Destination: Wedding

Wedding Transport: 10 Ways To Arrive At Your Wedding

2012-07-25T12:37:00.001-07:00

When it comes to planning your wedding there will come a time when you’ll have to decide how to arrive and leave from your wedding venue. Here's an inspiring list of ten fresh and exciting ways to arrive at your wedding:

Photo: Air Whitsundays

1. Sea Plane
If you're planning a wedding on an island in the Coral Sea, the most spectacular way to arrive is by sea plane.

2. Gondola
In Venice, it’s practically obligatory to be transported to your wedding by a specially designated bridal gondola via the city’s utterly romantic canals.

Photo: Tukshop

3. Tuk Tuk
In Asia, tuk tuks are commonly used as a means of wedding transport by locals and tourists alike.
But you don’t have to be getting married in Asia to enjoy a tuk tuk! In the UK, Tukshop has a range of tuk tuks for hire by wedding couples looking for something a little bit different.

Photo: Los Angeles Wedding Photographer

4. Horse
Indian weddings are famous for their elaborate celebrations which traditionally include a colourful parade (baraat) featuring the groom riding a beautifully decorated horse.

You don't have to travel to India, many companies outside of India specialise in bespoke Indian weddings.

5. Bicycle
A growing number of environmentally aware couples are choosing to jump on their bikes using love-fuelled pedal power to get them to and from the altar.

Photo: Bora Bora Intercontinental

6. Canoe
Polynesian cultures such as those of the Pacific island nations of Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands and Vanuatu have a tradition of transporting the bride by water.

Photo: Kombi Limousines

7. Kombi Van
Kombi Limousines in Sydney, Australia help make Volkswagen lovers’ dreams come true with their attention grabbing stretch VW Kombi van.

Photo: tomKphoto

8. Skis
A winter wedding in the snow provides the perfect opportunity for the wedding couple to hit the slopes!

Photo: Bali Elephant Camp wedding

9. Elephant
In Bali, you can be gracefully transported to and from your wedding aboard Sumatran elephants.
Bali Elephant Camp Weddings arrange everything from the ceremony, transportation and accommodation.

Photo: Disney Fairytale Weddings

10. Cinderella Carriage
What bride hasn’t dreamed of arriving at her wedding by romantic horse and carriage.

Disney Fairytale Weddings offers its fantasy Cinderella Crystal Coach as part of its 'Wishes' range of fairytale wedding packages.

Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is available in paperback and digital formats at Amazon (UK), Amazon (USA) and from www.destination-wedding-book.com.

Hen’s Party Ideas

2012-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Many brides-to-be are choosing from a wide range of activities in place of the traditional hen’s party. In the past, a typical hen’s party often revolved around a girls’ night out on the town or a night at home with female friends and family sharing a few drinks and playing party games.

The modern hen’s party is likely to see the bride-to-be and her entourage taking part in all sorts of creative, entertaining and even skill-building pursuits. The kinds of activities can range from luxuriating at a spa day, learning to paint through to adrenaline pumping adventure sports.

A destination wedding can provide expanded range of options depending on the location. Here’s what some brides have done for their hen’s parties.

Jackie from Sydney invited her adventure loving friends along for an action packed weekend in the Blue Mountains where they did some hiking, abseiling, horse-riding, canoeing and archery.

Davina from Scotland took her friends along to a yoga and meditation retreat in the Goan region of India two days before her wedding there. Afterwards they feasted on delicious organic vegetarian food before blissfully floating back to their beach huts.

Kayla from London took a small group of friends and family along for a cooking class at the Underground Cookery School where they were greeted with wine and canapés and received instruction from a professional chef to prepare a delectable three course meal.

Julie from Los Angeles who married on the Hawaiian island of Maui, took eight of her closest friends to a local day spa where they indulged in day of pampering that included aromatherapy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. They finished off the day with a traditional Hawaiian luau complete with hula dance lessons.

Hill Place, Hampshire UK

Hill Place, a beautiful Georgian villa in Hampshire, not only plays hosts to super romantic weddings in the English countryside but also runs Domestic Goddess weekends which have proven hugely popular. The kinds of activities included in the master class package include table setting/decorating, flower arranging, cupcake decorating and canapé making. Also on offer are make-up lessons, sailing and millinery skills.

Canape photo courtesy of Milli's Kitchen

For the men, or women who want to try something different, Hill Place also offers a Country Sports package which includes clay pigeon shooting, deer stalking and falconry. And if all of that wasn’t enough, you can also choose from range of other activities including archery, duck herding, apache racing buggies, ferret racing, axe throwing and cannon firing!

For some more inspiration head to the ChilliSauce website which features countless ideas for hen’s (and buck’s) party experiences. From pole dancing lessons, perfume creating, cocktail making, rally driving to llama trekking, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste and budget!

What will you be doing for your hen's party?

Marryoke! The Latest Wedding Craze

2012-01-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought you'd seen it all, along comes marryoke! Marryoke is a speciality of UK wedding video company Marryokes who create highly entertaining and totally fun karaoke style wedding videos where everyone in the video lip-syncs along to their favourite tunes.

Although marryoke has been around since 2008, it's popularity seems to have sky-rocketed recently as couples look for new and exciting ways to capture wedding day memories. Some describe marryoke as cheesy yet others hail it as the most exciting new trend in wedding videography. Personally, I think it's just a whole lot of fun!

Couples have created marryoke videos to all sorts of music from the dulcet tones of Etta James' "At Last" and Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" through to the fast-paced beats of the Black Eyed Peas' "I Got a Feeling" or Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger".

The best way to understand the impact of marryoke is to see it in action for yourself!

I Gotta Feeling - Sai and Ally Surprise Marryoke from Marryokes! on Vimeo.

Here's another one from Marryokes:

Moves Like Jagger - John and Nicola Marryoke from Marryokes! on Vimeo.

And for something a little more dramatic from Glasgow based MacDonald Studio:

So, what do you think of marryoke? Share your thoughts below.

Top Ten Tips For Planning Your Destination Wedding

2012-01-03T03:39:00.000-08:00

I am often asked for my top tips for planning a destination wedding so I thought I'd put them in a list to share. If you have planned your own destination wedding or if you are a wedding planner with more tips to share, please comment below I'm sure we'd all love to hear them!

