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!

Cooookies!

I have a sweet tooth. A bad sweet tooth. So when I get to a wedding and find out there is a wedding favor in the shape of this, I get very excited.

Being in the wedding industry, we are always looking for the latest in wedding ideas. This one is perfect because it works for any kind of wedding - especially destination weddings!

Brought to you by Flour Pot Cookie Boutique, you can find cookies in almost any shape.

For example: sand dollars! These are perfect for a beach wedding, or just a beach theme.

For the couple who loves a long walk in the park or a bike ride, these bicycle cookies are adorable and delicious.

These swimsuit cookies are colorful, fun and perfect for a tropical wedding.

If you are planning a winter wedding, what better than some snowflakes to get the theme right?

Or a wedding in the Cape? These nautical themed favors are a perfect compliment, to a wedding, shower or pre/post party.

Doing a city wedding? These taxi cab cookies are the way to go.

Just promise me this, if you are planning your upcoming wedding and decide to go with these favors, will you send me an invitation?

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/

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

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

Wedding Podcast Network's Bridal Scene

Wedding Pod Cast Network has been lighting up iTunes with it's interesting content and helpful tips from professionals since pod casting became a phenomenon.

In today’s episode Holli & Robert chat with Camilla Chafer in London, the talented editor of the hit bridal blog Bridalwave, and leading planner of cosmopolitan chic weddings Vicky Johnson in Washington, DC. You will find out about upcoming bridal events that are fun and definitely worth attending while planning your wedding experience. Washington, DC and Long Beach Island, NJ here we come and so should you!

TLC'S "SAY YES TO THE DRESS" AIRS SPECIAL INSTALLMENT OF HIT SERIES

Say Yes to the Dress: Ultimate Wedding Edition premieres on January 25 at 10pm ET/PT


On January 25, TLC will premiere SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ULTIMATE WEDDING EDITION, a one-hour special featuring three very deserving couples who get their dream weddings after overcoming hardships and tribulations.

• April and Elijah were originally planning for a Spring 2009 wedding, but when they found out they were both getting deployed to Iraq (they met during training--April, the bride, is a tank mechanic for the army national guard), they had to move up the date to December 2008 and plan their wedding in a month! They just got married December 27. The special also touches upon a great loss for the couple, the groom's twin brother recently died of cancer. Between the loss of his brother and the couple's upcoming deployment to Iraq, this was a very emotional event, but also a very joyous celebration.


• Hope and Eugene put their original wedding date on hold when Hurricane Ike hit. To make matters worse, Eugene recently lost his job as a program manager at the YMCA working with disadvantaged young people when budgets were cut due to the recession. They used their entire wedding budget to help family and friends recover from the devastation. We help them plan the wedding they've always dreamed of, and help the bride-to-be get her perfect dress as well. They are now getting married on February 14, 2009.
  
• Theresa and Irving just recently moved to NYC from New Orleans, and had spent most of their money supporting Irving's little brother. They've always wanted to plan a nice wedding but decided their money was better spent supporting Lamar and saving for their move to NY. The folks at Kleinfeld actually surprised the couple by transforming the lobby of the bridal salon into a wedding venue for them, and it's all documented in this special. This is the very first time the store has ever done this for anyone.

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

You, in pictures!

There are lots of things to worry about as you take the leap into marrital bliss. One thing you shouldn't worry about is your destination wedding photography. We know you're out there trying to figure out how to save some money, but not sacrifice quality. One of our favorite photographers (he's a mighty cool dude and one heck of a talent) is willing to throw in a little extra during these tough economic times - why? Cause that's just the kind of guy he is!

Josh Andrus has graced the pages of many magazines (including the upcoming issue of Destination I Do - on shelves March 3rd) and travels all over the world taking amazing photos of brides & grooms during their most joyous occassion. Josh can travel anywhere you can dream up as he's a seasoned adventurer having shot freelance documentary jobs throughout Europe and beyond.

If you book your wedding with Josh Andrus, he will include an album from Graphi Studios (that's some swanky stuff there, ladies and gents). So check him out (I promise you will love him AND his work) by visiting his web site: http://www.joshandrus.com/

Make sure to mention that you found this on the DestinationI Do Magazine blog!

New on Newsstands!

Cover photo by Rebecca Bouck Photography

That's right - it's new! And in my personal opinion, our best yet. This Fall/Winter issue of Destination I Do covers domestic and exotic locations along with a very special celebrity wedding (Chris Kattan and Sunshine Tutt) and an extremely helpful "Guide to Wedding Gowns" giving you an idea on how to dress your shape, not your size.

We have many of our same contributors back again, but also some new faces and places to help you in your quest of planning the greatest day of your life. You'll find helpful editorial on places to tie the knot and are perfect for your rustic chic getaway, spots in the Caribbean that will blow your mind, but not your bank account.

We all know that the economy is putting a strain on our spending - but that shouldn't mean you have to settle. This issue has some great places (such as Thailand) where you can stretch your dollar further but keep the elegance in tact.

You can find the magazine on newsstands nationwide or feel free to order a copy right off our web site!