Happy Planning
DeVonda
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
12 Sexiest Wedding Destinations
I came across an article on Destination Weddings & Honeymoons listing the 12 Sexiest Wedding Destinations.
Some spots are so magical the word romance doesn’t do them justice. So forget that boring ballroom — instead, turn up the heat and wow your guests with an unforgettable ceremony in one of these heart-racing locales.
1. Bora Bora
Nothing says sexy like Tahiti’s overwater bungalows, built on stilts over neon-blue waters and featuring glass-paneled walls and floors — all the better for drinking in the views from all sides. A-list pairs including Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher have crossed the Pacific to honeymoon here. Thanks to recently relaxed legal requirements, visiting couples can now make it official right on the sand or in one of these sumptuous digs. Or head to Le Meridien Bora Bora, where you can say I do in an overwater chapel in front of an altar made of shells.
2. Santorini
Say I do on a rocky clifftop overlooking a whitewashed village: Imerovigli sits above the volcanic shores of Red Beach; Oia, on the island’s north side, offers prime views of blazing sunsets. Take in the backdrop with a tour through the vine-tangled grounds of the Volcan Wines Museum or the hillside ruins of Ancient Thera, which date to the fourth century B.C. For your reception, celebrate like the Greeks do with a leisurely meal that lasts till the wee hours and features fresh seafood, crisp Assyrtiko white wine (the island has six wineries) and, of course, some lively ouzo toasts. Opa!
3. Venice
Is any place more beautiful than this historic Italian city built on waterways? Arrive by gondola to your ceremony at a private palace on the Grand Canal, where interiors come bedecked with ornate furnishings, marble staircases and grand arched windows overlooking the Rialto Bridge. Your party can then be ferried to one of the city’s villa hotels for a rooftop reception dinner. Or better yet, choose another island, like Giudecca, and hold your fete with views of illuminated Piazza San Marco. Celebrate with a feast of antipasti, just-caught seafood, artisanal cheeses and castraure, the island’s rare purple artichokes, before losing yourselves among the city’s winding alleyways.
4. Anguilla
On this quiet Caribbean isle, chic resorts with stark white exteriors seem to merge into the surrounding sand. Super-luxe hideaways like Cap Juluca and CuisinArt Resort & Spa specialize in privacy, which is why celebrities flock here. The beaches — claimed by locals to have sand so powder-fine it won’t stick to your feet — are the most coveted spots for intimate ceremonies. Parties can then go grand in an award-winning restaurant or low-key at sites like Scilly Cay — a private island just a two-minute boat ride from the mainland, where your clan can play in the surf before indulging in just-grilled crayfish and jugs of potent rum punch.
5. Oahu
Iconic Waikiki Beach is the center of the action on this gorgeous isle. Marry in the one of the luxe resorts that stand sentry over the famous curve of sand, with easy access to Honolulu’s glitzy shopping, dining and nightlife scene. Or go quiet on the North Shore, where a laid-back surf culture holds sway. Add a native touch to your nuptials with a conch blower, a lei exchange and a ukulele player to strum you down the aisle. Your reception gets even more sensual when you include a performance by local hula dancers, who share the legends of Old Hawaii through the art of dance.
6. San Miguel de Allende
Culture lovers have long been drawn to this colonial city perched in the mountains of central Mexico. Plentiful attractions range from the artisan galleries filled with wares — glass, jewelry, pottery — to the charming central plaza El Jardin. Book a historic hacienda within walking distance of it all, and hold your ceremony in a landscaped courtyard studded with antiques. The city is also known for cuisine; Casa de Sierra Nevada (pictured) even has its own cooking school. Throw a food-centric fiesta featuring local dishes like shrimp chilaquiles, and amp up your after-party with mariachis and dancing mojigangas — life-size papier-mâché puppets.
7. St. Lucia
Yes, the Caribbean is famed for its beaches, but St. Lucia has many more ways to go. Exchange vows in a jungle, by a waterfall or aboard a catamaran with views of the twin Piton peaks. Hotels here embrace the surroundings, and open-air rooms at resorts like Jade Mountain and Ladera are the essence of come-hither hideaways. If it’s nightlife you crave, check into a plush retreat on the island’s northern end, near the lively club scene of Rodney Bay; several great all-inclusives here include three Sandals resorts. Another highlight: the “drive-through” Soufriere volcano, which gives proof of the isle’s fiery past and feeds the mineral-rich natural spa pools of Diamond Falls.