Decide as early as possible where and when you will marry since this will determine so many other elements of your wedding including finances, guests, theme etc
Once you've decided on where and when you'll marry, decide if you'll be having guests and if so, how many you will have taking into account space, guest availability and costs
Think about the climate and weather at the time of year your wedding will take place when making plans. This is particularly important if any part of your ceremony or reception will take place outside. You'd be surprised how many people neglect to do this! Click here for tips on preparing for an outdoor wedding.
If you're marrying abroad, particularly in a country where you don't speak the language, consider using the services of a wedding planner who will be able to bridge the language barrier, navigate local regulations & customs, and bring an insider's perspective to your planning
Ask your guests to either send gifts to your home rather than bringing them along to your wedding or put in place an alternative gift giving arrangement such as a gift registry or wishing well (cash donations). If you'd prefer not to receive gifts or for guests to donate to a charity instead, put these details in your wedding invitation or announcements.
Make plans for the safe arrival of your wedding dress/gown. No matter the distance you will travel for your wedding, it will be necessary for you to transport it as safely as possible to avoid any damage and reduce wrinkling. Read my previous blog post on the topic on transporting your dress.

Wedding Trends for 2012

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

What will be the biggest wedding trends in 2012? Without a doubt, we will continue to see the economic downturn impact how couples choose to marry. Even those who aren’t greatly affected are likely to tone down their wedding plans to appear less extravagant. We’ll also see the trend towards eco or green weddings continue along with more do-it-yourself weddings and destination weddings combined with planned holidays.

Here are my predictions for the coming year's wedding trends:

Social Media Broadcasting

As unappealing as it might be to some, many couples are choosing to update their relationship status via social media right at the altar. Initially seen as tacky, it's becoming more acceptable, particularly for younger, social media savvy couples. Updating your relationship status on Facebook or Twitter typically prompts a wave of celebratory congratulations and well-wishes from family and friends - who could resist?

Social media marital status updates are becoming popular

Do-it-yourself

The upside to tough economic times is that couples might take on more of the wedding preparations themselves. Tough times often spark a renewed interest in home-made arts, crafts and cooking. Couples can make their own wedding invitations, decorations and wedding cakes or enlist the help of willing family and friends. Instead of hiring musicians to perform at the wedding, couples could call upon friends and family to lend their vocal and musical talents. A spin-off of the do-it-yourself approach is that it can make a wedding an even more meaningful and memorable event.

Less Extravagance

It was well reported that the royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton that took place in 2011 was toned down in light of the economic downturn. The couple’s choice to arrive at Westminster Abbey by car was seen as a way to appear less lavish than arriving in the traditional horse-drawn royal coach gilt with gold. An increasing number of couples are questioning the expense of their wedding day and looking for ways to trim the budget. There are many ways to simplify a wedding while maintaining a romantic and celebratory atmosphere. From reducing the guest list to forgoing the stretch limo, couples are focusing on what's important to them rather than putting on a show.

Holiday Wedding

Destination weddings continue to grow in popularity despite the economic downturn. Rather than booking special trips for their weddings however, a growing number of couples will combine a destination wedding with an already planned holiday. We’re also likely to see couples opt for lower key affairs such as elopements and intimate ceremonies and celebrations shared with only the closest of family and friends. Couples might also choose destination wedding locations closer to home to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of guests they want at the wedding. An Australian couple might choose the Gold Coast or Vanuatu instead of Hawaii or Tahiti and a UK couple might choose an English castle over one in mainland Europe.

Vanuatu is a popular & affordable destination wedding location

Off-the-wall / Unique

As couples seek to break with tradition and make their wedding unique, there’s an increase in the number of couples choosing off-the-wall wedding themes and venues. This is likely to continue as more alternative venues realise the potential market. I reported earlier in the year that McDonalds in Hong Kong had begun offering couples the chance to marry in-store. You can now get married underwater in many locations around the world, and if a ceremony venue with a bird’s eye view of London sounds perfect, why not consider marrying aboard the London Eye? Couples also want to be able to make their wedding unique by incorporating their favourite things into their wedding ceremony.

Hong Kong McDonalds' menu includes the 'McWedding'

Green / Eco-wedding

Wedding couples are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their wedding resulting in a boom in the eco and green wedding industry. Eco weddings embrace the concept of sustainability by consuming less resources, using recycled items, and minimising your carbon footprint in as many ways as possible. Second-hand wedding gowns have become more popular as has choosing wedding wear that can be worn again at other occasions. Serving food that has been produced locally and sustainably, as well as choosing planet-friendly meat-free menus are other ways to go green.

Which of these trends will you be following in 2012?

A Christmas Wedding

2011-12-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

As Christmas fast approaches, it feels the perfect time to write about Christmas themed weddings. Christmas themed weddings were something I hadn't thought about until recently when I saw a Christmas themed wedding dress in a bridal catalogue. This prompted me to set out to learn as much as I could about Christmas themed weddings.

It seems one of the best things about a Christmas wedding theme is that it’s likely the wedding venue will already have Christmas decorations in place. And given that a Christmas wedding takes place around Christmas (go figure!), guests are already filled with Christmas spirit and cheer.

Theme
Choosing between a modern or traditional theme and deciding upon the colour scheme is the first consideration. The most common colours for a Christmas wedding are gold, silver, red, green or any combination of these. Gold or silver themes can be used in a stylish, minimalist way or you can create a lavish look by layering different items and textures. Likewise, with the traditional red and green Christmas colour scheme, you can use it in a simplistic elegant way or opt for a rich, traditional or even cosy rustic style. Modern Christmas colours might include purple, blue or even pink.

Wedding Dress Ideas
Although you might choose to wear a traditional white dress on your wedding day, a Christmas themed wedding gives you permission to choose an alternative. Why not consider a deep Christmassy red dress edged with white faux fur? Or I can easily see how any of the coloured dresses I recently talked about could work beautifully in a Christmas themed wedding.

Photos © S.A.S.I Corp and www.bridaloriginals.com

There are so many beautiful gold and silver wedding dresses just perfect for a Christmas themed wedding. Alternatively you could choose a white dress with gold or silver embellishments.

Decor

Baskets of pine tree cones with pine tree branches, holly, cranberries all provide an instant feel of Christmas. You can also decorate with tinsel, garlands, wreaths, bunches of flowers and foliage. A gingerbread house, some reindeer, a nativity display or Santa with his sleigh and reindeers can be added to ensure your guests know it’s Christmas. Complete your Christmas theme with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree topped with a bride angel or a bride and groom figurine.

Table Decorations

Crisp white, red or green tablecloths can lay the foundation for your table decorations which might include sprigs of holly with bright red berries, gingerbread men, Christmas crackers, bells and candles. If choosing a silver or gold theme, you can construct a lush, multilayer look by using silver or gold tablecloths dressed with contrasting texture table runners. Use shiny Christmas baubles, garlands and candles along the length of the table or grouped together to provide a beautiful focal point. Try filling a large, glass balloon vases with colour coordinated baubles for showy high-impact table decorations.

