Destination Florida Wedding Inspiration | Spotlight on Miami Weddings
Photo Credit: Taken-Photography.com
Miami wedding locations know that from Miami’s city roots, it retains a Latin flare and spice that lights up the city with life and energy. A wedding in this wonderfully exotic city guarantees food, dance and entertainment under the sun.
Miami wedding suppliers know that the many neighborhoods of the city are as diverse as the people. Wandering through the streets of Little Habana, the sights, smells and sounds transport you to far away lands. For the sun deprived guests on your list, famous South Beach and its bronzed bodies is an exciting place to catch some rays during the day or dance the night away with the who’s who of Miami.
Location is everything and Miami wedding services take advantage of that fact. Tucked between the Florida Everglades and Biscayne Bay, Miami is a very accessible city by land, sea or air. Two international airports are short drives from the city center and the port is a bustling thoroughfare for goods and also boasts the world’s largest cruise ship port.
An advantage that Miami wedding vendors have is that their city has name brand recognition or wow factor. On top of the wonderful arts and music, the people truly make the city a fun place to visit. In a city like Miami, everyday is an adventure with a new and exciting place to explore.
Here are a few of our favorite Miami wedding locations:
Arranging the most complete one-stop package available for the time conscious buyer. From an intimate gathering to a grand celebration with all of your family and friends, the Reception Palace Ballroom is the ideal location for the perfect wedding reception. Outdoor and Indoor Ceremony services available on site. We can even arrange for a notary and flowers for your ceremony. All food cooked on premise to offer you the best possible service.
Reigning over a dozen acres of hardwood forestry on the Gulf of Mexico, near a protected wildlife refuge and national marine sanctuary, Hilton Key Largo Resort is sheer paradise for nature-loving couples seeking an exotic getaway with proximity to big city life Miami and its international airport is within an hour’s drive.
Outdoor activities abound, from shell-searching along the resort’s private beach to hiking tropical trails to snorkeling and parasailing in the calm, cerulean waters of Florida Bay. Close by, downtown Key Largo beckons with its laidback atmosphere and chic shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Opportunities for romance and relaxation appear endless, too, whether couples opt to lounge by the glistening pool, savor fresh seafood at one of two onsite restaurants, sip champagne on a sunset cruise or retreat to their sumptuous suite to soak in a Jacuzzi for two. Hilton Key Largo Resort prides itself on its luxurious accommodations, and all guests are treated to spacious, sun-filled rooms, stylish appointments and a balcony overlooking the property’s lush nature paths or the shimmering bay.
FOLLOWING A $1 billion renovation and expansion, legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach recaptures its title as the area’s premier resort playground, promising guests a spectacular blend of old-world glamour and modern luxury.
The iconic resort, which boasts panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami Beach, encompasses two new towers, 12 restaurants and lounges, a 40,000-square-foot spa, plus a dramatic oceanfront poolscape that features a free-form pool shaped as a reinterpretation of original architect Morris Lapidus’ signature bow-tie design.
Fontainebleau is perfect for intimate and large-scale wedding celebrations alike. Couples can choose among several outdoor ceremony and reception sites as well as stylish ballrooms, each location uniquely designed to wow even the most discerning of brides and grooms. Indoor venues are highlighted by floating ceilings, crystal chandeliers and sweeping curves that convey Fontainebleau’s 21st century glamour—and Lapidus’ flair for the theatrical.
Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort
deally located in the prestigious Sunny Isles Beach area in northern Miami Beach, The Newport Beachside Resort can conveniently cater to all of your needs for an unforgettable wedding day.
The Newport Beachside Resort in the Sunny Isles Beach area in northern Miami Beach just 15 minutes from downtown Miami and 20 minutes from either the Miami or Fort Lauderdale International Airports, as well as the Port of Miami.
The Resort’s spectacular pool and beachfront area are for your enjoyment. Relax under the palm trees, in a canvas cabana or below a thatched umbrella. Our poolside Sun Center provides skin care and skin tanning advice. Escape the ordinary and enjoy Coconuts Poolside Bar, which delivers delicious beachside snacks and tropical drinks. Just beyond the pool, lies a 450-foot, exclusive stretch of pristine, white sandy beach along with a private historic fishing pier and a lively man-made reef. It is perfect for relaxing before the big day or afterward for a romantic walk together on the beach. We are confident that our experienced staff will go beyond your every expectation to make your special day the best it can be. Imagine never having to think about another detail for your wedding again! Set your mind at ease and let us take care of the particulars. We can make all of your wedding arrangements including beautiful flowers, a selection of decorated cakes, ceremony set-up, reception room and much more. The possibilities are endless. Just let us know what your dreams are and it will be our pleasure to make them come true.