8. Paris
For centuries lovers have flocked to the City of Light. Long residency requirements in France make this city better for symbolic ceremonies, but your venue options are endless, from chic restaurants to pristine gardens. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Paris’ celebrated museums; only here can you admire voluptuous forms like Venus de Milo in the vast halls of the Louvre. Even dining here is a sensual affair, from sweet, buttery escargot at famed L’Escargot Montorgueil to effervescent Champagne made and bottled a mere 45-minute train ride away. The pièce de la résistance: a moonlight riverboat tour along the Seine.
9. Turks and Caicos
One glance at the sugar-white sand of Grace Bay Beach, and you’ll understand why Turks and Caicos has become one of the Caribbean’s hottest destinations. The resort vibe on the main island of Providenciales is decidedly elegant, and nonstop service from a trio of East Coast gateways (Atlanta, Miami and New York) makes it convenient as well. Exchange vows in the stark white sand, and hold a posh reception on a restaurant terrace turned outdoor lounge. For fun, take your group on a sunset pleasure cruise, hopping Turks and Caicos’ eight inhabited islands and countless uninhabited cays by sunset.
10. Napa Valley
How can you not love a locale that incorporates wine into everything? Take a bike tour through the vineyards, stopping for tastings along the way, or hop aboard a hot-air balloon for some sightseeing over the Golden State. Legalities make it tricky to have your event at an actual winery (the laws are looser in neighboring Sonoma County), but Napa Valley has plenty of enticing options for your big day: Say I do at a Spanish-style chapel like Mont la Salle, in the French-inspired gardens of a private estate or even in an underground wine cave, like this one at Calistoga Ranch.
11. New Orleans
No American city oozes ambience like the Big Easy, from the Victorian mansions of the Garden District to the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter. This Louisiana city loves parties, and event spaces come in every size and mood, from the contemporary loft-style space above hip restaurant Cochon to the velvet-draped Seance Lounge at Muriel’s. Exchange vows in a hidden walled courtyard, a century-old culinary institution like Arnaud’s or Galatoire’s — even aboard a steamboat chugging down the Mississippi. No event is complete without a second-line parade en route to the reception dinner, replete with baked oysters, shrimp étouffée and decadent bread pudding.
12. Riviera Maya
Down the coast from Cancun lies the Riviera Maya, a more serene Mexican Caribbean alternative. Great airlift from all across the United States makes it convenient and affordable for your loved ones. Resorts come in all shapes and styles, from the exclusive Mayakoba complex (home to Banyan Tree, Fairmont and Rosewood hotels) to chic all-inclusive brands, like Secrets, Dreams and Grand Velas. Weddings here come with artisanal tequila tastings; Euro-influenced Yucatan cuisine heavy on chilies, pork and seafood; and a shaman blessing to complement your vows. Include a visit to the 14th-century ruins of Tulum; perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, the City of the Dawn is one of the most gorgeous examples of Maya architecture.
Image Credits:
Getty Images; Gene Higa & Ann Hamilton; Critsey Rowe; Courtesy Casa de Sierra Nevada;
Some spots are so magical the word romance doesn’t do them justice. So forget that boring ballroom — instead, turn up the heat and wow your guests with an unforgettable ceremony in one of these heart-racing locales.
1. Bora Bora
2. Santorini
3. Venice
On this quiet Caribbean isle, chic resorts with stark white exteriors seem to merge into the surrounding sand. Super-luxe hideaways like Cap Juluca and CuisinArt Resort & Spa specialize in privacy, which is why celebrities flock here. The beaches — claimed by locals to have sand so powder-fine it won’t stick to your feet — are the most coveted spots for intimate ceremonies. Parties can then go grand in an award-winning restaurant or low-key at sites like Scilly Cay — a private island just a two-minute boat ride from the mainland, where your clan can play in the surf before indulging in just-grilled crayfish and jugs of potent rum punch.
Iconic Waikiki Beach is the center of the action on this gorgeous isle. Marry in the one of the luxe resorts that stand sentry over the famous curve of sand, with easy access to Honolulu’s glitzy shopping, dining and nightlife scene. Or go quiet on the North Shore, where a laid-back surf culture holds sway. Add a native touch to your nuptials with a conch blower, a lei exchange and a ukulele player to strum you down the aisle. Your reception gets even more sensual when you include a performance by local hula dancers, who share the legends of Old Hawaii through the art of dance.