Food

For a true Christmas feel you could serve a full traditional Christmas dinner complete with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, baked glazed ham, roasted root vegetables with Christmas puddings and fruit mince pies for dessert. Instead of a traditional Christmas dinner, you could choose a contemporary alternative with the help of a talented caterer or chef.

If your Christmas wedding will take place in the southern hemisphere where Christmas time is hot rather than cold, you might prefer a relaxing Christmas celebration by the sea. Australia and the Pacific Islands (such as Fiji, the Cook Islands and Vanuatu), are well known for their seafood which typically features on the Christmas menu. A seafood buffet or multi-course meal can include prawns, oysters, mussels, lobster, calamari and fish. Any number of delectable tropical fruits can be made into tantalising desserts and cocktails.

Treat your guests with a chocolate or egg nog fountain where they can dip skewered marshmallows or festive berries before devouring. A candy cane tower laden with candy canes can be placed in reach of children to enable them to help themselves.

Favours

Candles make a lovely favour and can be personalised with the date of the wedding and name of the bridge and groom. Personalised Christmas tree decorations are another great idea for favours and something family and friends will cherish year after year as they decorate their Christmas tree. Chocolates either customised or plain, Christmas candies, or little boxes filled with Christmas treats are bound to be received by your Christmas wedding guests.

As you can see, a Christmas themed wedding can be a fun way to combine your wedding with the festive celebration of Christmas. Do you have any other Christmas themed wedding ideas to share? Have you been to a Christmas themed wedding? how was it?

Getting Married In... Venice!

2011-12-14T09:00:00.001-08:00

Venice - One of the World's Most Beautiful Cities
The north-eastern Italian city of Venice has a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The millions who visit Venice each year can’t help but fall in love with its striking Venetian architecture, alluring renaissance art and the hundreds of picturesque bridges which straddle a labyrinth of charming canals.

First settled in AD 452, Venice has many captivating stories to tell, particularly those of love and romance. Venice is the birthplace of the infamous master of the art of seduction Casanova, Venice also produced a host of talented and passionate people including renowned adventurer Marco Polo, painters Titian and Canaletto and composer Vivaldi.

Once commonly referred to as the Queen of the Adriatic, Venice is built atop a marshy lagoon, there are no roads only pedestrian ‘streets’ and all manner of boat traffic which navigates the canals. Public transport in Venice is by water and you can also take a water taxi or gondola ride to reach your destination.

Best Time to Get Married in Venice

To find out the best time to get married in Venice I consulted Jayne Seddon of Venice Events. “I have organised weddings all year round, because each season is wonderful. The backdrop of Venice is beautiful, even in the fog and quieter outside the hot summer season.” she said. Jayne also told me that although the warmer months of May, June and July are most popular, September still offers reasonable weather. She added “I’ve also had some beautiful weddings in January, November and of course close to Christmas for a winter wedding.”

Ceremony Venues
There are many venue options in Venice for your symbolic, civil or religious wedding ceremony including grand palaces (palazzo), lavish hotels, hidden gardens and magnificent renaissance churches. Here’s just a small selection of venues available:

Palaces (civil ceremonies)
The most popular civil wedding venue is the elegant Palazzo Cavalli, a 16th century building in the centre of Venice, overlooking the Grand Canal with views to the Rialto Bridge. Other palaces licensed by the city to host civil ceremonies in Venice include:

Sala Degli Stucchi at Ca' Farsetti, a 13th century palace facing the Grand Canal near the Rialto bridge.
Venice Council Hall at Ca' Loredan, is another 13th Century Palace which also faces the Grand Canal
Sala Cuoi d'Oro at Ca' Vendramin Calergi, a stately Renaissance Palace on the Grand Canal that also houses the Venice Casino and the Wagner Museum.

Hotels (symbolic ceremonies)

The Westin Europa & Regina has its own terrace with breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Salute.
Hotel Cipriani boasts its own beautiful Casanova and Antique Gardens for symbolic ceremonies overlooking the lagoon.

Church Weddings (religious and symbolic ceremonies):
With approximately 137 churches in Venice of various denominations, you’re sure to find a suitable church venue for your religious or symbolic ceremony. Apart from consulting a local wedding planner, you can research churches in Venice at the Churches of Venice web site, a fantastic resource loaded with information and wonderful photos perfect for those researching from afar.

For more ceremony venue options, contact a wedding planner who specialises in weddings in Venice.

Reception Venues
With the exception of churches, many ceremony venues also offer wedding reception facilities. In particular, the majority of hotels and private palazzos in Venice will be more than happy to arrange catering for your post wedding reception. If you are using a wedding planner, they will be best able to advise you on your options based upon the number of guests you plan to host and the kind of venue you have in mind.

Where to Stay
Wherever you stay in Venice you’re certain to experience its enchanting ambiance and old-world Venetian charm. Although canal or lagoon front hotels and guest-houses (pensione) are the most popular and can be expensive, more affordable accommodation options can be found away from the water’s edge. Here's just a small selection of accommodation options in Venice:

Danieli Hotel is made up of three palaces one of which, the 14th century Palazzo Dandolo, was once the home to the Doge Dandolo family. The hotel has 225 luxuriously decorated guest rooms and suites some of which overlook the Grand Canal and lagoon.
Hotel Monaco Grand Canal overlooks the Grand Canal in San Marco with spectacular views of the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and the island of San Giorgio. It has 100 rooms furnished in grand Venetian style.
Hotel Le Isole has just 16 stylishly decorated contemporary rooms each dedicated to different islands in the lagoon.
Casa de Uscoli is a hosted bed and breakfast with just four rooms, two of which overlook the Grand Canal. This charming 14th century palazzo is furnished in an eclectic classic Venetian meets modern art-house style.

Local Customs and Traditions
It is local tradition for the bride to walk to the church, usually accompanied by father, mother and bridesmaids whilst the groom waits in the church.

There are four wedding gondolas in the city, which are kept purely for weddings. These gondolas are typically manned by two gondoliers, wearing special wedding uniform with coloured sashes. Couples might choose a singing gondolier to sing as they make their way through the narrow canals after the ceremony.

A Venetian Table, a dessert table laden with Italian desserts is a must if you are hosting a reception. Typical offerings include mini sized tiramisu, Napoleons, cannoli, profiteroles, cream cakes, cheesecakes, fruit log and shell-shaped filled pastries known as Sfogliatelle.

