Being Thoughtful

Everyone deserves pretty paper, especially those who help make your wedding day perfect. Make every communication about your wedding details as pretty as can be with these thoughtful letterpress cards from Tallulah Cards on Etsy.

PS. A little known fact – there are over 15,000 paper items related to “weddings” on Etsy. Whoa!

February 14th, 2010 at 12:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Seeking Privacy @ Destination Weddings on the Beach

As development swells in the Caribbean & Mexico, the quest for a PRIVATE beach wedding location becomes ever more important. Here’s a nifty little privacy screen {pan left} put in place by the Moon Dance Villas – as seen in this wedding - captured by the talented Heather Parker. The screen in no way takes away from the look and feel of the venue, agree? I have a feeling these screens will become more popular very soon.

{Heather interviewed me earlier this week for her wedding photography blog. Check it!}

February 14th, 2010 at 12:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

TOMS Shoes for Weddings

We all love TOMS. Even if the shoes aren’t your style, the cause is lovable. If ever you are the center of attention, basking in the warm glow of your own private stage, it is at your wedding. Should you desire to make a statement about how you and your groom view the world in need of charity, then wear a pair from TOMS Wedding Collection and make a difference. Check out the glittery delight:

I am a huge fan of the men’s burlap style. Let’s admit it, not all of us are marrying men with perfect feet, most have been long neglected and perhaps have never enjoyed a pedicure, certainly not during all those years of unkept bachelorhood. So beach sandals aren’t an option for every destination wedding groom. Here’s the solution:

TOMS Shoes for Weddings – who knew?

February 14th, 2010 at 12:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Couples Swept Away Destination Weddings

Couples Swept Away Resort & Spa in Negril , Jamaica sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, if not the world. Seven miles of white sand, turquoise water, and uninterrupted views. If you are looking for an all-inclusive resort with more of a boutique hotel feel, then Couples Swept Away might be a perfect match! For toes-in-the sand weddings set to the tune of nature’s finest sunsets, Couples Swept Away ranks high.

Basic Weddings are Complimentary & Include: personal service of a minister, wedding coordinator, bridal bouquet, boutonniere for the groom, sparking wine, two-tier cake and his and hers half-hour massages.

{My husband and I are lucky enough to have stayed here on more than one occasion. On our first trip in 2005, we couldn’t help but fall in love. We honeymooned in Thailand and the authenticity of Couples Swept Away Thai Restaurant brought back all of those memories. Job well done.}

My European client list is growing! With so many low cost flights from Europe, Destination Weddings in the Caribbean are a perfect choice for you too! You may fly Condor to many Caribbean Islands…

February 14th, 2010 at 12:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Legal Requirements for a Caribbean Wedding

Each island in the Caribbean has their own set of legal marriage requirements. For example, in the Dominican Republic, all paperwork must be translated into Spanish and in the French West Indies, either the bride or groom must be a legal resident for 30 days. This is the single most important fact when planning a Destination Wedding and should be the first item a bride or groom investigates before any other planning begins.

This is also one of the most mis-quoted areas in the Destination Wedding industry. There are dozens of incorrect statements regarding the legal marriage requirements in the Caribbean available on the Internet. I know because this is something I constantly research on behalf of my clients.

The BEST and most accurate source are the Tourist Boards of the Caribbean. Each island maintains a website with destination info, entry requirements, AND wedding information. Sometimes, the wedding info can be hard to find and if so, just ask. I’d be happy to help.

Last week, I compiled a list of Tourist Board websites for my Caribbean Travel Blog. Go here to explore the island or islands you are considering. Please feel free to contact me if you are looking for a Destination Wedding Planner for your Caribbean Wedding!

January 30th, 2010 at 9:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Sabor Restaurant & Bar – Grand Bahama

Celebrated as one of Grand Bahama’s finest and most innovative restaurants – Sabor Restaurant and Bar in the garden overlooking the water at Pelican Bay is the ideal place for your wedding rehearsal reception or wedding reception dinner. Your guests will enjoy signature tropical drinks or selections from a full premium bar. The waterside open air area is the perfect place for all to indulge in a delightful reception to welcome your guests to our island. At this two-hour welcome reception event your guests will enjoy scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and wonderful drinks.

