Spotlight on Seattle Weddings | Destination Wedding Inspiration Northwest Style
Photo Courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography
Seattle weddings are everything a city wedding can and should be – but with more sexy, chic, energetic, historic and glam thrown in. Seattle has a diversity only few other big cities can offer. In the very heart of Seattle’s sophistication lies a more »
Sexy City Escapes | Top Reasons to Dream of Romance in the City
Who says the city can’t be sexy? Think about it: Springtime in Paris. Summer in Sydney. New York at Christmas. A bustling metropolis can provide the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon or dreamy weekend retreat, anytime of year. Here’s our list of the world’s most sensual cities, along with a five-point plan for exploring their sweetest spots.
New York
It’s known as the city that never sleeps, and for good reason. From hip restaurants, bars and shops to spectacular musicals, art shows and historic landmarks, The big Apple promises excitement around the clock.
- Have brunch at Sarabeth’s, a NYC staple(sarabethscps.com). The restaurant has a quirky bistro feel, and the food is fantastic. Go early, as the place fills up fast.
- Cuddle together during a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, past famous Strawberry Fields, Sheep Meadow, Bethesda Fountain and the many lush gardens.
- Take in panoramic city views from the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Dazzle your date with dinner at The Sea Grill, overlooking the ice rink at Rockefeller Center (212.332.7610,theseagrille.com), followed by one of your favorite Broadway shows: The Producers, Mamma Mia!, Chicago or Phantom of the opera (800.276.2329,broadway.com).
- Sip wine at Louis (louis649.com). The owner handpicks all of the wines at this intimate bar, and is on hand to pour them most nights. Plus therer’.s always fabulous jazz playing, often live-not surprising, considering the place is named for Louis Armstrong.
Paris
With epic landmarks set amid a hub of fashion, fine dining and arts, the City of light presents opportunities for l’amour at every corner.
- Venture to charming Ile Saint-Louis in the heart of Paris, home to cute café boutique shops and superb restaurants and nightclubs.
- French kiss on a bridge overlooking La Seine, then walk along the riverbank and take in the artists and street vendors coloring the scene.
- Bring romance to its absolute heights with dinner at Jules Verne on the second floor of Tour Eiffel (tour-eiffel.fr).
- Take a train to stunning Chateau de Versaille (www.chateauversailles.fr). Be sure to bring some wine, cheese and baguettes to nibble on while exploring the lush grounds.
- Stroll through Jardin du Luxemburg, among the most romantic parks in Paris.
Sydney
Built around one of the world’s most striking harbors, the Australian metropolis tempts couples with its sandy beaches, laidback vibe, cultural attractions and endless adventure.
- Savor the city’s most famous landmarks from its highest point, the Sydney Tower. Your ticket to the top includes an OzTrek virtual adventure ride across Australia(sydneytoweroztrek.com.au). Intrepid couples can also sign up for a Skywalk, a glass-floored viewing platform that extends over the towers’ edge (sydneyskywalk.com.au).
- Walk under water to discover 11,500 aquatic animals at the Sydney Aquarium(sydneyaquarium.com.au).
- Wine and dine at Aria, rated one of the city’s best eateries (61.2.9252.2555,ariarestaurant.com). From here, you’ll enjoy unobstructed vistas of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, both Aussie icons.
- Take a coastal walk from bondi beach to Coogee, exploring four of Sydney’s beaches along the way. Bluff-side trails offer exceptional views, and there are plenty of places to stop for a drink or fish-and-chip picnic by the sea.
- Stop by Pizza Mario Republic in Surry Hills, where a father-and-son duo cooks up authentic Napoletana pizza (61.2.933.3633) using buffalo mozzarella from Campania, San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and Italian flour. The Salamino (house-cured spicy sausage, mozzarella, parmesan and ricotta) is one of many treats.
Cape Town
South Africa’s cultural portal, the seaside city captivates couples not just with its stunning scenery and intriguing past, but with a growing number of great bars and eateries, renowned vineyards, brand-new spas and, of course, exotic wildlife.
- A cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain (www.tablemountain.net) promises awe-inspiring vistas of the city as well as views of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, the two flanking mountain ranges.
- Savor a sundowner at Polana, a restaurant literally built on the rocks. Cushioned windowsills overlook the beachfront of Kalk Bay and the Atlantic beyond.
- Taste excellent Chardonnays and Pinotages in nearby Cape Town winelands, including Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. At Spier Wine Estate, you can get close and personal with cheetahs (spier.co.za).
- Book a day of indulgence at African-inspired Spa at Cape Grace, then continue the pampering with dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Onewaterfront (capegrace.com).
- See the big 5, including the rare white lion, just three hours from Cape Town at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (www.sanbona.com).
Buenos Aires
The Argentinean capital sparkles with passion and culture. Beyond the music, the architecture, the arts and the restaurants, you’ll find tranquil parks, colorful markets and charming, cobblestoned neighborhoods.
- Visit MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamerica de Buenos Aires,www.malba.org.ar) and stay for lunch at its chic caf̩ Рthe food is to die for, especially the burrata, a decadent fusion of mozzarella and cream.
- Spend an afternoon in Jardin Botanico Carlos Thais, an enchanting garden filled with twisting pathways, babbling brooks, statues and exotic flora and fauna.
- Following a Mediterranean-style dinner at De Olivas I Lustres (54.11.4867.3388) in the quiet neighborhood of Palermo Viejo, walk hand in hand through cobblestone streets lined with enormous, 100-year-old oaks.