Italian favours (confetti) are small bags with five sugar coated almonds symbolising health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity. The favours are also tied onto gifts for the witnesses and close family members and can be quite important gifts, such as vases or silver ornaments. The guests they may receive a small gift (bomboniere) accompanied by their favour. Favour bags can be made from silk handkerchief, tulle or other materials. The favour bag will usually include a tag with the names of bride and groom and the date of the wedding.

Legalities
The legal requirements vary according to nationality and residence of couples, but Jayne tells me that UK couples require the following:

No impediment certificates obtained from local registry office
Full-length birth certificates
Passports
If divorced, original marriage and divorce certificates

All these documents go to the British Consulate in Milan who issues a Nulla Osta, which is required by the town hall. The benefit of using a wedding planner like Venice Events, is they will handle all the documentation and liaise with both offices, pay the necessary fees, deal with any queries and make sure everything goes smoothly.

I asked Jayne about the recommended timeframe for organising a wedding in Venice, “We have arranged ‘last minute’ civil ceremonies within about two months (but you need to allow time for documentation). Generally six months for civil ceremonies, say a year for religious. Most couples start planning a year ahead, particularly with regard to booking ceremony and venue, hotels and flights.” She stressed that if couples are choosing to marry during the high season they may need to allow even more time to get the venue they want.

Venice Events is based in San Marco, Venice Italy

Destination Wedding Make-Up Tips

2011-11-20T12:32:00.001-08:00

Image courtesy of Larsson Photography

Consider the weather

I can’t stress enough how important it is to consider the weather. Depending on the time of year your wedding is taking place, the climate can be very different at your destination to that at home. Summer time in the tropics can be quite a contrast to a chilly winter climate. The skin care products and make-up that suit you perfectly at home won’t necessarily be suitable for hot and humid conditions at your destination. Likewise, if you are heading from a summer time climate for a cooler one, you’ll find your skin care and make-up regime will need adjustment. Even if you won’t be facing such extremes, you will still need to take into account likely levels of dryness/humidity, light/shadows, sunshine/rain, and how these might impact your wedding day make-up.

Every bride is advised to wear waterproof mascara on her wedding day, this will guard against runs and panda eyes should there be tears, rain or high humidity. If you’re new to waterproof mascara or trying a new brand, be sure to trial wearing it ahead of your wedding day to check that you don’t develop a sensitivity or allergic reaction to the product. This is especially important with any products to be used in the eye area such as eyeliners, shadows and false eyelash glues.

Image courtesy of Esther Marie Make-up Artist

Consult a professional

It’s a good idea to consult a local make-up artist or beautician before your wedding to discuss the best products to use. Even if you aren't able to use their services on your wedding day (due to inability to travel, cost etc), their advice will be invaluable in making sure you choose the right skin care and make-up for your wedding day. If time and budget allow, you should meet with them before the big day for some tips and a make-up trial.

If you are using a make-up artist on your wedding day, it will save you having to buy loads of new expensive products that you may not use again once you return home. This is something worth considering when weighing up the costs of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional.

For those on a tight budget, try visiting the cosmetic counters of your local department store. You’ll often find qualified and experienced make-up artists ready to provide free advice and even complimentary in-store make-up makeovers. In some cases you will need to book these ahead of time so be sure to visit them well in advance of your wedding day.

Choose make-up to suit your wedding day theme and location

The style of make-up you choose for your wedding day will vary depending on your wedding theme and location. An outdoor, beach side wedding for example, will call for lighter more natural make-up than a dimly lit Scottish castle where heavier more dramatic make-up can be more appropriate. Research other weddings that have taken place at your destination wedding location to see what has worked and what hasn’t. If possible, ask brides what they did and what if anything they would change if they had their time over again.

Do a trial make-up session

A make-up trial is essential to ensure your wedding day make-up application goes to plan. If you are doing your own make-up, be sure to trial the make-up at home before you head off for your wedding and again before the big day. Have a special make-up bag prepared with all the essential items you will use on the day of your wedding to keep it separate from your day-to-day make-up. If you don’t wear make-up often, and feel clumsy during your trials, try making a wedding day make-up instructions list which sets out every task you need to complete in order to achieve your perfect look.

If you’re lucky enough to have a professional make-up artist doing your make-up on your wedding day, be sure to arrange a trial session with them ahead of time (check to see if there is an extra cost associated with this). A trial will enable your make-up artist to understand your needs and discover which products will suit best. They should take notes to refer back to on the day and it’s also handy to have a photo taken after the trial to see how the make-up translates through the camera lens.

Breaking with tradition – alternatives to the white wedding gown

2011-10-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

Dita Von Teese in her Vivian Westwood wedding gown

No Shrinking Violet

When burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese and controversial shock-rocker Marilyn Manson announced they were tying the knot, no one was surprised to learn their wedding was less than traditional.

Instead of wearing white, in true burlesque style, gorgeous dancer/actor/model Von Teese

chose this luscious, deep violet Vivian Westwood designed gown for her wedding day.

She would have been a breathtaking sight as she passed through the gothic arches of Castle Gurteen Le Poer in Kilsheelan, an Irish castle owned by a friend of the couple.

A harp played and they wed at midnight. The wedding was officiated by Chilean friend, underground film director and comic book writer Alejandro Jodorowsky.

Fate and destiny
One of my favourite and most beautiful non-traditional wedding gowns is this one worn by Caitlyn (below). Her wedding took place in New Zealand’s breathtaking Queenstown against a backdrop of picture perfect snow capped mountains.

As I discovered after asking her what made her choose a red wedding gown, Caitlyn had not actively sought out a non-traditional dress. Rather, she’d happened across a wedding store and, without an appointment, reluctantly decided to go in and take a wander around. “It was found by accident hidden between rows of traditional dresses” she told me. “The staff at Astra Bridal managed to squeeze me in to try it on briefly and I was hooked!!”. It was the first wedding dress Caitlyn had ever tried on so she went on to try two other more traditional ivory dresses for peace of mind, but nothing felt quite the same as her perfect red dress.

I really love Caitlyn’s story. It just goes to show that sometimes fate and destiny can step in to make decisions for you.

Pinks and purples are hugely popular non-traditional colours:

Here are some other colours to consider:

Poinciana Red
This next red dress made for an extra special pairing with a Poinciana tree in full bloom on a beach on beautiful Hamilton Island in Australia. I just love the colour energy and synergy with the backdrop.

Something Blue
Although Michael Buble’s bride wore a traditional white dress at their Vancouver wedding, she wore this cute little blue number for their civil ceremony in her home town of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bewitching in Black
Vera Wang sent shockwaves through the bridal fashion world when she sent her very black wedding dress collection down the runway at her recent fall bridal show.

