wins with this wedding

welcome tote perfectly suited for

a weekend in Las Vegas! Cloud Nine

popcorn, a playing card rice crispy

treat, a “tall stack” of sugar cookies and

chocolate poker chips in a hand-stamped

muslin bag are all your guests will need

for your wedding of luck and love.

$44

These welcome bags speak for

themselves in thanking your guests

by providing them with delicious

delights accentuating your wedding

location. “Giving guests a welcome gift

with local treats and a Rescue Me Kit

that has one of everything they need

while they are out-of-town, shows your

guests you appreciate their presence,”

says Mufson.


gues

t BOO

K

For many of us, the beach represents the ultimate romantic

getaway. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we’ve chosen our

particular favorites in the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico.

SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES.

WARM SKIN KISSED BY THE SUN.

VIBRANT SUNSETS THAT SEEM TO HAVE BEEN CREATED JUST FOR YOU.

MOONLIT STROLLS WITH WAVES CARESSING YOUR FEET.

WAKING UP TO THE SOUND OF THE SURF CRASHING AGAINST THE SHORE.

Best Beaches in the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico Words by John Roark

OUR

10 PICKS: Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: O

ne

&O

nly

Oce

an

Clu

b


honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS

62

Juanillo Beach

Dominican RepublicQuiet and relaxed, this jewel on the

eastern tip of the Dominican Republic has

become a favorite of discerning travelers.

Turquoise waves embrace velvet sands

fringed with swaying palms. The beaches

of the Punta Cana area are considered

some of the best in the Caribbean;

Juanillo Beach will show you why.

Ka‘upulehu Beach

Hualalai, Hawaii Located on Kona’s Kohala Coast, the Four

Seasons’ private stretch of Ka‘upulehu

Beach has everything that makes the Big

Island so unforgettable: the irresistible

combination of aquamarine oceanfront,

sugar-white sand and rugged black lava

landscapes. Beautiful, peaceful and

private, you won’t find its equal anywhere

else in Kona.

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: O

ne

&O

nly

Oce

an

Clu

b

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

) F

ou

r S

ea

son

s H

ua

lala

i & J

en

nife

r S

tein


hone

ymoo

n HI

DEAW

AYS

63

Maroma Beach

(Located at the El Dorado Royale)

Riviera Maya, MexicoThe Riviera Maya region is home to some

of Mexico’s most sensational beaches,

and Maroma Beach is considered its most

captivating secret. Thirty miles south

of Cancun in the heart of the Riviera

Maya and facing the beautiful Mexican

Caribbean, you’ll find white sand, tranquil

azure waters and abundant vegetation. In

2010, the Travel Channel ranked Maroma

“The Most Romantic Beach in the World.”

Close your eyes and revel in the silken

breeze. You’ve found paradise.

North Shore

O‘ahu, HawaiiThey say if there’s such a thing as

the perfect wave, you’ll find it here.

Stretching for more than seven miles,

O‘ahu’s North Shore is a legendary

winter haven for surfers – and a year-

round favorite for non-surfers as well.

In addition to O‘ahu’s dazzling natural

beauty, you’ll see some of the most

romantic sunsets you’ll find, period.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

) E

l Do

rad

o R

oya

le S

pa

Re

sort

& C

asi

tas

& H

aw

aii

Tou

rism

Au

tho

rity

- T

or

Joh

nso

n


honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS

One&Only Ocean Club

Paradise Island, BahamasUnder the canopy of the deep blue

Bahamian sky, life is easy. Considered

one of the islands’ most-prized private

beaches, the One&Only Ocean Club

Paradise Island’s powder-soft sands

and beckoning blue waters will captivate

you – and delight with some of the

Bahamas’ finest snorkeling, diving,

wind-surfing and sailing.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

) E

l Do

rad

o R

oya

le S

pa

Re

sort

& C

asi

tas

& H

aw

aii

Tou

rism

Au

tho

rity

- T

or

Joh

nso

n

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: O

ne

&O

nly

Oce

an

Clu

b

hone

ymoo

n HI

DEAW

AYS

Let our destination begin your journey.

2300 S. Croatan Hwy, Suite 203Milepost 10

Nags Head, NC 27959

252.449.9333

Find it all here www.obxwa.com

Real Weddings

Over 250 Professional OBX Wedding Vendors

OBX Wedding Blog

2014 Wedding Weekend & Expo

A beautiful destination wedding on North Carolina’sOuter Banks is the perfect start for your life together.

Photo by: Kristi Midgette Photography

Seven Mile Beach

Grand CaymanOn the western shore of Grand Cayman,

crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach

glitters with coral sands and warm

crystal waters. Renowned for its beauty

and named “The Caribbean’s Best

Beach” by Caribbean Travel and Life

Magazine, as you stroll the shoreline the

warm breeze and jasmine-scented air

will conspire to enchant you.

St. Regis Princeville

Kaua‘i, HawaiiOverlooking stunning Hanalei Bay on

the North Shore of Kaua‘i, the St. Regis’

view spans emerald cliffs and lush

vegetation. The beach is protected by

Hawaii’s largest coral reef and is loved

for its soft sand and gentle waters year-

round. Be sure to ask how to find the

best local fish taco stands – praised by

foodies worldwide.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

) C

aym

an

Isla

nd

s D

ep

art

me

nt

of

Tou

rism

, sh

ot

by

Do

n M

cDo

ug

all

& C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x


honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS

Imanta Resort

Punta de Mita, MexicoJust north of Banderas Bay, 30 miles from

Puerto Vallarta at the northern end of

Mexico’s west coast, Imanta’s private two-

mile golden beach is flanked by natural

rock formations and the backdrop of the

plush jungles and soaring peaks

of the Sierra de Vallejo Biosphere

Reserve. Share your enclave with baby

sea turtles in October and November,

and watch for humpback whales

December through March.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

) C

aym

an

Isla

nd

s D

ep

art

me

nt

of

Tou

rism

, sh

ot

by

Do

n M

cDo

ug

all

& C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: Im

an

ta R

eso

rt

hone

ymoo

n HI

DEAW

AYS

RIVIERA MAYA PUNTA CANA

Contact 011-52 (984) 875-1700 ext. 5249 or [email protected] for reservations!

DID YOUR FAVORITE NOT MAKE OUR LIST? WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT BEACH MADE YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING

OR HONEYMOON UNFORGETTABLE. TWEET YOUR FAVORITE TO @DESTINATIONIDO AND INCLUDE #BESTBEACHES.

Pinel Beach, Pinel Island

St. MaartenPinel Island is home to some of

St. Maarten’s most picturesque beaches

and best snorkeling. Follow the trails

to some truly stunning reef-enclosed

lagoons. You’ll swear you’ve found Eden.

We love the tiny beachfront restaurants

serving authentic Caribbean cuisine.

Don’t miss: the fresh grilled lobster

at Karibuni.

Ka’anapali Beach

Maui, HawaiiOne of west Maui’s most cherished

retreats, Ka’anapali Beach was once a

private retreat for Hawaiian royalty. Enjoy

three miles of sparkling sand, shallow

water near the shore and world-class

snorkeling. Resorts, shopping and

restaurants are a short stroll away. Don’t

miss: the daily cliff diving ceremony off of

the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as

Puu Kekaa.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

) C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x &

We

stin

Ka

‘an

ap

ali

Oce

an

Re

sort

Vill

as


honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

) C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x &

We

stin

Ka

‘an

ap

ali

Oce

an

Re

sort

Vill

as

Once you’ve made the wonderful decision to have a destination

wedding or a honeymoon, comes the daunting task of picking a locale.