Let us welcome you with genuine service and laid-back sophistication at our serene oceanfront resort, located in the heart of Miami Beach. A luxurious destination where complete wellness and environmental awareness is at the center of each guest experience.
The Palms Hotel & Spa specializes in weekend-long wedding celebrations. Kick off the festivities with a poolside rehearsal dinner, followed by an outdoor wedding ceremony, elegant ballroom reception and scrumptious morning-after brunch. The Palms is your one-stop wedding destination.
Choose from an array of exceptional indoor & outdoor spaces, including The Palms picturesque Colonial-style gazebo and private lawn set amidst a botanical paradise, the covered Veranda Terrace ideal for post-ceremony cocktail receptions, and two beautifully appointed ballrooms.
Let us captivate you with an unforgettable wedding celebration orchestrated by our catering specialists in true beachside serenity. You and your guests will be delighted by our personalized service, natural gourmet cuisine and laid back sophistication, inspired by our location and the nature surrounding our sanctuary.
Florida Wedding Inspiration | Spotlight on Florida Keys Weddings
Photo by Limelight
When convenience, weather and beautiful backdrops matter, a Florida wedding is a great option. Today, we are highlighting Florida Keys weddings. Need more information? The professionals at our Florida wedding locations are seasoned experts and will guide you through all the stages of your Florida Keys wedding.
Here’s one of our favorite Florida wedding venues in the Florida Keys (for more Florida wedding venue suggestions, click here):
Reigning over a dozen acres of hardwood forestry on the Gulf of Mexico, near a protected wildlife refuge and national marine sanctuary, Hilton Key Largo Resort is sheer paradise for nature-loving couples seeking an exotic getaway with proximity to big city life Miami and its international airport is within an hour’s drive.
Outdoor activities abound, from shell-searching along the resort’s private beach to hiking tropical trails to snorkeling and parasailing in the calm, cerulean waters of Florida Bay. Close by, downtown Key Largo beckons with its laidback atmosphere and chic shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Opportunities for romance and relaxation appear endless, too, whether couples opt to lounge by the glistening pool, savor fresh seafood at one of two onsite restaurants, sip champagne on a sunset cruise or retreat to their sumptuous suite to soak in a Jacuzzi for two. Hilton Key Largo Resort prides itself on its luxurious accommodations, and all guests are treated to spacious, sun-filled rooms, stylish appointments and a balcony overlooking the property’s lush nature paths or the shimmering bay.
A popular destination for weddings, Key Largo’s mystical, ruby sunsets provide a picture perfect backdrop for beachside vows. Beyond the resort’s secluded stretch of sand, couples can say, “I do” beside a breathtaking waterfall or in one of several lavish yet utterly inviting private meeting rooms. For their reception, brides and grooms select from a number of venues, including the Coral Reef Ballroom, which spans 4,000 square feet and offers terrace access, or Café Key Largo restaurant, which offers breathtaking bay views for parties of up 175. The resort’s experienced wedding planner and award-winning catering staff ensure that even the smallest nuptial detail is attended to, so each celebration is just as the bridal pair envisioned.
Packing for Destination Weddings | Tips for Packing With Panache
You found the perfect dress, a dashing tux, a hairstyling genius and a makeup artist extraordinaire. Now, let’s make sure you get to your destination with the wedding garb-and all the bridal essentials-safely in tow.
- If you’re flying: “Always carry on and store the gown and tux in a first class closet,” advises JoAnn Gregoli, Master Bridal Consultant and owner of New York’s Elegant Occasions. “Most major airlines will accommodate you if you call ahead”. If the airplane does not have ample room in closets or overhead bins, hang your gown/tux inside a garment bag, gently fold inside a large, sturdy box and place in a hard, carry-on suitcase. (Editor’s note: call your airline ahead of time to see if storage in a first class closet is a possibility before arriving at the airport so you have plenty of time to make other arrangements if they decline)
- Retain the shape of your gown during travel by stuffing the bodice, sleeves and bows with acid-free tissue or unbleached muslin. Donna Keane, director of Distinctive Honeymoons travel company, even recommends spending a little extra to hire a pro packer. “Since there are so many styles,” she notes, “a professional is really the best way to go”.
- Pack your jewelry and other accessories together, if possible, and carry these with you as well. A hatbox stowed inside a hard suitcase keeps your veil close to your headpiece and barrettes, jewelry, garter and stockings. Be sure to roll your veil to prevent wrinkles.
- Whether doing your own hair and makeup or working with experts, tote extra products for touch-up and humidity control. “Waterproof mascara is a must for all climates,” says Keane, who also recommends packing matching toenail polish to repair your pedicure after a day at the beach. To avoid leaks-and security searches- store your toiletries in clear plastic bags.