Culture lovers have long been drawn to this colonial city perched in the mountains of central Mexico. Plentiful attractions range from the artisan galleries filled with wares — glass, jewelry, pottery — to the charming central plaza El Jardin. Book a historic hacienda within walking distance of it all, and hold your ceremony in a landscaped courtyard studded with antiques. The city is also known for cuisine; Casa de Sierra Nevada (pictured) even has its own cooking school. Throw a food-centric fiesta featuring local dishes like shrimp chilaquiles, and amp up your after-party with mariachis and dancing mojigangas — life-size papier-mâché puppets.
Yes, the Caribbean is famed for its beaches, but St. Lucia has many more ways to go. Exchange vows in a jungle, by a waterfall or aboard a catamaran with views of the twin Piton peaks. Hotels here embrace the surroundings, and open-air rooms at resorts like Jade Mountain and Ladera are the essence of come-hither hideaways. If it’s nightlife you crave, check into a plush retreat on the island’s northern end, near the lively club scene of Rodney Bay; several great all-inclusives here include three Sandals resorts. Another highlight: the “drive-through” Soufriere volcano, which gives proof of the isle’s fiery past and feeds the mineral-rich natural spa pools of Diamond Falls.
For centuries lovers have flocked to the City of Light. Long residency requirements in France make this city better for symbolic ceremonies, but your venue options are endless, from chic restaurants to pristine gardens. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Paris’ celebrated museums; only here can you admire voluptuous forms like Venus de Milo in the vast halls of the Louvre. Even dining here is a sensual affair, from sweet, buttery escargot at famed L’Escargot Montorgueil to effervescent Champagne made and bottled a mere 45-minute train ride away. The pièce de la résistance: a moonlight riverboat tour along the Seine.
One glance at the sugar-white sand of Grace Bay Beach, and you’ll understand why Turks and Caicos has become one of the Caribbean’s hottest destinations. The resort vibe on the main island of Providenciales is decidedly elegant, and nonstop service from a trio of East Coast gateways (Atlanta, Miami and New York) makes it convenient as well. Exchange vows in the stark white sand, and hold a posh reception on a restaurant terrace turned outdoor lounge. For fun, take your group on a sunset pleasure cruise, hopping Turks and Caicos’ eight inhabited islands and countless uninhabited cays by sunset.
How can you not love a locale that incorporates wine into everything? Take a bike tour through the vineyards, stopping for tastings along the way, or hop aboard a hot-air balloon for some sightseeing over the Golden State. Legalities make it tricky to have your event at an actual winery (the laws are looser in neighboring Sonoma County), but Napa Valley has plenty of enticing options for your big day: Say I do at a Spanish-style chapel like Mont la Salle, in the French-inspired gardens of a private estate or even in an underground wine cave, like this one at Calistoga Ranch.
No American city oozes ambience like the Big Easy, from the Victorian mansions of the Garden District to the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter. This Louisiana city loves parties, and event spaces come in every size and mood, from the contemporary loft-style space above hip restaurant Cochon to the velvet-draped Seance Lounge at Muriel’s. Exchange vows in a hidden walled courtyard, a century-old culinary institution like Arnaud’s or Galatoire’s — even aboard a steamboat chugging down the Mississippi. No event is complete without a second-line parade en route to the reception dinner, replete with baked oysters, shrimp étouffée and decadent bread pudding.
Down the coast from Cancun lies the Riviera Maya, a more serene Mexican Caribbean alternative. Great airlift from all across the United States makes it convenient and affordable for your loved ones. Resorts come in all shapes and styles, from the exclusive Mayakoba complex (home to Banyan Tree, Fairmont and Rosewood hotels) to chic all-inclusive brands, like Secrets, Dreams and Grand Velas. Weddings here come with artisanal tequila tastings; Euro-influenced Yucatan cuisine heavy on chilies, pork and seafood; and a shaman blessing to complement your vows. Include a visit to the 14th-century ruins of Tulum; perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, the City of the Dawn is one of the most gorgeous examples of Maya architecture.
Image Credits:
Getty Images; Gene Higa & Ann Hamilton; Critsey Rowe; Courtesy Casa de Sierra Nevada;
Atlantide PhotoTravel/Corbis; Allegro Photography; Cunningham Photo Artists
Happy Planning
DeVonda
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tuesday Tips
When visiting a florist for the first time, be sure to bring photos of your venue and pictures from magazines to give them a sense of the style you want. Also, know your budget!
Happy Planning
DeVonda
If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
{Inspiration Board} Fall Theme Wedding
The end of summer is right around the corner and my favorite season is upon us, Autumn! If you live on the East coast such as myself, you’re experiencing a little fall weather today. Fall to me, is the most beautiful time of the year. When I think of Fall, I think of leaves turning into vibrant colors, warm cider, pumpkins, being thankful and family.
