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.

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Showing posts with label New Orleans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Orleans. Show all posts

Monday, June 15, 2009

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

Monday, March 2, 2009

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!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

We (HEART) New Orleans

After a whirlwind trip to New Orleans, I return with an extra spring in my step and dimple on my hindquarters from eating all the decadent food!

New Orleans captured my heart all over again. I had been once, pre-Katrina, and although our activities included the hyper touristy attractions, I loved it. This time I hoped for something a little more off the beaten track, and thanks to our new NOLA friends, they steered us in exactly the right direction. Not knowing what to expect with how much the city had changed – I was pleasantly surprised. The people are just as warm and friendly as ever, the tourism was hopping and all the Halloween events in full swing. Many people talked about their Katrina experiences with us– but not once did I hear anyone say they wish they had left and started over somewhere else. People who live there, love it – as they should. It’s one of the most amazing cities in the United States – and as for doing destination weddings there – it’s a MUST!


©joshandrus.com

Thursday night, we had our Operation Aisle Style event that benefitted Sweet Home New Orleans. What a success! The W French Quarter could not have been a more picture perfect atmosphere to hold such an event. The staff at the W Hotels in New Orleans (both the Poydras location and French Quarter) were some of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. The party took place in their courtyard nestled in the middle of their hotel. Casual, modern décor fused with just the right NOLA charm and the hip style of the W made all of us feel a little romantic. And of course, when you throw Austin Scarlett’s designs (for Kenneth Pool), the guests began drooling!


©joshandrus.com

The photographer who captured the evening was Josh Andrus. We became fast friends and I quickly learned about his experience, keen artistic sense and overwhelming talent. He would be an asset to anyone’s event - be it corporate or wedding, he’s got the “it” factor like no one else in town!


©joshandrus.com

There were plenty of talented vendors there to strut their stuff – from Celeb Hair & Makeup artist, Brandy Gomez-Duplessis (she did all the gorgeous faces for the runway show) to Robye Ducote (see below) from Atelier Aucoin Salon (he did the models hair and boy did they look chic!).



There was also cake designer – Sucre – who created two sweet masterpieces.


©joshandrus.com

X-Rated Liqueur did all the signature drinks (they even gave the drinks cute names like “X-change of Vows” and wow were they good!)

High Flyer and Bad Habit Wines poured for us all night – what a delightful team of winemakers and I promise, the wine is as great as they are!


©joshandrus.com
Our partner in crime, the original Anti-Bride, Carolyn Gerin was the co-master of ceremonies and part brainchild for this amazing event. If you don’t own her book series – you need to run, not walk, to the nearest Barnes & Noble to get them! Not only are they extremely helpful, but they are side-splitting hilarious.


©joshandrus.com

Our runway show was a hit. Each gown that made it down the steps just floated and sparkled like something I’ve never seen. Austin Scarlett knows how to design for a woman’s body and enhance all the right places.

©joshandrus.com


©joshandrus.com


©joshandrus.com


©joshandrus.com

One lucky winner took the grand prize of a 3night/4day escape to the Dominican Republic at Caleton Club & Villas. So congrats to the lucky couple!

In order to pull off this event, there were several warriors that worked like crazy to get it done - Terri Kaupp from Peter Mayer Advertising, Emily Harris from Amsale and Beth Ann Brannon from the W. They sat through endless calls and emails to get this party started - only they were a little camera shy so I can't show their lovely faces here. A big thanks to them, this event was a hit! You go girls!

As for me, well – I loved every minute of the event and when it was all said and done, ate my body weight in piping hot beignets, red beans & rice and had my fair share of Pimms as well! YUM!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Operation Aisle Style, New Orleans

YOU ARE INVITED!!!
W Hotels teamed up with the creator of the best selling Anti-Bride series and Destination I Do Magazine to throw the event of the season!

WHO You! Plus press, fashionistas, event planners, trendsetters, other brides-to-be,local luminaries, hipsters and Page 6-ers.

WHAT W Hotels knows how to add WOW to your vows, and how to do it just a little bit differently. Operation Aisle Style is a party, a fashion show and an epicurean adventure inspired by intrepid travelers, libertines, alterna-wedding wunderkinds, Carolyn Gerin, creator of the best-selling Anti-Bride series by Chronicle Books, and Jennifer Stein, publisher of Destination I Do Magazine, the premiere international romance travel magazine in partnership with the uber-hip, chicly romantic, W New Orleans – French Quarter.

WHEN Thursday, October 30, 2008, 7 pm – 10 pm

WHERE W New Orleans - French Quarter, 316 Rue Chartres

WOW! Romance, mystery, and old world glamour await you at the W New Orleans – French Quarter. Includes: Fashion show with signature styles by Project Runways Austin Scarlett, makeup tips and tricks area, professional photo session, libations and nibbles in the Courtyard, a raffle of coveted items for your trousseau and swag bags with booty for your beauty.

Let us take you behind the scenes to your picture perfect day:

  • Sip signature cocktails created especially for the bride and groom featuring X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and divine wines with pairings by the wine makers of Somerston Winery, featuring Napa Valley’s notorious Bad Habit and High Flyer wines with the inspired cuisine of our W - New Orleans chefs.

  • At the stroke of 7 pm, witness the “Operation Aisle Style” bridal fashion show bringing you the hippest bridal styles hot off the runway from our prince of aisle style, Project Runways Austin Scarlett and more, and then onto the most regal and rockin’ reception of the year in the W's wildly romantic French Quarter Courtyard.

  • Event participants/Co-promoters: Chronicle Books (publisher of Anti-Bride series and Cooking Up a Storm), Avant Guides (creator of Avant Guides, New Orleans edition), Destination I Do Magazine, Anti-Bride Productions, Somerston Wines, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Celebrity Make-up Artist Brandy from bgdmakeupartistry.com, Caleton Club & Villas, W New Orleans – French Quarter and more will make it the high profile event of the season.

  • Help us donate dollars to Sweet Home New Orleans, an organization dedicated to rebuilding the homes of New Orleans’ beloved musical community, lost to hurricane Katrina.

  • Fabulous Prizes furnished by: Avant Guides, Chronicle Books, Destination I Do Magazine, W New Orleans – French Quarter, Caleton Club & Villas and Somerston Wines. One lucky winner will receive a 3-night/4-day luxury honeymoon getaway at Caleton Club & Villas, located in the 'world's new great destination' of Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. Prize trip includes accommodations in an ocean side bungalow, breakfast daily and private transfers to/from the Punta Cana International Airport. Good luck!

  • Prepare to be tagged by our roving photojournalists and noticed on all the social sites right after the party in a fabulous photo essay documenting the revelry.

Click here for more info on the event.

Click here to RSVP via email.


You must be 21 to enter and tickets are $10 at the door. Proceeds go to Sweet Home New Orleans.

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