Welcome to Destination I Do Magazine's Blog!

As an extension of our growing magazine and web site, we wanted to reach out a little further and start a blog. I hope you find this is another helpful tool in creating the spectacular destination wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway you've been dreaming of.

If you'd like to visit our HOME PAGE, go to:
www.destinationidomag.com

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Join our Twitter Twibe!


Click here to join our Twitter Twibe: DestinationWeddingsandHoneymoons: http://twibes.com/DestinationWeddingsandHoneymoons

You can also follow us on Twitter: DestinationIDo

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Free Destination Wedding in the Caribbean

Photos compliments of The St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino

As we embark on the 2009 wedding season, St. Kitts Marriott Resort is offering the Complimentary Wedding Package with any seven-night stay.

The Complimentary Wedding Package includes:
- Professional Wedding Consultant
- Picturesque Ceremony Location: Options include Beach, Lawn, Gazebo or Garden
- Religious or Non-Denominational Ceremony: Includes set-up of chairs, table for signing of the license, basic décor and officiant
- Wedding License, Including document preparation
- One Bottle of Celebratory Champagne
- Accommodation Upgrade

And if you are trying to save additional money, you can combine it with other St. Kitts Marriott deals such as the Super Escape Inclusive Package, which offers an all-inclusive option with rates starting as low as $299 per night.


The Complimentary Wedding Package is available through December 19, 2009 and is valid with minimum seven-night stays. Accommodation upgrades are based on availability and applicable for the bride and groom only. Other furnishings for the wedding ceremony (i.e., floral arrangements, floral wedding arch, musicians, photographer, etc.) are available at an additional cost.

To take advantage of this special offer, please contact the St. Kitts Marriott Resort directly at (869) 466.1200 or visit www.stkittsmarriott.com

Friday, April 24, 2009

Get Married on a Monday in Costa Rica

Images by Comfort Studios, Destination Wedding Planning and Design by Beth Helmstetter Events
I just love this wedding - for several reasons.

1. Claire & Sean got married on a Monday.
2. They got married on an off-the-beaten-path secluded beach in Costa Rica.
3. They had a wedding planner (Beth Helmstetter) who handled all the planning up to so they wouldn't be stressed.


4. They greeted their 19 guests with mojitos and bamboo fans at the start of the ceremony.

5. They served local food and signature drinks.


6. They're adorable, and the photographer (Comfort Studio) did a great job capturing all the details put together by wedding and event planner, Beth Helmstetter.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Upcoming Bridal Event in Hawaii

If you are in the Honolulu, HI area this Sunday April 26th, stop by Papyrus at the Ala Moana Shopping Mall.

Wedding vendors of all types will be there and for all couples who have an appointment, they can get a swag bag filled with coupons, samples, goodies and of course - a complimentary copy of Destination I Do Magazine.

One of our favorite gown designers will have her hand painted creation "Orchid" on display at the event. Check out Jules Bly's Designs and many other talented wedding vendors in the Honolulu area this Sunday!

Photo by Christiaan Phleger, Gown by Jules Bly, Flowers by Anny Heid Flowers


Spring Bridal Event
April 26th from 12-6pm
Appointment Times are Recommended
Call Melody
808-947-2700

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Hotel Valencia's Wedding Experience

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk and “San Antonio Living” announced the winning couple of the first-ever Hotel Valencia Wedding Experience, selected on-line by viewers. The votes are in and Bethany Ellison and Blake McKay have been chosen as the lucky San Antonio couple to win the ultimate wedding from Hotel Valencia – planned by the viewers of the “San Antonio Living” show, which airs weekdays 10-11 a.m. on 4 WOAI (NBC).


“This entire experience is such a huge blessing for us” gushed the winning couple. “Our story, how we came together, this wedding, it is all just a miracle. We could not have asked for a more beautiful place for the wedding of our dreams than Hotel Valencia” said McKay.

From now until May 2009, local wedding vendors will present their best options in wedding themes, gowns, flowers and much more for Bethany and Blake’s wedding. Viewers can vote for their wedding favorites after the show at woai.com. Once the votes are tallied, “San Antonio Living” Host Shelly Miles will announce the winning selection.