The beautiful colors of autumn can be such an inspiration for a Fall themed wedding. The color scheme is endless with reds, gold, burnt oranges, browns and greens. They all can be incorporated into every aspect of the wedding. You can also use a harvest theme.
During my very own summer wedding, I incorporated a fall theme. So since the fall season is definitely in the air, it was fitting to create an autumn wedding inspiration board. I’ll even include a few elements from my wedding.
Be Inspired!
Image Credits: Wedding reception (Google images); bride bouquet (personal files);
boutonnière (Google images ) stationary (Lunar Ink); wedding cake (Google images); wedding favors (Koyal Wholesale); bridesmaid dresses (Davids Bridal);
Wedding set (bronze budget bride) wedding shoes (personal files); table display (Italian Wedding Dream)
Happy Planning!
DeVonda
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wedding Trend: Signature Cocktail
Looking for a way for your wedding guests to remember your wedding from all the rest?
Signature cocktails have become a popular trend in today’s wedding receptions. They’re a stylish personal touch that adds to the ambience of your celebration. It is a way for the bride and groom to create a one of a kind drink, share their favorite drink, or extend their wedding theme/color. These drinks can be alcoholic or nonalcoholic.
Having a signature cocktail is also a good way at cutting down your catering budget. Most couples would like to include alcohol for their guest but it can really stretch your budget. So rather than having an open bar which is costly, you can offer your signature drink during cocktail hour, serve wine with dinner and champagne to toast.
So if you’re planning on going with this trend, discuss the idea with your caterer/liquor provider and they’ll be able to assist you in making your special drink for your day. Make sure you name the cocktail something feisty and have a festive sign announcing it at the bar!
Ideas to consider:
- Match your signature cocktail with your wedding theme
- Match colors from your wedding with the color of your signature drink or use colored salt around the rim
- Garnishes are not just for looks, pretty as they may be. Berries, edible flowers, and candy sticks among others will add flavor to your drink
- Create a unique name for your cocktail
- Your signature drink does not have to be limited to one, it’s okay to have one for the bride and groom
- Always have a non-alcoholic option for your non-drinking guests. And, don’t assume that your signature cocktail has to be alcoholic. Providing a fun, complimentary, non-alcohol signature cocktail encourages guests to partake of it
- Have a sign placed on the bar indicating the name of your cocktail so the guests are aware of it and if there is more than one signature cocktail, you can include an additional menu for your guests.
- Research different Signature Cocktail ideas Discuss with your wedding planner or friends for more ideas
- Please also note that if you’re offering a signature cocktail, it should be complimentary to your guests
Here are some examples….
Apple-themed wedding
Apple Martini
2 oz. Vodka
1½ oz. Sour apple liqueur
½ oz. Lemon juice
Apple slice for garnish
Red Wine Sangria
1 1/2 liters red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 cup sugar
1 large lemon, sliced
1 large orange, sliced
1 large apple, cut into thin sections
3-4 oz. plain brandy
Soda water
1 cup sugar
1 large lemon, sliced
1 large orange, sliced
1 large apple, cut into thin sections
3-4 oz. plain brandy
Soda water
Instructions
Mix wine, sugar and fruit, and let sit in the fridge, ideally for 18-24 hours. The mixture will have a somewhat syrupy consistency. Before serving, stir in brandy and cut the mixture with soda water until it has a thinner, more wine-like consistency. Serve from a pitcher in wine glasses
Mix wine, sugar and fruit, and let sit in the fridge, ideally for 18-24 hours. The mixture will have a somewhat syrupy consistency. Before serving, stir in brandy and cut the mixture with soda water until it has a thinner, more wine-like consistency. Serve from a pitcher in wine glasses
Chocolate Martini
6 parts vodka
1 part chocolate liqueur
Chocolate curl
6 parts vodka
1 part chocolate liqueur
Chocolate curl
Mango Mojito
8 to 12 mint leaves
2 slices fresh mango
Dash of simple syrup*
Squeeze of fresh lime
1 1/4 oz. silver rum
Dash of mango liqueur
Mint sprig and mango slice, for garnish
2 slices fresh mango
Dash of simple syrup*
Squeeze of fresh lime
1 1/4 oz. silver rum
Dash of mango liqueur
Mint sprig and mango slice, for garnish
Directions
Muddle mint and mango with simple syrup in a shaker.
