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/

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.

“EXTRA’S” Wedding Week of Giveaways!

Love is in the air and the celeb wedding bells keep on ringing! Now YOU can say “I do” like the stars and “Extra” will help you pay for it.

All week on “Extra,” they are giving away wedding essentials – from the gown and the honeymoon to wedding bands and even the photographer!

Today’s giveaway is wedding bands courtesy of Tacori Jewelers. One lucky couple will win a woman’s wedding band in platinum with diamonds, and for him a band in 18 carat white gold.

Later this week, “Extra” will give away a honeymoon to Conrad Maldvies Rangali Island, a trip valued at $13,000! Plus, “Extra” will give away designed wedding invitations at Soolip.com and even a renowned photographer.

PLUS - What’s a wedding without the wedding party? “Extra” will give away 4 bridesmaid dresses and a flower girl dress by Kirstie Kelly Couture. PLUS, 4 pearl necklaces from Pearl Paradise and one pair of pearl studs for the bride.

Tune in to “Extra,” listen for the secret word and sign up on http://www.extratv.com/ to become an “Extra” friend for your chance to win!

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

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.

Upcoming Bridal Event in Hawaii

If you are in the Honolulu, HI area this Sunday April 26th, stop by Papyrus at the Ala Moana Shopping Mall.

Wedding vendors of all types will be there and for all couples who have an appointment, they can get a swag bag filled with coupons, samples, goodies and of course - a complimentary copy of Destination I Do Magazine.

One of our favorite gown designers will have her hand painted creation "Orchid" on display at the event. Check out Jules Bly's Designs and many other talented wedding vendors in the Honolulu area this Sunday!

Photo by Christiaan Phleger, Gown by Jules Bly, Flowers by Anny Heid Flowers

Spring Bridal Event

April 26th from 12-6pm

Appointment Times are Recommended

Call Melody

808-947-2700

http://www.papyrusonline.com/category/id/102301.do

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!

Get Formal with The Shops at Tanforan

Magical Fireflies Perfect for a Garden Wedding

My brother and his fiance decided that the perfect destination for their upcoming wedding would be none other than my back yard. So when they asked us if they could hold their wedding at our house this upcoming April, my husband and I decided not only was it a great idea, but it was the perfect excuse to get our yard whipped into shape. We added an arbor with bistro lighting and outdoor drapes, new planters with flowers and pathway lighting. We even found a perfect double door wrought iron gate to add to our front entrance so it would give our 83 year old Spanish-revival style home some additional curb appeal for their big day.

We finished our renovations around the holidays and as we put the final touches on our new outdoor living space we figured, it couldn't get any better.

Well, I was wrong.

I found out about a very unique product on the market called Firefly Magic. This solar powered system allows the user to spread these life-like green blinking lights throughout ones garden. The result: a feeling of nostalgia as the "lighting bugs" blink on and off in such a realistic manner, most biologists would be stumped.

If you are thinking of having a back-yard wedding or want to add a little more magic to your existing event space, there's nothing more magical than these fireflies.

http://www.fireflymagic.com/

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

Operation Aisle Style and Anti-Bride Fashion Rock the Runway W-SF

Photos courtesy of Thomas Hawk

The event of the season was kicked off on March 12th and I was so lucky to be a part of it...the biggest part? My partner in crime on all things "off the beaten path," Carolyn Gerin - creator of the Anti-Bride Book Series. She worked tirelessly to get this event to happen and somehow, even after the dust settled, wrote a little something for us:

We heard it from everyone:
From Guests: “This is one of the coolest events I’ve ever been to”
From Students: “This was the best night of my life”
From CEOS: “This is off the hook”
From Silicon Valley VCs: “You’re on to something here…”
From Press: “When can we interview your team? Are you going to do this again?”
From Music Industry Types: “I’ve been to a lot of high end parties, but this is really creative, original and fun.”
From Entertainment Executives: “This should be a show.”
From EVERYONE: “When are you guys going to do it again???“ and, THE HOOKS ROCK!

Anti-Bride.com, Destination I Do Magazine, The W-SF, Skout.com and Blurb.com made fashion history at the W-SF at 6 pm.

The wine flowed, the martinis mixed and a see and be seen crowd descended on the W Hotel SF lobby with a line out the door. Anyone who thinks SF isn’t a fashion town? Think again. The Art Institute of California San Francisco, The San Francisco Institute of Aesthetics and Cosmetology gave a swift kick in the tulle-covered derriere of the Wedding Industrial Complex once and for all.

White weddings will never be the same.

The student competition and fashion show which was Anti-Bride themed had a range of genres covering: Rockabilly, Gothic Chic, Futuristic, Same Sex, Retro Glam, 60’s Mod, Punk and Rocker, the only rule of the road being is that white was verboten.

Following that was looks from Project Runway alum and Kenneth Pool lead designer Austin Scarlett. The winner of the student challenge was AICA-SF Student Chaz Schaad, future rising star who’s voluminous black silk couture gown was a little bit Vivienne Westwood, Viktor and Rolf and a little mod and goth all at once. Chaz also dressed Keith and Ronan Mulligan (The Hooks) in suits ready for prime time: an outdoor stage at SXSW. Keith wore a mod pinstriped suit with yellow trim and Ronan wore a black and red striped morning coat with tails and tapered trousers. When the Hooks took to the stage, they looked as good as they played in a blistering performance that wowed the crowd.

Competition Judges Included:
Katie Rice Jones: Style Network, E! TV Guide Channel, Oxygen
Laurent Gerin: Head Designer, Williams Sonoma/Williams Sonoma Home
Samantha Durbin: Fabsugar.com, Sugar Publishing
Heidi Richman: Rock Band Couturier turned Marketing Diva
Lorraine Saunders: SFIndiefashion.com, Glam Watch 7×7

Student Anti-Bride Competition Winner:
Chaz Schaad, Art Institute of California, San Francisco

Student Competitors:

Coral Castillo

Andrew Landrith

Dora Un

Justyna Fiuk

Kim Pinto

Lisa Seraphin

Danielle Tilford

Leanna Liu

Tameron Stuber

Erin Rice

Candice Hurth

Inez Johnson

Stephanie Stayer

Apeksha Ambaram

Event sponsors included: W San Francisco, Anti-Bride Productions Inc. (antibride.com,) Destination I Domagazine (destinationidomag.com,) Skout.com, Austin Scarlett for Kenneth Pool, Blurb.com, The Art Institute of California, Britex Fabrics,The San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, Bad Habit Wine, Priest Ranch Wine, High Flyer Wine, Kai Vodka, TheHooks (thehooksmusic.com), Clarisonic, NeatReceipts, Craft magazine, Make magazine, Cal Med Spa, Chronicle Books, Shannon Clark, Nearness Function, Paul Robertson Floral Design, Rubener Bautista Fine Jewelry, and the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club in Curacao (kurahulanda.com).


CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS OF THIS FAB EVENT!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/Agcaoili_dsotm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahampuleo
http://thomashawk.com/2009/03/anti-bride-and-the-hooks-at-the-w-hotel-in-san-francisco.html
http://web.sendtoprint.net/proofbook/login.asp?userid=OAS&secure_account_id=6113&secure_users_id=233677

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!