- Airline travel and climate changes can cause feet to swell, so stash an extra pair of dress shoes in your carry-on, just in case the heels you chose for your big day suddenly feel two sizes too small.
- Label your luggage inside and out with your phone number and the number and address of your destination. Don’t include your home address.
- Don’t forget the rings! And carry them with you at all times while traveling-along with your passports, credit cards, travel visas and photo IDs.
By Kim Carmel
Destination Wedding Beauty Inspiration | Combatting Jet Lag for Wedding Day Glow
So you’ve chosen your ideal destination wedding location. No matter where it is, if it involves a flight or two, you may be traveling across time zones and having to combat what all travelers know too well: jet lag. As a bride wanting to look her best, a destination wedding can be romantic but can wreak havoc on your skin as dried out, pressurized cabins suck the moisture right out and lack of activity doesn’t allow proper blood circulation to keep skin looking plumped up and full of life. So what’s a girl to do? Here are our top tips for helping to “cope” with (or help minimize) jet lag and stay on top of your wedding day beauty regime in the meantime.
1. Take care of yourself before you fly. Excercise and hydrate with lots of water. Avoid Caffeine. Try ever so gradually to set your schedule to the time zone of the location to which you will be flying.
2. Take care of yourself in flight. Do not wear foundation or lipstick when you fly – it dries out your skin. Bring moisturizer and apply frequently. If you have oily skin, it may go into overdrive to over-compensate for the dryness in the cabin. Use oil-blotting strips made to help keep oily skin in control while in flight. Keep lips kissing-soft with a lip balm. Drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Don’t allow the air vent to blow on you for long periods of time while flying and don’t continually touch your face. Hands carry bacteria and you don’t want to encourage last minute break-outs before your big day. Get up and move around to keep limbs from getting stiff and to keep blood circulating.
3. Take care of yourself when you arrive. Do not go to sleep until it’s bedtime in the local timezone you are in. If possible, find the sun and put yourself in it. Research has shown that putting your face and body in the sunshine for about 10-15 minutes helps to reset your body clock more quickly and naturally. Finally, make sure you don’t schedule to much to do when you first arrive. Give yourself some time to rest, sleep and adjust. There is nothing more beautifying than proper sleep.
Happy Wedding Day Beauty.
Here’s to glowing!
Destination Wedding Style Inspiration | 2012 Trends
Photo Courtesy Classic Party Rentals
No matter where you hold your destination wedding, 2012 is bringing some fresh changes and inspiration to wedding design. Weddings promise to be simpler, less-ornate and focused on detail. For example, ceremony canopies (inspired by chuppas) are not decorated with over –the-top florals, but focused on swagging beautiful fabrics that are rich and decadent, using velvet runners, etc. That’s it. The focus is on detailed quality and not over the top quantity of any one particular item.
This paring down approach has been a result largely due to the challenging economy, which has made brides more socially aware and responsible. This translates to it being out of style to have a flashy, over-the-top wedding. The “less is more” approach is also seen in the size of weddings. Guest counts are going down and this means getting to the heart of who their closest friends and family members are and keeping the guest list simple and focused.
2012 Wedding Trends:
Using a location that one does not have to transform with “making” it work. For example, hosting a wedding at a vineyard, beach, ranch, in nature or even a fabulous city venue with great skyscraper views, using what is already there and not having to create a feel from scratch décor-wise.
The Candy Bar/Cupcake Station is being replaced by Cookie Cupcakes : stacks of cookies in cupcake liners topped with freshly made buttercream and flowers on top and arranged to look like a cake when they are all stacked together with the decor on each one.
Favors are disappearing as couples are opting to donate the money to a charity of choice or put the money into a fun entertainment aspect of their wedding which will create memories for their guests (photobooths, guest-interactive food stations, guest-interactive entertainment and much more)
Matchy-matchy is not “in”. The trend for awhile has been to have centerpieces which complement each other in feel and color, but are varying heights and sizes. Dining tables are also different shapes and sizes (some dining tables are long rectangles, some square, some oval and some the traditional round) , as are chairs at the tables. Consider a long bench for one side of a table with individual chairs on the other side.
The reality is that “trends” are often born from necessity. The new trend to have antique chairs actually serve as a prop to hold food on a buffet table was derived when a caterer had to improvise on display space for an event and had to use what was on hand. Now suddenly, it’s a “trend”. You can create your own trends – all it is is making something distinctly your own and having the confidence to stand behind it and not worry if it’s “right” or “wrong”. Whatever your choice, if it’s authentic and inspiring to you, it’s always “in”.