Southern California Wedding Inspiration | Wedgewood Weddings
Southern California offers so many wedding location options – we thought we’d highlight one of the Central Coast’s gems today: Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center. Conveniently located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, it offers convenience with everything provided in one package.
Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center offers the perfect source for all your event needs! From elegant weddings and class reunions to corporate meetings, Wedgewood has it all! Your customized wedding package may include wedding ceremony with seating and decorative arch, hors d’ oeuvres, beverage, choice of buffet or plated meal, invitations, customized music services, flowers, cake and even your honeymoon hotel suite. If you haven’t visited their Facebook page lately, they are giving to a worthwhile cause and rewarding their “fans” with some great incentives. Check it out!
Wedding Planning Inspiration | Summer Wedding Menu Fit for Royalty
This just in from the Executive Chef to Prince Charles, Princess Diana and the Royal Family for over 10 years,Carolyn Robb:
Her Majesty the Queen of England is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee and along with the Olympics being held in England in June, Ms. Robb has created a Royal gourmet celebration luncheon perfect for summer weddings. We were inspired and thought we’d share!
CELEBRATION LUNCH
“I have created this menu in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee and other festivities in Britain this summer. It showcases the very best of British ingredients. The dishes are my contemporary interpretations of ‘Royal favorites’ from my wonderful thirteen years as a royal chef. During this time I had the privilege of cooking for every member of the British Royal Family and I catered for many special royal events.” – Carolyn Robb
MENU
Homemade Minted ‘Lime-ade’ with a Traditional Pimms Garnish
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Tian of Hot-Smoked Scottish Salmon & New Potatoes Garnished with Garden Peas, Asparagus tips & Arugula
With a Walnut oil and Raspberry Champagne Vinegar Dressing
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Coronation Chicken
Served with a Colorful Salad of Mixed Grains
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Coronet of Pistachio Meringue filled with Summer Berries and Vanilla-bean Mascarpone Cream
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Jubilee Iced Coffee
With Chocolate-dipped Shortbread Petits Fours
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This menu is also wonderful for an al-fresco summer luncheon party for friends, bridesmaids luncheon or shower and can easily be packed up for a picnic and works equally as well as a supper party menu.
Dream Destination Wedding Dresses | Inspired by Vows on the Beach
Some of our favorite beach wedding dresses are the most simple (and easy to pack). We’re feeling particularly inspired by romantic beach weddings where the dress flows in the trade winds and the only wedding slippers are perfectly pampered toes feeling the warm sand. From short and sassy to elegant with a long train, anything goes at the beach.
Destination Wedding Inspiration | Sophisticated New York Weddings
There is nothing like the vibe of the big city for a lively wedding. And what could be more quintessentially sophisticated than a New York wedding? Check out some ofNew York’s finest wedding locations:
The Roosevelt’s Grand Ballroom, one of the city’s few remaining traditional ballrooms, offers the perfect setting for wedding receptions of up to 400 guests. Here, gilded 27-foot ceilings, magnificent chandeliers, iron-laced balconies and arched windows make couples feel as if they’ve traveled back in time. More intimate gatherings are arranged in the smaller but equally enchanting Palm or Terrace Rooms.
The Roosevelt Wedding Package offers all the special touches brides and grooms may wish for, including champagne upon arrival, a five-hour premium bar, a one-hour reception, a five-course sit-down dinner of international cuisine and vintage wine, as well as a custom wedding cake. Wedding guests enjoy special overnight rates, while newlyweds are treated to a complimentary honeymoon suite.
Glass House has endless views of the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, the Park with trees, grass, sculptures with NY City skylines hovering just over the trees. Every type of view imaginable! Trees! City Sky Scrapers! The River! Glorious sunsets over the river. The Statue of Liberty! Boats… ENDLESS Visual Candy!
A must see, The Glass House NYC can accommodate weddings of up to 210 for a seated dinner with dancing for a traditional wedding. Multi-level dance parties or corporate events can accommodate up to 1200 guests and tented weddings just outside can accommodate up to 600 guests. Call for your private tour as soon as you can! (We have three locations in NJ also on the river, but looking back at NYC if you wish to explore NJ as well, just call Iris to ask!!!)
