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!

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/

Get to Paradise for $565 Round-Trip

If you're looking for an amazing honeymoon destination, Fiji has it all, and now, it won't kill your wallet to get there! Air Pacific, Fiji’s International Airline, has just announced round-trip fares as low as $565 from Los Angeles to Nadi, Fiji. The sale is from June 30, 2009 for travel good through December 31, 2009.

Plus, with the exchange rate being so low, US citizens and travelers coming from many other destinations can stay, eat and play for less.

http://www.airpacific.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.

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.

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

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

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

Destination Wedding in Romania

Photography by LucieXYZPhotography

Who said Transylvania is just for vampires? This destination wedding is what fairy tales are made of. On July 8th, 2008, Iulia & Mike became Mr. & Mrs. during a ceremony held at the Buna Vestire Orthodox Church in Brasov, Romania.

The couple resides in California, but both are from Romania, so the location was easy to select.



The reception was held at the Hotel Aro Palace in Brasov, Romania complete with live entertainment which included Haydn Deane & Orchestra as well as a famous Romanian folk singer Mioara Velicu.

The parade dinner service was a nice touch as people were wined and dined from 3pm until 3am!



Post wedding and reception, the couple and their professional photographer, Lucie from LucieXYZ Photography found themselves at Dracula's castle Bran for a little private photo session.