The Destination Wedding Travel Blog

Romantic Twilight Packages

2010-02-09T17:25:00.007-05:00

It’s no secret diehard Twilight fans flock to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State to glimpse into the world of the Stephanie Meyer novels. And though upstate Washington might not be the warmest this time of year, what could be more romantic than reliving a few of Bella and Edward’s most amorous moments this Valentine’s Day? Here are three Twilight packages sure to get your heart — and your blood — pumping.

The Resort at Port Ludlow
The Twilight package at this waterfront inn offers one night of accommodations, plus a romantic dinner for two. What’s on the menu? The three-course “Cullen-airy Delight” includes vegetarian vampire salad, New Moon pasta and forbidden-fruit sorbet. To drink? Blood Orange Martinis, of course! If you can’t get away for Valentine’s Day, don’t worry — the package is valid through March 31, 2010.

If you’d prefer a Team Jacob Valentine’s experience, the resort also offers the Lovers’ Valentine’s Weekend Getaway, with two nights of accommodations, a six-course dinner (perfect for hungry werewolves!) and in-room Prosecco and chocolates.

Kalaloch Lodge
Retrace Bella and Edward’s footsteps — literally — with this one-night Twilight package; included is a map of Forks highlighting the places mentioned in the book, along with Twilight trivia, water bottles and dessert. After a day of exploring Olympic National Park, cozy up with your sweetie in a log cabin while listening to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean.

The Tudor Inn
Located in the town of Port Angeles, this historic B&B’s one-night Twilight package includes a wine tasting at Olympic Cellars Winery, dinner for two at Bella Italia Restaurant and gourmet breakfast. Don’t worry if you forgot your own copy of any of the books in the series — they’ve got them all on hand for your reading pleasure.

Get Married for Free on Valentine’s Day

2010-02-05T16:22:00.001-05:00

Any engaged couples out there feeling extra spontaneous? Even if you’re not the adventurous type, a free wedding at the W Hotel San Francisco might trigger your impulses. The posh hotel is teaming up with UrbanDaddy to host a Pop Up Wedding party on Cupid’s favorite holiday, February 14, where 20 lucky couples will be chosen to tie the knot. The soiree is modeled after drive-through style weddings in Vegas and an officiant will be on hand to instantly join each pair in wholly matrimony. Not only is the event way more chic than a quickie Sin City wedding, but it comes with all the trimmings: brides get mini mani/pedis from Bliss Spa and makeup by YB Cosmetics, while designer John Varvatos provides styling tips for the grooms. Champagne, flowers, wedding cupcakes and a DJ are also part of the package.

If you’d like to be one of the 20 couples to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day, or if you’d just like to be a spectator, RSVP at urbandaddy.com/popup. (Guests can also RSVP at the same link to attend the party.) Note that you will have to obtain a valid marriage license before the ceremony takes place. Visit www.sfgov.org/countyclerk for more info. Still not sure if this wedding is right for you? Feel free to call the W San Francisco’s concierge desk at (415) 817-7832 with any questions.

Carry-on Comfort

2010-02-04T16:55:00.008-05:00

I’m all about sleeping through a flight. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to sacrifice room in my carry-on for a pillow and a blanket, so I usually find myself curled up inside my hoodie. But with the introduction of Lug’s NapSac and SnuzSac those days are loooong gone.

Super-comfy travel pillows with matching blankets made of slip-into-sleep fabric ensure you’ll be in lala land in no time. Sets come in one of eight colors, ranging from fog gray to rose pink. And here’s the best part — it all folds into itself which means more room in your carry-on for the finer things in life, like that swimsuit you’ll put on the second you get to your hotel room. Until then, happy traveling!

Napsac, $28; Snuz Sac U-Blanket + Pillow set, $30

Divas & Dudes

2010-02-03T14:57:00.004-05:00

In 2005, I honeymooned on the island of St. John, USVI, and fell in love with its verdant hills, vibrant snorkeling and laid-back Caribbean vibe. Now you can enjoy this pristine escape too — friends in tow — with the Divas & Dudes Getaway at The Westin St. John Resort & Villas, one of only two resorts on the entire island.