Here at Destination I Do, we’ve traveled the World looking for the most

adventurous nooks and romantic crannies which will suit you and your

guests perfectly. While we’ve scoured the globe, we find ourselves

coming back to one destination again and again: Kaua‘i, Hawaii.

HAWAII

DISCOVER KAUA‘I FOR YOURSELF


Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x


honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS

DISCOVER KAUA‘I FOR YOURSELFIf you’ve never been to Hawaii before, we recommend Kaua‘i

because it strikes the perfect balance between modern

amenities and maintaining the quintessential Hawaiian lifestyle.

For example, you can opt for any number of luxurious hotels,

but none of them are going to be taller than a coconut tree

– per island regulations.

Termed the “Island of Discovery” and “The Garden Isle,” there’s

something for everyone – you just have to decide what fits

your style, or budget, best. We visited some of the island’s

biggest hot-spots, each of which offers something totally

different. Spend time at your destination wedding or honeymoon

at one or all of them, either way you’re guaranteed to have

a memorable experience.

StayWaimea Plantation Cottages

This unique property resulted from the remaining sugar cane

plantation cottages from around Kaua‘i being transported to a

single, gorgeous piece of land. The charming cottages date back

to the early 1900s and are perfect for large groups or families

on a tight budget. The full kitchens and multiple bedrooms are

ideal for those comfortable with sharing, but keep in mind these

cottages haven’t been recently renovated. Waimea Plantation

Cottages are for the more rustically inclined who are willing to

drive to the best beaches.

Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i

Located on the south side of the island near Poipu, the Grand

Hyatt is a sprawling property with beautiful gardens, large ponds

and more than enough ceremony and reception options to go

around. The level of luxury here is sure to please the adults,

but it’s definitely still kid-friendly. The Hyatt’s pool is unlike any

I’ve seen before and offers a winding “lazy river” and multiple

private deck areas. If you’re looking to relax with a book and a

cold beverage, the resort’s salt water lagoon is a happy medium

between the nearby ocean and pool.

The St. Regis Princeville

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then the

St. Regis should be at the top of your list. Located on the north

side of the island and overlooking Hanalei Bay, this cliffside

resort cleverly sidesteps the coconut tree height requirement

to offer the most breathtaking views possible. The beach here

is undoubtedly one of the best I’ve ever seen (see pg. 62 for

our round-up of the best beaches) and the service is excellent.

The St. Regis has partnered with a single local vendor, Martin

Roberts Design, to handle all of the décor and flowers for their

on-site weddings, making things logistically simple

and absolutely stunning.

Napali Coast

St. Regis Princeville St. Regis Princeville

The Old Stone Dam

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x (1

st, 3

rd &

5th

) &

St.

Re

gis

Pri

nce

ville

(2

nd

& 4

th)


hone

ymoo

n HI

DEAW

AYS

“Fly in and out of velvety-green canyons, under rainbows and try to keep track of how many waterfalls you spot.”

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x


honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS

EatTidepools at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i

This romantic restaurant resembles waterfront bungalows and

features waterfalls, an open-air atmosphere and circling koi fish.

The setting and fantastic seafood make this a great option for

an intimate dinner for two or a rehearsal dinner.

Gaylord’s Restaurant

This historic spot at Kilohana Plantation is great for a lovely

lunch and also frequently caters, no pun intended, to the

wedding crowd. Thirsty? Stop by next door at the Koloa Rum Co.

for a tasting and some Kaua‘i rum souvenirs.

Makana Terrace

The stand-out restaurant at the St. Regis Princeville, the views

from Makana Terrace alone warrant a romantic dinner here. They

are open all day, but we recommend an evening meal of hand-

crafted sushi and a signature Bloody Mary.

PlayNapali Coast Sail

When it comes to discovering the island, the Napali Coast

is an absolute must-see. Kaua‘i Sea Tours offers a coastal sail

on which you’ll not only see the stunning cliffs and valleys

of Napali, but plenty of wildlife along the way. However, stick

to the summer months for calmer waters and take the helicopter

tour instead if you’re prone to seasickness.

Photo Safari Hawaii

If you’re a budding photographer, this company provides tours of

the island geared toward capturing the best light to help improve

your photography skills and exploring hidden gems of the island.

Scenic Helicopter Tour

If you only do one thing while visiting Kaua‘i, take a scenic

helicopter tour. I took a doors-off tour with Jack Harter

Helicopters and it was one of the most magical experiences

I’ve ever had. Fly in and out of velvety-green canyons, under

rainbows and try to keep track of how many waterfalls you spot.

I lost track around 20…

Whether you’re looking for adventurous activities, world-class

beaches or take-your-breath-away unspoiled beauty, Kaua‘i

has all of this and more. No matter where you end up opting

to celebrate your love or say “I do,” the “Garden Isle” of Hawaii

is waiting to please.

Napali Coast Waimea Plantation Cottages

Black-Sand Beach at Waimea Plantation Cottages

Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: C

ou

rtn

ey

Co

x

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) G

ran

d H

yatt

Ka

ua

‘i (1

st) &

Co

urt

ne

y C

ox

(2n

d-5

th)


hone

ymoo

n HI

DEAW

AYS

With the endless possibilities awaiting you in Europe, you might

find narrowing down the options for your dream destination

wedding and honeymoon to be the most challenging part of

planning. On our own journey, we found a few magical places

which you may want to consider and some travel tips which

we hope will make your experience seamless.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

Words by Gordon and Carolyn Steere

THE MEDITERRANEANP

ho

to c

ou

rte

sy o

f: C

ryst

al C

ruis

es


honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS

FLORENCE

Every girl has a vision for the day she marries her prince. Idyllic

Tuscany with its lush green rolling landscape, picturesque

villages and grand domes in the distance, provides one perfect

backdrop and the romantic Il Salviatino captures all that is best

about this place.

Standing in the magnificent garden, with the city of Florence

in the distance, adds to the wonder of the moment when the

groom sees his bride emerge from the palazzo. The peaceful

surroundings make it seem like time has stopped.

The day is perfect and even though getting married in Italy

can be complicated, the experienced wedding professionals

of Il Salviatino have every detail covered. All you have to do is

share your vision and trust them to make it happen. Your guests

will also appreciate the convenience to the city of Florence and

the warm atmosphere and elegant surroundings. They will love

sipping a glass of local Chianti as they enjoy the magnificent

view from the verandah. Il Salviatino is a perfect choice for

a small, intimate wedding or an event in which you would be

willing to buy-out the 46 rooms on-site.

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of: C

ryst

al C

ruis

es

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: Il

Sa

lvia

tin

o


hone

ymoo

n HI

DEAW

AYS

VERONA

What better place to begin a romantic honeymoon than the

setting for the most famous love story of all time...“Romeo and

Juliet?” The perfect place to stay is the Palazzo Victoria, an

exquisite palace built in the 14th century, located in the heart

of the old city.

You can skip the motorized transportation, because this town is

pedestrian-friendly. Exit the hotel and you find yourself in a world

of cobblestone streets and vestiges of ancient Roman history.

