A Destination Wedding in Costa Rica

Wedding Design and Coordination by Events & Weddings Costa Rica
Images by Julie Comfort, Comfort Studios

Costa Rica is quickly becoming the destination of choice for weddings away and honeymoons. For Annie and Christian, it was the backdrop for their recent destination wedding, and what a wedding it was!

According to Julie Comfort, of Comfort Studios, it was "an awesome wedding in so many ways. Cool couple, perfect location, cooperative weather and a group of people who clearly know how to have a good time."

Annie and Christian rented a private villa in Playa Junquillal and shared their nuptials with 65 close friends and family overlooking the ocean and white sand beaches.

Annie made her very own bouquet and had several unique details, like a wall of family and friend photos.

Our absolute favorite part of this wedding was the "photo booth" they created. The guests were given props and with their own healthy dose of humor, had a fun time snapping shots and goofing off.

Thanks to Julie Comfort and Samantha Kohn for submitting this adorable and fun-loving couple's destination wedding!

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!

Holiday Destination Weddings - Pros and Cons

Image by Damon Tucci Studios

It is very tempting to hold your destination wedding over a holiday weekend and considering we just came off a long weekend, I thought this post would be a timely one.

If you've considered this, your thought process is probably a good one, but you may want to think things through a little further.

The Pros

• People automatically have time off work - typically. This is usually the first thing couples think about and if you are planning a destination wedding, it is nice for your guests to already have paid time off.
• Your loved ones may feel more inclined to take additional time off since the office is notably slower during holiday weeks.
• Kids aren't in school, therefore it's easier for parents to bring kids with them.

The Cons

• Vacation destinations are much busier over the holidays. Three day weekends such as Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day are known to create additional traffic not to mention, busier restaurants and resorts.
• Travel tends to cost more over long weekends. Airlines and resorts are going to bump up their prices during these times because they know simple economics. Supply is usually less than demand.
• Your guests may already have their own plans. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas can create big problems for your friends if you plan to have your special event during those times. Your own family might be able to make it since they plan to be together anyway, but your friends will likely already be committed to spending time with their families.

If you are considering doing a destination wedding over a holiday weekend, consult your guests and ask around. If people are open to it and they feel it is a good idea, go for it. But if you get mixed reactions and not many "yes" RSVP's, consider yourself warned!

If you had a great or not-so-great holiday destination wedding, share your story with us. Visit our web site at www.destinationidomag.com/contact and send me an email. I'd love to hear about it and share your advice with our readers!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Why You Should Skip Throwing the Garter & Bouquet

Image by Josh Andrus

Traditions are important. When it comes to wedding traditions, there are some which are more important than others. Stomping on the glass, cutting the cake, having your father walk you down the aisle - are all things that make us swoon as we get closer to the alter.

But there are some, and a few of you may not agree with me, that can be tossed (excuse the pun).

The bouquet and garter toss, are the ones I am referring to.

Now, 25 or 30 years ago, this was all the rage - but in today's wedding events - things have changed a little. Couples are waiting longer and longer to tie the knot, therefore the average age of a bride is 28 and the groom is 32. Along with 30-something couples, comes 30-something singles.

Not everyone in their 30's or 40's is interested in being pointed out as single. It may seem like fun to the bride and groom to pick a special song and whoop it up on the dance floor because it's considered "tradition," but all it does is make the single women in the group wish they were invisible and the men dart for the restroom.

When I have attended weddings in the past where this tradition is kept and there are a large amount of people between the ages of 10 and 25, it's a great deal of fun. So I'm not saying scrap this idea altogether, I'm simply saying - check your guest list. If you have only a handful of singles who are between 28-40, skip it. They will feel like fools and your idea of the large group shoving each other and laughing to catch the bouquet or garter is going to end up being a bust.

If you need an alternate idea because you are certain you need to give away your bouquet - do an anniversary dance. Request that your DJ or band ask all couples to get on the dance floor for a romantic song. They can begin eliminating couples depending on how long they've been together. The couple who has been together the longest, wins! Then hand over your bouquet and a bottle of champagne to the lucky couple. It's classy and it's a great way to get the older couples out on the dance floor. You won't embarrass anyone and your single friends will feel grateful you didn't make them a spectacle.

Tropical Elegance - A Destination Wedding on Lana'i

Images by DMS Photography, Floral Design by Anny Heid Flowers

We get so many submissions each week of beautiful brides going to far off places to say their "destination I do's" and this one was particularly special. The couple married on one of our favorite Hawaiian islands - Lana'i.