Basically, it’s a whole new take on the bachelor/bachelorette-party tradition for both you and your groom. With the package, the groomsmen and the ’maids receive a daily $100 per-person credit good toward resort dining, as well as an additional daily $100 per-person credit good for spa treatments or water sports on Great Cruz Bay. Also on the group-activity agenda — competitive co-ed bobbing for beers and soda, plus 50 percent off your fave drink concoction, renamed in honor of you for the day!

For an additional cost starting at $75 per person, The Westin can also arrange a sunset sail that includes an open bar with champagne, cheese and crackers, along with crudités with dip and fruit. (Groups can book sailing excursions on arrival.)

Available with a minimum stay of four nights, the getaway can be booked now through Dec. 19, 2010. Triple-occupancy nightly rates start at $269 per person, and double-occupancy rates begin at $300 per person, including taxes and a welcome beach bag with a bottle of rum for each traveler. For reservations, call 888-627-7206 or click here and request rate code LAPPKG1.

Just Back: Barbuda

2010-02-02T14:43:00.001-05:00

I love to travel, and there are fewer things more fun than going to a place I’ve never been. This weekend it was Barbuda, sister island to the better-known Antigua. Getting there takes a bit of work—I flew American from Miami to Antigua, then WinAir for the 16-minute flight to Barbuda. (You can also take a 90-minute ferry, only recommended for the strong-of-stomach to due the choppy open-channel crossing.) From the airport in Codrington, we then took a 15-minute boat ride across the lagoon to our final destination: Lighthouse Bay Resort, a 9-room oasis set on a narrow wedge of sand between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The undeveloped, pink-hued beach stretches for miles in both directions, with no distractions except palm trees, sea birds and lapping turquoise waves.

I spent much of my time going from chaise lounge to hammock, though I did manage to rouse myself for a 10-minute boat ride across the lagoon to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary; it was mating season so the males put on quite a show, puffing out their red chin pouches to attract the gals. For dinner, we’d gather with other guests at 7 pm for sundown cocktails, then enjoy an ever-changing dinner selection; the menu is based on whatever is fresh and in-house, which for us meant lots of Caribbean lobster.

If you’re looking for activity, interaction or nightlife, Lighthouse Bay is NOT the place for you (though we did go into town on Friday night for Karoake Night at the charming, sand-floored nightspot It’s a Bit Fishy; the island has a mere 1,500 residents, so everyone knows everyone). But if you’re looking for quality alone time, serenity, and what might be the most beautiful beach in the entire Caribbean, it’s worth the trek. Bonus: Guests staying longer than 3 nights get a complimentary helicopter transfer from the international airport in Antigua.

Real Wedding: Ashley and Travis — Newport, Rhode Island

2010-02-01T16:22:00.006-05:00

I’m officially in love with our featured wedding this week! (Do I say that every week? Probably.) I’m not sure if it’s the adorable couple, the charming waterfront ceremony, the fresh blue and green color palette, the bride’s amazing veil or the handmade DIY details that have me swooning. I’ll have to go with: D, all of the above.

Let’s start with our couple: Ashley Kazmerowski and Travis Lan live in New Jersey, but chose to hold their four-day event in Newport, Rhode Island, because it holds a special place in their hearts. The fabulous Belle Mer served as the venue; its waterfront location was perfect, and Ashley loved that it was a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into her wedding vision.

For the color palette, Ashley chose cornflower blue and apple green — such lovely colors for a spring wedding. To bring out the colors in her decor, she DIYed all her stationery, including the invitations, programs and menu cards. And I love her idea for the table cards: the couple named each table after a different destination they’ve visited, and used photos of themselves from their travel adventures. Fun!