Here is a sample menu for an evening welcome reception at Sabor Restaurant and Bar.

Hors d’ Oeuvres (Select Five Choices)

Smoked Salmon on Wonton with Cream Cheese

Italian meat balls with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings

Tuna & salmon California Rolls with Wasabi Soy Sauce

Olive & Sundried Tomato Tapenade with Parmesan Crostini

Yellow Fin Tuna Wanton with Wasabi and Sesame Seed

Scallop Bruschetta with Vodka Cream Cheese and Bacon Crisp

Avocado & Olive Dip with Toasted Garlic Bruschetta

Orange Glazed Tiger Shrimp with Jalapeno Sauce

Cheese and Spinach Stuffed MushroomTomato and Goat Cheese Crostini

$18.00 per person – minimum 12 persons($18.00 per person* plus 18% gratuity)

Appetizer(Select Two Choices)

Crispy Greens Garden Salad with Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Toasted Almonds

Sabor Salad with Sweet Pear, Blue Cheese, Toasted Walnut and Walnut Vinaigrette

Thai Coconut and lime Seafood SoupCognac Infused Bahamian Spiny Lobster Bisque with Cognac Whipped Cream

Lemon Pepper Smoked Salmon with Lemon-Capers Cream Cheese

Crispy Golden Fish Cake with Bell Peppers and Cilantro and Spicy Cucumber Salsa

Sautéed Tiger Shrimp with Greens and Jalapeno Sauce

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Main Course(Select Three Choices)

Almond-Thyme and Sun dried Tomato Crusted Grouper with Potato Puree, Vegetables and Garlic-Tomato Coulis Sauce

Seared Yellow Tuna with Japanese Noodles Salad and Orange-Ginger Sesame Dressing

Blacken Spiced Grouper Crispy Garden Greens with Pineapple and Tomato-Olive Vinaigrette Butterfly Salmon Fillet with Roasted Vegetables, Spinach Potato Puree and Tomato-Brue Blanc Sauce

Herb-Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank with Roasted Sweet Potato, Grilled Squash and Lamb Meat Juice

Grilled Sirloin Steak with Stuffed Potato, Sautéed Mushroom, Green Beans and Mustard Sauce

Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Caramelized Onions, Wasabi Potato and Cherry Port Wine Sauce

Dessert

The Sabor Gossip Cake…A Few Of Our Fabulous Ingredients: Crispy Meringue, Bailey’s, Chocolate, Brownie, Frozen Bananas, Sweet Crème, Coconut Caramel SauceOrCheese Cake

Non-closeout: $55.00 per person plus 18 % gratuity for a three-course meal – minimum 16 persons. Closeout: $6000 for up to 50 persons – includes a Premium four-hour Open Bar, choice of five hors d’oeuvres and a three-course meal. $100.00 per person + 18 % gratuity.

January 30th, 2010 at 9:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a Good Human

Like the rest of the world, I’ve been glued to the coverage of Haiti and have felt especially appreciative of Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s courageous coverage and his fearless ability jump in and help medically whenever he sees the need. Every time I see him, I think back to the beautiful photos of his wedding and the secret prayer I have to one day be invited to a traditional Indian Wedding.

Enjoy these photos from his wedding as featured in InStyle.

January 30th, 2010 at 9:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Wedding Day Survival Kit

to the rescue:

The kit contains the following fast-fix tools: a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mints, drinking straw, pain reliever, antacid, hand lotion, emery board, clear nail polish, facial tissues, deodorant, tampons, adhesive bandages, hair brush, hair spray, bobby pins, interior mirror, lint remover, mending kit, scissors, safety pins, stain remover, static remover, super glue, double-sided tape, earring backs, corsage pins, and extra wedding bands (just in case). Plus, the fabric-lined carrying case is 100% reusable and refillable. Buy here.

January 30th, 2010 at 9:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Trend Spotted – Personalized Aisle Runners

I’ve been seeing more and more of these. At first I wasn’t sold… but now… I don’t know… I think it is a neat idea and might just work… even for a destination wedding.

PS. Do you know the history of aisle runners?

January 30th, 2010 at 9:10 pm | Comments & Trackbacks (0) | Permalink