Destination Wedding Blog

Mexico Weddings: A few rain clouds will never ruin your big day

Guest Blogger — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:04:00 GMT

So your wedding day has finally arrived. Guests have flown in from all over the world, gowns and tuxedos have been fitted, and butterflies are flapping around in your belly because a 70% chance of rain looms in the forecast... No need to worry! If you have chosen an El Dorado Spa Resort & Hotel or Azul Hotel, by Karisma for your Mexico wedding, you can rest assured that regardless of inclement weather, the show will go on.

Riviera Maya's mild tropical climate is warm year round and temperatures average around 80⁰F. For the most part, the "rainy" season is not very rainy and often rain showers occur in one section of the area and not in another and are gone minutes after it they begin. Winter, summer, spring or fall, there's never a bad time for Mexico weddings in this beach town.

Since one of the elements that nobody can control is Mother Nature, there is always a Plan B ready to be executed to make sure inclement weather does not affect your function. In standard practice the hotel staff will make a weather determination four hours prior to the event. At that time, the hotel will decide if your ceremony will be held in the predetermined location or moved to an appropriate venue that will guarantee full coverage of the event. The backup plan is discussed ahead of time with all wedding couples so that on the wedding day, should the need arise to shift a location, everyone is aware of the what is going to occur. The staff's priority is to make sure that the bride and groom feel comfortable with the adjustments and that even the smallest details are accounted for.

Expect the experienced staff at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels, by Karisma to make your dream day come to life despite Mother Nature's sense of humor. Regardless of rain or shine, if you choose a Mexico wedding, the Mayan love gods will always be on your side.

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Unity Ceremonies for Mexico Weddings

Guest Blogger — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:44:00 GMT

Every couple envisions their wedding day in different ways with a unique definition of what love means to them. When a bride and groom begin planning a Mexico wedding at an El Dorado or Azul Hotel, they explain their ideas to the best wedding coordinators in the industry that make every detail a reality. Couples from all walks of life have incorporated their own creative elements- from including their children in the ceremony or taking a dip in the water- to make the experience extra special and unforgettable.

This ‘sand unity' ceremony was inspired by one couple's five year old son. When it came time to exchange wedding vows, the bride and groom shared the moment with their child, who had also prepared something special to say. As they recited their promises, each one poured vibrant colored sand in a delicate glass bottle that would hold the moment forever and signify their unity as a family. This is only one example of the many ways to customize Mexico weddings. The possibilities are as endless as the blue skies in the Riviera Maya.

Whether opting for a traditional or non-traditional wedding, a unity ceremony can add a charming touch to the ‘I Dos'. And whether it is simple or over the top, the Karisma wedding team is available round the clock to personalize and execute it in the most elegant way.

-Paula Negrete,

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Beach wedding - Something VERY blue

Quentin Carmichael — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:54:00 GMT

I am an admitted pure beach bum, always have been. Nothing makes me happier that an amazing beach and that amazing blue azure water that you find all over the tropics. I was actually looking over my own Destination Wedding photos last night and found that there are certain photos from beach weddings that really accentuate the water. I'm not a professional photographer, so I don't know what it is - perhaps a combination of the right sun, right spot, right angle, etc.? I don't know - if anyone is an expert please feel free to chime in.

I went through some of the photos I have here for weddings that we've helped couples plan and found some great ones:

Look at the transition of the blue water - that's what I love - so many shades.

For this one it was probably a boat or jet ski that went by (or perhaps a reef?), because you can see the white water which stirs up those blues again.

I don't even have to say anything about this beach wedding photo - incredible!

-Quentin

Mexico weddings are easy and stress-free

Guest Blogger — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:46:00 GMT

For many couples the wedding to-do list is never ending, but ask a couple getting married in Mexico and they will assure that everything is under control. Choosing to have your wedding in Riviera Maya means that every detail- from planning the rehearsal dinner to arranging hotel accommodations for guests- is taken care of by an experienced and certified wedding coordinator. Every kind of wedding ceremony can be created and marriage requirements and documentation are minimal. The advantages of getting married south of the border are plenty and always guarantee an unforgettable celebration, tailored specifically to the requests of the bride and groom.

Planning your wedding: All couples getting married any El Dorado or Azul Resort by Karisma begin working with an on-site wedding coordinator within three days of setting their wedding date reservations. It usually takes anywhere between four to six months to plan the event, but the Karisma team is also prepared to put together something amazing even with the shortest of notice. No request is too large or too small, if you want two monarch butterflies released or champagne flown in from a private vineyard in France, it will be done. Most brides that have gotten married in Mexico agree that the best part of working with a wedding coordinator is that everything is completely taken care of eliminating any need to meet with caterers, florists, bakers, photographers, etc. All they have to do is get ready and show up to the ceremony they have always dreamed of.