Since Ashley was wearing a simple, chic gown from Melissa Sweet, she wanted bold accessories. Love, love, LOVE her handmade lace veil! So dramatic, feminine and elegant!

Here are more photos of the blue and green fabulousness, courtesy of the talented Kristin Spencer. (PS… how great are the bridal party portraits? I heart the field of yellow flowers and the cherry blossoms!)

Read the full story for more details, planning tips and wedding inspiration.

Look of Love Wedding Photography Contest

2010-01-29T15:53:00.010-05:00

Calling all wedding photographers: Now’s your opportunity to show us what you’ve got for a chance to get published! We’ve teamed up with American Photo magazine and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) to present the Look of Love wedding photography contest.

Submit your best wedding shots for the following categories:

Getting Ready
Ceremony
Couples Portrait
Reception
Sendoff
Details

And if you’re a destination-wedding photographer, you can also enter your pics for these categories:

Best Use of Locale
Best Use of Local Flavor
Day After
Trash the Dress

One winning image will be selected per category. All winners will be published in American Photo magazine; the winners of the destination-specific categories will also be printed in Destination Wedding & Honeymoons. The prizes up for grabs include fab photo equipment from Lensbaby, Kubota Image Tools and BODA; plus two grand-prize winners will score a trip to the Cancun Palace Resort.

What are you waiting for? Visit WeddingPhotographyContest.com, upload your photos before April 15, 2010 and your gorgeous images could grace the pages of our June/July issue!

Underneath It All — Claire Pettibone’s new Butterfly lingerie line for Spring 2010

2010-01-28T10:51:00.009-05:00

As if Claire Pettibone’s wedding gowns weren’t romantic enough (check out this season’s line if you don’t believe me), she’s now unveiled lingerie to wear with it. Her new Butterflies collection includes gossamer-light unmentionables, including thongs, hipsters, tanks, camis, babydolls and chemises. Each piece is not only super-sexy, but also light, seamless and comfortable — ideal to wear under your beloved CP wedding gown. Now that’s what I call a perfect pair.

Claire Pettibone’s Butterfly line is available nationwide at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Fred Segal, or visit getyourbutterflyon.com. From $22.

Best Friends Forever

2010-01-27T15:51:00.005-05:00

In the summer of 2007, I went on my first trip for work ever — to Hawaii to check out the islands’ various Hilton resorts. I spent the last two nights at Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island, and I was wowed by the Kohala Spa, dolphin encounters at Dolphin Quest and the bayside Hale Aloha Chapel.

So I was excited to hear about the resort’s latest promotion, the I Do Times Two Essay Contest. Here’s how it works: Any bride-to-be with an engaged best girlfriend is invited to tell Hilton about her BFF and explain why their relationship is so special that they both deserve to be married on or around Valentine’s Day 2011 at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Even better — it’s not a double wedding, but rather, two separate weddings that take place on the same trip.

To enter, visit weddingtimestwo.com before Feb. 22, and tell Hilton why you and your fellow engaged girlfriend deserve to win. A panel of Hilton Worldwide judges will review all the submissions and deem one story the winner, based on key criteria like uniqueness, sincerity and impact of your relationship. The winning entries will be announced on or around March 2. The lucky grand-prize-winning bride will receive an all-expense-paid wedding package for herself and her best friend between January 1, 2011, and March 31, 2011, including complimentary round-trip airfare for both couples to Hawaii’s Big Island, two ocean-view wedding ceremonies and deluxe ocean-view accommodations.

Now that sounds like a memory that would truly last forever. Good luck!

Real Wedding: Melissa and Jonathan — Paradise Island, Bahamas

2010-01-25T16:14:00.004-05:00

Sick of the bitter winter weather? Our featured wedding this week whisks us away to Paradise Island in the Bahamas for some much-needed sunshine and celebrating. Our cutie couple, Melissa Abell and Jonathan Cauff, chose the dreamy scenery of Versailles Gardens at the One&Only Ocean Club for their ceremony backdrop. (Jonathan proposed there on the couple’s first vacation together.) The ceremony was sweet, serene and intimate, and included the traditional singing of the Ketubah and breaking of the glass.

