Romantic Twilight Packages

It’s no secret diehard Twilight fans flock to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State to glimpse into the world of the Stephanie Meyer novels. And though upstate Washington might not be the warmest this time of year, what could be more romantic than reliving a few of Bella and Edward’s most amorous moments this Valentine’s Day? Here are three Twilight packages sure to get your heart — and your blood — pumping.

The Resort at Port Ludlow
The Twilight package at this waterfront inn offers one night of accommodations, plus a romantic dinner for two. What’s on the menu? The three-course “Cullen-airy Delight” includes vegetarian vampire salad, New Moon pasta and forbidden-fruit sorbet. To drink? Blood Orange Martinis, of course! If you can’t get away for Valentine’s Day, don’t worry — the package is valid through March 31, 2010.

If you’d prefer a Team Jacob Valentine’s experience, the resort also offers the Lovers’ Valentine’s Weekend Getaway, with two nights of accommodations, a six-course dinner (perfect for hungry werewolves!) and in-room Prosecco and chocolates.

Kalaloch Lodge
Retrace Bella and Edward’s footsteps — literally — with this one-night Twilight package; included is a map of Forks highlighting the places mentioned in the book, along with Twilight trivia, water bottles and dessert. After a day of exploring Olympic National Park, cozy up with your sweetie in a log cabin while listening to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean.

The Tudor Inn
Located in the town of Port Angeles, this historic B&B’s one-night Twilight package includes a wine tasting at Olympic Cellars Winery, dinner for two at Bella Italia Restaurant and gourmet breakfast. Don’t worry if you forgot your own copy of any of the books in the series — they’ve got them all on hand for your reading pleasure.

Get Married for Free on Valentine’s Day

Any engaged couples out there feeling extra spontaneous? Even if you’re not the adventurous type, a free wedding at the W Hotel San Francisco might trigger your impulses. The posh hotel is teaming up with UrbanDaddy to host a Pop Up Wedding party on Cupid’s favorite holiday, February 14, where 20 lucky couples will be chosen to tie the knot. The soiree is modeled after drive-through style weddings in Vegas and an officiant will be on hand to instantly join each pair in wholly matrimony. Not only is the event way more chic than a quickie Sin City wedding, but it comes with all the trimmings: brides get mini mani/pedis from Bliss Spa and makeup by YB Cosmetics, while designer John Varvatos provides styling tips for the grooms. Champagne, flowers, wedding cupcakes and a DJ are also part of the package.

If you’d like to be one of the 20 couples to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day, or if you’d just like to be a spectator, RSVP at urbandaddy.com/popup. (Guests can also RSVP at the same link to attend the party.) Note that you will have to obtain a valid marriage license before the ceremony takes place. Visit www.sfgov.org/countyclerk for more info. Still not sure if this wedding is right for you? Feel free to call the W San Francisco’s concierge desk at (415) 817-7832 with any questions.

Carry-on Comfort

I’m all about sleeping through a flight. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to sacrifice room in my carry-on for a pillow and a blanket, so I usually find myself curled up inside my hoodie. But with the introduction of Lug’s NapSac and SnuzSac those days are loooong gone.

Super-comfy travel pillows with matching blankets made of slip-into-sleep fabric ensure you’ll be in lala land in no time. Sets come in one of eight colors, ranging from fog gray to rose pink. And here’s the best part — it all folds into itself which means more room in your carry-on for the finer things in life, like that swimsuit you’ll put on the second you get to your hotel room. Until then, happy traveling!

Napsac, $28; Snuz Sac U-Blanket + Pillow set, $30

Divas & Dudes

In 2005, I honeymooned on the island of St. John, USVI, and fell in love with its verdant hills, vibrant snorkeling and laid-back Caribbean vibe. Now you can enjoy this pristine escape too — friends in tow — with the Divas & Dudes Getaway at The Westin St. John Resort & Villas, one of only two resorts on the entire island.

Basically, it’s a whole new take on the bachelor/bachelorette-party tradition for both you and your groom. With the package, the groomsmen and the ’maids receive a daily $100 per-person credit good toward resort dining, as well as an additional daily $100 per-person credit good for spa treatments or water sports on Great Cruz Bay. Also on the group-activity agenda — competitive co-ed bobbing for beers and soda, plus 50 percent off your fave drink concoction, renamed in honor of you for the day!

For an additional cost starting at $75 per person, The Westin can also arrange a sunset sail that includes an open bar with champagne, cheese and crackers, along with crudités with dip and fruit. (Groups can book sailing excursions on arrival.)