Add ice, squeeze of lime, and rum.
Shake and strain into a highball or specialty tall glass.
Add mango liqueur. Garnish with mint sprig and mango slice.
*Dissolve 2 cups sugar into 1 cup boiling water. Let cool. Refrigerate any leftovers
Add ice, squeeze of lime, and rum.
Shake and strain into a highball or specialty tall glass.
Add mango liqueur. Garnish with mint sprig and mango slice.
*Dissolve 2 cups sugar into 1 cup boiling water. Let cool. Refrigerate any leftovers
Cheers!
Happy Planning
DeVonda
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Wednesday, September 14, 2011
REAL WEDDING WEDNESDAY: Desirea & James
Today’s Real Wedding Wednesday features a New Jersey wedding that creatively incorporated Fall’s magnificent palette. The ceremony took place at the Waterloo United Methodist Church in Stanhope and Crossed Keys Inn was the destination for the reception. The bride and groom, Desirea and James, hired Elizabeth Millay and Kelly Kollar as their primary photographers. As a lover of almost anything with a Fall/Autumn theme, this wedding design moved me. My favorite elements? The matching floral themed wedding programs and invitations, created by the graphic designer couple themselves, and the pumpkins carved with numbers directed guest to their tables.
Enjoy the view!
Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau; Bridesmaid Dresses: LulaKate
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Who Pays For What?
As you begin to plan your wedding you may become concern about who pays for what. Many couples today are paying for their own weddings, with little or no help from their families. However, there are those parents that want to be involved and help pay for their children’s big day. A lot has changed over the years where weddings are concerned, but traditionally there are rules for the splitting of cost between the bride’s family and the groom’s family.
THE BRIDE & THE BRIDE'S FAMILY
- Engagement Party
- Reception (including caterer, food, wedding cake, beverages, entertainment, decor, etc)
- Church (officiant, musicians, decor, etc)
- Flowers (for bridesmaids, flower girl, church, reception)
- Groom's wedding ring
- Invitations
- Photography
- Videography
- Transportation (for wedding party)
- Brides gown and accessories
- Couple's toasting glasses/flutes
- Wedding Consultant/Planner
- Bridesmaid gifts
- All rental equipment
THE GROOM & THE GROOM'S FAMILY
- Rehearsal dinner
- Bride's engagement and wedding ring
- Groom's cake
- Flowers (bride's bouquet, corsages for mothers, boutonnieres)
- Transportation (for bride and groom)
- Marriage license
- Groomsmen gifts
- Honeymoon
**Also keep in mind that if your parents chip in with the cost, this typically means they will want to invite one third of the guest.
Hope this helps!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Priscilla of Boston - CLOSING
Wedding dress maker Priscilla of Boston said Wednesday it will close at the end of the year.
The high-end shop said its brands, which include Jewel by Priscilla of Boston and Platinum For Priscilla of Boston, also will be retired.
"After nearly 65 years of serving some of America's most beautiful brides, we have made the difficult decision to close our salons after a thorough review of the business environment," the company said in a statement on its website. Its 19 locations closed on Wednesday.
The company said it will fulfill dress orders that have already been placed. It will also continue to sell the sample dresses in the stores, but it will not take new orders for custom dresses.
If you’re ordering PoB wedding gowns or bridesmaids’ dresses, you’ll want to check out their FAQ in regards to how they will be fulfilling current orders.
Goodbye, Priscilla of Boston—thank you for 65 years of gorgeous gowns.
What we'll miss...
The high-end shop said its brands, which include Jewel by Priscilla of Boston and Platinum For Priscilla of Boston, also will be retired.
"After nearly 65 years of serving some of America's most beautiful brides, we have made the difficult decision to close our salons after a thorough review of the business environment," the company said in a statement on its website. Its 19 locations closed on Wednesday.
The company said it will fulfill dress orders that have already been placed. It will also continue to sell the sample dresses in the stores, but it will not take new orders for custom dresses.
If you’re ordering PoB wedding gowns or bridesmaids’ dresses, you’ll want to check out their FAQ in regards to how they will be fulfilling current orders.
Goodbye, Priscilla of Boston—thank you for 65 years of gorgeous gowns.
What we'll miss...
Bridal Gowns
Bridesmaids
Reception Dress
Flower Girls
Priscilla of Boston has stores in Atlanta; Beverly Hills, Calif.; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Houston; Long Island, N.Y.; Miami; Minneapolis; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Raleigh, N.C.; San Francisco; San Jose, Calif.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Short Hills, N.J.; and Washington
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