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!

Destination Wedding To-Do List

As you go through the planning of your destination wedding, you'll find you are inundated with lists - registry lists, guest lists, what to pack lists etc. And while all of these are very necessary and helpful - I have another list for you:

The Stress-Free and Completely Satisfied Destination Bride List

• Hire a great wedding planner. This person will be able to deal with all of the potential drama while you stay blissfully ignorant. They will most likely be able to find you some deals too.
• Never leave your dress. Don't ship it, don't check it, don't let that thing out of your sight for any reason. Airlines have coat closets and if you call ahead of time asking permission to hang your dress, they should comply. If you decide to have UPS ship it to the foreign country you're going to and it gets stuck in customs, don't say I didn't warn you!
• Get pictures taken before your event, including the bride/groom shots. Some of you may disagree with me because of the "a groom shouldn't see his bride before she walks down the aisle" superstition, but consider this: you are going to have all kinds of emotions when you see each other for the first time. Unfortunately and fortunately you will have family and friends watching your every move as you saunter down the aisle and this is the precise moment the sobbing can start. If you want to keep it together for your nuptials, take a moment before the ceremony with your groom to have your intimate moment. The images captured at this time are priceless and you'll get to start your reception right away with your guests vs. keeping your guests waiting for hours while you take your pictures.
• Take a moment. Wherever you are throughout your event, take just 15-30 seconds to look around you. Take it in - the decor, the smells, the sounds and most importantly, the people. Let it sink in over and over - what is happening to you and who is there celebrating along with you on the most important day of your life. Time will fly by, but by doing this you'll have more clear memories than fuzzy ones.
• Have sex. There is nothing more tragic than when a couple forgoes sex on their wedding night because they are too tired! You will be tired, but it's a great way to end an already magical evening. To restart your engines, have a close friend go up to your room and draw you a hot bath, light some candles and get some mood music going.
• Laugh it off. Things may go wrong, no matter how hard you try or how many lists you create, something might fall apart. Just don't let it be you. Your perspective and outlook can easily make a great event even better if you just laugh about it.

Good luck! And have a happy 4th of July

Wedding Accessories For Less Than $100

Another amazing Etsy.com designer to the rescue! Introducing Modern Romance - a uber chic, inexpensive alternative to the high-priced boutique standbys. The owner and designer, Christine, offers customized wedding accessories ranging from $30 - $95. These pieces are essential to add a little modern pizazz to any wedding ensemble - especially perfect for destination weddings!

Accessories for the bridesmaids are available too - she loves to come up with new things - so just tell her what you want and she'll make it! Above are some of her sweet little creations.

Visit her http://www.modernromancepdx.etsy.com/ site or her blog!

The Biggest Loser - Another One Finds Love!

We have covered two weddings from couples who have found love while on the TV show, The Biggest Loser.

Matt & Suzy Hoover met on the show, fell head over heels, got married in Jamaica (featured on our Summer 2007 cover) and now are blessed with having started a family!

In our current issue, you'll see the adorable and romantic story of Amy & Marty Wolff, who tied the knot in St. Lucia after having fell in love on the show.

Image by Baltazar Photography

Is it just me, or is there something more to this show than just reinventing your body, mind and spirit - maybe it's also an aphrodisiac?

Either way, there's more good news coming from Season 6. Michelle Aguilar, just tied the knot to Micha Whitehead in Texas on June 14th, looking slim and smashing in a silk satin off the shoulder gown with a bow detail and rhinestone and crystal beading by Piccione (style 450).

Image by Edmonson Weddings / David, Luke & Lauren

Bridesmaids donned short, sleek dresses from the Alfred Angelo collection, in refreshing summer color Lipstick (Style 6129sn).

Congrats to Michelle and Micha! Best of luck!

The Bridesmaid Dress Dilemma - Solved

Dressing your favorite gal pals isn't easy. All women struggle to find the perfect outfit for a special occasion - and what's more special than a wedding?



So here you are with your entourage of bridesmaids, all equipped with completely different "assets," wanting desperately to look perfect as they saunter down your matrimonial aisle. Top that off with the fact that you've decided to do a destination wedding,therefore the more traditional options won't work for your event . So what's a girl to do?

Log on to BariJay.com, that's what.



Bari Jay Bridesmaids has created dresses styled for any woman, influenced from top trends and colors in European and American fashion. All silhouettes are flattering and easy to wear. So easy, in fact, girls are able to wear and re-wear the dresses for numerous occasions.

Even better, BariJay.com is complete with interactive tools so you can see the dress in several colors before deciding. They have so many styles, colors and fabrics to choose from, you’re sure to find dresses suitable for all your lovely maids without braking the bank. You can email your bridesmaids straight from the site with the styles you love to get their input.