- Discover the passion of tango during a lesson at Escuela Argentina de Tango, inside GalerÃas PacÃfico shopping mall (54.11.4312.4990;eatango.org).
- Share a nightcap at Bar Uriarte in Palermo Soho (54.11.4834.6004), a gorgeous bar offering two-for-one Champagne until 10 p.m. all week long.
By Isabelle Gullö
Your New York Wedding | Marrying Inspiration and Practicality
Photo Courtesy New York Weddings
Close your eyes and think about your ideal New York wedding. What comes to mind? Each person probably pictures something different when they think of New York and romance. For some it’s the bustle of the city, skyline and the sounds and fast pace; others envision their New York wedding in a romantic park or swanky upscale elegant world-class hotel; while others are not quite sure what they want, they just know that it must be in New York.
No matter if you know exactly what your vision is, or even if you don’t, we have some tips here for consideration when choosing your New York wedding location as well as some great recommendations on our top New York wedding location choices.
1. What is more important to you? The setting (location) or fitting your entire desired guest list? The answer to this may help you determine location. For example, if you wanted to get married on a New York landmark such as the Brooklyn Bridge, you cannot have hundreds of guests in attendance. A carriage ride in Central Park and casual reception in a New York restaurant may be ideal for smaller guest counts while larger parks and hotels may offer the best choice for large guest counts. And yes, you can get married in Central Park ! Not sure which wedding location is for you? Our New York wedding professionals can help guide you through the process for their unique New York wedding locations.
2. Consider the weather in New York. Getting married in a great-grandmother’s wedding dress which may be heavier fabric and long sleeves may not be a great idea in the middle of a sweltering New York summer; while fall in New York can provide a colorful and romantic backdrop as can snow fall in winter. While conversely, a harsh winter can provide challenges for traveling guests.
3. Budget. New York is one of the most expensive regions in the United States and the average wedding is over double the national average. It is best to have a spending plan and stick as closely as possible to it.
The most important piece of advice for getting married in New York is to rely on the wedding professionals who work and specialize in that area to guide you through the process, helping save you valuable time and money so you can focus on what is most important: enjoying your New York wedding. (left photo courtesy of Mastin Studio)
Destination San Francisco Wedding Inspiration | City By The Bay Offers Romance
Photo Courtesy HuckleberryKarenBlogSpot
Romantic fog, award winning restaurants, quirky and fabulous neighborhoods, and diverse culture lie ahead when you plan your destination wedding in San Francisco, California. Discover wedding sites in San Francisco unlike any other. Chocolate lovers can marry in Ghirardelli Square offers a unique venue and a breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay. Or put a touch of historical style on your destination wedding ceremony when you marry in The Hamlin Mansion, located in the exclusive Pacific Heights. If a luxury hotel is part of your dream reception, wedding vendors in San Francisco will point you in the direction of stunning sky scrapers that will have guests toasting your chic taste in venues. Wedding sites in San Francisco, California will be the icing on the cake for your dream nuptials.
Photo Courtesy edytaszyszlo.com
And let’s not forget a short drive out of San Francisco to Napa Valley, world-renowned California wineries , home of the ultimate destination wedding: wine country nuptials. From boutique inns to mansions and sprawling vineyards, Napa Valley is a romantic’s paradise.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite San Francisco wedding locations here, each with a unique niche and with experienced professionals waiting to assist you with your special day.
Viva Las Vegas Wedding Inspiration | A Look at Las Vegas Wedding Locations
Photo Courtesy of Las-Vegas-Weddings
Celebrities aren’t the only ones flocking to Las Vegas for their weddings. The fact is, a Las Vegas wedding offers convenience, affordability and wedding locations that range from the simple to the oppulent. Las Vegas wedding professionals are highly skilled at what they do because of the volume of business they do and the range of their clientele- from those with more challenging budgets to those with unlimited wedding budgets. There are so many Las Vegas wedding locations from which to choose. Since we are in Las Vegas this week attending Catersource‘s national conference, we were feeling particularly inspired by Las Vegas weddings and honeymoons. Here are just a couple of our favorite highlights:
ON THE LAS VEGAS Strip, Forever Grand Wedding Chapel at MGM Grand makes bridal dreams a reality. Brides and grooms can relax and focus on each other while an experienced coordinator helps perfect every aspect of the special event, from orchestrating custom proposal and honeymoon packages and handling all the embellishments to reserving one of the hotel’s luxurious suites.
The resort features two elegantly appointed venues for tying the knot: the Legacy Chapel accommodates up to 70 guests, while the Cherish Chapel hosts wedding parties of up to 45. Couples may also exchange vows outdoors by the pool or on the beautiful Terraza, overlooking the pool. What’s more, six carefully constructed bridal packages include such special touches as personalized venue decor, live piano music, professional photography and limousine service to the courthouse for retrieval of the marriage license.
Ensuring couples feel and look their best on the big day, the resort’s Grand Spa and Christophe Salon offer bridal manicures and up-dos as well as soothing massages and body wraps. Honeymooners can spend their time relaxing poolside in a private cabana, dining at award-winning restaurants, enjoying concerts and legendary fights in the Grand Garden Arena or watching headlining entertainers perform nightly in the Hollywood Theatre.
Nothing like Lawry’s The Prime Rib has been seen before in Las Vegas. The restaurant’s dramatic Art Deco design, rich woods and vibrant colors welcome you into a setting that has an extraordinary feeling of warmth and elegance. Here you’ll find the award-winning food, exceptional service and unmistakable style that has made Lawry’s a dining legend.
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.