Free Destination Weddings for 2010

Elegant Hotels Group gives brides and grooms a gift that they can really use – a free destination wedding in 2010!

Couples can qualify for the new Free Wedding Packages at the five distinctive Caribbean beachfront hotels and resorts dotted along the west and south coasts of Barbados including Turtle Beach Resort, Crystal Cove Hotel, Colony Club Hotel, Tamarind Cove Hotel and The House.

The Free Wedding Packages at Elegant Hotels Group includes:
• Wedding coordinator
• Marriage license and registration
• Services of magistrate/ priest/ minister
• Local transport to/from registration office
• Bride’s bouquet & groom’s boutonniere
• Best Man, Maid of Honor and/ or witnesses if required
• Bottle of Champagne for the wedding ceremony
• Single tier wedding cake
• All taxes and gratuities

Extra Incentive: Enjoy a three-night stay to celebrate First Anniversary one-year from date of marriage ceremony with Elegant Hotels Group.

To visit their entire hotel collection, click here.

A Unique Destination Wedding in Jamaica

When most couples think of their destination wedding, sand and ocean are usually at the top of their minds. But with that can sometimes come the "been there, done that" kinds of hotels and resorts that can start feeling a little "vanilla" for lack of a better term.


Leah and Daivin found something a little "off the beaten path" yet in a destination that is well-known for it's spectacular oceans and beach front nuptial options; Negril Jamaica.

On the stone patio of Tensing Pen, the Canadian couple, Leah and Daivin made it official.

Cliff-side images turned out to look more like works of art than the typical wedding pictures most are used to seeing.

A classic color palette paired with modern elements, gave the entire wedding a transitional look.

We thank Leah and Daivin for sharing their wedding with us and Style-ish for sending us the gorgeous shots!

Riviera Maya - A Grand Destination

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting an exquisite destination for weddings and honeymoons - Riviera Maya, Mexico.

The area is known for it's Caribbean waters, Mayan ruins and pristine beaches and lucky for us, we got to experience all that and much more.

We stayed at the Grand Velas All-Suites and Spa Resort which was a paradise all by itself. The resort has seven gourmet restaurants, personal plunge pools, butler service, gorgeous manicured grounds and it's own little slice of the Caribbean sea.

Destination weddings here are a must as they can cater to your every need - from babysitting services to customized menus and spa outings for the ladies.


My favorite part of the resort is the spa - and although I wasn't allowed to take pictures there, I did get a few shots just outside one of their spa suites overlooking a pond surrounded by tropical flowers and plants.

Inside the spa, visitors can experience the "Water Journey" before any treatment. This 40-minute ritual includes dry and wet saunas, an ice room and a stone bed with water jets to relax every inch of your body. Heaven.

The neighboring town of Playa Del Carmen has a lively night-life and great shopping during the day. Our group of traveling journalists decided to venture down for a nightcap and uncovered the Blue Parrot. Set on the ocean, the bar feels a little like a mature "spring breakers paradise" with it's swinging bar stools and sweet cocktails followed up by the sounds of the resident DJ and fire dancers.

My husband (Tony) and I couldn't help but jump on the swinging bar stools for a picture op before ordering a cerveza.

The Mayan Ruins of Tulum were definitely a highlight of the area.

Our tour guide, Ernie, who spoke fluent Mayan - piqued our interest by telling us what each building symbolized and how the Mayans made their own hurricane warning system (which still works to this day). I won't spoil the mystery by giving it away here, just book yourself a Riviera Maya vacation and check the ruins out for yourself.

And when you begin to plan your vacation, honeymoon or destination wedding, make sure to check out Grand Velas All-Suites and Spa Resort for a fantastic place to stay!

Destination Wedding in Playa Del Carmen

Images by Jared Wilson Photography

Just recently, I had the immense pleasure of visiting a little town called Playa Del Carmen located just outside of Cancun, Mexico. Although I only visited the town for a little night cap at The Blue Parrot - this couple enjoyed it a little more intimately.

Lynora and Matt's church wedding was held on a warm April day and the couple looked flush with emotion.