Plus, Bari Jay has several styles perfect for destination weddings– breathable fabrics great for casual beach-side destinations, while some of their longer gowns complement cool temperatures or more formal events.

Just in case you fall in love with a silhouette for yourself, keep in mind most of their styles are available in white or ivory. Now you can rest assured that your bridal party will be well dressed, happy and ready to walk down the aisle looking their best.

For more information visit: http://www.barijay.com/

Destination Wedding of the Week

Images by A Bryan Photo

When Drew and Shay were trying to decide on the perfect place to get married, Shay knew she wanted to have her ceremony on the sand, but the beaches of her hometown of Florida weren't quite the exotic feel she had in mind. Drew also wanted to do a beach side destination wedding, and he knew just the place, Manuel Antonio beach in Costa Rica.

Several years back, Drew had come to Costa Rica while studying Spanish in college and instantly fell in love with the tropical beaches of Manuel Antonio. What a perfect fit, a lovely destination for his lovely bride!

The couple had planned a week-long visit, so by the time the wedding came, they were relaxed and had spent plenty of time with family and friends.

Fuchsia pink cocktail-length bridesmaid dresses paired with white calla lilies were a classic and eye-popping choice. *Hint, selecting bright colors especially hot pink, royal blue, lime green or red, will always create more interest in your wedding images versus more subdued colors like taupe or sage green.

Shay looked stunning as she took to the aisle in her floor length ivory gown and loose fitting up-do.

A simple bouquet of orchids and white calla lilies gave her look a modern and casual feel yet still felt elegant and classic.

The wedding party - and it was a large one - as they stroll down the beaches of Costa Rica for their photo session with A Bryan Photo.

An evening reception took place under a tented canopy, while guests enjoyed the company of the relaxed and happy newlywed couple. Hibiscus adorned drinks complimented the bridal parties colors and also provided a welcome refreshment to the balmy temperatures of Costa Rica.

We wish Drew and Shay a happy and fun filled life! And a huge "THANKS" to A Bryan Photo for sending us this beautiful wedding!

Destination Wedding Hair Styles

By: Jamie Taylor

Your destination wedding will be the epitome of perfect: perfect place, perfect husband, perfect shoes, perfect dress and (hopefully) perfect hair. Believe me, you didn’t go through your destination planning for anything less than that! Choosing the perfect hairstyle can make or break your look, so consulting a stylist to get the perfect tresses will be well worth every penny.

Image by Kim Irons

In humid weather, your safest bet is a loose updo that keeps curly hair from going frizzy and straight hair from looking flat. Alternate with intricate twists and braids to add original taste. If your hair knows better and can keep the shape, then tighter curls (and a bit more hairspray) will do the trick.

Image by Maria Bernal

Mild , temperate weather is the best weather when it comes to your tresses, it gives you many more looks that you can work with: half up-dos with curls are sweet and transitional down-dos that can be pinned into casual updos maintain your elegance during your reception.

Image by Kim Irons

Image by Kim Irons

Image by Maria Bernal

Make sure, when you visit your stylist, you bring a picture of what you want - this way, both of you will be on the same page from the beginning.

Here's to hoping your hair is as gorgeous as you!

Something Blue - Accesssories For Your Destination I Do's

By: Jamie Taylor

Something Old - check
Something New - check
Something Borrowed - check
Something Blue...

As you try to decide what that "something" is, veer away from tradition. Most brides would find themselves reaching for the blue garter - but if you're reading this, you're not in the category of "most brides" and are likely wanting something a bit different.

Blue is a salient color that can bring the best out in any outfit, and it can really add some pizazz to your wedding ensemble. Rather than wear your "something blue" under your gown, why not flaunt it? Here are some affordable accessories to help point you in the right direction:

*Note: Products that are made by Ten Thousand Villages aids under privileged designers in under developed areas such as Africa, Asia and Latin America. Proceeds will benefit this fair trade organization.

Chrysalis Designs - Seriously Blue Cuff - $35
http://www.madeitmyself.com/item-detail.aspx?itemid=21000


Ten Thousand Villages - Tara Project Beaded Cuff Bracelet - $18

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/product.detail.php?product_id=5543

BelaBrazilianDesigns - Blue Orchid Hair Pin - $39

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24518927

BelaBrazilianDesigns - Morpho Manelaus Butterfly Necklace - $89

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18822763

Ten Thousand Villages - Manos Amigos - Peruvian Turquoise Pendant- $170

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/product.detail.php?product_id=8990

Jadecicada - Lapis Pyrite Necklace - $139

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21986247

Sassy Sidekicks - Destination Wedding Accessories

By: Jamie Taylor

Brides of 2009, if you are looking for fashionable finishes, we've found accessories that will add a little pizazz to your already stunning attire.