Mexico Wedding Requirements: The standard requirements for Mexico weddings are very basic. For all legal wedding ceremonies the bride and groom must have the following documentation: a valid passport, a tourist card (given to all visitors prior to entering the country), a blood test that is administered on property and a U.S. issued wedding certificate (for American citizens.) Also, it is required that the couple arrives three days prior to the wedding. Other requirements vary according to the type of marriage being performed; couples being married in religious ceremonies must submit official letters from their house of worship. Symbolic ceremonies do not require the bride and groom to provide a passport, blood tests or arrive three days earlier. These simple requirements are easy to fulfill and ensure that your union will be valid once you return to your home country.

The peace of mind that comes with having a destination Mexico wedding (and by Mexico, we mean paradise) is priceless. Let the wedding coordinators at El Dorado and Azul Hotels set the tone of your magical day while you worry about spending the afternoon at the spa and being in love. It's the perfect beginning to your happily ever after...

-Paula Negrete,

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Mexico Weddings - Spend a day in Playa Del Carmen

Guest Blogger — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:12:00 GMT

Spend a day in Playa Del Carmen- Riviera Maya's most spirited beach town

Once you have both chosen Riviera Maya as your Mexico wedding location, you need to start thinking about all the little details and create a fun itinerary that your wedding guests will enjoy. Not only are they traveling for your festivities, they are also looking forward to enjoy vacation time and take advantage of all the fabulous attractions in the area. Make sure to include a day trip to nearby Playa Del Carmen in their busy schedules; it will have them bragging about their getaway (and your wedding) for a long time to come.

Recognized as ‘the heart' of Riviera Maya, the breathtaking landscape of Playa Del Carmen's turquoise waters and white sand beaches stretch for miles on end. One glimpse of this sunny paradise transports you to old exotic movie scenes of Marlon Brando and a golden skinned beauty sprawled lazily by the shore. Whatever the size of your group, transportation to Playa Del Carmen can easily be accommodated. Private car, van, shuttle and even limos services are available to ensure that your guests are comfortable and relaxed to enjoy Playa Del Carmen's charm.

The small city boasts some of the most unique shopping, restaurants, bars and live entertainment for Mexico weddings. Visitors from all over the world have discovered this gem, giving it a cosmopolitan flair that meshes seamlessly with the art, cuisine and customs of the local Mexican culture. This is definitely the place to buy a few rounds of margaritas for your bridesmaids and invite your groomsmen for a ride on the wave runners or round up the entire wedding party and take a stroll on horseback along the beach... just make sure everyone is wearing gigantic sombreros, it'll make your photo slideshow so much more interesting.

It is guaranteed that a day trip to Playa Del Carmen before or after the big event will ease the stress of the occasion. Whether your guests choose to roam around the lively streets or snorkel among the impressive coral reefs, there's something for everyone to enjoy and discover in this oceanfront wonderland.

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Destination Wedding Planner Saves the Day

Quentin Carmichael — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:47:00 GMT

Congrats to Camille, one of our senior DW Specialists, for the save of this DW! Great testimonial Camille - I just had to share!

Just another day in the life of a Destination Wedding Planner...

We began our wedding planning with Destination Weddings in August of 2008 for our October 9, 2009 wedding in Mexico. We choose Destination Weddings due to its "all-in-one" knowledge of wedding resort locations and travel agent experience. Signing up was incredibly easy and inexpensive ($50.00 to sign up and is applied to your travel package) and we were put in touch with a Specialist within 3 days.

We began our process of selecting a resort with our Specialist Camille H. and from the very beginning she was a true "blessing" to us and our overall planning process. Through her assistance, we choose Mexico and the Riveria Mayan area. She spent countless hours on the phone and email to help us weigh options for resorts. Camille was also a critical component to ensuring that not only our guests travel packages were coordinated appropriately but also ensured that the communication, contracts and "promises" made by the wedding coordinators of the resort were handled appropriately. I can point to several instances where Camille assisted us in ensuring our wedding details were correct. Examples include her assistance in obtaining a "comp" for our colored wedding chair bows and another included securing an upgrade to our resort suite.

We can point to one another area that Destination Weddings was critical to our wedding success and was the one major challenging aspect of our planning process. We had originally chosen a brand new resort (with an established company) for our wedding. Being a new resort it was experiencing several months of "teething issues" and we went back and forth with Camille on whether to "stick it out" or change resorts. We can count two different occasions within a seven month period that we looked at alternate locations with Camille. As always, she continued to be patient with us and provided quotes on new packages and contract details.