The area is situated, not far from the Mayan ruins, so their photographer insisted they sneak off for some unforgettable shots.

The bridal party seemed to be in full "fiesta" spirit.

The lovely ladies at Destination Wedding Divas, put this one on and what a great job they did with the details.

We wish Lynora and Matt the best of luck in their "happily ever after," and thanks to Jared for sending us a beautiful and colorful destination wedding!

Get a 5-Star Destination Wedding for Less Than $20,000

From now until December 14, 2009 - you can get a 5-star destination wedding for less than $20,000 at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Their "Allure" package includes:

For the Ceremony:

• Marriage Officer
• Marriage License and Certified Copies
• Tropical Bloom Bridal Bouquet
• 3 Bridesmaids bouquet of tropical blooms
• 4 Tropical Boutonnieres for the Groom and groomsmen
• 2 Tropical Corsages for the Mothers of the bride and groom
• Tropical flowers adorning a draped canopy or wedding gazebo
• Violinist, Guitarist or Saxophonist for the ceremony

For The Reception:

• 6 Tropical Table Centrepieces
• Votive candles and holders for each table
• 4-hour Open Bar including post-ceremony cocktail hour
• Chef Selection of Hors D’oeuvres for Post Ceremony Cocktail Hour
• Grand Dinner Buffet or 3-course Plated Dinner Menu
• Disc Jockey for Post Ceremony Cocktail and Reception Dinner (4 hours)
• Three Tiered Vanilla Wedding Cake

Plus:

• Photography Service for 3 hours with 60 5x7 prints
• Professional Make-up at the Beauty Salon for the Bride
• Wedding Location Setup to include Chair Ties and PA System
• Personal Wedding Planner
  
  

If you've got a group of up to 50 people and have been spying Half Moon Resort as a possible destination wedding spot, this could be just the package deal you've been waiting for. http://www.halfmoon.com/

More Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Deals

Palace Resorts, known for their five-star, all-inclusive resort accommodations is offering complimentary wedding and honeymoon packages.

Combined with lower than ever price of airfare to Mexico and up to $1,000 in added-value promotions with the Palace Passport for wedding guests that stay at Palace Resorts for three nights of more, these new wedding and honeymoon amenities give all happy couples the chance to create a one-of-a-kind affair at some of the most affordable prices for tropical destination weddings and honeymoons.




The complimentary wedding package includes:

• Personalized wedding planner
• On-site location & decor
• Ceremony music
• Private dinner reservations
• Personalized cake for up to 35 guests

If you are interested in adding other items such as a color themed event with personalized details, additional fees apply but are remarkably affordable. Packages range from $1875 to $2300.

To take advantage of their complimentary honeymoon package, it doesn't matter if you were married at Palace Resorts or not! As long as you were married in the past year, they will honor their romantic honeymoon package which includes:

• Signature Palace Resorts five-star service
• Double Jacuzzis
• Premium liquor dispensers
• Unlimited long distance calls to the continental U.S. and Canada
• Breakfast in bed including a bottle of sparkling wine and honeymoon cake
• Private romantic dinner for two
• Special turn down service
• Ten percent discount at the gift shop
• Access to the exclusive honeymoon concierge desk
• 6:00 p.m. late check-out

Who knew getting married could score you so many luxurious freebies?!

http://www.palaceresortsweddings.com/.
Images provided by Palace Resorts

More Ways to Pop The Question

Just this week we were contacted by someone who works for Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba after they read our blog post on wedding proposal ideas. She had some additional original and romantic proposals she had learned about and wanted to share.

One very creative man had the ever-willing Bucuti staff carefully package the ring in a waterproof box and hide it beneath the water at a nearby reef snorkeling site. The team then coordinated with the snorkeling charter regarding the ring’s location and made sure the couple was dropped in the correct spot. He “found” the box and brought it up to her; they both got on the boat curious to see what was inside. He then opened the box, got down on one knee, pulled out the ring and popped the question.


