Gulf Coast Gala: Florida Wedding Festival This Weekend

This weekend, I’m heading over to Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast for the Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival going on this Sunday, February 28. I adore the west coast of the Sunshine State — the powder-white beaches and crystal-blue water are always worth the three-hour drive from Orlando. It’s understandable why the Bradenton area is a popular wedding destination.

Thinking of planning a Florida wedding? The festival is certainly worth attending — it brings together the area’s best vendors, from photographers to florists, to ease the planning process. And don’t leave your man at home: the Groom’s Zone, sponsored by Budweiser, is equipped with Wii video games, foosball tables and a putting green to keep him happily entertained. The all-day, island-wide event is from 11 am until 6 pm; tickets are $7 if you pre-register on the website through Saturday evening, or $10 at the door. Hope to see you there!

DWH Fashion Shoot: Palm Springs

Just got back from our photo shoot in Palm Springs, California, for the upcoming July/August issue (hitting stands 6/15/2010). Our gracious host was La Quinta Resort & Club. And while shoots are definitely a lot of work, they’re also a lot of fun — not to mention we have an amazing crew to work with.

With locations like the lovely La Quinta Resort & Club (with 41 pools!), the Palm Springs Art Museum, aaannnd two homes that once belonged to Elvis and Frank Sinatra, we were loving it!

This issue’s look was modern chic with crisp lines and bold jewelry, so while we did pull from some of our classic favorites like Cheryl King Couture and Nicole Miller, we also got some new names in like Kleinfeld Manhattan Men (we all heart this bridal boutique’s ubiquitous Randy Fenoli — check out his “Say Yes to Style!” feature in the March/April issue, on stands now) and TigerLilly jewelry (courtesy of our stylist extraordinaire, Rodney Hall).

To help us document our travels, Flip UltraHD was kind enough to donate two of their fit-in-your-pocket video cameras. They’re awesome for capturing behind-the-scenes action, meaning they’d be great for brides on the go. Hand one out to your bridesmaids and let them go wild — who doesn’t appreciate those candid shots?

Compatibility with Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player and iTunes means they aren’t that hard to use either. Check out my premiere clip from the shoot.
This is my first one, so go easy on me!

Lovely Los Cabos

I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Los Cabos, Mexico, located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. This warm, dry locale is a celeb favorite and also popular with many of the real brides we’ve featured in the pages of DWH, so I was excited to see it for myself. We visited six hotels in about two days. (Whew!) Here’s what’s wedding-worthy at the first three properties. (Stay tuned — next week we’ll visit the last three!)

The Event Spaces

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa Most brides opt for ceremonies on the wide golden beach fronting the resort, but ocean-view lawns and pool terraces are also available. Spruce up your event with Chiavari chairs, paper lanterns and Mexican-glass tableware. The property is adults-only, and each of the 154 rooms has a view of the Pacific.


One&Only Palmilla This 172-room resort is so lush, you forget you’re actually in the desert. Dramatic venues range from a whitewashed chapel to a seaside lawn to the Bahia Fireplace, an alfresco space surrounded by hacienda-style arches. Treat your bridesmaids to a hand-and-foot treatment at the spa, which has the feel of a hidden garden.


Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort Work with the director of romance at this 71-suite hotel to plan your sunset I do’s atop The Plaza terrace, perched 50 feet up overlooking the Sea of Cortez. The banquet room and the beach are also available for ceremonies and receptions (think a Mexican barbecue with bonfires at the latter).

Personal Highlight
During part one of my trip, dinner at Las Ventanas was a true treat. Thousands of flickering candles and wrought-iron lanterns set the mood throughout the resort, including The Restaurant, where the outdoor patio offers views of the sea and glowing lagoon-style pool. If the ambience isn’t enough, the food, from veal to lobster ravioli, simply melts in your mouth.

Cheers! The group pre-dinner in the lobby of Las Ventanas.

Real Wedding: Brie-Ann and Richard — Santa Barbara, California

As promised, here is the sumptuous SoCal wedding I mentioned last week. (Sorry it’s a bit late. I was a tad under the weather at the beginning of the week.) Brie-Ann Geissbuhler and Richard Robinson immediately fell in love with the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California and it’s not hard to see why. The historic property is oceanfront, but the Spanish architecture and grand lawns — perfect for wedding ceremonies — don’t have a beachy feel. After a few site visits, Brie-Ann wanted her wedding to match the old-world Spanish vibe of the hotel and decided to change her color palette from pastel pink, white and green, to deep red with chocolate brown and gold accents. With the help of her florist, Square Root, she was able to see her vision of romance come to life and the result is stunning. (How great is the ceremony altar they designed?)

Photos courtesy of the ever-talented Ray Soemarsono and Erwin Darmali of APERTURA.

