Bridal Party Gift Idea Perfect for Your Destination Wedding

One question we get all the time at the magazine is, "what should I get my bridesmaids as a thank you gift that's meaningful and personalized?"

Because you've decided to do a destination wedding, it also needs to be portable. Jewelry is always a great idea, but many items can't be personalized or worn after the wedding, not to mention they can be expensive.

Recently we uncovered one jewelry designer who gives you everything you need - a personalized, unique gift that is easy to transport and even easier on the pocketbook.

Introducing, Lisa Leonard Designs:


Her jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes. Each piece is hand-made and can be personalized with initials or messages.

With a reasonable price tag of between $18 and $98, each one of your special ladies will be stylin' and you won't go over budget.

Personalize each piece with their names, their children's names or a sweet message to commemorate your special occasion.

I actually have the "cherish" necklace shown below and loved it so much, I ended up ordering one for a friend.

Lisa Leonard's collection includes everything from unique stamped necklaces, stackable rings, cuff bracelets and much more. To check her beautiful line, click here.

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/

Destination Wedding Hair Styles

By: Jamie Taylor

Your destination wedding will be the epitome of perfect: perfect place, perfect husband, perfect shoes, perfect dress and (hopefully) perfect hair. Believe me, you didn’t go through your destination planning for anything less than that! Choosing the perfect hairstyle can make or break your look, so consulting a stylist to get the perfect tresses will be well worth every penny.

Image by Kim Irons

In humid weather, your safest bet is a loose updo that keeps curly hair from going frizzy and straight hair from looking flat. Alternate with intricate twists and braids to add original taste. If your hair knows better and can keep the shape, then tighter curls (and a bit more hairspray) will do the trick.

Image by Maria Bernal

Mild , temperate weather is the best weather when it comes to your tresses, it gives you many more looks that you can work with: half up-dos with curls are sweet and transitional down-dos that can be pinned into casual updos maintain your elegance during your reception.

Image by Kim Irons

Image by Kim Irons

Image by Maria Bernal

Make sure, when you visit your stylist, you bring a picture of what you want - this way, both of you will be on the same page from the beginning.

Here's to hoping your hair is as gorgeous as you!

Something Blue - Accesssories For Your Destination I Do's

By: Jamie Taylor

Something Old - check
Something New - check
Something Borrowed - check
Something Blue...

As you try to decide what that "something" is, veer away from tradition. Most brides would find themselves reaching for the blue garter - but if you're reading this, you're not in the category of "most brides" and are likely wanting something a bit different.

Blue is a salient color that can bring the best out in any outfit, and it can really add some pizazz to your wedding ensemble. Rather than wear your "something blue" under your gown, why not flaunt it? Here are some affordable accessories to help point you in the right direction:

*Note: Products that are made by Ten Thousand Villages aids under privileged designers in under developed areas such as Africa, Asia and Latin America. Proceeds will benefit this fair trade organization.

Chrysalis Designs - Seriously Blue Cuff - $35
http://www.madeitmyself.com/item-detail.aspx?itemid=21000


Ten Thousand Villages - Tara Project Beaded Cuff Bracelet - $18

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/product.detail.php?product_id=5543

BelaBrazilianDesigns - Blue Orchid Hair Pin - $39

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24518927

BelaBrazilianDesigns - Morpho Manelaus Butterfly Necklace - $89

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18822763

Ten Thousand Villages - Manos Amigos - Peruvian Turquoise Pendant- $170

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/product.detail.php?product_id=8990

Jadecicada - Lapis Pyrite Necklace - $139

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21986247

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.

Why You Need Spanx for Your Destination Wedding

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

Some of the most beautiful gowns on the market for destination weddings can be the hardest to wear. Sheath silhouettes are typically the most eye catching and appropriate for a tropical beach-front ceremony. The one problem: they hide virtually nothing! If you're sportin' some muffin-top, that silk chiffon fabric is not going to hide your problem area. Got a little extra junk in the trunk but can't imagine walking the destination wedding aisle in a big puffy ball gown to hide your over-adequate derriere? Never fear, Spanx Shapers are here!

For a flat tummy go for the SPANX Hide& Sleek Hi-Rise Thong. This smoother features a comfortable lace thong and offers high-waisted control. Gentle double-layer compression starts just under the bra line and extends down, creating a firm tummy and smooth midriff. This high-performing thong is perfect for mermaid or empire style gowns. $42, Colors: Black & Nude, available at www.spanx.com/weddings.