Stop in to a local wine bar and savor some of the best red wines

of the Valpolicella region. Dine-in at the Palazzo Victoria or a few

steps away at Trattoria Il Pompiene where the menu includes

delectable Italian specialties. Walk off the tiramisu with a stroll

along the Adige River, around the ancient Roman amphitheater

or “people watch” on the Corso di Porta Borsari with its shops

and restaurants.

After a few relaxing days of kicking back in Verona, hop on the

fast train to Rome. Traveling via train in Italy is easy if you keep

a few things in mind. First is to pack light because lifts are not

available at every station. The second tip is to splurge on first-

class tickets. For a few euros more, the extra space for luggage

is a major help.

“Exit the hotel and you find yourself

in a world of cobblestone streets

and vestiges of ancient Roman history.”

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: P

ala

zzo

Vic

tori

a


honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS

“Exit the hotel and you find yourself

in a world of cobblestone streets

and vestiges of ancient Roman history.”

ROME

Rome is a city which exudes high energy with motorbikes

weaving in and out of traffic, the vivacious Italian people

and an endless number of things to do. Where to stay? The

Regina Hotel Baglioni, located on the famous Via Veneto is

a short walk from the famous Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps,

great shopping and sumptuous dining. The hotel is a perfect

blend of luxury and elegance with a friendly atmosphere from

the moment you arrive and a welcome place to return to after

busy days of seeing the sights.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: P

ala

zzo

Vic

tori

a

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: R

eg

ina

Ho

tel B

ag

lion

i


hone

ymoo

n HI

DEAW

AYS

An elegant and romantic penthouse stateroom was to be our

home for the next 13 days and from the moment we stepped

aboard we were pampered by the world-class service and in

particular, our butler Jijio. Morning coffee, welcome advice on

where to go and what to do, dinner reservations and afternoon

canapés were just a few of his gracious kindnesses.

We cherished the quiet moments sitting on our private verandah

watching the moon come up over the sea or watching how the

ship was skillfully brought into port. Love filled and stress-free

days and nights pass by all too fast.

FROM ROME TO PORTUGAL BY SEA

Following some action-filled days of exploring ruins, admiring

cathedrals, appreciating magnificent works of art and sampling

local fare, we were ready to begin the sea portion of our dream

trip onboard Crystal Cruises’ ship, the Serenity. Our voyage

starts in Rome, with our final destination being Lisbon. Inbetween

are exotic ports of call, first-class on-board entertainment,

leisurely afternoons by the pool, amazing food, more wine...

“...action-filled days of exploring ruins, admiring cathedrals, appreciating magnificent works of art and sampling local fare...”

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) R

eg

ina

Ho

tel B

ag

lion

i (1s

t &

2n

d) &

Cry

sta

l Cru

ise

s (3

rd)

Rome

78

honeymoon HIDEAW

AYS


“We cherished the quiet moments sitting on our private verandah watching the moon come up over the sea...”

and your honey, the wind gives an exhilarating feeling

of freedom and a sense of awe as the ship cuts through

the dark sea. Making new and interesting friends is one joy

along the journey, but dining at a table-for-two enhances

romance and is a must. Being an all-inclusive cruise line,

Crystal eliminates many of the “should-we or should-we-not”

choices, which we appreciated.

What started just a few short weeks ago in Florence

is now coming to a close in Portugal. But a wonderful life

awaits at home.

What a wonderful world indeed. Enjoy your journey!

It’s easy to adjust to a comfortable routine of falling asleep in one

romantic location only to wake up in another exciting destination.

The Italian Riviera to the French Riviera and the principality of

Monaco, where fairytales do come true. Ole! Viva!

Spanish-style was next where we took in majestic cathedrals,

sampled regional tapas and strolled along ancient paths in

seaside towns on the Spanish coast. Crystal Cruises has a very

sweet tradition of playing “What a Wonderful World” as the ship

leaves each port. It choked us up every time we heard it as we

realized how blessed we were.

Cruising affords an endless array of activities, coupled with

romantic moments that will be remembered for a lifetime. After

nightfall, at the bow of the ship with no one else around but you

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) R

eg

ina

Ho

tel B

ag

lion

i (1s

t &

2n

d) &

Cry

sta

l Cru

ise

s (3

rd)

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: C

ryst

al C

ruis

es

79

hone

ymoo

n HI

DEAW

AYS


Destination Wedding FINANCING FRUSTRATIONS

Words by Elaine Hilbelink


blush & bashful

80

When boundaries are blurred about

who will be responsible for the expenses

involved, the finances of weddings

can become a stress to all of the

family and friends participating. The

best way to avoid disappointments,

misunderstandings and frayed

relationships is to communicate

clearly ahead of time with all of

the stakeholders.

Q: My family and my fiancé’s parents are sharing the cost

of our destination wedding, but one family has more

expendable income than the other. Is it fair that they have

to split the costs equally?

A: Since the bride’s parents typically shoulder the majority of

the bridal expenses, you should speak with your parents first

and find out what your budget is from them. Your fiancé should

separately speak to his parents and find out what they are

comfortable spending. As a couple, you will then have an idea of

what your total budget is and can plan accordingly, staying within

everyone’s level of comfort for spending. Neither side has to

know what the other side of the family is spending except for you

and your fiancé.

Q: My future mother-in-law agreed to pay for our flowers,

but now that the decisions have been made, she says

she can’t afford it. How shall I handle this?

A: The best way to avoid a situation like this is to know before

your decisions are made what your budget is from the person

contributing. Most people are not comfortable permitting ‘carte

blanche’ when offering to pay for something. I would ask your

mother-in-law now what she is willing to pay toward the flowers

since she wanted to be involved in that aspect of the wedding.

You then would have a choice of adjusting your expectations

down to her budget or making up the difference yourself.

Q: I’m a member of a large bridal party for a friend’s

destination wedding. We have been planning the shower

and bachelorette party together, but I am having a hard

time getting the other girls to pay their fair share.

Any suggestions?

A: The best way I have found to deal with this issue is to have

another person in the group responsible for collecting the money

and keeping track of the expenses…the banker for the group, if

you will. In that way, she can call and remind people they need to

get their money in and it is not the person to whom the money is

owed that is giving the nudge to pay up. Now that the situation

is at the point where the collection has started, perhaps send a

friendly reminder to everyone (could be in the form of an email)

and give specifics on what is owed. Sometimes a friendly note is

all that is needed. If they all see who is on the email, they might

not want to be “that girl” and have a little extra incentive to pay

their portion.

Q: Now that we are engaged, my fiancé and I are having

a difficult time agreeing on a budget. I want the wedding

of my dreams and a honeymoon, and he does not want

to take on any debt. Is there a middle ground?

A: Living within your means and your budget is a lifelong skill

that builds a healthy foundation for any marriage. Communicating

with your spouse-to-be and the family members who might be

contributing to the wedding will give you a baseline budget of

what type of wedding and honeymoon you will be able to afford.

If you need to take on debt to fulfill your dreams and your fiancé

is not in agreement, you will be starting your life together on

shaky ground. I suggest you find a compromise, and find it fast.

Clear communication early on with all participants, along with

reasonable expectations, can eliminate disgruntled feelings

and start your life together with friends and families celebrating

in harmony.