After the wedding, the party moved over to Atlantis, where the reception venue, Cafe Martinique, was decorated with ivory and pink accents. I love the candlelight vibe the couple created for the reception - it’s so soft, warm and romantic. After dinner, Melissa and Jonathan wanted to get the crowd on their feet, so they hired a junkanoo band to liven the festivities and had plenty of tequila shots on hand. And since they both love sweets, their dessert bar featured everything from traditional wedding cake and adorable cupcakes adorned with their wedding logo, to cotton candy and mini-donuts. Love it!

Photos courtesy of Ben Chrisman

Get the full wedding story and read planning tips from Melissa here.

More Ways to Help Haiti

2010-01-22T16:07:00.005-05:00

We at DWH are so encouraged by all the support that’s been flowing to Haiti, and we were stoked to hear about two cool ways to help even more — while you’re building your wedding look.

If you’re based near Charleston, South Carolina, and are still looking for the prefect gown, head to Belle Couture Bridal, which will donate 2 percent of their total profits to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund from now until Feb. 14, 2010. The Red Cross will use the donations to provide money, supplies and staff for Haitian residents who suffered catastrophic damage and loss of life. Modern Trousseau, one of Belle Couture’s featured designers, has also teamed up with the boutique and will match donations from the proceeds on the sale of their gowns.

No matter where you live, you can purchase this multi-strand seed bead necklace from Ben-Amun. Normally $80, for a limited time you can buy it for only $20, and for each necklace purchased, the designer will donate $10 to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief efforts. Just call 212-944-6480 and mention “Haiti necklace.”

P.S. As you may have heard, Grand Cayman also experienced an earthquake on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Thankfully, though it measured 5.8 on the Richter scale, no injuries have been reported, and there have been no reports of damage to buildings. Businesses and schools have remained open, and residents have resumed their normal daily routines. No tsunami warning was issued from this event.

4 Super Sexy Valentine’s Day Specials!

2010-01-22T14:18:00.028-05:00

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just about chocolates and flowers, many resorts are taking full advantage of the season by offering romantic packages for duex. Still need to book your honeymoon? Here are four fun getaways guaranteed to up your romance-factor this February.

DOMESTIC
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Valid February 1-28, 2010; From $589 per night
-Champagne and strawberries upon arrival
-Couple’s massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
-Dinner for two at Elway’s Downtown
-Silver necklace ($150 value)
-In-room breakfast
-Overnight valet parking

CARIBBEAN
The Tuscany on Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
Valid January 15-February 21, 2010; From $775 per night
-stay seven nights and only pay for five
-champagne arrival
-in-room or beachside couple’s massage

CENTRAL AMERICA
Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort, Belize
Valid February 1-28, 2010; From $4,185 per couple
-six nights stay
-roundtrip airfare from Belize City to Kanantik (on Tropic Air)
-champagne and flowers upon arrival
-breakfast, lunch and three-course dinner daily (room service included)
-three tours
-candlight dinner on the beach

PET-FRIENDLY
Kimpton Hotels “Rub the One You’re With”
Valid February 1- March 31, 2010; From $269 per night
-one-night stay at any of the 41 locations
-champagne upon arrival
-one-hour massage instruction class
-take-home massage kit
-overnight parking

Sneak peek our new logo!

2010-01-20T18:54:00.003-05:00

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since the first issue of DWH hit the stands. At that point in time, destination weddings were still considered unusual—something people dreamed of, but not many people actually did. We thought different, and knew that it was a trend on the rise, with its own unique challenges and aspects that warranted a magazine of its own. And we were right! In the five years since, destination weddings have become de riguer; I don’t know any bride-to-be who doesn’t at least consider having one.

