Save $4500 on a Destination Wedding in Mexico

Lovers looking to tie the knot with a destination wedding need look no further than Marquis Los Cabos, the beachfront Baja California Sur resort that now features a "Take the Cake" package.

Complimentary for the bride and groom when a wedding group of 10 rooms minimum are booked for three nights or 15 rooms for two nights, the package offers $4,500 in savings.

The "Take the Cake" package includes:

• an ocean-view casita with private pool on their wedding night
• two 50-minute Aromatic Massages
• a chilled bottle of champagne
• a romantic gift basket
• daily in-suite breakfast discreetly delivered via a private alcove
• a one year anniversary certificate for a complimentary three night stay
• tuxedo and wedding dress pressing
• bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere
• mani-pedi for the bride
• signature welcome drink"Take the Cake" package.

In addition, a professional wedding coordinator will arrange everything from the wedding location to the photography and minister. Special room rates starting at $295 are available for groups. For more information on the Marquis Los Cabos Resort, click here, or call 877.238.9399.

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!

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!

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

What Kind of Destination Wedding is Right for You?

For the "History Lovers": The Inn at Perry Cabin, a colonial mansion steeped in history and located in charming St. Michaels, Maryland provides the perfect backdrop to run away and get married. Their “Elopement Package” includes a ceremony in a choice of locations including the waterfront gazebo or their private English garden, one night accommodation in a luxurious master suite offering verandas perfect for newlyweds to take advantage of the views of St. Michaels harbor, a three-course VIP dinner for two in the inn’s premier restaurant, Sherwood’s Landing, Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries at turndown and breakfast for two. www.perrycabin.com

For "Wine Lovers": La Samanna in St. Martin, French West Indies provides the perfect setting for a dream wine lovers destination wedding. Recognized as one of the best wine cellars in the Caribbean, La Cave serves as a unique and luxurious scene for a romantic dinner. With over 14,000 bottles from 11 different countries, this underground oasis of wine features heirloom cobblestone floors from France dating back over 200 years, arched portals, and wrought iron accents. Couples can take their vows in a special spot created exclusively for weddings in a clearing surrounded by lush foliage and a striking Caribbean beach front view. The Restaurant at La Samanna provides a perfect reception venue with an opulent dining room offering panoramic ocean views adding to the enjoyment of the delicious meal - complete, of course, with the perfect wine pairing. www.lasamanna.com

For the "Culinary" couple: Casa de Sierra Nevada, a luxury boutique hotel and cooking school in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, caters to the most tasteful world traveler. Couples and their guests can take classes at Sazón, the hotel’s highly regarded cooking school, offering the finest instruction in traditional Mexican cooking, peruse one of the town’s countless art galleries or enjoy San Miguel’s 400 year-old history, exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture, fountains and hidden courtyards combined with true Mexican traditions. Relax after an eventful day with a couple’s natural herbal massage in the hotel’s new Laja Spa www.casadesierranevada.com

For the "Mountain loving/Adventure-Seeking" couple: A luxury boutique hotel of grand style, Keswick Hall offers the ultimate in seclusion located at the foot of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains making the perfect backdrop for the big day. Before vows are swapped, the couple’s last few single nights require some serious celebrating with friends and family. For the bride and her “besties”, Keswick Hall offers a Martini Madness & Movie Night and a Pampering Pajama Spa Party. For the groom and his entourage, a golf tournament on Keswick’s 6,506 yard Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, a morning of fly fishing and clay shooting are an absolute must, followed by cocktails and cigars on the terrace and few rounds of Texas Hold’em. Keswick Hall also offers unique activities for all to take part in throughout their stay including Croquet and Wine Tasting, a Champagne Putting Contest, dessert and late night munchies after the rehearsal dinner and a Virginian Barbeque and Blue Grass poolside celebration. www.keswick.com

For the “Southern Belle and Gentleman” couple: Charleston Place, one of the finest hotels in Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect venue for a couple seeking a unique, timeless elegance with the essential southern charm and hospitality. The ceremony can be performed in the beautiful Palmetto Courtyard or on the hotel’s new intimate yacht, the Innisfail. What would a southern wedding be without a reception in the grand ballroom? Elegantly appointed with recessed crystal chandeliers and 16-foot ceilings, the ballroom can host up to 1,500 attendees in over 14,000 square feet. Finish the majestic day with a night in the Presidential Suite – with a full living room, wet bar, dining table, pantry, entertainment armoire, an Orient Express signature walk-in closet, full bath and a full king-size bed….to rest your head, of course. www.charlestonplace.com

For the “Foodie” couple: The Windsor Court Hotel located in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, a city renowned for spectacular food, marks the perfect spot for gourmet lovers to tie the knot. The hotel’s newly refurbished and famed Grill Room provides and upscale dining experience, offering guests innovative “Contemporary American” cuisine with Southern influences and local ingredients against a backdrop of jazz, New Orleans blues and instrumentals inspired by the great crooners. The newly married duo can begin the honeymoon in the exquisite Penthouse Suite. Offering complete privacy as well as secluded terraces overlooking the city skyline and the Mississippi River, original museum-quality artwork, Italian marble floors, a library, a full kitchen and a baby grand piano, couples will fall in love (again) with Windsor Court. www.windsorcourthotel.com

For the “Type A’s-Who-Need-to-Slow-Down” couple: Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa located in dazzling slow-paced French Polynesia, allows fast-paced couples the opportunity to slow down, relax and take in the magical moments of their special day. Otemanu, the resort’s premier restaurant - known for its breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu and the Bora Bora lagoon, offers the perfect atmosphere for a rehearsal dinner. Exchange vows on the gorgeous main beach and celebrate on a sunset cruise. Couples can book one of the romantic Overwater End of Pontoon Bungalows which are carefully oriented to views and sunlight with privacy as a key consideration. www.boraboralagoon.com

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

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/.

Traveling to Mexico for a Honeymoon or Destination Wedding - Is It Safe?

The media has been covering heightened violence in bordering towns and major Mexican cities due to the drug cartels. You may have an upcoming destination wedding or honeymoon in Mexico, so does this mean you are in danger or should cancel your event? After talking to several people who reside in Mexico and own/operate hotels in major travel destinations, the consensus is that you should not cancel your vacation plans or destination wedding, however it's good to exercise caution if you are traveling through border towns or major cities such as Tijuana or Mexico City. Any time you leave your country, you should be aware at all times and be a responsible traveler.

Before settling on what you've seen on the news, I encourage you to not believe everything you hear.

Here's the latest report from the U.S. Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

And a statement released by the Mexico Tourism Board's CEO:
http://www.mexico-update.com/wb/mexupdate/mexu_Mexico_Tourism_Boards_CEO_Letter

I urge you to travel safely no matter where your destination wedding or honeymoon may take you!

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!

Taking the Plunge!

Photos by J. Nelson Photography, http://www.jnelsonphoto.com/

Last July, couple Joshua Nathaniel Ginsberg & Lauren Margaret Dargevics tied the proverbial knot in the same place they were engaged - Cozumel Mexico.

100 guests were witness to the gorgeous wedding at sunset on the beaches of the Cozumel Iberostar Resort.

Lauren wore a Emma Scott gown, while the groom donned Tommy Bahama.

Bridesmaids wore David’s Bridal gowns and entertainment was a Mexican trio, mariachi band, resort DJ and the ever famous iPod.

Still to come…their romantic Fijian honeymoon, this March.

Congrats to the lucky couple and thanks for sharing your special day with us!