Your typical dinner dance starts at $125pp for Fridays, Sundays and Weekdays and up to $175-$225pp for prime Saturdays deluxe wedding menus etc… Pricing depends on date, day, size of party, how many hours needed and the menu selection and bar etc…
In the heart of Brooklyn, nestled in the shadow of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, you will find an oasis of lush tranquility at Dyker Beach Golf Course. Offering exceptional options for weddings, special events and holiday parties, this hidden treasure is truly a unique find in New York City. The historic facility, originally opened in the 1890′s, has just undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, restoring it to its original charm and grace.
With the capacity to host groups of up to 300- for a sit down dinner and dancing, this gorgeous property offers both indoor and outdoor choices for weddings, receptions and all types of special events. Wedding ceremonies can be performed at our newly redesigned outdoor ceremony site, on the terrace or in the Grand Ballroom. Receptions and events can be held on the expansive 6,000 square foot patio overlooking the softly undulating greens of the course; while the floor to ceiling windows in the elegantly appointed ballroom offer guests views of the well-manicured course from every vantage point. A newly added private bridal suite is also available for the bridal party.
Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course
In the Bronx, just at the edge of Westchester, you will find Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses – with its perfectly manicured grounds and elegantly appointed interiors, it is the ideal location for stylish weddings & receptions. Easily accessible to both New York City and Westchester, the historic site was originally opened in 1901; and with the newly completed $10 million renovations, the site has been transformed into a preeminent event location for the Tri-State area.
Perfect for hosting groups of up to 200, its gorgeous natural setting provides the perfect backdrop for pictures, while the sophisticated interior boasts a distinct art deco flair harkening back to an era of luxury and glamour. The Great Room is ideal for cocktail receptions and opens up to the patio giving guests a spectacular view of the courses. The Pavilion is a unique space featuring vaulted ceilings and its windows wrap around the entire perimeter, treating guests to an unobstructed view of the lush beauty surrounding the clubhouse. The fully-appointed private bridal suite is also available for the bridal party.
Destination City Weddings | Inspired by Chicago Weddings
A Chicago wedding is sophisticated, full of soul and brings to mind vintage romance in the big city. Here are some of our favorite Chicago wedding locations:
Our premiere golf course is the perfect setting for a memorable outdoor ceremony and unique photo opportunities. Our signature touches of service and exceptional food preparations will make your special day truly spectacular. It’s “White Glove” service all the way, and we do it best.
Elgin Country Club has a full service banquet facility serving weddings, corporate events, golf outings, birthday parties and much more. Our dedicated and experienced staff will attend to every detail and assure a memory that you will cherish always. With exquisite menus, beautiful décor and elegant presentation, events of every kind and size are destined for success at Elgin Country Club. The possibilities are limitless.
Unforgettable Chicago weddings are a priority at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. We truly believe your Chicago wedding should be one of the best days of your life. And because of that, we take pride in handling the details so you can spend time on what’s most important: enjoying the day.
Our superb facilities can accommodate everything from small, intimate gatherings to lavish Chicago weddings. And our staff can help you plan the ceremony of your dreams, from flowers to music and everything in between.
After the ceremony, celebrate with your guests at the most elegant of Chicago wedding venues. Whether your wedding includes a group of 500 or just the two of you, you’ll delight in our delicious food, prepared with all the careful touches you’d expect from truly fine dining.
Weddings in Hawaii | Choosing the Right Island for You
Getting married in Hawaii. Perhaps one of the ultimate destination wedding inspirations, a Hawaii wedding offers some of the best features of a destination wedding: besides sandy beaches, clear waters and swaying palm trees, a wedding in Hawaii allows you to travel without a passport and yet feel you are in a different country altogether as well as provides a relaxing vacation and cultural experience all in one. There is so much history and culture. But perhaps the one thing that defines Hawaii is its Aloha Spirit. Natives are raised with it and transplants quickly begin to adopt the Aloha spirit after just a short time of being there. You can’t help but feel embraced by the friendly and helpful culture in Hawaii – even gas station attendants are eager to be friendly and helpful. If they are this friendly, imagine the professionals who are officially “hospitality ambassadors” – that is, those who work with the tourism industry and triply so those who produce weddings in Hawaii. A Hawaiian wedding is unlike any other because it’s about the Aloha spirit surrounding the event and not just the beautiful scenery.