In Lieu of a Traditional Veil:
Go with a 1920’s flapper girl headband or a birdcage veil with a big accent piece to evoke a modern and classic look for your destination wedding. As we all know fashion is cyclical and in 2009 brides should look to the Great Gatsby era, or the classic Grecian goddesses for inspiration when searching for the perfect destination wedding accessories.

http://www.mariabernalphotography.com/ & http://www.unveiledbridaldesigns.com/

http://www.jenniferbehr.com/

http://www.jenniferbehr.com/

For Your Bouquet

Every bride wants to have an original wedding style, especially when it comes to the floral design. Add a unique stem wrap, crystal jewelry pieces, or change the look of the traditional flower bouquet altogether.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10643831

http://www.weddingaccents.com/

Stay tuned for more fashion forward ideas or pick up a copy of Destination I Do at your nearest Barnes & Noble (or on our web site of course - www.destinationidomag.com/subscribe) for the latest in what's hot this season.

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!

Up or Down? A Hair-Raising Question

Photo by Josh Andrus

As you begin planning your hair style for your destination wedding, there are several things to take into consideration:

• Are you doing an indoor or outdoor ceremony?

Outdoor events tend to be a little more casual and a loose fitting style might be a better choice than a stiff and formal updo.

• Are you planning on wearing a veil or flower in your hair?

If you plan to wear a veil or flower, make sure the style you go for compliments your accessories. Have someone take a picture of you from behind with your dress and veil on. Take one shot with your hair pinned up and one with it down. That might be just the evidence you need to make your decision.

• What kind of climate/time of year are you getting married in?

Spring/summer and fall/winter looks are vastly different - but then again, if you're getting married on the beaches of Mexico in the middle of January - you can get away with a summer look.

Photo by Melissa Jill

For balmy/breezy conditions - keep in mind that a down-do can get blown out quite quickly and end up looking like a mess for your reception. Although you may prefer your hair down, consider how it will look for pictures later on and maybe opt for a half-up/half-down look or a loose chignon. For DIY tips, log on to http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=709698n and watch a pro break it down into 3 easy steps.

Photo by Melissa Jill

Either way, if you decide to have a professional work with you, make sure to show that person a picture of what you envision and do a practice session - you won't regret the extra $50-$100 to make sure it's right. For more about destination wedding hair ideas, log on to: http://destinationidomag.com/articles_wedding_day_hair

YOU'RE INVITED

YOU'RE INVITED on MARCH 12, 2009 to OPERATION AISLE STYLE

WHO: YOU! And Anti-Bride.com, Destination I Do Magazine,W- Hotel San Francisco

WHAT: An Exclusive Evening of Alternative Wedding Fashion,Music and Libations

WHEN: Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 6:00pm - 11:00pm

WHERE: W Hotel San Francisco • 181 Third Street • San Francisco, CA

RSVP: 415-817-7856 • oas@skout.com

WHY: W San Francisco in partnership with Antibride.com and Destination I Do Magazine is ready to add some WOW to weddings by hosting its first Operation Aisle Style event, a fashion show and multi-media event highlighting the philosophy of tying the knot outside of the box and exploring the road less traveled when saying the words “I Do.”

Operation Aisle Style will showcase the hottest emerging fashion talent, signature cocktails by Kai Vodka and divine wines by Napa Valley’s notorious Somerston Winery. The mood, the music, and the magic will be web cast by Skout.com, and documented in a hip photo booth (and book) by Blurb.com. The evening will culminate in a blistering performance from SXSW bound band, The Hooks.

Operation Aisle Style hits the runway with two separate fashion shows: one showcasing the designs of Project Runway contestant, Austin Scarlett, lead designer, Kenneth Pool, and the second by The Art Institute of California’s future “rising star” fashion design students. Celebrity judges will jury twenty fashion design students as they show off their interpretation of “the alterna-wedding dress.”

One lucky winner will enjoy a 5 night stay in an Ocean Front Studio with breakfast at the Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club located on the tropical island paradise of Curaçao.

Festive Attire Encouraged!

Join us and make fashion history!

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!

Bridal Party Favor Idea

Brides and fashionistas alike, meet Luxe Link, a fabulous little trinket perfect for you and all your best gal pals. Part purse charm, part handbag hanger, it allows you to keep your coveted Louis off the floor and out of harms way. It clips stylishly onto the outside of your bag when not in use. It holds securely onto any flat surface.

You can find Luxe Link at select retailers and online at http://www.luxelink.com/ for $35.

Personalize the Luxe Link by adding your bridesmaid's initial, or your own!

Anyone who appreciates a beautiful handbag should possess one of these portable gadgets.