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.
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.
Destination Military Wedding Inspiration | Tips for Military Weddings
Photo Courtesy of Gwynethecolleen.com
A military wedding can take place anywhere in the world, thus making it one of the quintessential definitions of a destination wedding. There are so many aspects and details to a military wedding, but here are the most commonly asked bits of information for the bridal couple as well as guests attending a military wedding:
Military Wedding Locations:
Military chapels & academy grounds are generally the most common locations for military weddings and need to be reserved about one year in advance.
Otherwise, hosting a military wedding at any location that serves the bride, groom, their families and is appropriate means a military wedding can take place anywhere in the world. It’s the traditions that are brought to the location that make it a military wedding and not just the location itself. To search for your ideal (non-military) wedding location, click here.
Wedding Attire
If you are in the bridal party and are an officer or currently enlisted in the military, you would wear uniform in accordance with the seasonal regulations as well as formality of the wedding itself. White gloves are necessary for any and all sword (saber) bearers. If you are a guest at a military wedding, it is optional to wear your uniform.
Etiquette Tips
If there is to be a receiving line and if the groom is in uniform, the groom must go before the bride.
Cutting of the cake: if there is a sword/saber, this is used to cut the wedding cake (note: the saber is not supposed to be decorated)
Only the bridal couple may pass under the Arch of Swords (Saber) if they choose to do this tradition.
While a military chapel may be complimentary, it is good form to give them a donation for use of their space. Same for the chaplain, who will generally perform the ceremony at no charge- it is considered polite to give him/her an honorarium for their time and service.
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!
The Southwestern Destination Wedding | Spotlight on Arizona Weddings
Photo Courtesy of Simply Bloom Photography
There is nothing quite like a southwestern destination wedding with the desert, its colors and dramatic landscape. Arizona has so many options: from a city wedding in Phoenix, its fabulous suburbs like Scottsdale and Gilbert to world -renowed Sedona. Arizona also affords activities for guests for the destination wedding weekend that are nothing short of spectacular: from jeep tours to the red rocks of Sedona to tours to the Grand Canyon, indian ruins, golf courses, spas and so much more. And did we mention that many of these activities also provide wedding locations and services? Yes, you can get married on top of the red rocks of Sedona or in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon and so much more.
Here are a couple of our favorite Arizona wedding locations to get you started:
Romantic sunsets and picture-perfect backdrops provide the intimacy you desire for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime Scottsdale wedding experience at Gainey Ranch Golf Club.
From the moment you roll up the palm-lined drive, experience the best kept secret in central Scottsdale wedding venues. Round the circular drive and enter the stunning, newly renovated clubhouse, staged on what once was an Arabian horse ranch of the Gainey family. Once inside, you are welcomed by Arizona sunshine. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking panoramic views of the lush greens and distant mountains. There are two locations on site to host your Scottsdale wedding receptions, one offering a spacious golf course surroundings and the other a garden patio with a cascading waterfall and lake feature.
Seville Golf & Country Club
Something Old, Something New, Something with a Fabulous View! Congratulations on your engagement! As you drive up to Seville Golf & Country Club, the romance of the Tuscan architecture, alluring San Tan Mountains and spectacular sunset views entice your imagination. Seville is the ideal, romantic setting for your magical day!
Each of our venues offer a unique style reminiscent of a large Spanish villa, exquisite details and serene settings on a championship golf course. From intimate affairs to grand wedding celebrations – Seville’s professional staff is here to make your dreams come to life!
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.
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.