For thigh and rear control, wear the ASSETS Sensational Shaper. ASSETS by Sara Blakely is a more accessible line of shapewear by Spanx which offers all of the amazing body-shaping benefits, comfort, and quality for less – perfect for brides on a budget. This high-waisted mid-thigh shaper creates a sensational silhouette by minimizing the waistline and comfortably slimming the thighs and butt. With a patented no-legband design, it is invisible under wedding gowns and comfortably stays in place for the big day. This shaper is perfect with a clingy slip dress that has potential to show lumps and bumps. $20, Colors: Nude & Black, available at David’s Bridal.

Summer and destination weddings call for breathable shapewear and the Haute Contour Sexy Sheer Mid-Thigh Shaper offers a perfectly sheer shaping solution. Haute Contour by Spanx is sexy, sumptuous, lingerie-inspired shapewear , and this piece is the ultimate elegant underpinning because it’s provides shaping support and is sexy enough for the wedding night! The open weave shaping-power-mesh is invisible under clothing, and allows for breath-ability while slimming hips, thighs and bottom. Plus, the reinforced tummy panel offers an additional layer of silky shaping support. This gorgeous shaper is perfect under form-fitting gowns. $128, Colors: Blush, Pitch, Sterling & Porcelain (the perfect shade for brides), available at http://www.spanx.com/weddings

Now go on girl friends, rock your shapely bods AND your gorgeous destination wedding gowns!

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

Happy Honeymooners

It's fair to say that renowned laser surgeon, Dr. Mark Taylor, has seen his fair share of patients with pigmentation and sun damage issues at his practice, Gateway Aesthetic Institute & Laser Center which is the world's largest laser center. http://www.gatewaylasercenter.com/. With over 30 years experience, Dr. Taylor has some great insight into the prevention and treatment of sun damaged skin.

PREVENTION is key. Used properly, certain sunscreens help protect skin from some of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But according to recent surveys, most people are confused about the proper use and effectiveness of sunscreens.

There are 2 types rays that cause sun damage:

• UVA rays, which are not absorbed by the ozone layer, penetrate deep into the skin and heavily contribute to premature aging. Up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by sun exposure according to the EPA.


• UVB Rays which are partially absorbed by the ozone layer, mostly impact the surface of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. Because of the thinning of the ozone layer, the effects of UVB radiation will pose an increased threat until the layer is restored in approximately 50 years according to the EPA.

Dr. Taylor suggests:

• Look for sunscreens that protect from UVA and UVB damage since not all sunscreens protect against both.


• Apply sunscreen regularly. The EPA suggests about 1 oz. every 2 hours (or as directed by manufacturer) and more often if you are swimming or perspiring. A small tube containing between 3 and 5 oz. of sunscreen might only be enough for one person during a day at the beach.


• Certain brands of sunscreen give better protection than others. However, most national brands are safe and effective if used correctly. Natural sunscreens like Zinc and Titanium have less risk of allergic or photochemical reactions than chemical sunscreens and tend to cause fewer problems with acne, but have the disadvantage of making the skin whiter after application.


• Some people won't apply sunscreen often enough because of concern with getting enough Vitamin D. But very few people are compulsive enough with their sunscreen to cause Vitamin D deficiency. Most people get enough incidental sun exposure to take care of Vitamin D needs.


• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow it to fully absorb into skin.

Taking these steps will help protect against sun damage. But most of us already have the damage.

What's a TREATMENT option? Dr. Taylor developed a new line of products called M2 Skin Care which features natural fruit acids, Mandelic and Malic Acid to help with pigmentation whether it is caused by melasma, sun damage or acne scars. The line came about while he was prepping his patients for laser surgery. What he discovered was that the products were effective at treating pigmentation issues by themselves and sometimes his patients didn't need to proceed with laser treatments at all! The antioxidant power of Mandelic and Malic acid are highly effective in treating pigmentation and because they are naturally derived, are tolerated well by most people. The M2 line features an exfoliating cleanser, serum and moisturizer.


Visit http://www.m2skintech.com/ for product information.

Bottom line: protection and treatment of sun damage go hand in hand.

Say it with SWAROVSKI!

As many of you know, Fergie (aka Stacy Fergsuson) married Josh Duhamel last weekend and boy did they sparkle!

According to Courtney Kish at Film Fashion:

Fergie gifted her seven bridesmaids an assortment of jewelry from Swarovski.

Each bridesmaid wore the Dauphin pendant necklace ($190) featuring Black Pearl crystal pearls, Black Diamond and clear crystal pavé.

They also wore rhodium-plated Random bangles ($70),

and the pavé crystal Eyeliner bangles ($100)

Several attendants completed their look with crystal earring styles including:

Galet ($65)

Parallele ($115)

and Stonehenge ($95)

As for the boys?