“During these difficult economic times we are thrilled to be able to partner with local wedding vendors and San Antonio Living to give Bethany and Blake the wedding of their dreams at Hotel Valencia. We are very happy for them that they were selected” said Hotel Valencia Director of Sales and Marketing Amy Trench.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Why You Need Spanx for Your Destination Wedding


Gown by Jules Bly, Image by Christiaan Phleger, Flowers by Anny Heid

Some of the most beautiful gowns on the market for destination weddings can be the hardest to wear. Sheath silhouettes are typically the most eye catching and appropriate for a tropical beach-front ceremony. The one problem: they hide virtually nothing! If you're sportin' some muffin-top, that silk chiffon fabric is not going to hide your problem area. Got a little extra junk in the trunk but can't imagine walking the destination wedding aisle in a big puffy ball gown to hide your over-adequate derriere? Never fear, Spanx Shapers are here!


For a flat tummy go for the SPANX Hide& Sleek Hi-Rise Thong. This smoother features a comfortable lace thong and offers high-waisted control. Gentle double-layer compression starts just under the bra line and extends down, creating a firm tummy and smooth midriff. This high-performing thong is perfect for mermaid or empire style gowns. $42, Colors: Black & Nude, available at www.spanx.com/weddings.



For thigh and rear control, wear the ASSETS Sensational Shaper. ASSETS by Sara Blakely is a more accessible line of shapewear by Spanx which offers all of the amazing body-shaping benefits, comfort, and quality for less – perfect for brides on a budget. This high-waisted mid-thigh shaper creates a sensational silhouette by minimizing the waistline and comfortably slimming the thighs and butt. With a patented no-legband design, it is invisible under wedding gowns and comfortably stays in place for the big day. This shaper is perfect with a clingy slip dress that has potential to show lumps and bumps. $20, Colors: Nude & Black, available at David’s Bridal.





Summer and destination weddings call for breathable shapewear and the Haute Contour Sexy Sheer Mid-Thigh Shaper offers a perfectly sheer shaping solution. Haute Contour by Spanx is sexy, sumptuous, lingerie-inspired shapewear , and this piece is the ultimate elegant underpinning because it’s provides shaping support and is sexy enough for the wedding night! The open weave shaping-power-mesh is invisible under clothing, and allows for breath-ability while slimming hips, thighs and bottom. Plus, the reinforced tummy panel offers an additional layer of silky shaping support. This gorgeous shaper is perfect under form-fitting gowns. $128, Colors: Blush, Pitch, Sterling & Porcelain (the perfect shade for brides), available at http://www.spanx.com/weddings

Now go on girl friends, rock your shapely bods AND your gorgeous destination wedding gowns!

Monday, April 20, 2009

A DIY Destination Bride


Here at Destination I Do Magazine, there's nothing we love more than innovative brides who do many of the details on their own.


Meet Rebecca Torman and John Caroll - Married March 21st, 2009 at Sanibel Island, Florida.
Rebecca's dress - along with much of the wedding decor - was designed and made by her or her loved ones.


Professional photographer, Brittany Blando was struck by the level of creativity she witnessed through the event. "The bride and family were involved in every detail from hanging paper lanterns to signing during the ceremony.The bride is an artist by trade and maximized her abilities to create all the details. The signature color blue was carried throughout the event... and started with the brides engagement ring."



Even the cake and the flowers were done by the bride herself on W-day.



Next up for the creative bride? We think she should start making Wonder Woman costumes to reflect her DIY super powers!

To see more amazing shots of this gorgeous couple and a peek at their photographer's blog, click HERE.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Destination: Grand Cayman

Photography by Invision Photography
This week's featured destination wedding was held in Grand Cayman. Rebecca Robinson married Kyle Ramsey alongside 35 of their closest friends and family. With their entourage and professional photographer in tow, they boarded a cruise ship for Ochos Rios, Jamaica and Georgetown, Grand Cayman.


After getting to Grand Cayman, the group was whisked away to a local beach (via white limo) where the ceremony took place. According to their photographer, Kristie Querio, "we took pictures at Governor's Beach and also on another beach where there were beautiful cliffs overlooking the water. They gladly took the plunge into the beautiful waters for some great shots, with many on-lookers who clapped as they came out of the water."

After returning home to Georgia, the couple had a reception with almost 200 people in attendance.


The only thing that went wrong through the whole process; Kyle lost his wedding ring while snorkeling, but quickly replaced it at one of the many jewelry stores on the island.