Destination Wedding FINANCING FRUSTRATIONS

Words by Elaine Hilbelink


blus

h &

bash

ful

81

BeautyTRANSFORMATIONS

DRAMATIC

Words by Jennifer Stein and Courtney Cox

Perricone MD – EYE SPYThis trio of products create a solid combination for tired,

dehydrated eyes. I used them for 10 weeks and saw a slight

difference after continued use, but would say the results are best

immediately after you’ve applied them. Kind of like the gym, you

need to be consistent for best results. All products are available

at sephora.com or perriconemd.com.

Cold Plasma Eye: A supple, creamy

serum which treats your eyes to a cool,

hydrating treatment. I used morning and

night for several months and, although I

didn’t see a huge difference in fine lines

or dark circles, I did see a change in the

hydration under and around my eyes.

($98)

Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream:

A great moisturizing treatment you can

use daily. I have trouble with many eye

moisturizers as I have really sensitive

skin, but there was no burning or tingling

and I noticed it’s a perfect primer for

under-eye makeup. ($65)

No Concealer Concealer: This SPF 35

under-eye concealer works well for

daily use and looks great under mineral

makeup without looking caked on.

However, it only comes in one color, so it

was too dark for my complexion forcing

me to use a highlighter over it so I didn’t

create the very dark circles I was trying

to avoid. If you’re fair skinned like me,

make sure you try it at Sephora before

you commit. ($45)

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: P

err

ico

ne

MD

to have & TO HOLD


Beauty LaserAway – SKIN REJUVENATION FACIAL & HAIR REMOVALLaserAway hair removal and aesthetics experts offer multiple

services in a beautiful setting. The Scottsdale location is where

I experienced my Skin Rejuvenation Facials and I looked forward

to going back again and again. Each treatment lasted about 20

minutes and the results of smoother skin actually increased as

time went on. If you’re thinking of having this treatment, make

sure you haven’t been in the sun for several days prior and more

importantly, will not be heading to the sun for about a week after.

The reason: even though you may apply sunscreen, your skin

is compromised and you could experience hyper-pigmentation.

I learned this the hard way. $350/session (price goes down per

session if you buy a package).

LaserAway is also known for its laser hair removal and has

a number of machines to choose from. Each is equally effective,

but uses different cooling techniques during your treatment.

I had never had this type of treatment before, but was put at

ease with the professionalism of the technicians. The main

difference between laser hair removal and waxing is that your

technician is able to make mechanical adjustments and help

minimize your pain level throughout your treatment. The results

also last longer than waxing, but don’t last forever. I was told

TRX Suspension Trainer – TRX HOME KITIf you’re looking to lose a couple pounds or tone-up before

your destination wedding or honeymoon, but don’t have time

to hit the gym, the TRX Suspension Trainer Home Kit is a great

solution. The system uses your own body weight to help build

strength, flexibility and core stability. While it’s been used in

gyms for years, TRX recently introduced a Home Kit which has

everything you need to train in the comfort of your own home:

the suspension trainer, quick-start workout cards, six video

workouts and a subscription program to access more workouts

online. Best of all, the system can be easily modified to suit

beginning brides or ripped grooms. The entire kit retails for

$200 and can be purchased at trxtraining.com.

to expect around 60% hair loss after six treatments. While laser

hair removal isn’t a complete cure to your shaving woes with just

six treatments, it is a tremendous improvement and worth the

investment if you have skin which is sensitive to shaving

or waxing. Prices vary per package, per area, but, for example,

a Brazilian bikini for eight treatments is $1,275. Laseraway.net.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: P

err

ico

ne

MD

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) L

ase

rAw

ay

(1st

) &

TR

X (2

nd

& 3

rd)

to h

ave

& TO

HOL

D


Bridetastic – WEDDING EMERGENCY KITA brilliant little “tool kit” for any bride-to-be, the Bridetastic Kit

has anything and everything you can imagine. If I were a

wedding planner, I would have one of these on hand for every

event. A beautiful silver vanity case is filled with four smaller

pouches each containing different “categories” of necessities.

The Beauty Essentials pouch is filled with items like mini-hair

sprays, blotting tissues, earring backs and bobby pins. The

Fashion Essentials contains static remover, wrinkle remover,

corsage pins and even sandpaper for scuffing slippery shoes.

Then there are the Personal Care Pouch and Bridal Essentials.

Bridal Essentials had the cleverest contents – extra wedding

bands, emergency vows and toasts, drinking straw and even a

“something blue” crystal – if you find yourself in a pinch. I’ll be

ordering this one for future brides without a doubt. It retails for

$75 and can be found at pinchprovisions.com.

OROGOLD – 24K NANO ULTRA SILK SERUM Gold in your facial serum?! That’s what I thought – and the

price tag seemed to me to be a bit of a gimmick. But I reserved

judgment until I’d actually experienced it. My very first application

made me a believer. My skin felt so smooth, it was as if I’d just

returned from getting a professional facial at a day spa. The

scent is quite pleasant too. My only issue is it’s not ideal for acne

prone skin: continued use had me breaking out. If I didn’t have

this issue, I’d be conducting weekly yard sales just to afford this

luxury. $1,000 (No, that’s not a typo). Orogoldcosmetics.com.

Uni K Wax Centers – BODY COLLECTIONIf you want to try waxing for the first time for your destination

wedding or honeymoon, Uni K Wax Centers and/or their

products are a great place to start. According to the company’s

founder, Noemi Grupenmager, Uni K invented the bikini wax back

in 1993, and were the first centers solely dedicated to waxing.

They also introduced the first all-natural wax – making it perfect

for first timers or people with sensitive skin. If you already have

a waxing routine, consider adding one or all of Uni K Wax’s Body

Collection products. The Body Collection is a face and body

skincare collection which uses natural and botanical ingredients

to keep your skin in tip-top shape between waxes. The Body

Collection products range between $22-$33.

Unikwax.com.

Freeze 24-7 – SKINSMOOTHIE RETEXTURIZING GLYCOLIC PADS 10%If you want to give your skin an extra boost before W-day

without forking out the big bucks for a facial or undergoing harsh

chemical peels, then Freeze 24-7’s SkinSmoothie pads might be

the perfect solution. One pack includes 16 single-use finger mitts

and are a one-step, at-home glycolic treatment which will gently

exfoliate and retexturize your skin. The best thing about the Skin

Smoothie pads is they produce similar results as a chemical peel,

but are gentle enough to be used twice a week and are travel-

friendly. Freeze 24-7’s SkinSmoothie Retexturixing Glycolic Pads

are available for $75 a pack (two month supply) at Nordstrom,

Bloomingdale’s, other fine retailers and at freeze247.com.

Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) O

RO

GO

LD C

osm

eti

cs (1s

t), P

inch

Pro

visi

on

s (2

nd

), F

ree

ze 2

4-7

(3

rd) &

Un

i K W

ax

Ce

nte

rs (4

th)

84

to have & TO HOLD


Ph

oto

s co

urt

esy

of: (to

p t

o b

ott

om

, le

ft t

o r

igh

t) O

RO

GO

LD C

osm

eti

cs (1s

t), P

inch

Pro

visi

on

s (2

nd

), F

ree

ze 2

4-7

(3

rd) &

Un

i K W

ax

Ce

nte

rs (4

th)


depa

rtmen

t HEA

DING

85

SANTA BARBARA RACHEL + JASON

CALIFORNIA

Words by Kinsley Brown

Images by Gideon Photography, gideonphoto.com


real-life WEDDINGS

Family comes first for Rachel and Jason, so it’s no small coincidence that the two

met through a familial connection. Jason is the cousin of Rachel’s best friend,

and after a few months, he finally worked up the nerve to ask Rachel out on a date.