Duhamel’s seven groomsmen wore the Francesco cuff links ($70) by Swarovski. The rhodium- plated rectangular cuff links feature a rich black Jet crystal set in the smart princess baguette cut.

To order your very own Swarovski jewelry, visit: www.swarovski.com

Destination: Buff Brides

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Second, congrats to all the newly engaged couples who are surfing the net to find the perfect weddding away. I hope you find destinationidomag.com and Destination I Do Magazine helpful tools in creating the destination wedding of your dreams.

Getting in shape is one way to start a new year off right, and it will help you look your best come W-day. Jennifer Cassetty, Celebrity Fitness Expert has some fantastic tips for how to look picture perfect depending on the gown you select:

A-Line: shoulders, sculpted arms- Bicep Curl/Shoulder Press Combination - With dumbbells, perform bicep curl up to chin, then rotate hands as press weights overhead, then return to start position
- Lateral Raises - standing with knees slightly bent, shoulders back palms down toward thighs, raise from mid-shoulder arms straight out to side up to shoulder level, then return to thighs
- Bench dips - sitting on edge of bench, hands just over edge, move hips just off bench and lower body by bending elbows straight back. Press from back of arms to extended position then lower body and repeat
- Rear Delt - Lying face down flat on bench; weights on floor, palms facing each other at shoulder level raise from back of shoulders straight out to side, squeezing shoulders together, then return to floor

Mermaid: back, toned glutes, lean thighs.
- Deadlift/Bentover rows - standing, knees slightly bent, shoulders back and chest out. Weights hanging down with straight arms in front of thighs, band at waist until back is parallel to floor; pull shoulders back together bending elbows up, then extend arms straight down and extend through hips to stand fully up.
- Single leg squats - one leg behind you on bench, keeping hips and shoulders square to the front, raise head and chest and squat down as far as possible keeping all the weight on the front heel., then stand back to start position and repeat.
- Squat/upright row Combination - wide stance with toes slightly turned out, weights in hands hanging straight down. Squat down, knees following line of toes, then stand and raise elbows up to the ears pulling from the shoulders, then return weights straight down back to squat position.


Ball Gown: slender or pear-shaped women to create smaller waist; nice arms - Rotating Plank - hold plank position on extended arms and toes, then rotate one arm up to ceiling, back to plank, and repeat on other side. Advanced move, add push-up during plank.
- Suitcase Crunches - on back, hands under ears, knees bent on floor crunch up and touch elbows to knees, then return to start position
- Sunrise Abs - lying on back with knees bent; holding ball, bar, or small dumbbell overhead with arms extended. press weight up to ceiling and perform full sit-up straight up to ceiling. Advanced move. rotate shoulders as you sit up, ball still straight up to ceiling.

Empire: focuses eye to neck and chest- Incline Chest Flies - incline bench lying face up, palms facing each other, bend elbows slightly and lower arms straight out to sides (above the chest, not shoulders or face), then pull from chest arms back up together.
- Chest press/triceps press combination - flat bench lying face up; palms facing outward bend elbows at 90 degree angle down to chest and press back up together; then face palms together and lower elbows straight down by side to chest level and press through back of arms straight above chest again. Rotate back to chest press/trice press for reps.
- Upright row/press out combination - sitting on edge of bench, hold weights straight down and pull upward from shoulders then extend arms straight out in front, pull back to shoulders, then lower back to start position.

Column: straight down for leaner figures, Belly and lean, toned thighs- CARDIO!!!! - interval training mixed with proper healthy diet will lean out legs and flatten belly in time for fittings!
- Star Lunges - Left foot stays anchored; right foot steps out front to lunge, back together; diagonal, lateral, and reverse lunge. Then Switch legs
- Lower abs - lying flat on floor, knees bent, pull belly into floor and raise knees up to chest raising hips off the floor, then lower back down to start position.
- Scissor abs - lying flat on back with legs extended, place hands under hips to support back raise legs off floor and alternate crossing them over and back of each other focusing on keeping inner thighs tight and lower belly pressed into floor.


For more information on Jennifer Cassetty please visit http://www.jennifercassetty.com/

Bridal Party Favor Idea

Brides and fashionistas alike, meet Luxe Link, a fabulous little trinket perfect for you and all your best gal pals. Part purse charm, part handbag hanger, it allows you to keep your coveted Louis off the floor and out of harms way. It clips stylishly onto the outside of your bag when not in use. It holds securely onto any flat surface.

You can find Luxe Link at select retailers and online at http://www.luxelink.com/ for $35.

Personalize the Luxe Link by adding your bridesmaid's initial, or your own!

Anyone who appreciates a beautiful handbag should possess one of these portable gadgets.