Approximately two months before our wedding date, we made the difficult decision to move our wedding to a sister resort. Again, Camille was able to move our entire party (over 16 rooms, 33 people) to the new location; secure a new contract and ensure that our wedding planning details were transferred to the new location. We can tell you that without Camille's help we would not have been able to switch resorts in the timeframe that we did. Not only did we save money on cancellation fees, but the time and effort alone to rebook everyone and finalize a new contract would have been nearly impossible in the timeframe we had left if we had to do it ourselves. Camille's patience, attention to detail and empathy were much appreciated during this process.

Our wedding day was amazing, truly breathtaking. The resort was perfect for the size our wedding party and was exactly as we had pictured it. The service, food and amenities were beyond expectations and we can't say enough about our experience.

We want to personally thank Camille H. with Destination Weddings and all staff members at Azul Beach resort who made the best day of our life come true!

Bree and Nick

Tips for Sunset Hawaii Weddings

Guest Blogger — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:22:00 GMT

Hawaii weddings during sunset are absolutely gorgeous. Being on the beach with the sun setting down over the ocean is the perfect backdrop for Hawaii weddings. If you are thinking of having your Hawaiian wedding during sunset, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when planning.

Be sure that when you are booking your location for your sunset wedding, that the area of the island you book actually experiences sunsets. Don't end up booking a location only to find that the actual sunset happens on the other side of the island.

Realize that if it you get a shower during part of your wedding day, which is not uncommon in some parts of Hawaii, that a sunset may not even be visible in the background. Although Hawaii weddings during sunset are breathtaking, no one can guarantee that the sunset on your wedding day is going to be visible. You can always go back out for some photos later in your stay.

When booking your photographer for the wedding, ask if they have ever done sunset shots before. You want to make sure that you get a professional photographer that can capture the colors of the sun while still making sure that you and your groom look good in the photos as well. It's harder than you think trying to take pictures of the sun setting in the background and making sure that the lighting is perfect with the pictures.

Be sure that you do your research to see when sunset will occur in the location. Some brides like to have the sun setting during the actual ceremony, while others will have it setting slightly after to get pictures after the wedding.

Hawaii weddings during sunset can make for some great pictures, but remember that no one can plan nature, so even if it all doesn't work out, you can still have an amazing wedding on a Hawaiian beach.

Romantic Activities for Mexico Weddings

Guest Blogger — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:26:00 GMT

Thanks to our guest bloggers at the wonderful Karisma resorts in Mexico for this series about the Riviera Maya, which is our #1 most popular destination with our couples. Stay tuned for more posts from the actual wedding coordinators and concierges at these great DW resorts.

Celebrate your Mexico wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary in one of the top destinations for romance.

If you're a newlywed and the flames of passion are burning bright, it's definitely a good idea to visit the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya for one more fling before returning to the routine of daily grind. If you're not a newlywed and can't remember when the last time was that you and your Mr. Big took a long walk on the beach or played footsies under the dinner table, then it's also a good idea to plan an escape that will reignite the sparks.

Located south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya is bursting with activities and entertainment for Mexico weddings, and all couples. For thrill seeking types, the area offers exciting adventure tours that include zip lining through the jungle, riding wave runners and ATV's and swimming with whale sharks (the largest fish in the world). This part of Mexico is very rich in culture and history so taking time to visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza together is another not-to-be-missed experience. Also on the not-to-be-missed adventure list is exploring the ‘cenotes', majestic caverns filled with crystal clear pools of water perfect for an afternoon of diving and snorkeling. After reconnecting with nature, and your significant other, share a romantic dinner on the beach with nothing to distract you but the sound of the waves and the breeze.

Enjoy paradise and truly disconnect by staying at an adults-only resort where the opportunities for romance are without end. El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, by Karisma offers amenities such as gourmet dining, private open air showers for two, beach beds to lounge all day (and night) and even your own beach butlers- the only finger you will have to lift is to dial for 24-hour room service! Surprise your partner with a couples massage under the moonlight and then pop a bottle of bubbly in the in-suite Jacuzzi, surrounded by candles and flower petals. The only thing that will cross your mind is why you both fell in love in the first place.

Nothing says ‘romance' louder than watching the sunset with the love of your life on a distant beach, with Mariachis singing old Mexican love songs. Start packing the bikini and flip flops for a rendezvous in Riviera Maya that both of you will never forget.

