Caribbean Couture in the Dominican Republic – From

CARIBBEAN COUTURE Dominican Republic in the

Swaying palm trees, powder white sand and the iconic Caribbean waters beckon couples from all over the globe. With backdrops as stunning as this, it’s no wonder the destination is as popular as it is.

Consider the following pages our love letter to the Dominican Republic and get inspired for your own wedding away.

Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Resort has a sleek and sexy vibe, that influenced our table design and fashion. Dried and fresh palm, paired with all white vases by Mercaflor, gave the table a modern twist on tropical. Stationery from Minted complemented our look, picking up the gold from the flatware and greens from the cork-topped glass favors. The white-washed table and bistro chairs from Creative Punta Cana were the perfect, casual accompaniment to the beach backdrop. Our models, Alex and Alejandro, are relaxed and ready for anything. Alex is wearing “Song” by Grace Loves Lace and her Maria Elena headpiece and earrings set off her soft, beachy waves and dewy makeup by Davee Troublefield. Alejandro’s linen suit and tropical print tie and pocket square are by Friar Tux.

VENDOR TEAM

locations: Playa Hotels & Resorts, photography: Mikkel Paige Photography, videography: Key Moment Films, styling: The Troublefield Lifestyle, production: The Bridal Bar, floral: Mercaflor, rentals: Creative Punta Cana, paper goods: Minted, men’s fashion: Friar Tux, gowns: Grace Loves Lace, accessories: Maria Elena Headpieces

Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort is a playground for the senses. Set in sunset garden west, we kept the tropical feel and added some pops of color in the painted palm, mixed colored anthurium, and pink garden roses (by Mercaflor). The rose goblets, bamboo chairs and golden flatware from Creative Punta Cana gave the whimsical look a touch of elegance, while the passport stationery from Minted added a bit of playfulness. Alex is wearing “River” by Grace Loves Lace and her Maria Elena earrings pair beautifully with her floral headpiece and updo created by Davee Troublefield. Alejandro’s rose-hued jacket lends even more color, and paired with his gray pants and vest by Friar Tux, give a relaxed, yet modern feel.

VENDOR TEAM

photography: Mikkel Paige Photography, videography: Key Moment Films, styling: The Troublefield Lifestyle, production: The Bridal Bar, floral: Mercaflor, rentals: Creative Punta Cana, paper goods: Minted, men’s fashion: Friar Tux, gowns: Grace Loves Lace, accessories: Maria Elena Headpieces

Cap Cana is a resort town and home to Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, All-Inclusive Adult Resort. This polished, tropical paradise begged for a little whimsy and a lot of design elements set on their Santo Domingo Terrace. The rustic, oversized table is grounded by black dining chairs, black goblets and rattan chargers by Creative Punta Cana. The floral runner, bouquet and adorned bar by Creative Punta Cana, are overflowing with garden roses, fern, palm, hydrangeas and hot pink ginger from Mercaflor. Striped napkins, mint green plates and gold flatware set off the elegant stationery by Minted. Alex is stunning in “Sol” by Grace Loves Lace, headpiece and earrings by Maria Elena and hair, makeup and styling by Davee Troublefield. Alejandro is wearing a black tuxedo by Friar Tux.

VENDOR TEAM

photography: Mikkel Paige Photography, videography: Key Moment Films, styling: The Troublefield Lifestyle, production: The Bridal Bar, floral: Mercaflor, rentals: Creative Punta Cana, paper goods: Minted, men’s fashion: Friar Tux, gowns: Grace Loves Lace, accessories: Maria Elena Headpieces

On the shores of Juanillo Beach, and directly next door to Hyatt Zilara, is Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, an all-inclusive, all ages resort. For this look, we pulled inspiration from the local foliage of heliconia, lupine, veronica and red bird of paradise. The pops of orange play out in the signature drink, as well as the modern menu cards by Minted. The oversized table for ten is complete with wooden bistro chairs, rattan chargers and two-toned flatware by Creative Punta Cana. The floral arrangements and glass candle sticks by Mercaflor brighten up the space. A pop of confetti from Thimblepress makes this even more of a party paired with the stationery from Minted. Alex is effervescent in the “Verdelle 2.0” gown by Grace Loves Lace and floral headpiece by Davee Troublefield. Alejandro is dapper in a blue suit and bow tie by Friar Tux.