Available with a minimum stay of four nights, the getaway can be booked now through Dec. 19, 2010. Triple-occupancy nightly rates start at $269 per person, and double-occupancy rates begin at $300 per person, including taxes and a welcome beach bag with a bottle of rum for each traveler. For reservations, call 888-627-7206 or click here and request rate code LAPPKG1.

Just Back: Barbuda

I love to travel, and there are fewer things more fun than going to a place I’ve never been. This weekend it was Barbuda, sister island to the better-known Antigua. Getting there takes a bit of work—I flew American from Miami to Antigua, then WinAir for the 16-minute flight to Barbuda. (You can also take a 90-minute ferry, only recommended for the strong-of-stomach to due the choppy open-channel crossing.) From the airport in Codrington, we then took a 15-minute boat ride across the lagoon to our final destination: Lighthouse Bay Resort, a 9-room oasis set on a narrow wedge of sand between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The undeveloped, pink-hued beach stretches for miles in both directions, with no distractions except palm trees, sea birds and lapping turquoise waves.

I spent much of my time going from chaise lounge to hammock, though I did manage to rouse myself for a 10-minute boat ride across the lagoon to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary; it was mating season so the males put on quite a show, puffing out their red chin pouches to attract the gals. For dinner, we’d gather with other guests at 7 pm for sundown cocktails, then enjoy an ever-changing dinner selection; the menu is based on whatever is fresh and in-house, which for us meant lots of Caribbean lobster.

If you’re looking for activity, interaction or nightlife, Lighthouse Bay is NOT the place for you (though we did go into town on Friday night for Karoake Night at the charming, sand-floored nightspot It’s a Bit Fishy; the island has a mere 1,500 residents, so everyone knows everyone). But if you’re looking for quality alone time, serenity, and what might be the most beautiful beach in the entire Caribbean, it’s worth the trek. Bonus: Guests staying longer than 3 nights get a complimentary helicopter transfer from the international airport in Antigua.

Real Wedding: Ashley and Travis — Newport, Rhode Island

I’m officially in love with our featured wedding this week! (Do I say that every week? Probably.) I’m not sure if it’s the adorable couple, the charming waterfront ceremony, the fresh blue and green color palette, the bride’s amazing veil or the handmade DIY details that have me swooning. I’ll have to go with: D, all of the above.

Let’s start with our couple: Ashley Kazmerowski and Travis Lan live in New Jersey, but chose to hold their four-day event in Newport, Rhode Island, because it holds a special place in their hearts. The fabulous Belle Mer served as the venue; its waterfront location was perfect, and Ashley loved that it was a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into her wedding vision.


For the color palette, Ashley chose cornflower blue and apple green — such lovely colors for a spring wedding. To bring out the colors in her decor, she DIYed all her stationery, including the invitations, programs and menu cards. And I love her idea for the table cards: the couple named each table after a different destination they’ve visited, and used photos of themselves from their travel adventures. Fun!



Since Ashley was wearing a simple, chic gown from Melissa Sweet, she wanted bold accessories. Love, love, LOVE her handmade lace veil! So dramatic, feminine and elegant!


Here are more photos of the blue and green fabulousness, courtesy of the talented Kristin Spencer. (PS… how great are the bridal party portraits? I heart the field of yellow flowers and the cherry blossoms!)

Read the full story for more details, planning tips and wedding inspiration.

Look of Love Wedding Photography Contest

Calling all wedding photographers: Now’s your opportunity to show us what you’ve got for a chance to get published! We’ve teamed up with American Photo magazine and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) to present the Look of Love wedding photography contest.


Submit your best wedding shots for the following categories:

• Getting Ready
• Ceremony
• Couples Portrait
• Reception
• Sendoff
• Details
  

And if you’re a destination-wedding photographer, you can also enter your pics for these categories:

• Best Use of Locale
• Best Use of Local Flavor
• Day After
• Trash the Dress
  

One winning image will be selected per category. All winners will be published in American Photo magazine; the winners of the destination-specific categories will also be printed in Destination Wedding & Honeymoons. The prizes up for grabs include fab photo equipment from Lensbaby, Kubota Image Tools and BODA; plus two grand-prize winners will score a trip to the Cancun Palace Resort.

What are you waiting for? Visit WeddingPhotographyContest.com, upload your photos before April 15, 2010 and your gorgeous images could grace the pages of our June/July issue!