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Thoughts on Programs for Hawaii Weddings

Guest Blogger — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:08:00 GMT

Handing out programs at Hawaii weddings is very common. Wedding programs are a great way to let your guests know what exactly is going and also a way to show appreciation to your wedding party and other people who you want honor. If you are choosing to have some Hawaiian traditions and customs incorporated into your wedding, then the program is a great way to explain what is going on and what the history behind the tradition is.

Most brides who have Hawaii weddings like to keep the program as a memento for their scrapbook or photo album. This is another piece of Hawaii weddings memorabilia that can be saved to show loves ones back home that may have not been able to make it to the wedding. There are several different programs that you can have at a wedding.

For Hawaii weddings, a cute idea is to have the program act as a paper fan for the guests as well as a program. Place a piece of heavier paper like cardstock on a wooden stick and make that your program. If it is hot for your wedding, which is most likely will be, guests can use these before or after the ceremony to keep cool.

Another way to keep your guest cool at the wedding is to include a bottle of water inside a program or attached to the program. These can be placed on the chairs for the guests instead of handed out to each individual guest.

Another great idea for the programs is to incorporate the Hawaii culture and attached a flower lei for each of the guest to wear at the wedding. This is a simple way to get your guests more involved in the destination wedding aspect of the wedding.

Not all Hawaii weddings have to have programs, but they do make a wonderful addition for your guests.

Save money on Hawaii weddings by getting married in the off-season

Guest Blogger — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:41:00 GMT

One of the best ways to save money on Hawaii weddings is to get married during the off season in Hawaii. Most people tend to visit Hawaii when the weather is bad elsewhere, which is between from the months of December to the end of April. This is called high season, when the hotels are filled to capacity no matter what the rates are. Most hotels as well as airlines, restaurants and resorts will raise their prices during high season because they know people will still pay the higher amount during that time.

The off season for Hawaii weddings is between the end of April to the end of June and then again from September to the beginning of December. People who book Hawaii weddings during those times may just be able to save a significant amount of money on their wedding since most hotels, resorts, airlines, and other businesses usually lower their rates to try to attract more tourists during those times of the year.

If your wedding date is not set in stone and you are open to different dates, you may just be able to save a substantial amount of money on a Hawaii wedding if you get married during the off season. That means that you can then stay longer on the beautiful islands.

How to Obtain a Marriage License for Hawaii Weddings

Guest Blogger — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:33:00 GMT

If you don't have the proper marriage license, you can say goodbye to getting married in Hawaii. All Hawaii weddings require that a couple get a marriage license prior to being officially married. It is not complicated or that difficult to obtain a Hawaii marriage license but it is something that must be done.

To obtain a marriage license for Hawaii weddings the future bride and groom must appear together in person before a marriage license agent for the state of Hawaii. They need the necessary proof of age and any required consent forms for minors from the age of 15-17. Proof in age documents can be a birth certificate for anyone over the age of 18 or a driver's license for ages 19 and older. A fee of $60 is needed to be paid with cash only at the time the application is being made.

There is no waiting period for the marriage license as in some other states. Although it does expire in 30 days after it has been issued. It is also only good in the state of Hawaii and no other state. If you want to speed up the process a little bit you can download a marriage license application from the Hawaii Department of Health website, but both the groom and bride must be there to turn the application into the agent.

To apply for a marriage license for Hawaii weddings, visit the Health Department Building located in Honolulu. They are open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and are closed on holidays. You can also call the Hawaii Department of Health to find state licensed marriage agents on other islands if you are getting married on a different island than Oahu or you can't make the trip to Oahu from another island.

A good idea is to get your marriage the first day that you are in Hawaii so that you know that it is done and over and you don't have to worry about possibly not being able to get married due to no license. Hawaii weddings can be beautiful and majestic, but you need to make sure you follow the proper guidelines or may not be having that beautiful Hawaiian wedding of your dreams. It's also good to make sure you work with a wedding specialist that is very familiar with Hawaii requirements, as they can change.

Must-see sites for Hawaii Weddings on Oahu

Guest Blogger — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:08:00 GMT

For Hawaii weddings happening on the island of Oahu, there are several must-see sights for the bride and groom. Why not make your Hawaiian wedding more than just a ceremony and go see what the island has to offer.

Arizona Memorial

A simple, white structure stands over the hulk of the U.S.S. Arizona, which sank with 1,102 men aboard the ship when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Tickets are distributed on a first-come first-serve basis, so make sure that you are standing in line early in the morning as it is common to wait anywhere from 1-3 hours just to get a ticket. There is no fee to go see the Arizona Memorial. Although, there are long waits, it is definitely worth it to see the video that goes with the tour as well as set foot on the memorial and see the sunken ship underneath the water.