VENDOR TEAM

photography: Mikkel Paige Photography, videography: Key Moment Films, styling: The Troublefield Lifestyle, production: The Bridal Bar, floral: Mercaflor, rentals: Creative Punta Cana, paper goods: Minted, men’s fashion: Friar Tux, gowns: Grace Loves Lace, accessories: Maria Elena Headpieces, confetti popper: Thimblepress

Sanctuary Cap Cana is home to our final look and what a showstopper it is. The limestone walls and selenite fixtures throughout the resort were our muse and baseline for our color palette. Set on the Ocean Club Terrace, a mandap adorned with hanging rattan lanterns, acrylic-backed Louis XIV chairs, and gray silk napkins by Creative Punta Cana were complemented beautifully by the ranunculus, rose and dianthus in gold, square vases and hurricane candles by Mercaflor. Alex is channeling her inner mermaid in the “Willow” gown by Grace Loves Lace with headpiece by Maria Elena, styling, hair and makeup by Davee Troublefield and bouquet by Mercaflor. Alejandro is in a perfectly tailored gray suit, light gray tie and shoes by Friar Tux.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MOST AMAZING VENDOR TEAM:

locations: Playa Hotels & Resorts: playaresorts.com, photography: Mikkel Paige Photography, mikkelpaige.com, videography: Key Moment Films, keymomentfilms.com, styling, makeup and hair: The Troublefield Lifestyle, thetroublefieldlifestyle.com, floral: Mercaflor, instagram.com/mercaflor_rd, rentals: Creative Punta Cana, creativepuntacana.com, paper goods: Minted, minted.com, production: The Bridal Bar, bridalbar.com, men’s fashion: Friar Tux, friartux.com, gowns: Grace Loves Lace, graceloveslace.com, accessories: Maria Elena Headpieces, mariaelenaheadpieces.com, confetti poppers: Thimblepress, thimblepress.com

Scan this QR code to view the videos of each of these looks from the Dominican Republic.

PLAN YOUR HONEYMOON in the

MALDIVES

WORDS BY JUDY KOUTSKY

Going on a honeymoon during a global pandemic is not easy, but certain places make it easier. Enter the Maldives. This country, located in the Indian Ocean, is made up of approximately 1,190 islands, 200 of which are inhabited. It has been reopened for visitors since July 2020 and has been incredibly successful in controlling the spread of COVID-19 with both testing and an extensive vaccine roll-out.

As of June 2021, travelers need to present a negative COVID test before getting on a flight to the Maldives (Qatar Airways offers flights from New York, Chicago, Dallas and other U.S. hubs). Once in the Maldives, you don’t have to test again until you leave (unless you’re staying at more than one resort).

WHY THE MALDIVES

What makes the Maldives unique compared to other destinations is that 99% of the country is covered by water, so travelers are surrounded by beaches, gorgeous water and sun. The population is small – little more than half a million people. Plus, while there are roughly 156 resorts in the Maldives, each one is on its own island. The one-island-one-resort concept is great from a COVID perspective, as each resort is self-contained, so you’re in your own little bubble.

WHERE TO STAY & WHAT TO DO

If you’re looking for a luxurious boutique property, stay at LUX* North Malé Atoll, a high-end resort with only 67 rooms. Each room has its own personal butler service, which is convenient for planning excursions and romantic dinners. This property has both beach and overwater bungalows and the vibe is chic and contemporary. The diving here is truly exceptional; it’s not uncommon to see sharks, rays, turtles and a variety of colorful fish. This property is known for its extremely spacious villas. There’s a large bedroom, separate living room, massive bathroom (with an oversize bathtub and both indoor and outdoor showers) and a huge outdoor patio area with a private plunge pool. Each villa has its own private rooftop area that’s great for watching the sunrise and sunset as well as watching movies (your private butler can arrange the movie, popcorn, drinks and other refreshments).

