I’m gearing up for a four-day stay in the city that never sleeps, getting some R&R at the Jumeriah Essex House, which overlooks Central Park. Read the rest of this entry »
Wedding Bells Blog
travel
A New York State of Mind
travel
The Bachelor Heads to St. Lucia
Jade Mountain in St. Lucia.
I’ll admit it—I’ve been watching The Bachelor. It’s my Monday-night, guilty pleasure and sometimes all you need is some light TV-watching. For those of you who don’t watch and need a catch up, at the end of Monday’s episode, there was no rose ceremony. Ali (my personal top choice) chose to leave to show so she wouldn’t lose her job. While I suspect Ali might return (in the preview, she calls Jake), there are still three women left for him to make his wife and he’s already declared he’s in love with more than one. Which one? Well, I hope it’s like Jillian and Ed from The Bachelorette and Ali returns to get the proposal, but honestly at this point I’m scared to admit I think he may pick Vienna. Read the rest of this entry »
travel
Fly with Porter
Porter's luxurious lounge in Toronto.
If you haven’t experienced flying with Porter yet, I definitely recommend booking a flight. Based in Toronto, this regional airline is all about giving passengers a first-class experience. You’ll notice a difference from the moment you speed through check-in. Read the rest of this entry »
travel » destination "i dos"
Luxurious Affair
I just returned from the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman from a luxury wedding business symposium called Engage!09 (hosted by the fabulous Rebecca Grinnals), and spent a few days among some of the wedding “greats” like designer extraordinaire, Preston Bailey; cake guru, Sylvia Weinstock; and the editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings, Darcy Miller (to only name a few of the talented attendees). Read the rest of this entry »
travel » destination "i dos"
State of Mind
Photography courtesy Catherine Farquharson.
A good attitude is the most important ingredient when planning your destination wedding. The saying that “nothing is perfect” stands true to any wedding, but you need to be even more open-minded and realistic when planning your destination wedding. Read the rest of this entry »
travel » destination "i dos"
Beach BBQ
The classic DW reception dinner is an outdoor beach BBQ. It’s fun, casual and in the spirit of the location. Often said brides and grooms are seeking the most unique and “different” things to do for their wedding (and I’m always all for unique), but sometimes it’s just worth sticking with something that works. The tried, tested and true expression does ring true in this instance. So why make it hard on yourself? 
Read the rest of this entry »
travel » destination "i dos"
Engagement Photos
Photography courtesy Sol Tamargo Photography.
Engagement photos don’t have to be “typical” or taken months before your wedding. As destination weddings tend to throw the traditional aspects of weddings out the window, why not do what you want with your photos? Read the rest of this entry »
travel » destination "i dos"
South Beach
Photography courtesy Janis Lempera Photography.
I just returned from South Beach this past long weekend and had a relaxing stay at The Setai hotel (setai.com). LUXE had planned Shelly and Ben’s last minute “switch” wedding at this Miami hot spot only a few weeks ago, and I can honestly say that this is a phenomenal location for a wedding. The hotel is architecturally stunning, and it exudes a very Zen vibe throughout. Read the rest of this entry »
