The Next Issue of Destination I Do

We're done! The latest issue of Destination I Do is off to the printer and we can now put up our feet, pat ourselves on the back and enjoy a day off...hey, a girl can dream can't she? Either way, we're super excited because it's a great issue.

We've visited, tasted, tested and traveled all over to bring readers of Destination I Do, the very best in locations and inspiration.

The Fall/Winter 2009 issue is packed full of domestic destinations to say "I do" and affordable ways to make it happen. We've got a great article on how to recession-proof your destination wedding, plus one on how to dodge wedding disasters (even if they are out of your control).

From the calm mountain vistas of Tuscon (below - Loews Ventana Canyon Resort)...


To the uber-chic hot-spots of Los Angeles (below - Viceroy Santa Monica)...


And even the birthplace of bands like Nirvana and SoundGarden in the musical city of Seattle... we've uncovered 80 places to stay, eat and play in the USA. Plus, all of these stateside locales are perfect for tying the knot (and helping out our economy in the process).

We've brought you helpful info, expert opinions, a generous helping of down-to-earth destinations and fashion for the important ladies in your bridal party (including some trendy and flattering Mother-of-the-Bride ideas) plus so much more; all nestled on the pages of our beautiful publication.

All of these stories, and more (like the "Dearly Beloved" - Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort - shown above) will be waiting for you at a local Barnes & Noble (and other bookstores/newsstands nationwide) on September 1st. You can also order advanced copies and we'll ship them straight to you. If you would like to order one, click here.

Now we've got to get started on the 2010 issues!

Real-Life Wedding, Carnival Style

Today, I'm breaking two rules on the blog. First, we are featuring an event that was not a destination wedding. And second, we're posting many more pictures than we usually allow. But when you are finished checking out this post, you'll understand why.

The couple we are featuring today should win an award for creativity. This is by far the most unique, colorful and fun wedding I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Courtney and Charles were married last October and decided to go with a carnival theme. Every detail was executed to perfection! The favors, the decor, the cake, the photography - just exquisite!

Carnival games and rides were there for all to enjoy!

Apparently, Courtney is a graphic designer and was the creative brain behind the details. She put an inordinate amount of thought into each piece of this wedding.

The reception site couldn't have been a more perfect complement to the already colorful, casual and classic theme of the event.

It just so happens that Charles is quite handy. He built several things to go along with the decor that Courtney designed such as cotton candy posts, games, trash cans etc...

What would a carnival themed wedding be without candy apple favors?

Like they always say, rules are meant to be broken.

Thanks to Victor Sizemore for allowing us the use of these incredible images!

Get Formal with The Shops at Tanforan

Operation Aisle Style and Anti-Bride Fashion Rock the Runway W-SF

Photos courtesy of Thomas Hawk

The event of the season was kicked off on March 12th and I was so lucky to be a part of it...the biggest part? My partner in crime on all things "off the beaten path," Carolyn Gerin - creator of the Anti-Bride Book Series. She worked tirelessly to get this event to happen and somehow, even after the dust settled, wrote a little something for us:

We heard it from everyone:
From Guests: “This is one of the coolest events I’ve ever been to”
From Students: “This was the best night of my life”
From CEOS: “This is off the hook”
From Silicon Valley VCs: “You’re on to something here…”
From Press: “When can we interview your team? Are you going to do this again?”
From Music Industry Types: “I’ve been to a lot of high end parties, but this is really creative, original and fun.”
From Entertainment Executives: “This should be a show.”
From EVERYONE: “When are you guys going to do it again???“ and, THE HOOKS ROCK!

Anti-Bride.com, Destination I Do Magazine, The W-SF, Skout.com and Blurb.com made fashion history at the W-SF at 6 pm.

The wine flowed, the martinis mixed and a see and be seen crowd descended on the W Hotel SF lobby with a line out the door. Anyone who thinks SF isn’t a fashion town? Think again. The Art Institute of California San Francisco, The San Francisco Institute of Aesthetics and Cosmetology gave a swift kick in the tulle-covered derriere of the Wedding Industrial Complex once and for all.

White weddings will never be the same.

The student competition and fashion show which was Anti-Bride themed had a range of genres covering: Rockabilly, Gothic Chic, Futuristic, Same Sex, Retro Glam, 60’s Mod, Punk and Rocker, the only rule of the road being is that white was verboten.

Following that was looks from Project Runway alum and Kenneth Pool lead designer Austin Scarlett. The winner of the student challenge was AICA-SF Student Chaz Schaad, future rising star who’s voluminous black silk couture gown was a little bit Vivienne Westwood, Viktor and Rolf and a little mod and goth all at once. Chaz also dressed Keith and Ronan Mulligan (The Hooks) in suits ready for prime time: an outdoor stage at SXSW. Keith wore a mod pinstriped suit with yellow trim and Ronan wore a black and red striped morning coat with tails and tapered trousers. When the Hooks took to the stage, they looked as good as they played in a blistering performance that wowed the crowd.

Competition Judges Included:
Katie Rice Jones: Style Network, E! TV Guide Channel, Oxygen
Laurent Gerin: Head Designer, Williams Sonoma/Williams Sonoma Home
Samantha Durbin: Fabsugar.com, Sugar Publishing
Heidi Richman: Rock Band Couturier turned Marketing Diva
Lorraine Saunders: SFIndiefashion.com, Glam Watch 7×7

Student Anti-Bride Competition Winner:
Chaz Schaad, Art Institute of California, San Francisco

Student Competitors:

Coral Castillo

Andrew Landrith

Dora Un

Justyna Fiuk

Kim Pinto

Lisa Seraphin

Danielle Tilford

Leanna Liu

Tameron Stuber

Erin Rice

Candice Hurth

Inez Johnson

Stephanie Stayer

Apeksha Ambaram

Event sponsors included: W San Francisco, Anti-Bride Productions Inc. (antibride.com,) Destination I Domagazine (destinationidomag.com,) Skout.com, Austin Scarlett for Kenneth Pool, Blurb.com, The Art Institute of California, Britex Fabrics,The San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, Bad Habit Wine, Priest Ranch Wine, High Flyer Wine, Kai Vodka, TheHooks (thehooksmusic.com), Clarisonic, NeatReceipts, Craft magazine, Make magazine, Cal Med Spa, Chronicle Books, Shannon Clark, Nearness Function, Paul Robertson Floral Design, Rubener Bautista Fine Jewelry, and the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club in Curacao (kurahulanda.com).


CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS OF THIS FAB EVENT!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/Agcaoili_dsotm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahampuleo
http://thomashawk.com/2009/03/anti-bride-and-the-hooks-at-the-w-hotel-in-san-francisco.html
http://web.sendtoprint.net/proofbook/login.asp?userid=OAS&secure_account_id=6113&secure_users_id=233677