So with that in mind, we took another look at our logo and gave it a refresh, putting the word “destination” on equal footing with the word “wedding.” To us, it’s a way of reinforcing our commitment and dedication to you fabulous, daring destination brides.
P.S. As part of our anniversary, we’re going to be celebrating all year with a slate of amazing wedding giveaways! First up: a $10,000 wedding in Bermuda, including airfare for 20 from jetBlue! See the details in our Mar/Apr 2010 issue, which hits stands on February 23.

Win a Free Honeymoon! Win Free Beauty Products!

2010-01-15T09:00:00.001-05:00

In the market for a free honeymoon? How about free beauty products? If you haven’t visited our contest page lately, you’re missing out on some awesome prizes. Head there right now (do not pass go, do not collect $200!) for your chance win.

Win a Florida Honeymoon
This sweepstakes ends today so don’t wait to enter! You could win a five-night escape at the uber-chic Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida. Melt away your post-wedding stress with two complimentary 50-minute spa treatments. >>> Enter now

Win a St. Lucia Honeymoon
The dreamy isle of St. Lucia and its iconic Pitons set the stage for a quintessentially romantic honeymoon. After you’ve said I do, get some well-deserved R&R with a five-night all-inclusive stay at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. Complimentary champagne will be awaiting your arrival! >>> Enter now

Win a France Honeymoon
Imagine yourself softly whispering these words: “For our honeymoon, we’re staying at a chateau in France.” Make the fairy tale ending come true and enter to win a three-night stay at the Chateau de Challain in the Loire Valley. Prince Charming not included. >>> Enter now

Win Free Beauty Products
We announced the winners of our first annual DWH Beauty Awards in our most recent Worldwide Guide issue, but it wasn’t enough. We want to make five lucky gals the happiest women on the planet when they win the ultimate beauty prize pack, comprised of the award-winners, including everything from OPI's nail polish to T3's hair iron. >>> Enter now

We’re also gearing up to celebrate our 5th anniversary, which means we’ve got tons of great contests and prizes on the way! Be sure to stay tuned to our blog for details!

Haiti: How You Can Help

2010-01-14T15:08:00.002-05:00

We're joining our sister publications ISLANDS and CTL to help spread the word about how you can donate to Haiti.

On Tuesday, the Caribbean country was struck by a massive, 7.0-magnitude earthquake. Here are the latest news updates and emergency relief you can donate to:

- The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 in aid and have released supplies in a Panama warehouse to the island.

- Mercy Corps is sending an emergency response team to the island.

- CNN has a minute-by-minute account of the disaster.

- BBC News has first-hand accounts of the quake and a video of the devestation.

- For information about friends and family members in Haiti, call the U.S. State Department Operations center at 1-888-407-4747.

Haiti/DR Update

2010-01-13T15:42:00.003-05:00

Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti who have suffered unimaginable losses from yesterday's earthquake. We also realize some of you readers are planning weddings or honeymoons in the Dominican Republic, Haiti's neighbor on the Island of Hispaniola, and are wondering how the quake may have impacted the DR. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism issued a statement today saying that "the DR experienced no damage from the earthquake, and all transportation systems, communication systems, tourism businesses and medical facilities are operating smoothly."

Nevertheless, JetBlue Airways is waiving change fees and fare differences to allow customers booked to travel to, from or through Puerto Plata, Santiago or Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Jan. 13 to voluntarily rebook their travel through Jan. 15, due to the earthquake's impact on the island. Customers may rebook their travel online at jetblue.com anytime prior to their originally scheduled departure.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the country of Haiti.

Winners of the Follow the Bride Contest

2010-01-11T16:42:00.005-05:00

We are so pleased to finally announce the winners of our Follow the Bride contest! We poured over more than 800 entries from deserving couples telling us why they deserved to win a dream wedding in Mexico. Congratulations to Jill Poole and Jesse Brown, who inspired us with their story of love and hope. Their relationship has endured many hardships, including the recent passing of Jill’s mother to cancer. Because of her medical bills and their own student loans, they haven’t been able to afford the wedding they’ve always envisioned.