The spa is equally amazing. Be sure to book one of the overwater bungalow treatment rooms and experience a

Photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) Lux North Male Atoll Resort and Villas (1st and 2nd) Kuramathi Maldives (3rd an massage while listening to the sound of the waves. If you’re interested in cooking, the resort offers private culinary classes with their amazing head chef.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive spot, the Robinson Club Maldives is a good option. Located about 45 minutes via seaplane from Malé (the capital city and the spot where international flights land), the property has 121 rooms. The property’s main restaurant is a buffet (open for all three meals), with a teppanyaki restaurant available for special bookings at an additional cost. There were plenty of activities offered at Robinson including snorkeling, diving, SUP, kayaking and yoga.

If you’re looking for a bigger resort, Kuramathi has 360 rooms, nine different specialty, à la carte restaurants, and three buffet options. There are numerous pools, cozy beach spots and a gorgeous sand bank that is stunning at sunset.

When booking your honeymoon, keep in mind that each resort offers its own unique dining options and activities. Since each resort is on its own island, it’s onestop-shopping for excursions and meals.

Discover unique experiences for honeymooners at these resorts. UNDERWATER SPA

Huvafen Fushi

UNDERWATER BAR

Niyama Private Island Maldives

UNDERWATER BEDROOM

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

UNDERWATER RESTAURANTS

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Niyama Private Island, Anantara Kihavah Maldives, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Ozen Life Maadhoo and Cocoon Maldives

GET LOST on a

RUSSIAN RIVER CRUISE

WORDS BY VICTORIA ABBOTT RICCARDI

For an exotic and wildly romantic honeymoon, consider a river cruise through Russia – the storied land of Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina,” Boris Pasternak’s “Doctor Zhivago,” and the James Bond film, “From Russia with Love.”

Your Viking River Cruise adventure begins in Moscow, where you’ll soak up the city’s sites, including the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum at Red Square and the candy-colored St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then, you’ll set sail on the Moskva River to discover Russia’s Golden Ring, a forested crescent of medieval towns brimming with historic architecture and old-world traditions. This Russian region, once known as Zalesye, or “beyond the forest,” includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your elegant cruise ship holds 200 passengers and offers luxury from bow to stern. Pale wood and cream interiors give the vessel a bright, airy feel and plush staterooms have comfortable beds, bathrooms with soaking tubs, and flatscreen TVs. Each suite also has a private veranda, perfect for savoring intimate moments as you drift past small villages dotted with gingerbread houses, elk-filled forests and locals fishing, picnicking and embracing on the embankment.

As your ship glides down various rivers, you can tour ancient towns like Uglich, perched on the Volga River and famous for its fresco-filled churches and monasteries. In Mandrogi on the Svri River, you’ll see artisans in their studios making traditional arts, like brightly painted Russian nesting dolls, a great keepsake to bring home.

Back on the boat, you can chill out in your suite or find a secluded oasis on deck to sip Champagne and savor blinis topped with Russian caviar while the sun dips down over the horizon. In the white-cloth dining room, you can feast on the chef’s gourmet creations, including Russian specialties like velvety borscht, herring salad and beef stroganoff, paired with wines from Russia or elsewhere. After dinner, dance to live music or simply get cozy in your stateroom.

Your cruise ends in the gorgeous city of Saint Petersburg that founder Peter the Great filled with palaces, opulent cathedrals, and Europeaninspired buildings. You’ll visit the State Hermitage Museum, housing over three million works of art, including gifts to the tsars from dignitaries. One evening you’ll attend the Russian Ballet and another night you’ll see Russian folk dancing. Finally, it’s time to head home, where you and yours can begin your new life together, your heads and hearts filled with beauty, passion and the spirit of Russia.

SET SAIL FOR ADVENTURE in the

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

WORDS BY MELISSA KLURMAN

Volcanic islands beckon with shining ebony stone, ruby-hued crabs sparkle like jewels, and fantastical blue footed birds strut nearby. Giant sea turtles slowly swim in aqua, vitrine waters, nibble seaweed just feet from where you’re floating. A sugar white beach hosts playful sea lions that frolic in the surf, tumbling and circling, eventually coming nose-tonose to see if you’ll join in the fun.