Unfortunately, time wasn’t on this couple’s side and after being inseparable

for weeks, Rachel left Utah for college in Hawaii. Thankfully, the saying, “absence

makes the heart grow fonder,” rang true for these two and after one semester,

Rachel was back in Utah and ready to walk down the aisle.


real

-life

WED

DING

S

Ceremony and Reception Site: Los Angeles, California LDS Temple/Private home in Santa Barbara, California, Photography: Gideon Photography, gideonphoto.com, Wedding Coordination: Party Pleasers, partypleasers.com, Catering: Palazzio, palazzio.com,

Cake: Bread Basket Cake Company & homemade by family members, breadbasketcake.com, Wedding Gown: Allure Bridals, allurebridals.com, Gown Alterations: The Bridal Center in Lehi, Utah, abridalcenter.com,

Groom’s Attire: Vacano Tailor Made Suits, vacanonation.wix.com/vacanonation, Bridesmaids’ Attire: Blouses from Cotton On and skirts from Urban Outfitters, shop.cottonon.com & urbanoutfitters.com,

Groomsmens’ Attire: Vacano Tailor Made Suits, vacanonation.wix.com/vacanonation, DJ: Don Henry with Music Memories and More, musicmemoriesandmore.com, Invitation Suite: Design By Lauren Ashley, designbylaurenashley.com,

Rentals/Linens: Andrew Evans with Party Pleasers, partypleasers.com

When it came time to say “I do,” the couple knew they wouldn’t

get the wedding they wanted by staying in Utah. Instead,

they chose to host their destination wedding at Rachel’s

grandparents’ home in Santa Barbara, California. Her parents

had also gotten married at the breathtaking home, so not only

was it historically significant, but it was beautiful to boot.

Come W-day, the couple was married at the Los Angeles

LDS Temple and was joined by 150 family and friends for their

outdoor reception.

BOTH THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE THE MIDDLE OF FIVE CHILDREN,

SO IT’S EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHY FAMILY WAS SUCH AN INTEGRAL

PART IN THE PLANNING OF THEIR DESTINATION WEDDING.

For Rachel and Jason, keeping their wedding as small as

possible was key in executing their vision of a beautiful sit-down

dinner with their friends and families. “Being that it was a smaller

wedding…we were able to enjoy [everything] and feel a part of

the party,” says the bride. “Some couples [have said] they don’t

remember eating at their wedding or talking with certain people,

but I loved our wedding because we felt a part of it all and didn’t

miss out on anything.”

Both the bride and groom are the middle of five children,

so it’s easy to understand why family was such an integral part

in the planning of their destination wedding. While some of their

friends were unable to make the trek to Santa Barbara, Rachel

and Jason are confident they celebrated their union perfectly

– as one big, happy family.


real-life WEDDINGS

You can also follow us on:Twitter: @DestinationIDo Facebook: facebook.com/destinationido Instagram: instagram.com/destinationido

Pinterest: pinterest.com/destinationido Website and Blog: destinationido.com

Want more?

D E S T I N A T I O N I D O . C O M

NEW & IMPROVED

AT HOME OR ON THE GO

CALIFORNIA

Words by Sarah Padilla

Images by Elle Jae Photography, ellejae.com


real-life WEDDINGS

Choosing the majestic backdrop of Yosemite National Park for their

destination wedding was an easy decision for Sean and Kimberly. Not

only was the location breathtaking, but the Northern California couple

grew up vacationing in the park – both with their individual families

and together. These nature lovers knew the area was a perfect fit.


real

-life

WED

DING

S

“We see being in nature as an integral part of our lives and

wanted that to be part of our wedding,” says Kimberly. “We

provided all of the cabins for our guests so we could be close

together, and turned the wedding into a three-day party

in the woods.”

“YOSEMITE SEEMED LIKE THE PERFECT PLACE TO KEEP

CREATING AMAZING MEMORIES.”

The couple and their 60 guests spent the two days leading

up to their October ceremony hiking and exploring the area.

On the day of the rehearsal, the men embarked on a five-hour

hike, while the women filled the guest cabins with wine-and-

s’mores welcome kits. The entire guest list was invited to the

rehearsal barbeque.

Having their guests bond before the ceremony helped create

the fun and relaxing wedding day Sean and Kimberly envisioned

– from their hand-written ceremony in a quaint red church

in Yosemite Valley, to dining and dancing under magnificent

redwood trees. “Since all of our guests had already been

involved in our weekend festivities prior to the wedding day,

it allowed us to really enjoy the evening amongst friends

and family,” recalls the bride.

A professional wedding planner herself, Kimberly admits that

planning a destination wedding – especially in a remote area

– has its challenges. And because there is no cell phone

service in the park, the couple had to be even more prepared.

Checklists, says Kimberly, are essential.

In the end, the couple’s painstaking planning paid off. Just like

the baby redwood they planted to commemorate their day,

the memories from Kimberly and Sean’s “party in the woods”

will last a lifetime.

“WE SAW OUR WEDDING AS NOT JUST A ONE-DAY EVENT,

BUT AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND THE WEEKEND WITH

OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY…”

Wedding Planner: LVL Weddings & Events, lvlevents.com, Photographer: Elle Jae Photography, ellejae.com, Ceremony Venue: Yosemite Valley Chapel, yosemitevalleychapel.org, Reception Venue: Wawona Hotel, yosemitepark.com/wawona-hotel.aspx,

Floral Designer: The Petal Company, thepetalco.com, Vintage Rentals: Milk Glass Vintage Rentals, milkglassvintagerentals.com, DJ: Boutique DJs, boutiquedjs.com,

Cake: Sweet Dreams Wedding Cakes, sweetdreamscakery.com, Linens: Napa Valley Linens, nvlinens.com


real-life WEDDINGS

MEXICO · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC · JAMAICA

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso #1 All-inclusive Resort – World

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso, the world’s #1 all-inclusive getaway.

Begin your life together in total harmony at IBEROSTAR Grand Hotels. These

opulent, adults-only destinations combine breathtaking settings and endless

pampering to create a wedding made in paradise. It should come as no surprise

that IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso, IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall and

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Bávaro have received TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice

Awards for 2013 as # 1, #4, and #7 among the All-inclusive Resorts in the World.

At all three, personal wedding coordinators take care of every detail. And with

only one wedding per day you’re ensured your moment in the spotlight is truly

your own.