Images from New York Times

Speaking to the Bee-Shyuan Chang for the New York Times, Mark Ingram, owner of the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier in Manhattan described the collection as "... shocking and outrageous, but it was also fabulous”. See more of the collection at Fashionologie.

With the trend for non-traditional wedding gowns growing, what colour will you wear on your wedding day?

Getting Married In... Munich!

2011-08-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Here's the first of a regular Getting married in: series where I'll be posting about various destination wedding locations around the world. Perhaps you'll find a post about a location not too far from you, or on the other side of the globe. I'll be sure to include as much information as possible about local culture, wedding customs, venues, romantic places to stay, what to eat and more!

Neuschwanstein Castle

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, one of Germany’s most charming provinces located in the south east corner of the country. One of the biggest draw-cards to the region is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built in 1869 by then King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is easily accessible from the city of Munich in a day trip by car, train or bus tour. Although you can’t marry at the castle, it makes a beautiful backdrop for your post-wedding photography, or you can take a guided tour of this magnificent castle for a fascinating pre or post-wedding activity. When visiting the Castle, be sure to grab a serving of fresh cream cheese balls (3 balls for 2 euro) from the stall in front of Zur-Neven-Burg restaurant near the top of the hill - divine!

From the town of Hohenschwangau below, you can take a rustic horse and carriage ride right up to the castle passing through the surrounding forest with glimpses across the valley back to Ludwig’s childhood castle, Hohenschwangau Castle and the spectacular snow-capped mountains and lakes that surround. Close to the Bavarian-Austrian border, the entire region is watched over by the spectacular Alps which can only be described as breathtaking. What better setting for a destination wedding?

Where to stay
By far the most desirable location to stay while visiting Munich is the Hotel Königshof, one of four hotels owned by the family-run Geisel Hotel group. The group’s luxurious Hotel Königshof provides commanding views of the old city and features its own Michelin Star restaurant. The Hotel Königshof also enjoys a premium location right near the Central train station making it an ideal base for exploring everything the city and surrounding region has to offer.

Hotel Königshof, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

The Hotel Königshof is experienced in hosting weddings from the most intimate elopement for two, through to the most extravagant celebration for up to 180 guests. Staff from the hotel can help you create a wedding to remember from start to finish or if you prefer, can arrange certain elements as requested. With five banquet and function rooms to choose from, the hotel’s experienced, dedicated staff are able to design an event that will inspire fond memories for years to come.

Justizpalast (Palace of Justice), Munich

Some of The Hotel Königshof’s rooms overlook the beautiful neo-Baroque Justizpalast (Palace of Justice) which is just across the street, another great backdrop for pre or post wedding photos. One of the Hotel Königshof's special features is its Michelin star restaurant and impressive wine cellar perfect for hosting your special event breakfasts, lunches, dinners or drinks. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of Marienplatz and the impressive gothic architecture of Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) famous for its Glockenspiel clock tower which puts on a captivating show daily at 11 a.m. (as well as 12 noon and 5 p.m. during the summer months).

In addition to the Hotel Königshof, the Geisel Group also owns/runs the Bavarian Hotel Excelsior, and the funky designer anna hotel both of which are located just down the street making them equally accessible to the old town.

anna hotel, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

The anna hotel's tower suite provides sumptuous accommodation for wedding couples with it's unparalleled views of the old city skyline and spacious, ultra modern facilities including a full size flat screen TV at the bathtub.

Hotel Excelsior, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

At the Hotel Excelsior, you'll find a fantastic rustic vinothek and restaurant along with a demonstration kitchen big enough to host a pre or post wedding cooking demonstration/class. The demonstration kitchen can host up to 40 people for a fun and memorable experience where you can learn to prepare Mediterranean cuisine from a top chef and enjoy the fruits of your culinary labour afterwards - Guten Appetit!

Wedding venues

The most popular wedding ceremony venues in and around Munich are the many beautiful churches including the landmark, twin-towered Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady), eclectic Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church), baroque Theatinerkirche (Church of the Theatines) and the spectacular Roccoco styled Asamkirche (The Asam Church). Munich also boasts some gorgeous palaces which make for wonderfully romantic wedding locations including Dachau Palace, Blutenburg Palace, and Nymphenburg Palace to name just a few.

Images courtesy of Seh-Stern Fine Art Photography

Local customs and traditions The Bavarian tradition of Hochzeitslader sees an official “Inviter” dressed in fancy clothes adorned with ribbons and flowers going from door to door to perform a rhyming invitation to the invited guests. Guests show their acceptance by pinning one of the ribbons to the Hochzeitslader hat and by offering the Inviter a drink.

In keeping with tradition, some Bavarians still choose to wear the southern German ethnic costumes known as the Dirndl and Lederhosen. The woman’s Dirndl consists of a closefitting bodice, apron and hat. The men’s Lederhosen consists of knee-length trousers made from leather worn with rustic shoes and wool socks. The addition of leather breeches, jacket and hat completes the traditional men’s Bavarian wedding outfit.

Of course, the wearing of the Dirndl and Lederhosen is a personal preference and many modern couples choose to wear typical western style wedding gowns and suits on their wedding day. Hochzeitssuppe (Wedding Soup) made from vegetables, dumplings and meats is typically served at a traditional Bavarian wedding. After the ceremony, an old Bavarian custom is for the couple to cut a large log in half to symbolise that they can get through tough problems by working together.

Legalities
Getting married in Munich is much like anywhere else in that you will need to provide sufficient identity documents and proof of non-impediment to the marriage to the local Standesamt (Registry Office). It’s a good idea to make contact with the Standesbeamter (Registrant) as soon as possible once you have decided to marry.

You will generally be required to have all your documents translated into German which can take some time and expense. As an alternative to marrying in the registry’s own office, for an extra fee, the Standesbeamter can also perform the wedding ceremony in a number of selected locations including a nearby wedding hall, the City Hall’s own meeting rooms, or at Nymphenburg Palace. A religious ceremony can take place after the official marriage but has no legal standing.

I hope you've found this post helpful in providing information about getting married in Munich. Stay tuned for our next instalment. You never know where I'll turn the spotlight next!

Tips for Transporting Your Wedding Dress

2011-05-28T00:14:00.000-07:00

It's a good idea to hang your wedding dress as soon
as you arrive at your destination

Here are some practical tips on how to successfully transport your wedding dress ahead of your destination wedding.

Often transporting a wedding dress or gown is a dilemma realised last minute during a destination wedding bride’s planning schedule. Planning ahead not only reduces pre-wedding stress but can also save you time and money.

There are a number of considerations when preparing to transport your wedding dress to your destination wedding location. How will you transport it (eg. with you, by courier or with someone else)? When will you transport it (at the same time you travel or before)? How should you handle your wedding dress before and after your wedding ceremony?