We couldn’t imagine a better couple to receive this awesome prize package, including a free wedding from Palace Resorts (plus a five-night stay at any of their properties in Mexico), a wedding gown courtesy of Demetrios, bridesmaids’ attire from The Dessy Group and invitations courtesy of Destination Romance by Dawn. Jill will be blogging throughout the entire planning process, to offer inspiration for all you destination brides out there.

Read Jill and Jesse’s engagement story here and be sure to check back every Monday to Follow the Bride! We are so excited to see their dream wedding come to life!

Inspired by Winter Fashion - Boot Week

2010-01-08T15:57:00.012-05:00

We Florida gals aren’t used to actual winter weather. Even those of us who used to live up north (which is most of us) can’t deal with the frigid temps sweeping across the Sunshine State this week. It makes me wish we had saved our celebration of Boot Week, our follow up to Scarf Week, for the current cold spell. Instead, we declared it the week before our holiday break, when the weather was still warm enough for bare legs (and almost too warm for boots). The challenge? Wear a different pair of boots each day with no repeats, which proved to be more difficult than anticipated.

Day 1: We rocked our favorite styles, from anklet to cowboy

Day 2: We gained momentum when another lovely lady joined our boot brigade

Day 3: Boot Week goes co-ed when our favorite photographer donned his boots

Day 4: We lost a few participants because of the 80-degree weather but we still kept it going

Day 5: A strong finish to a fabulous Boot Week! Even our male Creative Director jumped in on the fun

Looking for fun ways to incorporate boots into your wedding? Check out some inspiration below:

Photo courtesy of Offbeat Bride

Photos courtesy Sarah Green Photography

Photo courtesy Brenda’s Wedding Blog

Photo courtesy Manolo for the Brides

Photo courtesy Sheila Carson Photography

So far we’ve loved doing scarf week and boot week. What should we do next?

Westin's 2010 Mexico Travel Packages

2010-01-07T16:57:00.012-05:00

While the entire country is freezing (it’s even rumored to snow here in Florida), it’s the perfect time to start planning a warm honeymoon away. It’s true I’m a bit biased when it comes to Mexico (it is one of my favorite places), and the 2010 vacation packages at the Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos are definitely tempting. Find one to suit your fancy, then count down the days to margaritas on the beach!

Seasonal Savings in Mexico package
Stay three nights and get the fourth night free; stay a week and get the last two nights free. Guests staying four to six nights receive a $200 food and beverage credit; Seven nights or more gets you a $300 dining credit. Valid through December 22, 2010 with rates starting at $196 per night.

Spa Collection package
Includes a fruit basket upon arrival, ocean-view room, daily Westin Wellness breakfast, one 50-minute spa treatment of choice for each guest, and a late 4 p.m. check out time. Two-night minimum stay required. Valid through May 31, 2010 with rates starting at$290 .

Indulge Each Other package
Perfect for lovebirds, this package comes with champagne and strawberries upon arrival, daily breakfast for two (room service included) and a late 4 p.m. check out time. Valid through May 31, 2010 with rates starting at $240..

Seaside package
Enjoy a smoked salmon, shrimp and lobster platter with wine upon arrival in your ocean-view room, plus one 50-minute massage for each guest and daily breakfast for two. Valid through May 31, 2010 with rates starting at $253.

Packages are subject to availability and only offered for a limited time so don’t wait. Put your coat away and get out your bikini — there’s a spot on the beach for two with your name on it!

Bookworm Bride

2010-01-06T11:32:00.010-05:00

Congrats to all of you who got engaged over the holidays! Now that you’re in the thick of planning, we thought you could use a little help in the way of books for brides. Here are five brand-new must-reads.

