Balinese Botanica – Sunlit gardens with romantic enclaves and the most beautiful details can hardly upstage our fun-loving couple. Smiles, neon art, hats and a four-legged furry prop give this photo shoot life and you a little inspiration for your own nuptials.

BALINESE Botanica

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Photography by Jenni Summer Studios Event Planning by Threshold Event Co.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. For this photo shoot, the team was inspired by Bali. The foliage, tropical elements and relaxed vibe all played a role in this stunning photo essay. “Our team put together a Bali-inspired wedding right here in San Diego, CA. Without traveling amidst a pandemic, we could bring Bali’s look and feel to us,” says Jenni Summer of Jenni Summer Studios.

1. Our gorgeous couple Alaysia and Ray are radiant with a backdrop of palms, rattan, pampas grasses and a circular arch framing their smiles. Floral design by Green Pumpkin Floral. Alaysia is in a gown by Essense of Australia and Ray is wearing a mustard-hued suit with green velvet bow tie by Friar Tux.

2 & 4. Snuggling in close and accompanied by a cute-as-can-be corgi named Beignet, Alaysia is a vision with hair and makeup by KG Hair and Makeup and Ray is the definition of dapper in a hat by Friends of Friends Hat Co.. The bouquet and ceremony set-up was created by Green Pumpkin Floral.

3. A simply scrumptious cake by Elegance on Display is adorned with greenery and surrounded by vintage suitcases and driftwood.

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5. A beautiful bouquet of roses, palm and anemone designed by Green Pumpkin Floral sits on a bamboo chair from TBD Events.

6. Cheers to love! Those smiles say it all and in case it’s not clear, a fun neon sign from Howdy Dudey Neon spells it out.

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7. Alaysia is radiant with her bouquet from Green Pumpkin Floral, jewelry from Jennifer DeMoro Jewelry and hair and makeup by KG Hair and Makeup.

8. A close-up of the stunning wood table shows off a rattan charger topped with calligrapher-designed placards with a green tassel detail by Lavender and Sea, golden flatware and green stemware from Witty Rentals.

9. Oversized rattan sweetheart chairs perfectly frame our fun-loving couple. Peacock chairs from Botanica the Venue.

10. Foraged foliage hangs over this picture perfect table for eight. A true collaboration of talent shows how you can bring Bali home – or at least to San Diego!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TALENTED VENDOR TEAM event planner: Threshold Event Co, thresholdeventco.com, photographer: Jenni Summer Studios, jennisummerstudios.com, venue: Botanica the Venue, trademarkvenues. com/botanica, floral designer: Green Pumpkin Floral, greenpumpkinfloral.com, tabletop rentals: TBD Events, tbdsandiego.com, videographer: Wanderland Media, wanderlandmedia.co, cake designer: Elegance on Display, eleganceondisplay.com, signage: Howdy Dudey Neon, howdydudeyneon.com, hair & makeup: KG Hair and Makeup, kghairandmakeup.com, furniture rentals: Witty Rentals, wittyrentals.com, calligrapher: Lavender and Sea, lavenderandsea.com, jewelry: Jennifer DeMoro Jewelry, jenniferdemoro.com, male model: Ray Zeus, female model: Alaysia Yue, tux and Accessories : Friar Tux, friartux. com, dress designer: Essense of Australia, dress store: Archive Bridal, archivebridal.com, silk on bouquet: Silk & Willow, silkandwillow.com. hats: Friends of Friends Hat Co., friendsoffriendshat.co

Antigua BEACHES and BUNGALOWS in

WORDS BY STACEY MARCUS

Looking to launch your life on a tiny island brimming with luscious emerald rainforests and bountiful beaches in the heart of the Caribbean? Why not swing in a hammock on the beach or marvel at the sea show in the glass-bottom floors of Royalton Antigua’s Chairman Overwater Bungalows? The six wooden floating suites, Antigua’s first and only overwater bungalows, offer the perfect spot for couples to celebrate their wedding night or honeymoon.

The adults-only bungalows on Deep Bay Beach boast a front seat to the shimmering Caribbean Sea and elevated amenities and services. Each bungalow features a master bedroom with a king-size bed and sitting area, dining room, swim-out infinity plunge pool and glass floor. Plus, there are niceties like a choice of aromatherapy to perfume your space, on-call butler service, complimentary romantic dinner, a mixologist on your terrace at sunset, and personalized yoga or fitness services.

Get hitched in one of the Royalton Antigua’s wedding venues including the lovely beachfront or Sky Terrace overlooking the aquamarine water. Spend your wedding night in one of the overwater bungalows or reserve one for a heavenly honeymoon. You will have access to the resort’s five restaurants and can enjoy perks including unlimited dining and drinks, water sports, pools, snorkeling and romantic sunsets. It’s easy to get to Antigua with plenty of non-stop flights from major U.S. hubs. While Antigua is only 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, the island has all the elements that newlywed couples crave. Inviting, lush rainforests, 365 beaches, and a rich history provide lots of fun activities like zip-lining, sailing, Jeep rides, hiking and hanging around with some of the nicest people on the planet.