Another very inventive gentleman had the Bucuti team help him create an adventurous scavenger hunt to lead his fiancé-to-be to the ring. Earlier in the day he had gone off and coordinated with the staff to hide the ring in a spot which they subtlety guarded until she found it. While enjoying a meal at the Pirates’ Nest Restaurant, he invited her to partake in a thrilling hunt for buried treasure, complete with a pirate’s map and small beach shovel. The clues led her directly to a big X in the sand marking the spot of the buried treasure – a gorgeous diamond ring.

One gentleman asked the Bucuti staff to set up a picnic on an isolated area of Eagle Beach near the resort. They laid out a blanket, candles, red roses, chilled champagne with glasses and chocolate covered strawberries. At sunset he took her for a walk and they stumbled upon this romantic beach setting, where he got down on his knee with a surprise proposal.

So sweet! Thanks Caitlin for sharing these stories with us. If you have a great proposal idea or story, we'd love to hear it. Email us at info@destinationidomag.com with "Proposal" in the subject line.

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

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!

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

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!

NEW ON NEWSSTANDS

This issue is one of my favorites! First of all, we had an amazing photo shoot in New Orleans that showcases some show-stopping talent by the city's best (Josh Andrus - photography, Robye Ducote - hair, Brandy Gomez-Duplessis- makeup, Rubener Bautista - jewelry) not to mention one of my closest friends and amazing model Leah Notebaert graced the set at the W French Quarter (which is the hottest spot in NOLA). Our very own Sr. Editor and the original "Anti-Bride," Carolyn Gerin, was an integral part of the entire creative process, right down to our gorgeous cover. Not to mention, she got to interview the famous Austin Scarlett (who is the head designer for Kenneth Pool and was on Season 1 of Project Runway) in her article aptly named "Interview with a Glampire."

This issue showcases destinations that help you keep the luxe and lose the bucks since affordable luxury is all the rage. We feature places right here in the US so you don't have to travel far to say your destination i do's (think Florida, Cali, Vegas, Smokies, the Outer Banks and MANY more). Honeymoon hideaways in the BVI's, Fiji and Mexico are covered as well for the people who are interested in a little seclusion.

If you're interested in reading all about other brides who have done destination weddings, we have several real-life couples telling all. As far as celebrity wedding stories - Teresa Strasser (co-host of the Adam Corolla Show) and Amy and Marty Wolffe from the Biggest Loser both shared their experiences with us.

Trashing the dress, advice from travel agents, wedding planners and etiquette specialists are just a few of the things you're in store for. We've PACKED this issue with helpful editorial and great locations. It's available at Barnes & Noble, many Borders Books and other fine retailers throughout the country. You can also order copies on our web site by visiting www.destinationidomag.com/subscribe. ENJOY!

A Very "Grand" Cayman Wedding

Featured bride & groom Lisa Weiner & Ian Koenig tied the knot at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman June 14, 2008. Photography by Jonathan Rubin at Studio Nine Photography, http://www.studionine.com/

THE PRE-PARTY:

THE WEDDING:

Why we dig this wedding:

• The pre-party was a beach bonfire and they had a shoe valet, who doesn't want to attend a party like that?
• She looked relaxed, happy and it's apparent they enjoyed every minute of the celebration instead of fussing over little details.
• Although the wedding took place on a beach, the bridesmaids wore floor length gowns to keep the feel elegant and classic.
• Signature drinks were flowing all night long.
• The bride started a conga line!

Congrats to Lisa & Ian! We wish you the best of luck!

Destination = Deal?

Last year, the average wedding was forcasted to cost a little over $27,ooo in the U.S.

With everyone finding ways to cut back, are there some good options to help you keep your wedding dollars in check? Sure there are! Do a destination wedding! Travel doesn't always mean a bigger price tag. Just selecting a destination wedding will drastically reduce your guest list, in turn reducing the cost. And you don't have to sacrifice quality when making a decision to keep your budget in check.