There are five popular islands in Hawaii – so how do you know which one is for you? There is Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island (Hawaii) and Lana’i. Each offer incredible Hawaiian wedding locations, beachside resorts, private estates and even some adventure.
Oahu has an international airport and many flights use this as the gateway to the other islands. Oahu has more of a city felel to it and a variety of activities and dining options. There are resorts that are more in the “hub” of the city and there are some resorts that offer a more secluded feel within a short drive of the airport.
Kauai: one of the most popular honeymoon spots, Kauai is also known as the “Garden Island” and it lives up to the quintessential expectation of Hawaii: lush greenery, waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, the world-famous Napali Coast and so much more. It is more of a quiet island and is Hawaii’s rainiest island, but offers a wide variety of activities from canoeing up tranquil rivers, ziplining, snorkeling and of course world-famous beaches just for relaxing.
Maui is known for the road to Hana, black –lava coast, incredible beaches and sunsets.
Lanai is not as populated because it is underdeveloped, making it a dream Hawaiian wedding getaway spot for many. From golf to four wheel adventures, there are two main resorts that occupy this island. It is isolated and the feeling is very quiet, which make it ideal for many wanting a quiet wedding or honeymoon.
The Big Island of Hawaii. The biggest island and the most diverse terrain –wise, you have one part of the island that looks like the moon with giant black lava rock and black sand with an arid climate, another with active volcanoes, pouring hot lava to the other side of the island that is lush and green (by Hilo). There are many resorts on the Big Island and sunsets here overlooking the black lava rock are especially dramatic.
Once you have chosen your preferred island for your wedding, you need to choose a location. Since you will be traveling and so will your guests, think convenience. Convenience to/from airports and convenience for you as an engaged couple regarding all the wedding details that will need to be tended to. Choosing an all inclusive package can save you time and money and all you have to do is show up in many cases. Considering cost and privacy are other major considerations: what is your budget and how private will your ceremony be? That is, is it held in a private area or a public area where people can walk through? Ask your wedding professional so you know what to expect. While it’s always a good idea to make a personal visit to your chosen site ahead of time, most find that when they are in the hands of a seasoned wedding professional for a Hawaiian wedding, they can do their planning online, via Skype and then perhaps come out several days to a week prior to the wedding just to finalize the final details.
If you choose a Hawaiian Wedding, congratulations and much Aloha!
Destination Wedding Spa | The Best Places to Decompress
Spa Bliss for Two
By Isabelle Gullö
What sounds dreamier than getting a muscle-melting massage next to your special someone, surrounded by ocean breezes and breaking waves? Today, most resort and hotel spas offer a range of couples therapies, from soothing soaks and rubdowns to exotic rituals created specifically for romantic pairs. We combed spa menus worldwide to find the sexiest tandem treatments. These 12 favorites are guaranteed to boost bridal bliss.
Pleasure Principle
On Florida’s island of Key West, ultra chic Ocean Key Resort & Spa pampers couples regally with the Javenese Lulur Royal Spa Treatment. The exotic experience begins with a luxurious Balinese massage using essential oils, followed by a cooling splash of yogurt and an aromatic shower. Bridal pairs continue the rejuvenating journey by stepping into a traditional teak soaking tub prepared with rose petals and infused with tropical fragrances.
Sweet Surrender
Sensual and relaxing, Tropical Escape at Fern Tree, The Spa at Half Moon in Jamaica takes place in the privacy of a luxurious spa suite, spoiling honeymooners with chilled champagne, fresh tropical fruit, luxurious Jacuzzi soaks and side-by-side massage.
Lessons in Love
Couples escaping to St. Lucia and Sandals Grande St. Lucian Beach Resort & Spa learn basic massage techniques during the hour-long In Each Other’s Hands. Spa pros share their pampering secrets and send lovebirds back to their suite to practice on each other, massage oil in hand.
Grape Expectations
In a stunning Northern California wine-country setting, Couples Wine and Roses at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn’s Willow Stream Spa starts with a scented bath for two. Enveloped by rose petals, honeymooners soak up the heat while savoring sparkling wine, calming mind and body before a tandem massage using products infused with antioxidant-rich rose and grape-seed oil.