Every little detail was accounted for and the tropical theme was felt throughout.

Besides the gorgeous couple and flowers, there's also the landscape to factor in.

At a seaside ceremony, the couple made it official.

The reception at sunset, was lit only by candles and tiki torches. The Four Season's Lana'i always does a magnificent job at creating ambiance, and just look at those centerpieces!

We wish the happy couple the very best of luck. A big thanks to DMS Photography for sending us the beautiful shots as well as one of our favorite people on this earth and talented floral designer Anny Heid for submitting this wedding! Mahalo!

Plan B Destination Wedding - Amelia Island, Florida

Images by Arden Photography


When Allison and Ben began the planning for their July 28th destination wedding, I'm sure they didn't foresee rain in their future. But, nevertheless, rain is what they got.

Although the day turned out to be a little soggier than they'd hoped - Allison and Ben were radiant.

Her color choice of mocha and coral were a perfect blend for the overcast background. And truth is, pictures always turn out better on a cloudy day. Arden Photography did an amazing job capturing this sweet couple.

Walking along the beach in front of Amelia Island Plantation, their pint-sized flower girl didn't seem to have a care in the world.

And really, neither did the wedding party...

A cherry covered wedding cake took center stage at their wedding reception, which took place at Amelia Island Plantation's Ocean Club.

Allison & Ben were probably told a thousand times that day that rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck. Rain or no rain, the wedding was beautiful and we wish them a lifetime of sunshine.

Get Married on a Monday in Costa Rica

Images by Comfort Studios, Destination Wedding Planning and Design by Beth Helmstetter Events

I just love this wedding - for several reasons.

1. Claire & Sean got married on a Monday.

2. They got married on an off-the-beaten-path secluded beach in Costa Rica.

3. They had a wedding planner (Beth Helmstetter) who handled all the planning up to so they wouldn't be stressed.

4. They greeted their 19 guests with mojitos and bamboo fans at the start of the ceremony.

5. They served local food and signature drinks.

6. They're adorable, and the photographer (Comfort Studio) did a great job capturing all the details put together by wedding and event planner, Beth Helmstetter.

Hotel Valencia's Wedding Experience

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk and “San Antonio Living” announced the winning couple of the first-ever Hotel Valencia Wedding Experience, selected on-line by viewers. The votes are in and Bethany Ellison and Blake McKay have been chosen as the lucky San Antonio couple to win the ultimate wedding from Hotel Valencia – planned by the viewers of the “San Antonio Living” show, which airs weekdays 10-11 a.m. on 4 WOAI (NBC).

“This entire experience is such a huge blessing for us” gushed the winning couple. “Our story, how we came together, this wedding, it is all just a miracle. We could not have asked for a more beautiful place for the wedding of our dreams than Hotel Valencia” said McKay.

From now until May 2009, local wedding vendors will present their best options in wedding themes, gowns, flowers and much more for Bethany and Blake’s wedding. Viewers can vote for their wedding favorites after the show at woai.com. Once the votes are tallied, “San Antonio Living” Host Shelly Miles will announce the winning selection.

“During these difficult economic times we are thrilled to be able to partner with local wedding vendors and San Antonio Living to give Bethany and Blake the wedding of their dreams at Hotel Valencia. We are very happy for them that they were selected” said Hotel Valencia Director of Sales and Marketing Amy Trench.

For more information visit: http://www.woai.com/content/wedding/default.aspx

A DIY Destination Bride

Photography by BKB Photography

Here at Destination I Do Magazine, there's nothing we love more than innovative brides who do many of the details on their own.

Meet Rebecca Torman and John Caroll - Married March 21st, 2009 at Sanibel Island, Florida.

Rebecca's dress - along with much of the wedding decor - was designed and made by her or her loved ones.

Professional photographer, Brittany Blando was struck by the level of creativity she witnessed through the event. "The bride and family were involved in every detail from hanging paper lanterns to signing during the ceremony.The bride is an artist by trade and maximized her abilities to create all the details. The signature color blue was carried throughout the event... and started with the brides engagement ring."

Even the cake and the flowers were done by the bride herself on W-day.

Next up for the creative bride? We think she should start making Wonder Woman costumes to reflect her DIY super powers!

To see more amazing shots of this gorgeous couple and a peek at their photographer's blog, click HERE.

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!