For example, Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort - has several options starting at $5,000. As far as scenery goes, don't fret - they are located on the famous "Seven Mile Beach," so sunset picture ops here won't disappoint. The resort offers countless amenities in their wedding packages such as:

• Beach side ceremony and reception arrangements and decorations
• Tropical bridal bouquet and boutonniere
• Champagne for the toast
• A complimentary courtyard room for the wedding night
• Breakfast for two the morning after the wedding
• Couples massage at La Mer Spa
• A Sunset Cruise for two

Log on to learn more: http://www.weddingatgrandcayman.com/

Luxury Retreats at Cap Cana

This past weekend I had the honor of traveling to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The place we stayed rivaled just about any I've ever been to. A private butler, personal plunge pool and 3 bedroom villa overlooking the golf course and sparkling Caribbean sea, to name just a few of the amenities. The development where Luxury Retreats is located is called Cap Cana. Inside Cap Cana there are several places undergoing construction and will be completed by the end of the year. Here's a few images of our 3 bedroom villa:

The first day, we had a lot of leisure time on our hands, so straight to the business center I went. This is how people get work done in DR, blackberry in hand, with a little sand between the toes. I think I may have just found my home away from home. The Luxury Retreats at Cap Cana have their own private beach. It's directly in front of the Caleton Beach Club and Villas.

The beach is like a postcard. The sand is liked powdered sugar, so white and soft. It was hard to leave this scene.

But I drug myself away from my "office" and back to the villa to get ready for dinner on the beach. They had live music and a sample tasting menu which one might experience at their wedding reception. There was one dish they served - Baked Goat Cheese with Tomato and Onion Jelly. The goat cheese was nestled in baked fillo dough and drizzled with some kind of sauce which I didn't catch. WOW! I ate every bite and was tempted to lick the plate. Food at Cap Cana was a "died and went to heaven" kind of experience. All of the menus were paired with fine wines and champagne. The band asked us if we had any requests. Being it was a romantic setting we asked for something fitting. They played us "Yesterday" by the Beatles, and it sounded beautiful. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

The next day we had breakfast in the villa - our butler, Robinson, brought us fresh fruit and granola each day. Robinson was as sweet as can be, we all equally fell in love with him. He even taught one of the journalists how to do the merengue. Then we took a tour of the other villas and bungalows that makes up Luxury Retreats at Cap Cana. They have 3&4 bedroom villas and several 1 & 2 bedroom bungalows. Here's a few pictures of the property. Simply gorgeous!Each bungalow had outdoor showers and were located right on the ocean. I can imagine the waves just singing a happy newlywed couple to sleep. So romantic and secluded enough to feel like you're on your own private island. Here's a walkway down from one of the bungalows, you can step right into the ocean!

Another turn around the bend and we see some multiple bedroom villas.

Then we went to Farallón for lunch (a great Japanese inspired restaurant) this view overlooks Trump's development at Cap Cana.
That night, they sent us on a champagne cruise.

As we were leaving the marina, I caught this picture of the area surrounding it. There are lots of residences and places to stay, eat and play.

Although we had a spectacular sunset, all the passengers were happy when we sped up as the water was a little choppy that night making it hard not to get sea sick. But we made it back without incident and onto a delicious dinner at the Marina.

Again we started our day with Robinson bringing us granola and fruit, then off to Juanillo beach - this is where a couple or their wedding guests can partake in water sports and activities. The beach was out of this world!

This is a picture of Marilyn Cairo and Jennifer Walters. Marilyn (left) handles the marketing for Cap Cana and its properties while Jennifer handles the PR. Quite a lovely and dynamic duo!

Seriously. This image hasn't been touched up in the least. It was breathtaking.

Things to do at Cap Cana are endless. Golf, spa treatments, water sports, fishing or soaking up sun on one of these world renowned beaches are just a few ideas.

Cap Cana has countless places to get married too. They have generous packages in several price ranges, so don't immediately jump to the conclusion that this place is too expensive. It's no Holiday Inn, but you'd be surprised how much you get for the money. Everything they do here is top notch - the flowers, the food, the accommodations. It's a honeymooners and/or destination wedding goers paradise. I promise, you will not be disappointed.