For couples who love adventure, a cruise through the isolated Galapagos Islands located off the coast of Ecuador offer natural wonders big and small, unparalleled access to wildlife, and a unique opportunity to discover a destination completely off-the-beaten path…the perfect combination for an epic and memorable honeymoon.

And instead of simply watching wildlife from a distance, on Quasar Expeditions, newlyweds can interact with indigenous marine life; snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking with sea lions, and walking among nesting birds and sleeping iguanas. All while accompanied by some of the most knowledgeable guides in the islands – or anywhere.

HOW TO TRAVEL: QUASAR EXPEDITIONS

Quasar Evolution is a yacht, but the nearly 200-foot, low slung ship isn’t a stuffy Champagne and caviar affair. Instead, it offers adventure tours, taking passengers on intimate week-long itineraries to remote islands in comfort and style. When we sailed on the 32-person ship, we were wowed by the personalized attention from the 20-plus staff members, including housekeeping every time we left the ship (to, say, snorkel with hammerhead sharks) and culinary treats such as molten chocolate cake at dinner. bathrooms we’ve seen at sea); choose one of the three A-level, top deck cabins to feel like you have a private yacht for two (especially A3, the only room on the port side). Here you can step outside your door for midnight star gazing and Southern Cross spotting on your way to a soak in the hot tub.

GETTING THERE

To sail around the Galapagos, you’ll first fly into Quito, the capitol of Ecuador, about a four hour flight from Miami. From there, Quasar will arrange your three hour flight to the Galapagos the following day. Before or after your one-week cruise, explore charming colonial Quito. The perfect romantic perch in the church filled city? Casa Gangotena – a historic mansion turned Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel. Settle into one of the sumptuous rooms, then head to the rooftop for sweeping views of surrounding old town and a cocktail toast to your great Galapagos adventure.

PACK YOUR BAG FOR THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME in TANZANIA

WORDS BY VICTORIA ABBOTT RICCARDI

To celebrate life’s biggest events, like tying the knot, you can’t rival a luxury Tanzanian honeymoon. From touchdown to takeoff, travel in style on an intimate journey for two with the leisure outfitter, andBeyond.

After flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be whisked off to Arusha Coffee Lodge, nestled in the lush heart of one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations. There, you’ll relax in your elegant suite, complete with a linen-draped, four-poster bed, lounge area and private veranda, before dining on gourmet locavore specialties. The next day, you’ll fly to Lake Manyara National Park to cocoon yourself in a mahogany forest at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. In-between game drives to see tree-climbing lions and elephant herds, you’ll savor sunsets from the veranda of your treehouse suite and pampering massages at the

spa, followed by candlelit dinners for two under the stars.

Next, you’ll journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, housing over 25,000 protected animals including lions, black rhino and masses of pink flamingos. After sipping Champagne on the forested crater’s edge, you’ll retire at the sumptuous Ngorongoro Crater Lodge overlooking the verdant woodlands of the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes. Your rustic, yet sophisticated grass roof suite comes with a personal butler who can prepare a rose petal bath for two.

Natural wonders await at Serengeti National Park, known for its annual “great migration,” an event when animals, like wildebeest and zebra, head north from their grassy breeding grounds in the southern plains to seek new pastures, dodging danger along the way. The park teems with millions of creatures

– mating, eating, birthing and, yes, becoming someone else’s dinner. It’s breathtaking and taps into the very heart of what it means to be alive and in love. Your tented suite at Serengeti Under Canvas comes with a private butler, hot bucket showers and beautifully prepared meals featuring crystal, silver and fine china. On daily game drives you’ll see vast herds of zebra and wildebeests, along with lions, cheetah and leopards – all of which you can spy on a sunrise hot air balloon ride, followed by a breakfast buffet on the Serengeti plains.

On your ninth and final day, you’ll bid farewell to the animals on an early morning game drive, followed by a full breakfast and departing hugs from the staff. And as your plane lifts off from Kilimanjaro International Airport, you can revel in having taken a honeymoon as romantic and magnificent as the love you share.