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Rose Hall #4

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Bávaro #7

To find your local romance travel specialist, visit allabouthoneymoons.com

IB13_228_8_375x10_875_Dest I Do.indd 1 12/16/13 9:10 AM

NOSARA BRITNEY + TERENCE

COSTA RICA

Words by Taylor Wilson

Images by Sam Hurd Photography, samhurdphotography.com

An unforgettable fourth of July weekend on the

Jersey Shore, a random reunion in Las Vegas

and a movie-worthy proposal in a helicopter over

NYC were all unexpected occurrences which

led to this picture-perfect destination wedding

in Nosara, Costa Rica.


real-life WEDDINGS

Planning a wedding in laid-back Costa Rica was difficult, but

Britney reminded herself to relax and stay focused. “Don’t lose

sight of the most important part of your day – your love for one

another. There is no amount of money spent on any centerpiece

or wedding dress that can top that. You are here to make

a commitment to each other in front of your closet friends

and family, which is the most beautiful and important part of the

entire wedding.”

“WE WERE TRULY IMMERSED IN THE WILD WITH ALL OF OUR

FRIENDS AND FAMILY. IT WAS A REALLY MAGICAL MOMENT THAT

WILL NEVER BE REPEATED IN LIFE, ONLY IN MEMORY.”

With that in mind, the couple kicked off their wedding week with

a “Welcome to the Jungle” party at Beach Dog Café, complete

with a specially made “Britney Taco,” which was a fun way

to introduce all the guests and begin the festivities.

Although the couple said “I do” in Costa Rica, they weren’t willing

to sacrifice an ounce of sophistication. They held the wedding

at Finca Austria resort instead of on the beach, which allowed

for a lighthearted and romantic black tie soirée.

While enjoying cocktail hour after the ceremony at La Luna,

friends and family witnessed a beautiful Costa Rican sunset.

The real party started when guests loosened their bowties

and kicked off their heels to dance the night away. “Everyone

was having a great time, exactly the way we envisioned it!”

explains the bride.

From seeing each other for the first time on opposite ends

of the aisle, to the surprise fireworks show (representing when

they first met on the fourth of July), there was not a moment

of imperfection. The following day, a pool party even had guests

excited when they witnessed monkeys swinging from tree

to tree. “We were truly immersed in the wild with all of our friends

and family. It was a magical moment that will never be repeated

in life, only in memory. A memory we are very blessed to have.”


real

-life

WED

DING

S

Ceremony Site: Finca Austria, fincaaustria.com, Reception Site: La Luna, Photography: Sam Hurd Photography, samhurdphotography.com, Event Planner: Cristina Verger Event Planning and Production, cristinaverger.com,

Wedding Gown: Reem Acra, reemacra.com, Groom’s Attire: J. Crew, jcrew.com, Bridesmaids’ Attire: J. Crew, jcrew.com, Band: The Doyle Brothers, Videographer: Craig William Films, craigwilliamfilms.com, His and Her Gifts: Cartier, cartier.us,

Shoes: Valentino, valentino.com, Printed Materials: Michael Zac Design Group, michaelzacdesigngroup.com, Hair: Maria Teresa of Piu’Tono Salon, piu-tono.com, Make-up: Eva Kleimenova, evakleimenova.com,

Groomsmens’ Gifts: Siego New York Bow Ties, seigoneckwear.blogspot.com, Cake: Creative Cakes by Jessica, creativecakesbyjessica.com

“DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR DAY – YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER. THERE

IS NO AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT ON ANY CENTERPIECE OR WEDDING DRESS THAT CAN TOP THAT.”


real-life WEDDINGS

See what happens when girls fall in love with books. In the developing world, a girl doesn’t have a lot of options. She often has to drop out of school to work or marry young due to societal pressures. But an education can change that. The longer girls stay in school, the more likely they are to earn higher wages, marry later in life, have healthier families and educate their own children. Room to Read has helped thousands of girls gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. Honor the power of education on your wedding day with a gift that changes lives. Celebrate generously by visiting roomtoread.org.

MALTA ELLEN + HENRIK

Words by Kinsley Brown

Images by Alicia Swedenborg, aliciaswedenborg.com

NAXXAR


real-life WEDDINGS

Ellen and Henrik opted for a destination wedding for many of the

same reasons as most couples: “We wanted to gather all our loved

ones at one of our favorite spots in the World – like having a vacation

with everyone you care about.” What made this Swedish couple’s

nuptials exceptional was their choice of the beautiful island of Malta.

NAXXAR


real

-life

WED

DING

S

“[Nearly] the entire island is built out of limestone, which gives

the island a very rustic and romantic, pale look,” says the bride.

“We also wanted to have our wedding at a location where you

don’t have to worry about the weather – Malta has roughly 320

sunny days a year, so we felt calm about getting [our wish.]”

Henrik and Ellen own a vacation home on Malta, so this gave

them an advantage when it came to the logistics of planning

a destination wedding. “We know many people on the island

and they were all very nice to us and helped out…it would have

been harder without them since we did not have a wedding

planner,” says Ellen.

“WE WANTED TO GATHER ALL OUR LOVED ONES AT ONE

OF OUR FAVORITE SPOTS IN THE WORLD – LIKE HAVING

A VACATION WITH EVERYONE YOU CARE ABOUT.”

On the big day, the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony

led by a friend and surrounded by 90 of their nearest and

dearest. They put a special touch on the big day in the form

of transportation.

“All the guests were transported in two old, local Maltese

buses – which got stuck in an alley on the way and arrived

at the ceremony 30 minutes later than planned!” laughs Ellen.

In the end, Ellen and Henrik got what they were after when

it came to their destination wedding – a gorgeous backdrop,

lots of quality time with family and friends, and a party none of

their guests will soon forget. The bride has some words of advice

for other couples planning a wedding away, “Be well prepared so

you feel you have everything under control, then when the day

comes, let go of everything! Just focus on getting married and

have trust in your friends/family/wedding planner.”

Ceremony and Reception Site: Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, Malta, palazzoparisio.com, Photography: Alicia Swedenborg, aliciaswedenborg.com, Floral Design: David Grech with The Floral Designer, thefloraldesigner.net, DJ: DJ Coco from Sweden,

Hair & Makeup: Malin Holmström from Björn Axén, Sweden, Cake Topper: Etsy, etsy.com, Wedding Gown: Yolan Cris, yolancris.com, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com, Hairpiece: Lo Boheme, loboheme.com, Groom’s Attire: Bluecut from Douglas

Menswear, douglasmenswear.se, Bridesmaids’ Attire: By Malina, bymalina.com, Groomsmens’ Attire: Tiger of Sweden, tigerofsweden.com


real-life WEDDINGS

UNBEATABLE OFFERSReceive up to $225 instant savings. Plus, save even more with our complimentary air seats, hotel stays, room upgrades, and other hotel group inclusions.

BOOKING MADE SIMPLEEnjoy the ultimate flexibility when booking your whole gang, even when traveling from different cities.

DESTINATION WEDDING BONUSPlanning your destination wedding? Congrats! Say “I Do” in paradise and you’ll get a free bonus 2-night hotel return anniversary stay, exclusively with Funjet Vacations.

To find your local romance Travel Specialist visit AllAboutHoneymoons.com today!

Program valid at participating resorts.

FunjeT TOGeTHeR SAve even mORe

61172 • FJV Groups Your Way Ad • 8.375"w x 10.875"h • .125 full bleed • 4C • V1_Update • bdk • 6/11/13 • bvk>

LELAND ALEXA + MIGUEL

MICHIGAN

Words by Taylor Wilson

Images by Jen Kroll Photography, jenkrollphotography.com


real-life WEDDINGS

MICHIGAN Nostalgic sentiments of summers spent in Northern Michigan

on Lake Leelanau made this destination wedding a treasured

occasion for everyone in attendance.


real

-life

WED

DING

S

When Alexa and Miguel got engaged, tying the knot at Alexa’s

family’s summer home in Michigan was obvious. “[Lake Leelanau]

felt the most like ‘home’ to me and I knew that I wanted

to share this special place with Miguel’s family and our friends,”

explains Alexa.