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

24 More: Get a Third Night Free in Santa Barbara

I’m working on posting a fabulous wedding for next week, which takes place at Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore in Santa Barbara. The wedding is absolutely gorgeous — a dreamy, seaside affair decked out in crimson and chocolate brown — but you’ll have to wait until Monday to get the full effect!

I’m officially in love with The Biltmore as a wedding venue: not only is it a prime beachfront location, but the Spanish architecture is incredibly romantic and makes an impressive ceremony backdrop. I was excited to discover the hotel is a part of the “24 More” promotion in Santa Barbara — a pretty sweet deal, especially if you’re scouting wedding locations. Book two nights at any of the 22 participating hotels and receive a third night free. There are plenty of options, such as beachside inns, B&B’s, boutique and luxury resorts, with rates starting as low as $89 per night. Plus you can take advantage of weekly special offers, like 2-for-1 wine tastings and dining discounts. Not bad if you’re California dreaming on such a winter’s day.

For a list of all participating hotels, visit 24-more.com.

Hot off the press!

Just this week, DK released the first five guidebooks of its brand-new Back Roads series, designed to help travelers slow down and discover the true essence of a destination through awesome scenery, historic landmarks and regional cuisine. If you’re headed to France, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy or Spain for your wedding or honeymoon, these handy guides are perfect for getting you off the beaten track with 25 laid-back drives, lasting between one day and a week, outlined in each book.

What we really love about these unique guides: “where the locals go” listings covering lodging and dining, pull-out maps, GPS compatibility and of course, DK’s signature amazing photography throughout!

Happy driving!

Real Wedding: Sarah and David — Vienna, Austria

Our featured wedding this week reminds me of something out of a fairy tale. Sarah Petersen and David Hicks met during college, while studying abroad in Vienna, Austria. They remained friends after returning home from Europe and started dating after eventually admitting their mutual crushes on each other. Once they were engaged, they began contemplating a wedding location; having lived in so many states, their friends and family were scattered throughout the U.S. Jokingly they suggested returning to where the romance began to tie the knot, but soon it seemed like the best option. Once they were able to convince their family and hire a wedding planner, they made their dream a reality. So romantic!

In order for marriages to be legal in Austria, the ceremony has to take place indoors. Since Sarah and David had to forgo the beautiful scenery, they wanted a venue equally as stunning. They found what they were looking for in the grand Ovaler Festsaal room of Palais Daun-Kinsky — the velvety crimson walls and impressive chandelier set the perfect backdrop for an old-world wedding. After their ceremony, which was conducted completely in German with an English translator, they wandered along the streets of Vienna to capture some amazing post-wedding moments, and returned to Palais Daun-Kinsky for the reception.

Photos courtesy of Kevin Meyers Photography.

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

Jamaica and JetBlue!

Thinking of having your wedding in Florida and your honeymoon in Jamaica? Well, getting there just got easier.


Today JetBlue not only celebrates its 10-year anniversary, but it has also announced a new direct route from Orlando to Montego Bay, which started Feb. 8, 2010. Nonstop travel = happy travelers. And that’s something any destination bride can appreciate!

Check out the new schedules online at jetblue.com.

Mexico, VIP-style

When it comes to destination weddings and honeymoons, A-listers often head south of the border. Recent headlines concur. Here’s where three pairs of celebs went to celebrate wedded bliss.


Cabo Azul Resort, Los Cabos
Kylie Bisutti, the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Runway Angel from Simi Valley, California, married Michael Bisutti, a senior VP for a telecommunications company, at this luxury all-villa resort on July 14, 2009. For their I do’s, the couple chose the property’s signature wedding chapel, El Corazon (pictured above), an open-air, five-story structure overlooking the Sea of Cortez. (We included El Corazon in a Bride Idea about chapels in the Summer 2009 issue of DWH, and I gotta say — it’s one of the dreamiest wedding settings I’ve come across!)


The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Punta de Mita
My Name is Earl star Jaime Pressly and entertainment lawyer Simran Singh honeymooned at this exclusive getaway near Puerto Vallarta in November 2009. The couple stayed in the Presidential Suite, a three-bedroom, 3,100-square-foot villa (pictured above) that has its own oceanfront pool and runs about $4,500 per night. During their weeklong stay, they enjoyed a handful of spa treatments and had the chef cook them a private dinner in their suite (which I got to see last year, and believe me, it is definitely equipped for the rich and famous).

Unknown
Amy Robach of Weekend Today and former Melrose Place star Andrew Shue are reportedly in Mexico celebrating their honeymoon as we speak. More to come on that getaway as details emerge …

What about you? Are you headed to Mexico for your wedding or honeymoon? Let us know!

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.