Sensual Healing
Inspired by an ancient Mayan ritual, the Sacred Hot Stone Massage at Moon Palace Spa & Golf Resort in Cancun’s couple alleviate tension and fatigue, before or after the big day. Therapists place steamy stones saturated in aromatherapy oils along the spine and on energy points, then use them to massage muscles fusing acupressure, reflexology and Swedish techniques. Bridal pairs who sign up for Moon Palace’s Private Pleasures package enjoy the hot stone rubdown along with a Hydrotherapy Ritual that includes a fragrant flower bath as well as Relaxation Tea Ceremony.
Big Apple Bliss
New York City’s Le Parker Meridien just raised the bar for room service with its Late Night Massage. Any day of the week, spa therapists make house calls between 10 p.m. and 2:30 a.m, offering a choice of Swedish, deep tissue, sports and shiatsu massage in the privacy of the couple’s own suite.
Seventh Heaven
Westin Maui Resort’s Heavenly Spa in Hawaii indulges couples with the Helani Couples Pedicure. Set in a stylish, candlelit couples suite, the aromatherapy foot ritual is customized to each person’s specific needs and includes a tropical herbal foot soak and mask, a moisturizing rub and an application of nail polish. For the ultimate spa experience, couples can start out with a massage for two in a secluded cabana, where the soothing sounds of a waterfall and babbling brook allow the journey to turn inward.
Private Retreat
At InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea, Polynesian-style Héne Spa features Herenui (which means “love”), specifically designed for brides and grooms. The perfect prelude to the wedding day, the romantic ritual treats couples to a traditional river bath in an outdoor tub, a gentle body scrub with fresh coconut pulp, and an invigorating rain shower for two. An hour-long coconut-milk massage wraps up this heavenly escape, leaving the skin soft and muscles supple.
Sin City Serenity
Vegas-bound couples don’t want to miss the two-hour Dreaming Ritual offered at MGM Grand’s luxe spa. Inspired by Australian aboriginal healing rituals and designed to rejuvenate from head to toe, the journey starts out with a foot soak in aromatic herbs followed by a pressure-point foot massage and an aromatic foot mask. The pampering continues with a revitalizing body exfoliation, a body mask with pure Australian mud and a mud scalp treatment. After rinsing off in the suite’s jetted shower, couples surrender to an Australian Aboriginal massage, choosing from a selection of Australian massage oils. Post-therapy, bridal pairs sip lemon myrtle tea in the suite’s plush lounge.
Double Delight
The Unforgettable Massage for Two at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on Hawaii’s Big Island was created with intimacy in mind. Couples first soak in a private whirlpool bath set atop Kona Sea Cliff, taking in views of beautiful Keauhou Bay while indulging in champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. The piè de réistance: a 75-minute rubdown is performed lomilomi style-a South Seas specialty that involves long, rhythmic strokes to boost relaxation and circulation.
Secret Escape
During the Romance in Paradise spa package at Secrets Maroma Riviera Cancun, brides and grooms share European facials that cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin, plus a relaxing Swedish massage set in couple’s spa suite or on the resort’s sugar-white beach.
Twice as Nice
Designed just for newlyweds, Honey Moon Walk-one of many specialty spa programs offered at Excellence Punta Kana in the Dominican Republic-is the perfect remedy for post-nuptial stress. The extensive package begins with a revitalizing exfoliation and milk soak that leaves the skin silky smooth. An aromatherapy rubdown for two ensues, allowing couples to pick their favorite herbal massage oil. Next, honeymooners enjoy nourishing facials together before the final treat: spa pedicures side by side.
Destination Wedding Inspiration | Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Packing Tips
Destination Wedding | Packing Tips
Whether your destination wedding has turned into a weddingmoon or you are going on your honeymoon to the Caribbean , Europe or India, there are some top packing tips to help you shed the baggage, keep things simple and focus on what really matters: a good time and each other. Here are three simple tips to “pack” a punch (instead of “packing” clutter) in maximizing memories of a lifetime:
Travel Light: Use a carry-on whenever possible and don’t check your luggage. Check on your airline’s policies but travelling with a carry-on could also save you from hefty baggage fees. With our last two packing tips below, a carry-on should be all you need. Remember that carry-on liquids/gels have to be no more than 3oz each, in clear plastic bottles and sealed in a ziploc bag. And it’s no more than 1 bag per passenger. Deciding to use soaps and shampoos that the hotel at your destination provides can eliminate the necessity to pack many toiletries.