Ecstatic to share this special time with the couple, 200 of their

closest family and friends joined in for the trip of a lifetime,

including 40 of Miguel’s relatives from Portugal where the

groom is from. In anticipation of the wedding, anxious guests

put together a Facebook page to plan activities and excursions

for the upcoming trip. “It was fun to see our friends from different

parts of our lives coming together,” says the bride.

Alexa’s grandmother and aunt organized a welcome party

once everyone arrived at a beautiful winery overlooking Lake

Michigan. This allowed guests to meet and mingle before the

wedding in a stunning setting. The night before the wedding,

the couple held a Portuguese rehearsal dinner at a local farm

featuring Portuguese delicacies and plenty of wine.

“THE BAND BROKE INTO ‘WE ARE YOUNG’ BY FUN. AND I REMEMBER STANDING NEXT TO MIGUEL LOOKING AROUND AT THESE IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES, FEELING SO BLESSED AND HAPPY.”

Intent on utilizing the natural beauty of their location, the

ceremony was held on the lawn overlooking the lake. With

beautiful weather and a local guitarist serenading the guests as

they waited for the ceremony to begin, the moment was perfect.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed an exceptional meal of local

specialties from nearby farms. After dinner, the party was in full

swing with guests dancing to the live band. Alexa recalls her

favorite moment of the night when the band sang their final song.

“The band broke into ‘We are young’ by Fun. and I remember

standing next to Miguel looking around at these important

people in our lives, feeling so blessed and happy. As the chorus

rang out ‘Tonight…we are young…’ it was incredible to see all

of the smiling faces of our loved ones dancing and singing

as we ended a perfect evening celebrating together.”

Ceremony and Reception Site: Family home on Lake Leelanau, Photography: Jen Kroll Photography (jenkrollphotography.com), Event Planner & Design: Alicia Caldecott with A Day in May, Event Planning & Design (adayinmayevents.com),

Floral Design: Field of Flowers Farm (fieldofflowersfarm.com), Catering: Epicure Catering (caterleelanau.com), Groom’s Attire: Ermenegildo Zegna (zegna.com, Bridesmaids’ Attire: Jenny Yoo (jennyyoo.com),

Band: Elan Artists, The Hudson Project (elanartists.com), Videographer: Coastline Studios (coastline-studios.com), Printed Materials: A Day in May Event Planning & Design (adayinmay.com) and Crane (crane.com),

Hair: Pavlova Salon and Spa (pavlovaspasalon.com), Make-up: Mary Yoder, Impres Salon & Spa (impressalon.com), Cake: Aunt B’s Cakes & Desserts (cakesbyauntb.com), Décor/Rentals: Special Events Rental (specialeventsrental.com),

Ceremony Music: Matt Hathaway, Cocktail/Dinner Music: The Bob Merbak Trio (bobmervak.com), Linens: La Tavola Linen (latavolavalinen.com), Nuage Design and Special Events Rental (nuagedesigns.com)


real-life WEDDINGS

GUANACASTE ASHLEY + MIKE

COSTA RICA

Words by Sarah Padilla

Images by Comfort Studio, comfortstudio.com


real-life WEDDINGS

Sparks flew – literally – when Ashley and Mike wed on a pristine

Costa Rican beach in February 2013. Mike surprised his new bride

with a spectacular fireworks display during their reception. It was

a fitting gesture for a couple whose love has burned strong since the

moment they met at a mutual friend’s barbeque in Chicago in 2008.


real

-life

WED

DING

S

Wedding planner: Aimee Monihan of Tropical Occasions, tropicaloccasions.com, Photographer: Julie Comfort of Comfort Studio, comfortstudio.com, Location: Playa Bonita on the Hacienda Pinilla property; Guanacaste, Costa Rica, haciendapinilla.com,

Florist: Tropical Occasions, tropicaloccasions.com, Wedding Dress Designer: Anne Barge, annebarge.com, Jewels: Toni Federici, headpieces.com, Shoes: Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com, Groom’s Suit: Brooks Brothers, brooksbrothers.com,

Groomsmens’ Attire: Banana Republic, bananarepublic.gap.com, Bridesmaids’ Attire: Unique shades of coffee (Amsale, BCBG, Nordstrom, etc.), Décor: Lace/napkins handpicked by mother of the bride & other miscellaneous décor, Etsy, Etsy.com,

Wedding Favors: RICANTE Hot Sauce personalized labeling together with Caricature Connection, ricante.com & caricatureconnection.com, Stationery: Momental Designs, momentaldesigns.com,

Lighting: Cabo Luna Event Rentals, cabolunaeventrentals.com, Cake: Victoria Zoch Cakes, facebook.com/victoriazoch, Rentals: Costa Mesa Rentals & Eventos Artesano’s, costamesa.co.cr & costaricaweddingrental.com,

Catering: La Posada Inn at Hacienda Pinilla, haciendapinilla.com/la-posada, Cinematography: Jonathan Yonkers, jonathanyonkers.com

Ashley describes their relationship as going from zero to 100

miles-per-hour overnight. “From the moment we met, we were

inseparable,” she says.

But only a few months later, Ashley was offered a job opportunity

in Zürich, Switzerland and she jumped at the chance. After

six months of long-distance dating, Mike joined her overseas.

Two years later, he proposed at dusk one evening on Zürich’s

Burkliplatz Bridge.

With family and friends throughout the globe and having traveled

extensively through Europe, Asia and Central America, choosing

a wedding locale was tough. In the end, the couple chose Costa

Rica, a country they had fallen in love with when visiting Ashley’s

brother, who lives on the Guanacaste Peninsula. “For those who

have never been, Costa Rica is a place like nowhere else,” says

Ashley. “The simplicity, the beauty and the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle

are like nowhere else I’ve ever been.”

With help from wedding planner Aimee Monihan of Tropical

Occasions, the couple took advantage of the beautiful simplicity

to create an unforgettable beach wedding with dining

and dancing under the stars, plenty of candlelight and

yes – fireworks. To give the event a romantic, vintage feel,

Ashley’s mom hunted down enough antique lace linens

to fill six suitcases!

“COSTA RICA IS A PLACE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE. THE SIMPLICITY,

THE BEAUTY AND THE ‘PURA VIDA’ LIFESTYLE ARE LIKE NOWHERE

ELSE I’VE EVER BEEN.”

Guests were sent home with bottles of a local hot sauce made

by Ashley’s brother and adorned with a personalized caricature

label. To up the local flavor even more, Ashley’s brother surprised

the couple with a 30-person “comparsa” band that led the guests

in a high-energy conga line along the beach.

“I am still in awe and amazed by our wedding day,” says Ashley.