Polynesian Cultural Center

If you really want to experience Hawaii weddings then you need to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and learn all about the history and culture of the island. It has re-created villages that showcase the lifestyles and traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand. It has also restaurants, luaus, and several shows that consist of fire dancing, tribal tattooing, and ancient ceremonies. Depending on what you are going to see at the center will depend on the price you will pay.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

After seeing action from World War II to the Persian Gulf War, is now moored near the Arizona and serves a museum and interactive educational center. You can see the exact spot in the ship where the agreement for the Japanese surrender to end World War II was signed. They have guided tours and also tickets for non-guided tours which are less money.

Why not take advantage of Hawaii weddings in Oahu and experience everything that the beautiful island has to offer.

Food ideas for Hawaii weddings

Guest Blogger — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:53:00 GMT

If you really want to experience Hawaii weddings, then you need to be sure to include some island food on your wedding menu. This is a great way to pay some homage to the island and its culture and chow down on some very good food. When it comes to Hawaii weddings, keep these food ideas in mind when planning your menu.

Hawaiian food is a mixture of American, Filipino, Japanese, Polynesian, and Korean cuisine. Many of the foods take advantage of the luscious fruits and plants that grow on the island. There are some Hawaiian dishes that are very common and have become regional favorites. There are slight variations on the cuisine depending on what island the Hawaii weddings are taking place on, but there are some common foods that stretch across all the islands.

Fresh fruit is a large part of the Hawaiian cuisine. Fruits like pineapple, papaya, mango, jackfruit, and lychees are commonly made into a large fruit platter or salad and can serve as an appetizer for the wedding.

Being that Hawaii is an island, seafood is a popular choice for Hawaii weddings. Lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops, and all kinds of fish like mahi-mahi, tuna, and swordfish are very common in Hawaiian cuisine. Other common options for weddings would be some type of pork or prime rib. These entrees are usually made with the flavors of the island such as teriyaki sauce, pineapple relishes, and kalua.

There are also specific side dishes that people tend to choose for Hawaii weddings to get the flavor of the island. Poi one of the most common side dishes served in Hawaii. Many people use it as an alternative to potatoes. Poi is made by smashing the corm of the taro plant, which is the underground stem of the plant. Poi does look like mashed potatoes but taste much different.

You can finish the wedding menu off with a lilikoi tart or a Kona coffee cheesecake in addition to your wedding cake.

Adding island specific foods into Hawaii weddings is a great way to make your wedding more involved in the destination and to get your guests to be able to experience the food of Hawaii as well.

Dressing Your Bridal Party for Hawaii Weddings

Guest Blogger — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:05:00 GMT

Dressing your bridal party for Hawaii weddings may just be as difficult as finding your own wedding dress. When you consider what type of wedding that you are having, it is much easier to choose the bridal party attire. Here are some great tips for bridal party attire Hawaii weddings on the beach.

First and foremost, you want to make sure that your bridal party is going to be comfortable. The main people that you may have to worry about when it comes to comfort are the groomsmen. Many brides choose to forego traditional suits and tuxes for more of a relaxed attire for the men. Hawaii can be quite hot and standing on the beach for 30 minutes in a full suit or tux may not be that fun. If you do choose a full suit for the men, look for ones that are lightweight and then allow them to remove the jackets after the ceremony for some of the pictures. You can keep it more casual instead with dress pants and a tie or khakis and a polo shirt.

When it comes to the bridesmaids, there are plenty of options for dresses for Hawaii weddings. One thing that you may want to consider when having a beach wedding is long dresses will drag in the sand and get dirty very quick. Tea-length bridesmaid dresses are very popular and work awesome for Hawaii weddings. If you want something more casual you can even go for a shorter length at the knee.

Avoid using dark colors such as black or chocolate brown with beach weddings. Not only will this make your bridal party much hotter in the sun, but it may not fit the style of the beach wedding. Hawaii weddings are a great excuse to have your bridal party wear bright colors like yellow, pink, and turquoise. Pale colors such as light yellow, pink, and blue also work well.

Remember that you have the final say in the bridal party's attire but it is always nice to remember that your friends and family have to wear the attire the whole day.

5 Tips for Planning Successful Hawaii Weddings

Guest Blogger — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:38:00 GMT

Planning successful Hawaii weddings may not be as easy as you think considering that you don't live on the island and you may have not even been there before. You may not have any local contacts or know of any reputable vendors, which is why it is so important that you find a company that specializes in DWs to work with so you can get the wedding of your dreams.

