Real Wedding: Megan and John, Santa Fe, New Mexico

I absolutely adore our featured wedding this week from Megan Miller and John Bradley. Not only is their wedding totally fabulous, but their story is equally charming. They originally met through work but were just friends for a few years. Megan was living in New York City and took a business trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where John was living. They went to dinner and immediately felt a strong chemistry. She went back to NYC but returned after two weeks for a friend’s wedding. During that trip, they spent a lot of time together and felt themselves falling for each other. On her last day, while discussing the issues involved with a long-distance relationship, he suggested getting married. (Megan’s father proposed to her mother after only two weeks of dating and they have been happily married for 33 years. She felt it was meant to be.) They got engaged to prove their commitment to the relationship and were married 18 months later. How sweet.

I love everything about this wedding! Megan wanted to create an old Hollywood theme using the colors navy blue, turquoise, red and white. I love her gown – lacy and sleek, similar to a 1920’s flapper-style from Claire Pettibone – and her finger wave hairstyle compliments the look perfectly. The bridesmaids are so sassy with their navy dresses, turquoise sashes and red shoes – very rockabilly. (The dresses were quite a find from Target and only $30 each.) Megan also DIYed her centerpieces by making red and white paper flowers in silver vases that look stunning. Her bridesmaid, who is also a graphic designer, created a few Moorish patterns that were used throughout the wedding stationery, including the placecards. The couple also didn’t want to spend a fortune on a cake so they bought ten small cakes from a local bakery and had a “cake buffet.” What a great idea!

Photos courtesy of Stacey Adams.

Get the full wedding story and read planning tips from Megan here.

From ABC to PYT, We Remember Michael Jackson

Like many people, I am in a state of shock because of Michael Jackson’s death yesterday. I’m an avid music lover (I actually DJ at weddings and clubs in my spare time) and he is one of my all-time favorite artists. The first tape I ever owned was Thriller, and the song Off The Wall still gives me goose bumps. (I even had a few “moments” with the song when I was recently in Fiji.) I know firsthand that no wedding or dance party would be complete without the King of Pop; I’ve witnessed his music bring even the deadest of dance floors to life. In honor of the loss of such a musical inspiration, here are my top 10 Michael Jackson party songs, perfect for a wedding playlist. Have some favorites of your own? Let me know.

10. “Smooth Criminal” Like most of MJ’s songs, the music video, from the movie Moonwalker, is what made this song so great. Most of Justin Timberlake’s career is based it. And the Alien Ant Farm remake doesn’t do the original justice.

9. “Blame It On The Boogie” This song is actually from The Jackson 5’s album Destiny, which was recorded right before Off The Wall and has a similar sound. “Don’t blame it on the sunshine, don’t blame it on the moonlight, don’t blame it on the good times, blame it on the boogie…”

8. “Workin' Day and Night” This song is a little more uptempo and is guaranteed to get the crowd moving. I wish he had made a video for this song – I bet it would have been awesome.

7. “Wanna Be Starting Something” The “Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa” breakdown makes any dance floor go nuts. That’s probably why Rhianna repurposed it for her song, “Please Don’t Stop the Music.”

6. “Rock With You” A little slower than the other songs on this list, it’s still meaningful and totally danceable. This would be good for the last song of the evening at any party.

5. “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” I have seen people run to the dance floor when this song plays. And the instrumental breakdown in the middle, followed by Jackson’s trademark “ooh,” is enough to get any crowd on their feet.

4. “Shake Your Body Down to the Ground” Yet another Jackson 5 song, the lyrics pretty much say it all: “Let’s dance, let’s shout, shake your body down to the ground.”

3. “Thriller” Even if it’s been dated by technology, this is by far the greatest video of all time. And there’s something to be said for a song that can make an entire dance floor bust out into a zombie dance – even in a prison.

2. “P.Y.T.” I’ve witnessed even the coolest guys who never dance bust a move to this song. “Pretty young things, repeat after me, say nah nah nah nah.”

1. “Off The Wall” In my personal opinion, this is the number-one party song of all time because of these lyrics. “We’re the party people night and day, living crazy that’s the only way. So tonight, we’re gonna leave the 9 to 5 upon the shelf and just enjoy ourselves.”

At your wedding, be sure to have the DJ throw in a few in his memory. We love you, Michael!

Feeling Engaged

I spent the last three days at the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The occasion: engage!09 Something Blue, a wedding-biz conference drawing the crème de la crème of all folks weddings for three days of networking, parties, panels and inspiration on how to make weddings even more fabulous. I moderated a destination-wedding panel (along with SF-based planner Alison Hotchkiss and photog Thayer Alison Gowdy, as well as event designer Jo-Anne Brown of Cayman’s own Celebrations) and was so moved to hear how hard these pros work to ensure a magical day for their clients. Here are my top five memories of the event:

1. Cheering as the incredible pastry artist Sylvia Weinstock hit the dance floor with my new favorite person, adorable Randy Fenoli from Say Yes to the Dress.

2. Talking turkey with the refreshingly frank (and hilarious!) event-maker extraordinaire Marcy Blum.

3. Being wowed at the welcome party, set on the sand and designed in shades of blue by the incomparable Michelle Rago Ltd.

4. Getting some R&R at the beach with Korri McFann of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and the super-fun team from The Breakers Palm Beach.

5. The incredible closing-night party, designed by the amazing Ms. Brown of Celebrations, where the fired-up bunch of planners, photogs, designers and other pros busted moves on the dance floor like it was our very own wedding.

I cannot say enough great things about the team at Engaging Concepts, who pulled the whole thing together. I wish we could do it every week!

Pet-friendly Skies

When it comes to travel, I think it’s best to keep things simple and laid-back, which is why I’ve always been a fan of Southwest Airlines. They have never lost my luggage, canceled a flight or left me stranded in some cold airport. And the only time I was ever seriously delayed, they gave us free cocktails to “apologize.” As far as I was concerned, their only downfall was that they didn’t allow pets.

So when Southwest Airlines recently announced their new P.A.W.S. policy — Pets are Welcome on Southwest — I was stoked! Starting June 1, your furry friends can fly with you for an additional $75 each way. So if you can’t imagine your wedding away without your pet in tow, Southwest has your back.

Just Back: Miami, Florida

Like I mentioned last week, I’ve been on the research trail for our golf/spa feature (look for it in the Fall ’09 issue). My second stop was the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida, whose famous course, the Blue Monster (below), has been a PGA Tour stop for the past 47 years. I don’t really consider myself a golfer, but it’s hard not to catch golf fever when you’re walking in the footsteps of Tiger Woods — and seeing his photograph everywhere!


The resort also draws visitors for its European-style spa, housing 48 luxury suites — essentially making it a boutique hotel within a hotel. I stayed in one of the spa suites and loved having a separate living space — the perfect place to stay in for a room-service dinner and a movie on the flat-screen TV. (That’s not really me pictured, but that is what my suite looked like!)


But my friend and I were sure not to spend both nights indoors — after all, we were only 15 miles from Miami Beach! We were eager to catch the action on Lincoln Road and were surprised to find it hopping, even late on a Wednesday night. We shopped till we dropped, then enjoyed dinner at Nexxt, one of the many sidewalk cafes.

While on property, we also took time to chill at the spa’s adults-only pool, where hot and cold plunge pools and massaging hydrofalls add to the relaxation. (That’s the spa in the background.)


Then on our way out, we made our way to the Miccosukee Indian Village, only 13 miles west, for an airboat ride in the Everglades. Tiger, next time you’re in the area, you should definitely give it a try — it’s great fun!

Real Wedding: Wendy and Jeff, Maui, Hawaii

When Wendy Jones and Jeff Hampton decided to have a destination wedding, they did their homework. They knew they wanted a small, intimate celebration in an island paradise and wanted to spend as much quality time as possible with their guests. The California-based couple decided to wed in Hawaii to relieve passport headaches. They chose the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, located on the western tip of Maui to host their nuptials. The affair was rich with Hawaiian tradition, including an ‘oli chant, lei exchange, hula dancers and a conch shell blower to signal the beginning and end of the ceremony. The couple also treated guests to a mahalo (thank you) breakfast the following day, and rented a few cabana suites at the pool so everyone could wind down after the wedding.

I love how dreamy and romantic this wedding looks. Hawaii is such a great destination for photos. How great is this one with Wendy and Jeff on a cliff?
Photos courtesy of Shawn Starr

Get the full wedding story and read planning tips from Wendy here.

Just Back: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Like Tara, I’ve also been on the road researching resorts for our golf and spa feature, and my first stop was the Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort in northern Idaho. Before I left, all my friends were asking me, “What’s in Idaho besides potatoes?” Well, I’ll tell you — forested mountains, serene lakes, Main Street friendliness and huckleberry everything, from pie to pancakes.

After checking in to one of the honeymoon suites (a corner room with lake views on two sides) and going on a short hike on neighboring Tubbs Hill, my hubby and I made our way up to dinner at Beverly’s, which also looks out over the water. I sprung for the lobster — worth every penny. When we got back to the suite, I was delighted to discover a pathway of rose petals sprinkled on the floor and tea lights placed around the room.

We had to be up early the next day for our tee time, and we were a little nervous — neither of us had played golf in nearly a decade. To get to the course, we were shuttled across the lake in a mahogany boat, then had a brief lesson at the overwater driving range. Caddies are mandatory here, and ours, Lisa, was invaluable in helping us novices. We had a blast on our makeshift golf scramble, and the scenery was gorgeous — towering pines, cherry-red geraniums and lake views on most of the front nine.

The next day was all about the spa. Our couples Suite Indulgence treatment took place in a cozy room with two hydra beds, a fireplace and — what else? — a lake-view picture window. After the massage, we were treated to champagne, chocolates and a footbath while gazing at the picturesque landscape. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by how romantic a state known for potatoes can be!

Here's Philip's first attempt on getting his ball on the course's famous floating island green. He missed, but made it on his second try! I, of course, did not.


Here's me hiking on Tubbs Hill, with the resort and marina in the background.

Guest rooms are bilevel, so you can appreciate the view whether you're in the bed or in the sitting area.


This is the co-ed lounge in the spa, decorated to reflect the surrounding environment.

Old Hollywood Escape

On the second leg of my research trip for our article about golf and spa resorts (to appear in the upcoming Fall issue), I hit the desert highway en route to La Quinta Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California. On arrival I was greeted with a mariachi band and a cool glass of cucumber water as the valet whisked my car off to my waiting villa. These people weren’t kidding around!

Next up, I met with the catering team for a tour of the grounds. Each maze of rose gardens and bougainvilleas led us to another pool surrounded by Spanish-style villas. Villas here range from one to three bedrooms and all have their own full kitchen and living area, making them perfect for families attending a destination do. And with 41 pools scattered throughout the property, you’re guaranteed to find one to suit your liking.


But my favorite parts were the hints of Old Hollywood found throughout the hotel. The resort dates to 1926 and boasts famous guests like Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and Ginger Rogers. One of the most popular places for weddings is the Waterfall, a grassy area near a waterfall where Ginger Rogers herself got married. Another historic spot: La Casa, Greta Garbo’s second home. In the courtyard, you can even host a cocktail party at the same large tile table where she used to entertain her guests. Indoor venues include a variety of ballrooms, as well as a multi-functional room named for Frank Capra, another frequent visitor.


In addition to the property’s plethora of wedding venues and history, the resort makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors. From the 18 tennis courts to the five golf courses, guests are sure to find something to do. To get your workout in — and see some killer scenery while you’re at it — ask the concierge for a map to the nearby jogging path; it will lead you around the perimeter of the Santa Rosa Mountains. (Hint: Go at sunset when the views are best and temps are coolest.)

Bridal Sample Sale This Friday

We absolutely love the bridal gowns from Priscilla of Boston – we even featured a few of them in our Summer issue’s fashion story. Both the Platinum and Priscilla of Boston collections are classic and elegant, while the Melissa Sweet and Vineyard collections have feminine and soft designs ideal for an outdoor affair. If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect gown but don’t want to spend a fortune, then you definitely won’t want to miss their upcoming sample sale. Taking place one day only – this Friday, June 19th – the sale will offer couture bridal gowns starting at only $199 and bridesmaids’ dresses starting at only $19.99. The sale is happening from 8 AM until 8 PM at the following locations across the US:

New York, NY
Roslyn Heights, NY
Atlanta, GA
Boston, MA
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Denver, CO
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Short Hills, NJ
Tysons Corner, VA
Wynnewood, PA
Edina, MN
Orlando, FL
Coral Gables, FL
San Francisco, CA

Use the website’s salon finder for the location nearest to you. Happy hunting!

Top Cities

I’m a city girl at heart — 15 years in Manhattan will do that to you. So I was excited to see the new 2009 Anholt-GfK Roper City Brands IndexSM poll ranking the world’s best cities. CBI polled 10,000 adults in 20 different countries to get their impressions on 50 cities, in six categories including Place (general attractiveness), People (friendliness) and Pulse (interesting activities). The overall winners are below; any one of them would make a great honeymoon for fellow city-lovers.

1. Paris
2. Sydney
3. London
4. Rome
5. New York
6. Barcelona
7. San Francisco
8. Los Angeles
9. Vienna
10. Madrid

Do you agree with this list? What are your favorite cities?

Mount Obama

On President Barack Obama’s Inauguration Day last January, I was lucky enough to be at a major tourism conference in the Caribbean. The organizers placed huge TV screens around the conference floor, and when the historic ceremony began, all business stopped as the attendees from 35-plus nations focused on the momentous occasion that was unfolding. The look of pride from the multicultural assemblage was so inspiring, and for those 15 minutes we all felt like one small, connected world.

It all came flashing back to me this morning, when I learned that Antigua’s highest point, Boggy Peak, is being renamed Mount Obama Monument and will be the centerpiece of a new national park. “It is intended to create a place of pride and dignity for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and give visitors an understanding of the similarities in our histories and cultures,” said Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. The renaming ceremony will take place on August 4, also the president’s 48th birthday. Pretty cool.

A Desert Adventure

I spent last week in the desert doing research for a golf/spa article we’re featuring in our upcoming Fall issue (hitting stands 8/11). And while I definitely know my way around the spa scene, when it comes to golf, I’m clueless. So I was completely stoked to be heading to The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, to check out the golf courses and get in some spa time. And since I’m new to the sport, I brought my “golf friendly” dad with me.

On arrival at The Boulders, I couldn’t help but notice how serene the place was; it’s definitely a place to get away from it all. Year after year, the 36-hole course consecutively wins awards, and it wasn’t hard to see why. The perfectly landscaped grounds were not only immaculate, but they were also home to families of rabbits, scurrying lizards and a variety of birds. (They do weddings on the greens, as well as Tee Box dinners for two — perfect for newlyweds.) When it came down to my lesson, golf pro Donald Crawley gave me the Quick Fix Academy lesson. And although it wasn’t the simplest of tasks, he had me hitting the ball in no time! What a great excuse to spend the day outdoors.



After a morning on the driving range and some lunch at the Palo Verde Restaurant, it was time for our rock-climbing clinic. (Hey, this was the week to try new things!) Harnessed in and helmeted up, we were ready do go. I admit, when I looked at the wall we were about to climb, I was a bit nervous. But with the instruction of our guide, Rico, both of us made it to the top and repelled our way back down, adrenaline pumping. We were definitely fired up! And the views weren’t anything to complain about either.


Nature trails abound here and were another great way to take in the amazing vistas. For cooling off, I had my pick of pools (I took an afternoon nap by the spa pool and enjoyed a refreshing sangria by the one off the main lodge). And my trip here wouldn’t have been complete without the Golden Door Spa’s LaStone massage. It soothed my tired muscles and was the perfect way to end the stay before hitting the road for my next stop: The La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California.

Dress to be Different

Alfred Angelo Style 1614

We’ve been busy at work selecting gowns for our annual gown gallery, slated to appear in the Fall 2009 issue. And we’re being quite picky, to be honest, because we know that destination brides have a unique set of circumstances to consider when choosing the perfect dress. Here’s what we’re looking for:

Lightweight You’ll be wearing this gown for many hours on what will likely be an active day full of dancing and photo-shoot adventures, so you don’t want heavy fabrics or styles.

Packable Since your gown will be traveling many miles with you, you want a fabric that won’t wrinkle easily and a dress that will fit into a reasonably sized garment bag.

Sleek While some destination brides still want the fairy-tale ballgown, most of you are looking for something more slim-fitting with fewer layers, especially if you’re marrying somewhere warm and tropical.

Versatile Maybe you’ll want to wear this gown again, or it needs to work for both a solemn ceremony and a raucous reception. You want a gown that will translate from setting to setting.

Effortless Once you’re onsite, you don’t want to think about steaming, hoisting, adjusting and generally fretting about your dress. You’re looking for something easy and comfortable.

Simple You’ve most likely picked your locale because of its natural beauty, and you want your dress be naturally beautiful too.

P.S. In my research, I’ve come across something super-cool — several designers who have an entire line dedicated to destination-wedding dresses. Check them out: Alfred Angelo Destiny Collection, Winnie Couture Destination Bridal, Sandals Destination Wedding Dresses, Destinations by Mon Cheri and Maggie Sottero Destinations Collection.

New Summer Contests!

Our Summer issue hits newsstands today, and it’s chock-full of helpful goodies, including Florida’s most romantic resorts, how to choose the right vendors, tips on negotiating like a pro, adventure-filled honeymoon excursions and mouth-watering trips for food-lovers. And, most importantly, we’ve got brand-new giveaways for you!

Florida Honeymoon Sweepstakes
What better way to unwind after your wedding than lazing on a beach in the Sunshine State? We’ve teamed up with greatresortweddings.com to give away a four-night stay at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa. The prize package includes round-trip airfare for two, daily breakfast, a welcome bottle of champagne and two 50-minute spa treatments.





Destination Wedding Planner Giveaway
Check out page 40 in the Bride Ideas section of our new issue, where we feature a new wedding-planning binder specifically for destination brides. This is a must-have tool for brides planning a wedding away, so we’re giving away copies to 10 lucky readers.





We also have plenty of other giveaways -- visit our main contest page to enter them all! Good luck and stay tuned for the contest winners from our Spring issue. We’ll be announcing them this week!