“Each time I think back to it, I smile with complete warmth,

happiness and gratitude for all those who made it so special

and unique.”


real-life WEDDINGS

FA L L & W I N T E R 2 0 1 3 | destinationido.com

depa

rtmen

t HEA

DING

115

DESTINATION AND TORONTO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

w w w . h e l l o i n s p i r a . c o m

Dido_layout_FW13_FINAL.indd 115 7/3/13 8:01 PM

GASPARILLA ISLAND LAUREN + BRENDAN

FLORIDA

Words by Kate Darnell

Images courtesy of VUE Photography, vuephotographyonline.com

110

real-life WEDDINGS


GASPARILLA ISLAND LAUREN + BRENDAN

Brendan and Lauren hit the jackpot when they met during a summer

internship nearly nine years ago. “We both attended the University

of Florida, but we didn’t have the good fortune to meet on campus,”

recalls Lauren.

111

real

-life

WED

DING

S


When it came time to say “I do,” the couple’s goal was to have

a party-like atmosphere, yet keep things intimate, so a wedding

away was the perfect way to accomplish this. “We wanted

a memorable and fun-filled event that would last an entire

weekend, not just a day,” says the bride. The Gasparilla Inn

& Club was the location they chose after a suggestion from

the bride’s grandfather. “Our family and friends loved the idea

of a destination wedding! The Inn was amazed at how many

of their rooms were booked immediately!”

“WE WANTED A MEMORABLE AND FUN-FILLED EVENT THAT

WOULD LAST AN ENTIRE WEEKEND, NOT JUST A DAY.”

The wedding day was a perfect culmination of personalized

details, many executed by the bride’s mom who acted

as the couple’s wedding planner. “Our ceremony was absolutely

perfect! The skies were blue and there was a wonderful breeze…

I walked the rose petal strewn aisle on the inn’s croquet lawn

with the Gulf of Mexico glistening in the background,”

recalls Lauren.

Their reception was a flawlessly executed party – from Irish

and Italian food to celebrate the couple’s heritage and

a custom-made corn hole game, to “late-night munchies”

and finally, fireworks – the couple didn’t leave out a thing.

“OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LOVED THE IDEA OF A DESTINATION WEDDING!”

One of the bride’s favorite moments was when her brother,

who is in the Army, entered the salon while she was getting

ready. “We weren’t even sure he could make it. He had to fly

hundreds of miles and was only on the island for a few hours!”

recalls the bride.

One piece of advice the couple has for others is to schedule

your honeymoon for a few weeks after your destination wedding.

“It was fun having something to look forward to and not having

everything over in one fell swoop!”

Location: The Gasparilla Inn & Club on Gasparilla Island; Boca Grande, Florida, the-gasparilla-inn.com, Photographer: VUE Photography, vuephotographyonline.com, Wedding Planner: Bride’s mother, Florist: Botanica International Design Studio, botanicaflorist.com,

Videographer: Michael Wozney of Michael Alan Films, michaelalanfilms.com, DJ: Fitz Otis with Jay Goodley Entertainment, jaygoodley.com, String Quartet: Ensemble Lyrique with Jay Goodley Entertainment, jaygoodley.com,

Invitations/Menus/Programs: Momental Designs, momentaldesigns.com, Calligrapher: Barbara Lewis, Makeup and Hair: James Griffith Salon, jamesgriffithsalon.com, Tent: TentLogix, tentlogix.com, Lighting: Lightworks Stage Productions, lightworks-productions.com,

Fireworks: Zambelli Fireworks, zambellifireworks.com, Photobooth: Vanity Photo Booths, vanityphotobooths.com, Corn Hole Game Artwork: Melissa Nece, mmillernece.com, Bride’s Attire: Gown - Rivini, Belt - Junko Yoshioka, Short Dress - Free People,

Shoes - Christian Louboutin, Bracelet - Tiffany & Co., Earrings: Swarovski Crystal; rivini.com, junkoyoshioka.com, freepeople.com, christianlouboutin.com, tiffany.com & swarovski.com, Bridesmaids’ Attire: Monique Lhuillier, moniquelhuillier.com,

Groom’s Attire: Suit - Hugo Boss, Accessories and Shirt - Thomas Pink of London; hugoboss.com & thomaspink.com

112

real-life WEDDINGS


“You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” – Dr. Seuss

Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of:

Alic

ia S

we

de

nb

org

, alic

iasw

ed

en

bo

rg.c

om

last THOUGHTS


Ph

oto

co

urt

esy

of:

Alic

ia S

we

de

nb

org

, alic

iasw

ed

en

bo

rg.c

om


depa

rtmen

t HEA

DING

115

ARR OBA INTERNATIONALA Creative and Marketing Communications Service

Tel: + 52 (998) 210 0181 [email protected] Smythe, Print Media Coordinator [email protected]

AMResorts Secrets Ad TRIM 8.375x10.875” live .25” nbld 7.75x10.375”

(12.04) Destination I Do All About Honeymoons FP Spr Summer 2014 issue

WHAT IS your Secret? Ours is Unlimited-Luxury®

It’s more than the romantic settings that make Secrets Resort & Spas so magical. Your wedding at any of our all-adult oceanfront sanctuaries gives you and your guests the privileges of Unlimited-Luxury® so everyone

can enjoy as much of everything as they wish. Unlimited-Luxury® is our Secret. How you enjoy it is yours.

Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun • Secrets Aura Cozumel • Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa • Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun • Secrets Marquis Los Cabos • Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort & Spa (Nov 2014)

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort • Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana • Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun • Secrets St. James Montego Bay • Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay • Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta • Secrets The Vine Cancun

COMPLIMENTARYWEDDING PLANNER

LUXURIOUS SUITESWITH PRIVATE TERRACES

PERSONAL WHIRLPOOLS

PREFERRED CLUB

LIMITLESS GOURMET DINING AND SNACKS

24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE

SIP, SAVOR & SEEMULTI-RESORT DINING

FREE INTERNATIONAL CALLING AND WIFI WITH UNLIMITED CONNECTIVITY

UNLIMITED TOP-SHELF SPIRITS

LAND AND WATER SPORTS

COMPLIMENTARYGREENS FEES

LIVE SHOWS NIGHTLY

WORLD CLASS SPAS**Additional fees may apply

Exclusive Meets Inclusive:

©2014

To find your local Romance Travel Specialist and book your Secrets honeymoon visit AllAboutHoneymoons.com


department HEADING

116

Perfection is just the beginning when

it comes to your wedding at Le Blanc.

Brilliant luxury amenities await you,

as impeccable butler service ensures

your every desire is fulfilled. Bask in

the sublime serenity of our acclaimed

spa, while expert planners handle

every aspect of your ceremony,

so your special day is as blissful as

you’ve always imagined.

Since it’s all-inclusive, all you have

to do is revel in the pleasure of your

perfect wedding coming true. When

we’re poised to fulfill your every wish,

suddenly three seem like too few.

coming truesense your wishes

To find your local Romance Travel Specialist visitour website at www.allabouthoneymoons.com today.

PAL-17639-2 4C Full PageLe Blanc Wedding Ad L: 8.125 x 10.625, T: 8.375 x 10.875, B: 8.625 x 11.125

Destination I Do

APPROVALS(initial and date)

producer

studio

art director

copywriter

creative director

account service

mechanical

PAL-17639-2_8.375x10.875_M1.indd 1 6/27/13 10:07 AM

destination i do - spring 2014

Documents

prodestination weddings

affordable wedding venues

current wedding dress

photo courtesy

familyfriendly vail

recent wedding industry

alluring new orleans

cozy catalina island