Sail around North Sound on a catamaran or catch a sunset or fish fry at Shirley Heights. You can also visit a 17th-century sugar plantation, pop by a donkey sanctuary, explore the rich history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nelson’s Dockyard, or meander through the markets in St. John’s and enjoy local fruits and crafts. If you have extra time, pop over to Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, located about 38 miles away and home to the largest colony of Frigate Birds in the world. The island is brimming with wildlife, lagoons and beaches.

Whether you explore Antigua’s treasures or make your magic at Royalton Antigua’s Chairman Overwater Bungalows, you will love writing the first chapter of your love story in Antigua.

in The

Sanctuary Cap Cana

Dominican 5 WAYS SAY “I DO” to

WORDS BY JENNIFER STEIN

If you envision white sand beaches, cerulean blue waters and warm hospitality on your wedding day, then consider the Dominican Republic. This tropical destination is on one of the largest islands in the Caribbean and is only a two-hour flight from Miami.

Swaying palm trees line powdery beaches and gentle breezes allow for a perfect climate at sunset. The country, known for its beauty and culture, is a sure bet when tying the knot. There is no shortage of vendors who can accommodate your every destination wedding desire, and the number of stunning resorts to make your marriage official are plentiful. wedding in the Caribbean. It simplifies the entire experience for you and your guests. Here are five all-inclusive properties in the Dominican Republic to ensure your wedding away is a dream come true.

LA ROMANA

Hilton has two new all-inclusive properties in La Romana, which are directly next door to one another. The difference? One is family-friendly and offers all kinds of kid-friendly activities perfect for the little ones, where the other is adult-only, allowing couples to relax in seclusion and quiet.

Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Resort offers sophisticated common areas and modern amenities. With ten on-site restaurants and 24-hour room service, nightlife and swim-up bars, guests will find themselves indulging

Republic

Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Resort

Aroma Cafe at Hilton La Romana

from sun up to sun down. Upgrading to a Premium Club Suite gives you full access to perks like a VIP lounge, private beach area, personalized concierge service, private pool area and even a pillow menu.

You don’t have to venture far to Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort, as the two properties are directly connected. This allows for your guests with kids and guests without to co-mingle when they want, without the hard choice that usually comes with the “adult-only decision.”

The family-friendly side has a similar feel, but with a bit more whimsy and all-age appeal. Spacious rooms and suites are still modern and stylish like their adult-only neighbor, but child-friendly amenities such as a water park, on-site games and activities will keep the little ones entertained all day, every day.

Both resorts give guests the flexibility of dining at any of the ten restaurants without a reservation and have so many options to choose from, it would be hard to try them all.

The weddings department at Hilton La Romana will ensure your dream wedding goes off without a hitch – no matter which property you are at. Select from their pristine private beach, sunset garden east or sunset garden west – all providing panoramic views of the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. For more on these properties and to see how your own wedding could look, flip to pages 64 and 66.

Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort

Sanctuary Cap Cana

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana

CAP CANA

About 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport is a resort town called Cap Cana. One of the most popular attractions in the area is Juanillo Beach – arguably the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic and shockingly, crowd-free.

On the shores of Juanillo Beach, you will find Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, an all-inclusive adult resort. With 375 colorful, yet sophisticated living spaces, your guests can take advantage of sweeping views of the ocean or indulge in the backdrop of the resort’s stunning pools and gardens.

If you’re ready to explore culinary options, this is the place to come. With 12 restaurants and 13 bars and lounges, you won’t have to venture far to find something delicious. For the ultimate in romance, book a private dining experience on the beach or in one of their gazebos overlooking the sea.

Directly next door (a similar set-up to the aforementioned La Romana properties) is the all-ages, all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. Navigating from one resort to the other is seamless as spaces are directly connected and just a five-minute walk will get you from one to the other.

Hyatt Ziva offers the same polished feel as its adult-only counterpart, but with an all-ages approach. Kids of all ages can get in on the fun and partake in countless water activities such as snorkeling and an on-site water park.

Wedding backdrops are endless at both properties. Choose from their Santo Domingo Terrace (perfect for gatherings where you want to be outdoors and fully shaded), the gazebo (ideal for an

oceanfront ceremony) or the powder sand beach surrounded by swaying palm trees. For a peek into what a wedding on the beach or terrace could look like, flip to pages 68 and 70.

A few minutes away is our last stop: Sanctuary Cap Cana, an adult only, all-inclusive luxury resort. When you arrive on property, you’re invited into a Spanish Colonial-inspired village and totally transported.

The limestone walls, hand-carved wooden doorways and cobblestone streets give you an old-world feeling, but the modern, oversized rooms and villas treat you to the contemporary amenities only found at a true luxury resort.

Each of the five restaurants on property are upscale and delicious. Choose from fresh sushi and teppanyaki at Wok, indulgent Northern Italian cuisine at Capriccio, the finest cut of beef at The Steakhouse, seafood by the seaside at Blue Marlin or a little something for everyone at Casabella, the property’s international buffet.

The weddings department at Sanctuary Cap Cana can anticipate your every need and desire. From private, intimate weddings to large and upscale, they not only have beautiful backdrops, but stellar service. For a glimpse into what your own wedding there could be like, flip to page 72.

No matter which of these five resorts you decide upon for your wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway, you’re in good hands.

For more about these resorts and more from Playa Hotels and Resorts, visit playaresorts.com

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana