Viva Las Vegas!

I just go back from my week-long family vacation in Vegas and I’m pretty sure I’m still recovering. Did I get to do all the items on my to-do list from last week? Nope. In fact, I didn’t do a single thing I had planned. It turns out the excitement of the Strip is a lot more intoxicating than I had expected (literally). I guess they don’t make outrageous Vegas movies like The Hangover for no reason.

View of The Mirage from The Venetian

The six of us called The Mirage our home-away-from-home which suited me perfectly. It wasn’t necessarily the ultra-luxurious digs found at the more upscale Vegas resorts, but with its central location, killer pool and happening bars and casino, it was definitely where we belonged. Our days were spent lounging by the pool while our nights were spent gambling away our money until the wee hours.

The waterfalls at the pool

Did I mention I’m a huge Beatle fanatic? Well, I am and had no idea how Beatle-themed our hotel would be: It’s home to the Cirque du Soleil masterpiece, Love, which was definitely a highlight of my trip. The show was visually stunning and brought most of my favorite Bealtes songs to life including Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Come Together and A Day in the Life. (We found a great deal on Cirque tickets: From now until October 11, 2009, buy one full-priced ticket and get the second for only $25. Click here for details.) The property also features a fab four-inspired lounge and nightclub called Revolution. On busy weekend nights, go-go girls dressed in white knee-high boots and skimpy outfits adorned with British flags danced in the letters below. How very Vegas.


Although Vegas is known for fine dining, we found a lot of the restaurants to be a tad too pricey for our wallets. One restaurant we found in our price range was Dal Toro's, an Italian eatery at The Palazzo with a quaint outdoor dining area overlooking the Strip. The most unique thing about Dal Toro's was the Lamborghini showroom that’s attached to the dining area. If you’re a car-lover, then this is definitely the place for you.

Vegas turned out to be the ultimate birthday experience for my little sis. If you happen to be celebrating an August birthday or just looking to get away to Sin City this month, then take advantage of this special offer from The Signature at MGM Grand. The luxury property is unique in that it’s non-smoking and non-gaming, yet close to all the action. From now until August 31, 2009, the Celebration Promotion includes a $100 beverage credit and rates beginning at $129 per night for a junior suite. Plus if your birthday is in August, you’ll receive a free upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. Just mention the booking code “BIRTHDAY” to get the special rates.

Surfing Safari

I’m on my way to Costa Rica for our “learning-moon” feature, appearing in the upcoming Winter 09 issue. My lesson of choice — surfing. To kick things off with a bang, my first day there, I’m scheduled for a three-hour surf session at the Playa Prieta Beach Club. (I’m a watergirl, so I’m totally stoked!) After that, I can either keep taking lessons or head out on my own (they say there are breaks for everyone, from beginner to pro).


I’m staying at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (a seriously swank full-service resort), as well as the Harmony Hotel (a quaint B&B that boasts some of the best surf in the Nosara area). In between, I’m sure we won’t be able to resist trekking through the jungle, taking a canopy tour and, of course, dining on plates of ceviche by the sea. So stay tuned — I’ll be back next week with a full report on a learning-how-to-surf honeymoon, Costa Rica-style!

Windy City Wedding

I went to a wedding in Chicago over the weekend, and while it was a hometown affair for the couple, most of the guests, including me, had traveled in from elsewhere and made a weekend out of it.

As the third-most-populous city in the U.S., according to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau, Chi-town has plenty to offer couples looking for a locale with urban flair, swank venues and plenty to do. I spent the days surrounding the wedding perusing the boutiques in Lincoln Park, trying out local restaurants, and catching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. And everywhere I went, people were walking their dogs, playing cornhole, and having drinks on pub patios. The perfect weather hovered in the upper 70s, and flower boxes were bursting with color on every window.

If you’re craving even more action, head to the Loop, where there’s culture galore, from the world-renowned museums on the lakefront to the funky public art at Millennium Park. Just across the Chicago River to the north of the Loop sits Fulton’s on the River, a popular downtown restaurant and the reception site for the wedding I attended. I was really impressed with the venue’s outdoor Veranda (complete with daybeds, river views and its own bar), where we spent cocktail hour, and the Riverfront Room (all dressed up with colorful orchids), where the reception took place.

But my favorite moment of the event came when the wedding party made their entrance to the reception. Reception — and even ceremony — entrances keep getting more and more entertaining, and we’re loving every minute. At this wedding, each bridal-party pair came in doing something zany, from literally mixing a cocktail as they walked in to a tiny bridesmaid carrying a big groomsman on piggyback. The maid of honor and best man both did the worm in formal attire (which is no small athletic feat, by the way), but the entrance that topped them all was the bridesmaid and groomsman who swapped clothing: her sauntering in wearing his baggy suit, and him looking quite lovely in her pink, floor-length chiffon gown — stuffed at the chest with tissues, of course. It complemented his mustache nicely, I might add.

So keep the creative entrances coming, and keep the Windy City in mind for a cosmopolitan celebration!

Industry Secret

One of the best things about being a magazine editor is that you get to know people who are at the tops of their fields, and get to pick their brains. On a recent photo shoot I asked our makeup artist David Tibolla what his favorite skincare line was. He replied without skipping a beat: “SK-II! The first time I used one of their masks, my agent asked, ‘What did you do to yourself? Your skin looks great!’ Now I have the whole office hooked!”

Now I’m about as low-maintenance as they come — I moisturize most nights (when I remember) but the chances of me doing a mask are slim to none. So I tried some SK-II Signs wrinkle serum instead, which I put on at night … when I remember. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I’m definitely noticing a difference in my skin: it’s clearer, blemish-free and looks a bit … well, I’ll say it — less wrinkly. (The secret ingredient to the Japanese brand is something called Pitera, devised from fermented yeast after a scientist noticed that the women working in sake breweries had incredibly young-looking hands.)

Warning: SK-II ain’t cheap. My serum costs $200, and the masks run $85 for a set of six. But to make it last, I only use a small amount. And my skin is so clear I can skip the foundation, so it’s a tradeoff. Wanna try it out yourself? You can find it in select Saks Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdale’s stores, or online.

Winter Photo Shoot Wrap-Up

We just got back from our Winter fashion shoot in Bar Harbor, Maine, and to say it went well is an understatement. Not only did we have perfect weather (and even the occasional rainbow), but I couldn’t help but love the small-town feel of this East Coast hideaway. From blueberry pancakes at breakfast to lobster rolls at lunch and whoopie pies for dessert, we took full advantage of the local favorites. (And even brought some home, although unfortunately whoopie pies don’t travel well.)

On set with Shannon (the photographer), Katy and Justin (the models), and Michael (the photo assistant).

We set up camp at the Bar Harbor Regency, a mile outside town, where the spacious ballroom gave us plenty of room to spread out our gowns and accessories. In between shots, some of the team took advantage of the pool and hot tub. The same hotelier also owns two fab hotels in downtown BH: the elegant Bar Harbor Club, and our favorite, the Harborside Hotel Spa & Marina, with a heated pool that overlooks Frenchman’s Bay. Downtown BH couldn’t be cuter, with its boat-filled harbor, streets lined with shops and restaurants and all the fudge and ice cream you can imagine. Best of all, it is just down the road from Acadia National Park, where you can bike, hike, canoe, kayak — that is, if you’re not working like we were! It’s a great wedding spot for active, nautically minded couples — especially ones who like lobster, which we ate every single day. Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek:.

Rodney Hall, our stylist extraordinaire, and David Tibolla, THE hair and makeup guru

Katy and Justin, enjoying some lobster-time

Another fun twist to this shoot: The tiny new member to our crew — Claire Moynihan, Susan’s 5-year-old niece — graciously came to pose as our flower girl. While we did lure her with the promise of an ice-cream cone, it didn’t take long for her to embrace the Nina shoes, J.Crew dresses and plethora of jewelry she got to try on. But among all the sparkly pins and flowing gowns, her favorite accessory was the Cheryl King veil our model Katy had worn in a previous shot — proving she is already a true fashionista.

Claire and I, talking shop

Claire and the models, hard at work

Be sure to check out the Winter issue on stands 10/20/09!

Making an Entrance

I know this is sacrilegious for the editor of a wedding mag to say, but I am so over Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” Yes, it’s a beautiful piece of music, but it’s so mellow it puts me to sleep. We all know it’s a trend to personalize your first dance — there’s a whole show, Rock the Reception, built around the concept. But some couples are taking that idea a step further and making the processional all their own. I was turned on to this one by SF-based planner extraordinaire Alison Hotchkiss of Alison Events. The bridal party gets the crowd fired up with a dance-off up the aisle to Chris Brown’s “Forever,” then the bride brings it home when she boogies her way through the sanctuary to join her groom at the altar. Just watch it and try not to dance in your seat!

Don't Worry, Wii Happy

Last night I played Nintendo Wii for the first time (yeah, I’m a late adopter), and while my friends were more entertained than impressed by my performance at games like Wii Fit and Professional Bull Rider, I had a blast! It’s no wonder Amazon.com is reporting that the Wii video-game console is currently the number four most registered wedding gift. And I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s nontraditional brides like you who are driving this trend. You know better than anyone that having fun holds more value than a new blender.

If you’re still building your registry, be sure to add Wii Sports Resort. Coming out Sunday, July 26, this new game allows players to participate in resort activities (like swordplay, basketball, table tennis and archery) together on imaginary Wuhu Island — a great way to virtually relive your honeymoon!

If you happen to be in the New York City area, check out the game’s launch event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, July 23. Nintendo will be transforming New York’s Military Island in Times Square into an urban island getaway. Anyone who stops by will be able to take a mini “vacation,” complete with a beach (created with 50 tons of sand!), swimming pool and lounge serving tropical nonalcoholic drinks. There will also be giveaways and opportunities to play Wii Sports Resort in advance of its official release. Game on!

5 Things I Can’t Wait to Do in Vegas

I’ve been working like crazy to prepare for my upcoming vacay to Sin City next week. It’s my little sis’ 21st birthday, so my family and I will be celebrating in style. And while mainstream Vegas’ “see and be seen” attitude is definitely not my thing, I’m adventurous and determined to have a blast going off the beaten track. Here are the top five things I’m looking forward to.

Check out the Pinball Hall of Fame.
I’ll admit, I’m a dork — a dork who LOVES pinball! There’s such a nostalgic quality to the game; it reminds me of being a kid and hanging out at arcades, bowling alleys and roller rinks. I could literally play all day, and in Vegas I’ll have the chance to do just that. The PHoF is dedicated to preserving the old machines and has wall-to-wall games dating from the 1950s to the ’90s. And since it’s a nonprofit museum, all the proceeds go to charity. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Find some dive bars.
The thought of paying between $12 and $20 for a drink strikes fear in my heart, as do power-hungry bouncers enforcing dress codes that will leave my feet blistered and aching. What a perfect reason to hunt down some dive bars where I can actually wear jeans and sneakers. Old-style Vegas is the way to go, so I’ll be heading over to Fremont Street to find my kind of scene. Places like the Griffin, Beauty Bar and Downtown Cocktail Room will happily let me nourish my inner hipster, without making me feel out of place.

Be a tourist.
Traveling for work has its privileges, but it leaves little time to actually be a tourist. So in Vegas, I’ll be grabbing a fanny pack and doing it up! First off, I want to hit the Stratosphere Tower to go on some thrill rides and drink a Stratoblaster, an oversized souvenir drink served in a cup that resembles the attraction. Then I’ll head to Bonanza, the world’s largest gift shop, to seek out the cheesiest Vegas memento I can find. And no trip to Vegas would be complete without getting lost in a casino; word has it they are notorious for getting you in, but making it impossible to find your way out.


Visit the dead.
Las Vegas probably wouldn’t be the attraction it is today without the Young Electric Sign Company, the business that designed all those flashy neon eye-catchers lining the Strip. But just where do those signs go to die? The boneyard at the Neon Museum, of course! You have to set up a tour through their website to visit, but it’s worth it to see the remains of Old Vegas’ glitz and glamour.

See some canyons.
I’m a Florida girl who has yet to visit the desert, so naturally, I’m stoked about taking a tourist-style day tour to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. And on the more adventurous side, I’m also excited to explore Red Rock Canyon, a national conservation area a few miles west of Vegas, where I can absorb the beauty of the landscape on my own schedule.


Did I miss anything? What are some of your favorite things to do in Vegas?

Just Back: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

I just got back from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where my hubby and I stayed at Couples Tower Isle, a resort that boasts several impressive firsts. Not only was it the first beach resort on the island, but it was also the first resort to be open year-round, as well as Jamaica’s first all-inclusive, couples-only resort. Having just undergone a $30 million renovation, the property is eager to strut its stuff, and if you’re looking for a honeymoon option that’s effortless and beach-tastic, check this place out.

Rooms are simple but do feature private patios/balconies, as well as nightly turndown service (an amenity I now somehow can’t live without). But we spent most of our time floating on foam mats in the ocean or in one of the two pools. When we needed a little shade, we commandeered a lovely spot on the sand under several palms.

With the face-lift, the place has gotten some nice urban touches like a more modern look, a restaurant that serves authentic Thai food, and a Veggie Bar with yummy vegetarian lunch offerings (mmm — hummus and sweet-potato chips). Also new is the minimalist spa, where honeymooners receive a complimentary 30-minute his-’n’-hers massage.

You do have to hunt a little for Jamaica’s colorful culture, but it’s there, from the nightly local performers on The Patio to the area craftspeople who come to tout their wares every Monday flea-market-style. Hit the Pool Grill for some tasty jerk chicken, and to see some of the island’s natural beauty, hop on the Dunns River Falls excursion, included in the room rate. (We climbed the falls, and while it’s no doubt Tourist Central, we had a riot splashing, sliding, and shimmying our way to the top.)

Also included are all meals, drinks, snorkeling outings, golf, shopping trips to the downtown area, a scuba-diving resort course, a catamaran cruise and a horseback-riding tour. And while all of the above is somewhat no-frills, it sure is nice to not have to pull out your wallet!

Bayside overwater restaurant serving Thai cuisine

Falafel pita at the Veggie Bar

View of the swim-up bar from our balcony

Climbing Dunns River Falls

New England, Here We Come!

Yesterday we shipped the Fall issue (look for it on stands 8/11) and we're already gearing up for our Winter photo shoot next week in Bar Harbor, Maine. I’ve never been there, so I'm totally stoked!

Our temporary home will be Bar Harbor Regency Hotel, a resort set on the water. From what I’ve been reading, the area is filled with history. (I even bought a book on haunted places I’m dying to check out – in between shoots of course.) But no trip to Maine is complete without a lobster dinner or two – the crew has been talking about it for weeks. I can’t wait to see what other discoveries we’ll find!

So if you’re thinking you might fancy yourself an Atlantic bride, stay tuned because we’re off to find the most romantic locales for your New England nuptials.

Sneak Peek - Wedding Gowns

We are putting the finishing touches on our Fall 2009 issue, which heads to the printer today. One of my favorite stories this time is our annual Gown Gallery. Every year we showcase our favorite destination-style wedding gowns, but this year it was especially difficult to narrow things down, as so many designers have made destination gowns a permanent part of their collections. But my favorite dress from the story wasn’t from a bridal designer at all; it was from J Crew, who continue to impress with their commitment to quality, special-events dresses at reasonable prices. Here’s a sneak peek — it has sequins!! (Click the photo to see the detail.) The full story hits stands in a month.

By the Numbers

Congratulations to my friends Dzuy and Nina who got engaged today! All of us around the office are quite impressed with Dzuy’s timing — he popped the question at 4:56 p.m. on 7/8/09 — or 456789! Hopefully his careful planning will bring him and his fiancée lots of good luck as they launch into wedding planning.

If you’re into numbers too, check out our Web article, “To The Nines — 9/9/09 Wedding Packages in Las Vegas.” And be on the lookout for news about 10/10/10 packages, which are already in the works.

Bring on the Fourth!

With the holiday weekend upon us, I’m super-stoked to be heading to good ol’ Nashville, Tennessee, to light up some fireworks. When my out-of-town family and friends heard that my Florida crew was already in tow for a fun-filled weekend of music, barbecue and bull riding, it didn’t take long for them to decide to join us (even those from Kansas!). And with nonstop flights available from most U.S. cities, a no-hassle airport, a ton of amazing restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and a plethora of galleries and historic hotels, it wasn’t hard to talk even my non-country-music-loving friends into coming.


But as we are counting down to departure (my boots are already packed), I couldn’t help but notice how easy it was to plan a Nashville trip with so many people — a destination wedding here would be a cinch! We’re forgoing rental cars and staying downtown, where we can walk to all the great spots — like Tootsie’s, the old stomping ground of legends like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. But here’s the best part: Every Fourth of July, Riverfront Park hosts the Music City Festival — a jammed-packed day of live music from top names like Wynonna Judd and the Gabe Dixon Band. And for a finishing touch — the fireworks finale is serenaded by the Nashville Symphony. Now that’s the way to watch the show!



But no matter where you decide to celebrate this weekend — or where you are in your wedding-planning process — try to take some time off to enjoy the simplicity of this all-American holiday: grilling outdoors with friends, cold beers by the water and of course, lighting up a sparkler or two.