OPTIONS FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR WEDDING DRESS

Travelling with your dress

Given that a bride’s wedding dress is one of the key elements of the big day, many brides prefer the sense of security gained from personally transporting their dress to the wedding location. The challenges faced depend on the mode of transport. Destination wedding brides often fly to their wedding locations which can pose a problem.

It’s recommended you contact your airline/s to check their policy regarding the transporting of a wedding dress as hand luggage. Some will allow you to bring a suitably packed wedding dress on board and stow it away safely during the flight for no extra charge. Others may demand that the dress travel as checked luggage which may or may not incur extra costs.

If you’re travelling to your wedding destination by car, pack your wedding dress in its own box or suitcase using the packing guidelines below. Just be sure that the box or suitcase is out of the way of heavier items and that there is no chance of anything spilling or leaking onto it. Alternatively, you can simply leave your wedding dress in its bag and either hang or drape it loosely over the top of all other luggage in the car for the journey.

Travel by ship to your wedding location is relatively easy since you’ll have less space restrictions than air or car travel. Either pack your dress into its own suitcase or carry it on board in its protective bag following the packing guidelines that follow. If your wedding will take place aboard the ship, or in port en-route, you can utilise the ship’s own dry cleaning services to have your dress prepared for your ceremony. It’s a good idea to book this service prior to travel so that dry cleaning staff can include it in their work schedule.

Shipping your dress

Shipping your dress to your wedding location ahead of time can be a great alternative to taking it with you on your journey. The most important things to keep in mind when shipping your wedding dress are:

· ship your dress well ahead of time, being sure to allow for any extra time required for possible customs inspection, public holidays and transport delays;

· have your wedding dress insured so in the event of it being lost, you can be compensated and;

· ship your wedding dress to a responsible person who will care for it ahead of your arrival, and deliver it to you safe and sound in time before the ceremony.

Sending your dress with someone else

With a trusted friend, family member or member of your wedding party taking responsibility for transporting your wedding dress, you can have peace of mind that it will arrive at your destination in safe hands. Be sure to brief them on any special instructions on handling the dress after arrival.

PACKING YOUR WEDDING DRESS

By far the best way to transport a wedding dress is in the protective gown bag it comes in. To further protect the dress and any delicate embellishments, it’s a good idea to place uncoloured, acid-free tissue paper around key areas such as the bodice.

If you need to pack the wedding dress into a confined space such as a box or suitcase, place layers of uncoloured, acid-free tissue paper in between each fold and around all embellished areas. This will reduce the formation of wrinkles and protect delicate embellishments.

Check with your wedding dress retailer or dressmaker if they are able to pack the dress for you since they will have expertise in how to protect any vulnerable areas. If they don’t offer this service, ask if they can at least provide guidance on how to best pack and transport your wedding dress since special fabrics and materials will need different treatment.

PREPARING YOUR DRESS FOR THE CEREMONY

Once your dress is safely at your wedding location, it’s time to get it ready for the main event, the wedding ceremony. As soon as the dress arrives on location it should be hung to help relax any wrinkles. If you can arrange a professional dry cleaning service to press the dress once it arrives this is ideal and frees you up for other pre-wedding activities.

Alternatively, you can hang your dress in a steam-filled bathroom (simply run a hot shower for a few minutes until the room is very steamy) being sure the dress is clear of any puddles of water, bathroom products etc. The success you will have will vary depending on the fabric, but many brides have been successful using this method. If wrinkles persist, you can also use a portable steamer (either brought with you or borrowed from hotel reception if they have one) to gently ease out any creases. Be sure to use a clean cloth in between the steamer and your dress to avoid any possible damage to the fabric, especially if your dress is made of delicate satin for example.

AFTER THE WEDDING

Since your attention will have been on how to get your wedding dress to your wedding location, you may not have considered what needs to be done after your wedding day. Here’s a step by step procedure you can follow post wedding ceremony:

If time permits, send your dress for professional dry cleaning
If dry cleaning must wait until you return home, attend to any spills or stains that may have occurred during your wedding day, being sure to follow professional fabric care guidelines
Hang your dress in a well-ventilated area to air.
Pack your dress back in the same way you packed it for its journey to your destination.
Either arrange for it to be shipped back home or otherwise transported.
Once your dress has arrived back home, have it dry cleaned as soon as possible. If you won’t be home until some time after your dress arrives, ask someone to take care of this for you.

For free tips and advice, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up-to-date with everything destination wedding!

Destination: Wedding eBook now available on Amazon

2011-04-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

We're very excited to announce that the eBook version of Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is now available at Amazon.

For those who prefer to read books on portable devices such as e-readers, tablets and smart phones, eBooks are the answer. At the Amazon Kindle store you can dowload the eBook version of Destination: Wedding for your Kindle device, PC, iPhone, Blackberry, iPad and for Android.

Not only is buying the eBook version of Destination: Wedding an eco-friendly option, you can also enjoy the extreme portability eBooks provide. With an eBook, you can spontaneously read the book on the train or bus on your way to work, on your lunch break or anywhere you find you have some spare time without having to physically drag a hard copy book around.

The other advantage to an eBook is that you can quickly and easily visit websites listed in the book straight from your internet enabled device. This is great if you want to research destination wedding locations for example since the book provides up to date web links to every location listed.

So what are you waiting for? head to Amazon and grab your eBook version of Destination: Wedding today!

Top Tips for Outdoor Weddings

2011-03-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

Many destination wedding couples choose an outdoor location to exchange their vows, and while this is by far one of the most beautiful ways to be married, there are some things to be aware of.

Photo courtesy of Hamilton Island Weddings

Choose a sheltered location

If possible, choose as sheltered a location as possible to avoid heavy winds that can wreak havoc with ceremony decorations, hairstyles and acoustics. If you’re having your ceremony out in the open, consider erecting gazebos to protect you and your guests from the hot sun. I once attended a summer garden wedding in Australia where guests were left to sit out in the hot sun in searing 40 deg c (104F) heat, it was completely unbearable. It’s also a good idea to have a back-up location set aside in the event of bad weather setting in. Keep an eye on local weather reports (or nominate someone to do this for you) so any changes to the ceremony setup or location can be made if it becomes necessary.

Select an appropriate hairstyle

Select a hairstyle appropriate to your outdoor setting. In a hot, humid climate it’s wise to choose an up-style to keep you cool. A windy location can also pose a problem for certain hairstyles so be sure to consider this when deciding on your wedding day hair. If you’re marrying on a hilltop for example, you don’t want to spend the entire ceremony brushing hair out of your face and eyes. Likewise, think about hair pieces that might be affected by wind, heat and humidity. A hairpiece fashioned from delicate orchids might sound like a good idea for a beach wedding, but flowers can quickly wilt if exposed to direct sun and humidity. Not the best look for your wedding photos!