Do a Trial Packing Run one week in advance of your trip. Lay out everything to see how it is going to fit so you can make adjustments.
Pack Light. What’s the secret of celebrities who are on the go? They don’t travel with trunks and trunks of clothes and shoes. They edit. They know their style well enough, they pare down. Experts say to choose no more than 4 outfits that can mix and match and go from casual to dressy and then focus on accessorizing. The accessorizing can make one outfit look entirely different. Choose clothing that can be hand-washed in a hotel sink if necessary and if you are going away for 30 days, you don’t need 30 days worth of underwear. Pack 15 and plan to do a light laundry in your bathroom sink on day 14 or 15 and line dry your items. Every bit of space is crucial and you will rarely use everything you think you will.
Destination Wedding Inspiration | Inspired by Castle Weddings
A castle wedding still evokes feelings of magic, fairytale romance and are symbolic of sturdy love , withstanding the test of time. Some of the best locations for a castle wedding include England, Ireland and Scotland. These countries boast so much history and include castles that are mere ruins (a very dramatic backdrop) or castles and manor houses that provide picturesque sweeping views as well as catering and accommodations for guests.
Here are some tips for consideration on a castle wedding:
Decide on the country of your choice – this will largely determine your pricing, travel schedule and marriage requirements.
Will you elope with just the two of you or will you invite guests? If the latter, be prepared to give guests ample notice to plan, save and book their airfare and accommodations.
Choose the style castle you want – do you want ruins or a fully functioning castle ?
Check the hours of the castle and when events can start and stop
Hire only vendors (event supply partners) who have worked that venue before and know all its quirks well
Find out what is included in the site fee- and ammenities on site ! For example, is there electricity where it is needed? Ample restrooms for your sized guest count? Do you need special permits to hold an event there? How much parking can it accommodate? Do you need a valet?
Book plenty in advance – at least a year and a half. Not only do the castles book quickly, but your guests will need time to plan.
Respect the castle- leave it as you found it.
Check with your airline on its policies for carrying wedding dresses. Most airlines do not allow it and you will need to ship your dress in advance. Don’t forget to insure it.
Destination Caribbean Wedding Inspiration | Five More Reasons to Make it a Destination Wedding
What do you think of when you think of a destination Caribbean wedding? Warm weather and hospitality, relaxing beaches, white sands and relaxation? Those are certainly part of a Caribbean wedding, but what makes the Caribbean distinct for destination weddings is the variety. Every island has its own flavor and style. And depending on what you want to experience, you can tailor your visit to the exact experience you want. From the bustling city with great nightlife and shopping to more remote locations, there is a vibe for everyone . The secret is to know which island will offer you the vision and experience you are looking for.
But before we get into some of the details of destination Caribbean wedding locations, why have a destination Caribbean wedding to begin with? Here are our top 5 reasons:
Picture perfect backdrops with fabulous weather in a relaxed setting. With the trained wedding professionals in the Caribbean , stressing is not allowed. One stop and they can literally create your wedding for you to arrive and step right into.
Less guests means more quality with those you love. You can share fun activities together – and the Caribbean offers a plethora of fun things to do, or just relax with your guests and get caught up and celebrate what it’s all really about. The fact is, less guests means more quality (and more money for the budget)
Casual attire (less packing to do). The warm weather makes light attire all you need – even wedding “gowns” take on a more casual and romantic feel with shortened hem lines, bare shoulders and fresh flowers.
Convenience: your destination wedding becomes a weddingmoon, allowing for a combination of the wedding and honeymoon in one location!
Save money. A destination wedding is usually less costly than a traditional wedding.
About 30 countries make up the Caribbean and each has a different feel and terrain. For example, the Bahamas are known for being more flat and Jamaica is known for having more mountains. Jamaica’s most popular wedding destinations include: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Port Antonio and the Bahamas include Nassau Bahamas (the capital), Grand Bahama Island and Lucaya. Even Cancun, Mexico is considered part of the Caribbean.
Don’t know where to start? Let one of our seasoned destination Caribbean wedding professionals help and start your search here on WeddingLocation.com.
Happy Caribbean Wedding Planning!