The Big White Book of Weddings: A How-to Guide for the Savvy, Stylish Bride by David Tutera ($18.99, St. Martin’s Griffin, released Jan. 5, 2010) In this handy tome, celebrity event planner and designer David Tutera dishes out his best tips on planning details, from arranging the meal to negotiating the best deal. For destination brides: four not-to-miss pages of do’s and don’ts. (DO offer multiple accommodation choices that vary in price; DON’T mix sand and heels!)

The Bride’s Thank You Guide: Thank You Writing Made Easy by Pamela A. Lach ($8.95, Chicago Review Press, releases April 1, 2010) At only 80 pages, this little paperback is light on fluff and heavy on service, offering creative, helpful ideas on how to make each thank-you note and gift thoughtful, memorable and appropriate. For destination brides: five sample thank-you notes for monetary gifts.

The Bubbly Bride: Your Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Guide by Natalie Bovis-Nelson ($16.95, GPP Life, released Dec. 8, 2009) In this cute release, professional mixologist Natalie Bovis-Nelson (aka “The Liquid Muse”) helps couples create a signature cocktail, stock a home bar, pick drinks for wedding-related events and more. For destination brides: more than 70 cocktail recipes, including destination-appropriate drinks like Bellinis, piña coladas and sangria.

The DIY Bride Crafty Countdown: 40 Fabulous Projects to Make in the Months, Weeks & Hours Before Your Special Day by Kris Cochran ($19.95, The Taunton Press, released Jan. 5, 2010) DIY guru Kris Cochran helps brides personalize their events and save money, providing step-by-step instructions and illustrations on hip DIY ideas, from edible save-the-dates to homemade photo booths. For destination brides: travel-friendly projects, like spa-day invites and beach-glass centerpieces.

Planet Wedding: A Nuptialpedia by Sandra and Harry Choron ($14.95, Mariner Books, releases Feb. 16, 2010) This offbeat wedding encyclopedia informs, helps and entertains brides with more than 300 listings on all things wedding. Entries include humorous items like “Prenups of the rich and famous,” as well as useful sections like “How to have a green wedding.” For destination brides: wedding cakes and traditions around the world.

Real Wedding: Cyndi and Austin — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2010-01-04T16:14:00.001-05:00

We hope you all had a fabulous holiday – we know we did! To kick the New Year off right, grab a margarita and celebrate our first real wedding of 2010! Our featured couple this week, Cyndi Cramer and Austin Yoder from Norfolk, Virginia, hosted their lively destination wedding in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Cue the Love Boat theme song.) Talk about a party – this wedding was a non-stop fiesta! The event was held at the appropriately-named Playa Fiesta Beach Club and Hotel, a boutique property specializing primarily in destination weddings. Cyndi, Austin and their 39 guests enjoyed tons of activities during the week-long celebration including a fire-dancing exhibition, salsa-dancing lessons and zip-line tours. When they weren’t adventure-seeking, they could be found at the pool racing rafts and soaking up the sun. The casual, sunset wedding ceremony took place on a terrace overlooking the bay while a traditional mariachi band performed in the background. The poolside reception followed, complete with a dance floor suspended over the pool and a buffet-style dinner with seafood, pasta, and local Mexican cuisine. To cap off the fun-filled evening, the entire wedding party jumped fully-clothed into the pool. Love it!

Cyndi and Austin seem like such a fun couple! Both of their smiles are extremely infectious and it looks like they really enjoyed their big day. I love this shot of them playing during their wedding portraits. Rawr!

Photos courtesy of Jimmy Infante.

Get the full wedding story and read planning tips from Cyndi here.

Pick a Pair

2009-12-17T15:55:00.016-05:00

Once a year the Sperry Top-Sider girls come by the office to show us their new lines of shoes. Well today was that day. And while the different styles are sure to be a hit for boat-lovers and Hamptons-on-the-weekend types, we were delighted to see they had some styles that would be perfect for a destination wedding. Here are some of our favorite picks:

This men's flip flop is perfect for a ceremony on the sand.