Choose suitable wedding wear

It seems like a no brainer but you’d be surprised how many people neglect to properly consider how their wedding wear will cope during an outdoor wedding. Rather than looking at the average temperature for your location at the time you will be married, also take into account the typical highs and lows. Prepare for weather extremes such as heat and cold, rain and sunshine. This goes for the men too, not just the women in the bridal party. Fabric selection is important since you’ll want to be wearing outfits that will either breathe to keep everyone cool or be heavy enough to block out the cold. Choose the wrong type of fabric for your circumstances and you will regret it within minutes of arriving for your wedding ceremony.

Make sure the site is accessible

Site accessibility is important, particularly if you’ll have guests attending your wedding with disabilities. A wheelchair-bound guest will find it impossible to manoeuvre themselves across beach sand or up stairs. Elderly or physically impaired guests will also be unable to access certain sites that you and others may find perfectly accessible. Think about who will be attending the ceremony and what, if any, special needs they might have.

Have ushers keep uninvited guests at bay

Weddings naturally attract the attention of passersby, but it’s likely you’ll want to retain some sense of intimacy during your outdoor nuptials. If marrying on a beach, you will want to make the most of the gorgeous ocean backdrop minus curious onlookers. Have a couple of ushers on hand to shoo people away when necessary and to ensure that your photographer and videographer get optimum shots without strangers lurking in the background.

You’ll find more great tips and advice related to outdoor and destination weddings in Destination: Wedding – A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams. Order from www.destination-wedding-book.com also available to order from your local bookstore in Australia and the UK.

Feel free to share your own tips in the comments below we'd love to hear them!

The Top 5 Places To Tie the Knot in 2011

2011-02-25T03:31:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for the hottest places to tie the knot this year, here are my top picks for 2011:

1. Bora Bora

Famous for its overwater bungalows that hover above ridiculously gorgeous coral reefs, Bora Bora is a heavenly island just perfect for a tropical destination wedding. Recent changes to Tahiti and French Polynesia’s marriage laws means it’s now easier to get married there. Previously, the law required couples to reside in Tahiti for 30 days prior to getting married, which made it difficult for foreigners wishing to be legally married there. Not that most people would mind spending 30 days in paradise, but it could become quite costly to stay in luxury surrounds for an extended period.

Image courtesy of InterContinental Tahiti

2. Venice

Anywhere in Italy is perfect for a destination wedding, but Venice is an especially romantic spot to tie the knot against a backdrop of renaissance splendour. A must-do is to be expertly manoeuvred around the city’s famous canals in a Venetian gondola passing by countless centuries-old palaces and villas. Venice has an array of reception venues perfect for hosting a lavish reception or, if you’re arranging more intimate nuptial celebrations, you’ll have no shortage of traditional Venetian restaurants to choose from.

Image courtesy of Venice Events

3. Great Barrier Reef

One of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing on earth visible from space. Choose from secluded Lizard Island, beautiful Hayman Island or take a sea plane out to marry on the reef itself. A post-nuptial flight over Heart Reef (the heart-shaped reef that Oprah fell in love with on her recent tour) to admire its awesome beauty from above is the perfect way to end the day. No matter which location you choose, a Great Barrier Reef wedding is guaranteed to be one you’ll never forget.

4. Paris

Image courtesy of Rendezvous in Paris

Paris has become a popular romantic rendezvous point for destination wedding couples due to its central location. Elopements in Paris are all the rage or you could marry at home and have a symbolic ceremony in France. Although you can’t marry inside or atop famous Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame or the Sucre Coeur, it’s possible to have photos with them in the background. While in Paris, be sure to take a cruise down the Seine, visit some of the city’s famous sights and kiss under the stars on the steps of Montmartre.

5. Cook Islands

For the ultimate island paradise wedding, head to the Cook Islands. Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa in Rarotonga is one of the most romantic places to say "I do" on the planet (click on the link to view videos). The resort’s own onsite wedding coordinator becomes your personal wedding consultant, ensuring your wedding day is perfect in every way. The luxury, 'romance beachfront villas' provide an idyllic pre-wedding and honeymoon accommodation that will make you feel like a Polynesian princess.

Image courtesy of Edgewater Resort and Spa, Rarotonga

Stay tuned for my list of the top 5 destination wedding locations for 2012!

For free tips and advice, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up-to-date with everything destination wedding!

Ten great ways to save money on your destination wedding

2011-02-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

1. Tag your destination wedding on to an already planned holiday

If you’ve already planned a dream getaway, why not get married en-route or at your holiday destination? It can be expensive to travel and getting time off from work can be an extra hurdle. The cost and time effectiveness of combining a holiday with a wedding makes it the ideal solution for many couples.

2. Have your ceremony, reception and honeymoon at the same location

By combining the ceremony and reception locations you save by eliminating the often complicated logistics involved in getting everyone one venue to the next. Honeymooning at your wedding location means even more savings and many resorts will provide complimentary upgrades to honeymooning couples and/or include special celebratory items such as champagne, flowers and chocolate.

3. Negotiate group discounts

If you have a medium or large sized group attending your destination wedding, check to see if you can negotiate group discounts on travel, accommodation, activities and meals. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save yourselves and your guests by negotiating a discounted group rate. It’s quite common for the savings to be in the order of 10% to 50%.

4. Consider an alternative to a traditional wedding gown

There are so many more cost effective options to the traditional wedding gown. Gone are the days where you had to spend thousands of dollars on a dress you will wear for just a few short hours. If you’re marrying overseas, check out what the local brides wear or consider dressing down for a more casual affair. If you are getting married on the beach for example, a tropical dress rather than an elaborate white wedding gown could not only be more suitable, but cheaper too!

5. Do your own hair and makeup

Doing your own hair and makeup is a great way to save money on your destination wedding. It can also be fun especially if you enlist the help of a willing wedding guest. If the thought of doing your own hair and makeup is daunting consider having only your hair done professionally and doing your own makeup. There are loads of books and online beauty sites with step by step instructions on how to achieve perfect wedding day makeup.

6. Buy local wherever possible

By choosing local you’ll save money on everything from food to flowers. Find out which flowers are local and incorporate them into your wedding flowers. Selecting local produce for your wedding menu will not only save you money but add to the experience for you and your guests as you eat like the locals do. Locally bought souvenirs can make delightful wedding favours which can work out much cheaper particularly if you’re marrying in another country with a favourable exchange rate.