Good luck to the happy couple and thanks so much for sharing your destination wedding with us!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Complimentary Destination Wedding & Anniversary Stay by Ritz-Carlton

If you plan to tie the knot between May 1st and December 20 th of this year and are considering the Ritz-Carlton for your wedding getaway, you're in luck!

By booking a Reconnect® package for a minimum of three nights and 25 rooms or more anytime between April 1st and June 30th (to be held between May 1 and December 20, 2009), you'll get a complimentary destination wedding and three night first anniversary stay.


Redeemable at any of their five hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun;
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
; The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica; The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; and The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Enter to Win a DREAM HONEYMOON

In partnership with Destination I Do Magazine, Destination Wedding Planner - The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding from Afar, has created a DREAM HONEYMOON vacation sweepstakes at the luxurious Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia!


INCLUDES: 5-nights accommodations for two in a luxurious Sun Sanctuary Suite Breakfast & dinner daily for two Romantic Couples Massage all valued at over $11,000!

Click HERE to enter to win! Good luck!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Get Formal with The Shops at Tanforan


Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Destination Wedding Invitations and Save the Date Cards


It is hard enough to find a perfect wedding invitation or save the date for a reasonable price. Throw in the fact that you are doing a destination wedding and you want your stationary to reflect your event's theme and atmosphere.


Enter Scissor Paper Stone.

A stationary company that suits a myriad of budgets - from handmade invites wrapped in tissue to funky postcards and everything in between.


Their latest? A completely customized design that gives you complete freedom - and for around $3.10 per invite, it's not going to break the bank either. Select any snapshot or choose one they already have made up, it's up to you. You can also play with font, color or even add flowers.




You can order your invitations online through their web site http://www.scissorpaperstone.com/. They will even send you a sample before you order so there aren't any surprises!

Monday, April 6, 2009

DESTINATION: Nevis & The Ultimate Vow Renewal

Welcome Guest Blogger: Honora Mastriacovo, Writer for Ultimate Escapes Luxury Destination Clubs, http://www.ultimateescapes.com/


Photo provided by Ultimate Escapes

Named Dulcina, or “Sweet Island,” by early British Settlers, Nevis remains an intimate Caribbean island where relaxation is the rule and beauty is abundant. With the regal heights of Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear blue Caribbean, this secluded island is an amazing setting for tying the knot or even renewing your vows. Ultimate Escapes Members, Larry & Gaile Shaia, decided to renew their vows in this intimate setting in 2008.


“Nevis is a breathtakingly beautiful island that’s remote and undisturbed. It’s a quiet paradise perfect for relaxation and peace. Its pristine coastline and amazing blue ocean offers food for the soul,” explained Larry Shaia after his family arrived home from their unforgettable vacation.


Gaile, expecting just another relaxing vacation with her family, was overwhelmed with joy when Larry surprised her with an intimate vow renewal ceremony. With months of planning with his Escape Planner and over 50 Ultimate Escapes destinations to choose from, Larry was thrilled with his selection of Nevis for this special vacation. The staff went above and beyond to make this special moment a true-life fairytale in paradise. They built an altar made of palms and tropical flowers, laced the sand with flower petals and presented Mrs Shaia with a flower wreath for her hair.


“It was truly perfection. Junior played the drums, and Paulette prepared the most delicious five-course meal right in our home. The staff even took pictures for us. I am especially grateful for the beautiful photos. Our Nevis vacation was one of the best vacations of my life, and I wouldn’t trade that experience or those memories for anything. I look forward to returning to this natural paradise one day again soon,” said Larry.

Visit - www.nevisisland.com – to discover all this island has to offer.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Pueblo Bonito - Travel Deals for Your Destination Wedding

Quick getaways are easily turning into luxurious Mexican vacations with Pueblo Bonito’s current travel deal under their year-long Stimulus Package. Pueblo Bonito’s year-long Stimulus Package consists of a series of value-added incentives and exceptional travel deals effective February 18-December 31, 2009. The first and current travel deal offers guests 4th and 7th night free applicable at six of their properties in Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan. Guests can take advantage of the 4th and 7th night free offer from now until December 23, 2009.


Participating Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas include their four all-suite properties in Cabo San Lucas – Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, Pueblo Bonito Rose and Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos- and two in Mazatlan-Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan and Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay.

For more information and current offers please visit Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas’ website http://www.pueblobonito.com/.