Besides getting help to plan Hawaii weddings, here are 5 other tips for a successful destination wedding.

1. If you are having guests at your wedding, be sure that you send "Save the Date" letters or cards, letting them know where the wedding is, what day, and what accommodations they will have as soon as possible. With Hawaii weddings, hotels can get booked really fast and plus you want your guests to have as much time as possible to plan their trip to Hawaii.

2. Check out travel guide books and websites on Hawaiian travel to find activities to do while in Hawaii. You can even choose to book some of these activities like a luau for you and all your guests.

3. Don't wait until the last minute to back your bags and dress. It's a good idea to make a list of all items that you will need both for the wedding as well as for your stay in Hawaii. Consider packing two different bags, one with only wedding items and another for your vacation or honeymoon stay.

4. Relax. The most successful Hawaii weddings happen when you relax and know how to go with the flow if anything knocks you off schedule or isn't quite exactly as you planned.

5. Make sure that you ask your fiancé for his input as well. There is nothing worse than having one of the best Hawaii weddings planned and your fiancé not being happy that he didn't have a say in anything.

Successful Hawaii weddings are possible, but you will need some help and make sure to remember these 5 simple tips as well.

Destination Wedding Packages - What will you remember?

Quentin Carmichael — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:35:00 GMT

Destination Weddings are about memories. The wedding couple will have theirs, and the guests will have theirs. Since its a more intimate occasion, and usually in an incredible location, there are many things that couples and guests tell me that they remember.

What are the usual things that people remember after a DW? (in no particular order):

1. Water. You see it in all the photos, the water at many destinations makes for an incredible backdrop - the colors are incredible.

2. Surroundings. Again, most destinations have something interesting around the destination wedding package location. It may be as simple as just a gorgeous beach, or tropical canopies, etc.

3. The wedding officiant. Most couples choose to use an officiant at the destination that is included in their destination wedding package, which I HIGHLY recommend. They bring a great local "flair" to everything and really make it special. Most of them are extremely personable and really love what they do, which comes out in their ceremonies.

Take a look at the video below, from a recent wedding in Cozumel that we did (congrats Sarah and Kevin!) Think about what I mentioned above...you'll see it all...something really unique in the background when they walk in, something about the water that you hear throughout the ceremony, and the humor and warmth from the officiant.

Hawaii Weddings - Hyatt Regency Maui Part Two...

Quentin Carmichael — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:12:00 GMT

Hello again everybody,

Well, I was lucky - our recent Hawaii wedding newlyweds were kind enough to send video of parts of their ceremony as well. So I took the video earlier showing the site, and was able to add some great footage from the ceremony itself. This way you can see the site and how it transformed into the "big moment".

I really like this video, having been to Hawaii and facinated by the culture. Not every couple incorporates the culture into their Hawaii wedding, but this one really has it all...traditional blessing and the conch shell. I was down in the Caribbean last year and entered a conch-blowing contest at a local happy hour, and it's not as easy as it looks!

Enjoy the video!

Hawaii Weddings - Hyatt Regency Maui

Quentin Carmichael — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:54:00 GMT

Good afternoon everybody,

I know that everyone is always interested in seeing actual Destination Wedding setups at various locations. So whenever I get my hands on something that shows an actual wedding, I always share it. Before I share this I have to send a big congrats to Shayna and Mark - newlyweds just a couple weeks old!

Below you'll find a quick video of their wedding ceremony site. Not every couple wants to get married on a beach, and this is a prime example of one of our specialists recommending a great spot. I love Hawaii, and this spot really does a great job of creating a secluded area with lush garden and water surroundings.

Congrats again, and thanks for sharing your unique location for Hawaii weddings!

Destination Wedding Packages-Azul Sensatori

Guest Blogger — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:26:00 GMT

Thank you to Ed, one of our Senior Destination Wedding Specialists, for this review of the Azul Sensatori in Riviera Maya, Mexico

The resort is located approx 20 miles south of Cancun Airport and approx 35 miles north of Playa del Carmen. This is a smaller resort and Family-Friendly. For Destination Wedding packages there is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were well-designed with beautiful backdrops for the couple, sitting on white sands. However, the Sky Wedding option is the seller here. It was difficult to get to the top (elevator stops a flight of stairs prior), but....well worth the effort.

All suites had indoor Jacuzzis, and were quite large with terrace or balcony.

They have a Mojito Lounge that produces bombshell products!

I would consider this Family-style Resort to be Mid-Range.   They have a partnership with FisherPrice toys and unique baby amenities. It also has an adults-only restaurant and very lavish Spa.