For something a little dressier, you can't go wrong with a slip-on — very South Beach.

This Marion flat comes in multiple colors (including white) but seriously, how fun is silver?
Something about this Southport red wedge just screams "take me dancing".

Shoes ... sigh.

Vegas' Newest Playground

2009-12-16T14:38:00.005-05:00

All the news outlets are buzzing about it — MGM-Mirage’s CityCenter, which officially opens today on the Las Vegas Strip. This $8.5 billion complex is jaw-dropping in its size and scope — its 18 million square feet comprise a casino, a high-end shopping area, 42 bars and restaurants, and four soaring hotels.

Its flagship property, ARIA, boasts a whopping 4,004 guest rooms, each with modern furnishings and “one touch” technology (the “good night” button turns everything — from TV and music to lights — off, while activating the privacy notification). In addition to an 80,000-square-foot spa, multilevel nightclub (complete with a wall of interactive projection screens) and three pools, ARIA is also home to Viva Elvis, a Cirque de Soleil extravaganza that features 75 acrobats, a five-story stage and rare home movies.

If you’ve got Sin City on your radar, whether for your wedding, honeymoon or bachelorette bash, be sure to check out this brand-new attraction — we know we’ll be paying a visit as soon as we have the opportunity!

Fly Free with Facebook

2009-12-11T14:01:00.008-05:00

Become a fan and fly for free — sounds too good to be true, right? But a few airlines are upping their social-media game with creative sweepstakes on Facebook. Here are my two recent favorites:

JetBlue
If you managed to snag an All-You-Can-Jet monthly pass back in September, then you already know the joys of flying whenever you want on JetBlue. Become a fan of the airline on Facebook, and you’ll automatically be entered in The All-You-Can-Jet Fan Sweepstakes, which has tons of awesome prizes, including the grand prize — the coveted yearlong All-You-Can-Jet pass. But that’s not all: Each week one lucky fan will win a pair of roundtrip tickets anywhere JetBlue flies, plus fans can form teams in order to win a five-day/four-night vacation package for four. And a final added bonus: For every 250,000 fans JetBlue receives before January 31, 2010, they’ll add another All-You-Can-Jet pass as a grand prize. I can already hear the waves in Costa Rica calling my name!

Southwest
Even if you’re already a fan of flying sans baggage fees on Southwest Airlines, their Fans Fly Free promotion gives you another reason to love them. As a thank you to their customers, the airline is giving away 100 pairs of roundtrip tickets anywhere they fly. All you have to do to enter is become a fan of Southwest Airlines on Facebook before December 31, 2009. Easy, right? And it would be the perfect excuse for a bachelorette party in Vegas!

And while you're at it, become a fan of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons! And if you're jonesing for more giveaway action, head over to our contest page to win free trips, beauty products and fun stuff!

Travel Alert: Turks & Caicos Special!

2009-12-10T13:58:00.010-05:00

Still looking to book your honeymoon? Not only can you still snag a deal this season, but you can also do it in style. To commemorate its one-year anniversary, Villa del Mar, a boutique hotel in Turks and Caicos, is offering special rates from December until April. Located on popular Grace Bay, this hotspot boasts 42 rooms overlooking white-sand beaches and crystal-blue water. Island-hopping on this UK territory is a noted past-time, or, just spend the day snorkeling, golfing, fishing or lazing on the beach with a big fat coconut drink in your hand.

Here’s the info:

December: All room rates are 25% off (including the top-floor ocean-view penthouses). Fancy!
January: Deluxe studio room rates are 50% off (no minimum stay required)
February – April: Book a 7-night vacay between February 1 and April 30, 2010, and get two nights free. (Reservations must be booked by December 31, 2009.)

For more details or to make reservations visit yourvilladelmar.com or call 1-877-209-0506.

Now that’s a way to warm up this winter!