7. Set up a destination wedding wishing well

Instead of guests dragging gifts along with them to your destination wedding, suggest instead that they donate the funds they would have spent on gifts to your destination wedding wishing well. These funds can be used to pay for elements of your destination wedding, activities or honeymoon. Your destination wedding gift fund can include things like airfares, dinner for two, couples massage and tours. There are companies like Wedding List Co. that specialise in managing your wishing well.

8. Send e-invites

Traditional wedding invitations are no longer the only option when it comes to inviting guests to your wedding. Consider instead the e-invite that you can design on any number of available design programs. Convert the invitation to portable document format (PDF) and email to family and friends. Most brides find that guests will RSVP via email anyway – it makes sense to save on expensive invitations and postage and take advantage of email instead.

9. Plan your destination wedding for a non-peak period

Substantial savings can be made by booking your destination wedding outside of peak tourist times. You’ll find that transport, accommodation and even activity prices are lower in non-peak times.

10. Elope!

Perhaps the biggest cost saving action you can take is to elope. Eloping (the two of you running away to be married) will reduce costs dramatically as you won’t need to host and entertain guests.

Do you have any other ideas on how to save money on a destination wedding?

For free tips and advice, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up-to-date with everything destination wedding!

Destination: Wedding is finally in print!

2011-01-29T14:40:00.000-08:00

I've been working on Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams for three years now. During that time I've remained true to the original vision I had for the book. That vision was to create a helpful, easy-to-read guide that would assist couples planning a destination wedding. I wanted to share my own experience, but just as importantly, the experiences of other destination wedding couples.

When seeking out destination wedding couples to contribute to the book, I was heartened to learn how equally passionate they were about their experiences. It was like we had become part of a special club - the destination wedding club! As I interviewed the couples and learned about their stories, it became clear to me that couples who choose a destination wedding share common characteristics. These couples had an undeniable sense of adventure coupled with a penchant for whimsical romance.

I felt privileged to have been so warmly invited into so many destination wedding couples' worlds. As I respectfully viewed their wedding day photo galleries, I learned about them and their incredibly diverse lives. My only regret is, I was unable to include all the couples who were willing to contribute their stories to the book. I am hopeful that they and many more couples will be keen to contribute to future editions. Each destination wedding is unique and it's this uniqueness that I think inspires other couples who are planning or thinking about their own destination wedding.

Apart from the stories of real life destination wedding couples, the book has been written as a destination wedding planning guide complete with tips and guidance on how to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. Drawing on experience from my own two destination weddings that took place in different parts of the world (Hawaii and Northern Europe), along with countless hours of research, I set out to provide an informative guide full of highly useful and practical information.

It was also important that the book be written for a global audience. I discovered that the few destination wedding related books on the market were very much focused on the country in which they had been written, and having lived overseas and considering myself a citizen of the world, I wanted to speak to everyone no matter their geographical location.

As the print version of Destination: Wedding is released, I look back at the past three years with fond memories. There were certainly times when I wondered if anyone would appreciate the time and effort I was investing in this project. But most of the time I've been very focused on the end goal and the experience has been an enjoyable journey that has left me with a richer appreciation for love, relationships and people fulfilling their dreams.

I invite you to share your thoughts about the book and welcome your destination wedding related comments here and at our facebook page.

To take a look inside or to buy the book, head straight to the book's own website at www.destination-wedding-book.com

Quirky Destination Wedding Locations

2010-07-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

The majority of couples who choose a destination wedding tend to get married in beautiful, romantic locations typically in a chapel, castle, chateau or outdoors in a garden, on a mountain, or by a lake, river or the sea.

Over the years though, I've heard of some quirkier destination wedding ideas. I thought I'd share a few of them:

For those looking for something different, you can marry aboard your own private capsule on the 135 metre high London Eye:

For the super adventurous, what better way to get your heart racing on your wedding day than a 150 metre bungy jump before sealing the deal with a kiss:

A sky dive wedding will really get your adrenaline going:

Or perhaps a an underwater wedding is more your style:

For those who just can't enough of their favorite American fast food chain, couples are deciding to tie the knot at their local McDonalds and Taco Bell stores:

I recently read about a number of airlines proposing to offer in-flight weddings (Easyjet was one of them but has since had it's proposal rejected):

If you're aware of any other interesting destination wedding locations and please let me know! I'm forever fascinated by all the different ways couples choose to declare their love.

My Hawaiian Wedding

2010-06-14T04:10:00.000-07:00

When I planned my own destination wedding in Hawaii years ago, I didn't realise I was part of such a growing trend towards destination weddings. I just thought it would be neat to get married while on holidays in a seaside chapel on the Big Island of Hawaii. I saw a picture of this chapel and just knew it was where I wanted to get married.

Hawaii is such a beautiful place to get married, it just oozes what is referred to locally as aloha spirit. Everyone makes you feel so warmly welcomed, you can't help but feel at home.

Visually, Hawaii is breathtaking with it's gorgeous palm fringed beaches, misty rainforest-covered mountains, spectacular waterfalls and awesome volcanoes. Although Hawaii consists of eight islands, the most popular wedding destinations tend to be Oahu, Maui, Kauai and The Big Island of Hawaii.

Incorporating quintessentially Hawaiian elements such as orchid lei's, a conch shell blower and Hawaiian musicians is popular amongst many destination wedding couples. You can provide leis to your guests to wear during the ceremony and/or reception. Every day in Hawaii I couldn't resist wearing a fresh orchid or frangipani (known locally as plumaria) lei around my neck. I can still smell their sweet, tropical perfume wafting through my memories.

Image from: www.alohaislandweddings.com

There's a range of wedding planners and wedding service providers across the islands. Most of the resorts also provide wedding co-ordination services. You only have to Google "wedding in hawaii" to be inundated with myriad of wedding options in Hawaii.

My advice when planning a destination wedding in Hawaii is to go by word of mouth wherever possible. Depending on what kind (and size) of wedding you are planning, you may choose to use a wedding planner to arrange everything for you.

Since my wedding was very intimate, I arranged most things myself although my wedding celebrant helped out by putting me in touch with a reputable local hairdresser and florist. The day went off without a hitch and one of the highlights was cruising along Ali'i Drive on the way to the chapel in our rented Mustang, listening to a Hawaiian version of a Barry White tune. The drive along the Kona coast is spectacular with the sun sparkling on the ocean waves and the palm trees arching from white sand and volcanic rocks.

I would highly recommend getting married in Hawaii, it really is one of the most romantic places on earth.

If you have any questions feel free to ask!