The Staff attending us were attentive and worked to show us their best side.  The gardens and beach areas were clean and well-kept.

Destination Wedding Packages - El Dorado Seaside Suites

Guest Blogger — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:13:00 GMT

Thanks for Myrtis, one of our great Senior DW Specialists, for her review of this great Karisma resort.

This resort was my favorite! Apporx 60 miles south of Cancun Airport. The resort can host from 1 - 5 weddings per day, to give extra personal attention. There is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were great. One had a pier and one had an outdoor kitchen where you could have the Reception, as well.

Standard rooms were quite spacious, with indoor Jacuzzi. The 3 Honeymoon Suites were luxurious, as well, with Ocean Front views.

The food and service were outstanding! The top quality meal included in the FAM were unmistakenly great! We were treated like "royalty" all the way around.

I would consider this Adults-Only Resort to be Mid-Range for the most part. However, their Presidential Villa would lean toward Upper End pricing. This resort can work for mid-size wedding groups.

This resort is "special" to me because of its location---closer to Tulum than Cancun. It has the best beach, is Adults-Only and smaller in scale than the Royale, making it just a tad more intimate (less walking, too).

Destination Wedding Packages - El Dorado Royale by Karisma

Guest Blogger — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:44:00 GMT

Thanks to Myrtis, one of our great Senior Destination Wedding Specialist, for her review of this great resort from her recent visit.

The resort was pretty awesome! Apporx 25 miles from Cancun Airport, 5 miles from Puerto Morales, and approx 15 miles from Playa del Carmen and about approx $25 for cab-ride . The resort can host from 1 - 5 weddings per day, to give extra personal attention and can accommodate Catholic weddings in their beachfront chapel. There is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were great, well-designed with beautiful backdrops for the couple. The water was pristine and rose-petals adorning the pathways were great additions.

Standard rooms were quite spacious, with indoor Jacuzzi, and much nicer than other resorts by comparison. The Honeymoon Room was luxurious, as well, with private access to the beach areas. The Casita Suites had the "aguas de amor" roofless showers (it's fun to shower looking up at the stars!), making it quite romantic.

The food and service were outstanding! I tried a hot dog from one of the "fast-food" areas and was truly impressed with the flavors! It was prepared nicely, stuffed with cheddar cheese and wrapped in bacon! Heart-attack on a bun, right?!! Breakfast----ah what can I say.....the coconut pancakes were to die for! Really big chunks of coconut! Of course, the top quality meals included were unmistakenly great! AND..........we can't forget the Cake Tasting!!! Chef Christophe was awesome and very proud (well-deserved) of his wares. We were treated like "royalty" all the way around.

I would consider this Resort to be Mid-Range (the standard villas) to Upper End (the Casitas). This resort can work for large wedding groups, adults-only, as they have space for up to 600 guests banquet style.

I was impressed by the Beach Butlers in the Casita area! Very nice touch! We were the very first group to experience a "mock wedding" held in the Chapel.............WOW!!! What an experience!!! LOVED IT!

Every chance I got, I "interviewed" guests I met along the way. One bride I met at a poolside bar was getting married in 2 hours!!! She and hubby and most of their guests were still lounging in the pool. I asked her how she could do that and she replied that "Why worry? Everything is being handled by the Wedding Coordinator and it is going to be PERFECT!!!" I heard later that their party lasted well into the night!!!

Popular wedding photo spots for Hawaii weddings

Guest Blogger — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:35:00 GMT

An important aspect of Hawaii weddings are definitely the wedding photos. They are the reminders of the memories of your wedding that can last you a lifetime. Also, with most destination weddings, your friends and family members who were not able to make the wedding are going to be asking to see the wedding photos as soon as you get home. There are several beautiful places on the island of Oahu that are made for Hawaii weddings and capturing the amazing feeling of the island and the joy of the wedding. Here are some places to consider for your wedding photos on the island of Oahu.

Waikiki Beach

There are beautiful stretches of Waikiki Beach that make a great background for wedding photos. With the blue ocean, white sand, and the landscape of the amazing Diamond Head in the background, you are sure to capture some really beautiful photos on this beach.

Turtle Bay - North Shore

Turtle Bay may not be known for beaches to lay out in the sun or swim in, but it makes an excellent backdrop for Hawaii weddings to take pictures at. There are places to stand on the bay and the rocks and beach and have the sun and the ocean as your background. If you are getting married in the North Shore area, this may be an option for wedding photo locations.

Waimea Falls

Try Waimea Falls for a different change of pace than just the beach and ocean scenes that are normally scene for Hawaii weddings. Instead, take you pictures in front of the luscious greenery in the park and the gorgeous waterfall.

These are just a small sampling of places that you may want to look into for taking wedding photos on the island of Oahu.

Hawaii Weddings - Things to do on the Island of Kauai

Guest Blogger — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:22:00 GMT

The island of Kauai is another popular location for Hawaii weddings. It has spectacular beaches and is more secluded than the Oahu and the Big Island. Although it may be a little more secluded there are still plenty of things to do on the island before or after Hawaii weddings.

Water Sports

Snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, surfing, and swimming are just some of the water sports that you can do on the island. There are several different companies that will take out on water sports excursions or teach you how to surf or snorkel. The areas around the island are great for snorkeling and scuba diving and you are bound to see amazing creatures swimming right before you.

Zipline Adventures

If you are not afraid of heights, there are several places on the island that you do zip lining. Zipline adventures are when you are hooked up to lines that are high off the ground and you zip down the lines above the trees or water. You go platform to platform and it makes great way to see a forest or waterfall.

Hiking

Hike your way through the rainforest or explore hidden waterfalls in the jungle. There are plenty of areas to go hiking at that will absolutely take your breath away. Be sure that you go with a guide and you know what you are getting yourself into before you start your hike, because once in the forest, there is no easy way out and you will have to continue on with the hike.

Kayaking

Kayaking tours are rather popular for Hawaii weddings on Kauai. There are plenty of lagoons that you can take a kayaking adventure in or you can even kayak along the beaches exploring the different areas the island has to offer.

Hawaii Weddings – More Ideas For Spending Time With Your Guests

Guest Blogger — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:18:00 GMT

Hawaii weddings offer several ways to spend time with your wedding guests before and after the wedding ceremony. Here are some more ways that you can enjoy some time with your guests during Hawaii weddings.

Surf Lessons

If you have some adventurous wedding guests, set up a time with a surf instructor for personal surf lessons. This is a great way to enjoy the sun, sand, and water and learn a new skill. The lessons can be fun and you can enjoy seeing who ends up doing the best when it comes time to actual surf in the ocean.

Golf

For the guys and even girls who love to gold, Hawaii has some great golf courses to offer. How about hitting from a tee where you can see miles and miles of blue ocean from? For the rest of the guests who are not into golf, they can be taken shopping or just sit in the golf course bar enjoying a Mai Tai or Daiquiri.

Horseback Riding

Take your guests on an amazing horseback ride on the beach or through the trails of the woods. There are several different horseback trails on each island that you can go on. Take a relaxing horseback ride and then stop for a nice picnic lunch before returning home to make the trip an all day excursion.

Spa

What woman wouldn't love a day at the spa? Hawaii has some amazing first class spas that offer new services and products that you may have never heard of. This is also an option for the women guest while the men are golfing for the day. A good idea is to go to the spa the day or two before the wedding to get a relaxing massage or facial.

These are just another sampling of the many activities that Hawaii weddings have to offer.

Hawaii Weddings – Ideas For Spending Time With Your Guests

Guest Blogger — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:15:00 GMT

When it comes to Hawaii weddings, there are a lot of brides and grooms that like to spend time with their guests taking in the islands. Spending time with your guests before or after the wedding is a great way to thank your guests for coming and show how much you appreciate them. This is a great idea for small and intimate Hawaii weddings were the guests consist of only close family and friends. Here are some ideas for what you a bride and groom can do with their guests in Hawaii.

Luau

On every island in Hawaii, there are places that you can go and participate in a real luau on the beach. This is a great way to spend time with your guests and celebrate the upcoming wedding or celebrate the fact that you are now married. Have a good time eating great food, watching some awesome entertainment and laughing and having fun all night.

Boat Excursion

There are also plenty of places that will take you and your guests out on all-day or half-day boat excursion. You can choose from such things as whale watching, snorkeling, and swimming in the ocean. Even for the guests who don't want to get in the water, a boat excursion is a great way to see the islands and the beautiful landscape and ocean views.

Hiking

Hike the trails of the jungles or hike up the mountains and volcanoes. This is a great option if you and your guest like the outdoors and nature. You can actually visit lava flow areas as well as hike up extinct volcanoes like Diamond Head. Trek the paths through the jungles to see all type of birds and wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch and make it a remarkable day with your guests.

There are so many activities to choose from when it comes to Hawaii weddings and spending time with your guests. With Hawaii weddings you will not have to worry about coming up with things to entertain your guests with as there will be too much to choose from!