Guest Book – Meet Me at the Altar

Meet Me at The Altar

Stylish Ideas for Your Ceremony

No matter where you decide to tie the destination knot, your ceremony backdrop should embrace the location you’re in. If you’ve chosen a tropical destination, a bright pop of color and exotic flowers can enhance that tropical feel that attracted you to the destination. If you’re getting married in a place like Italy, soft colors and lush greens can feel more organic. Wherever you’ve decided to say “I do,” let the destination inspire and guide your choices. The following pages showcase beautiful backdrops that we hope will inspire your own walk down the destination aisle.

Edgy Inspiration

The geometric design of this arch is repeated in the flower petal design surrounding the couple. The softness of the floral installation gives some lightness and romance to the overall design. Set in Palm Springs, California, the bright white and green shades allow for the architecture of the buildings to shine through.

VENDORS – Photography: James X Schulze, jamesandschulze.com, Event Planning & Design: BrownHot Events, brownhotevents.com, Venue: Colony Palms Hotel, colonypalmshotel.com, Produced By: The Bridal Bar, bridalbar.com, Floral Design: Isari Flower Studio + Event Design, isariflowerstudio.com, Ceremony Structure: Enticing Tables, enticingtables. com, Hair: Davee Troublefield of The Troublefield Lifestyle, facebook.com/davee.troublefield, Makeup: Gabriella Shpirt of The Troublefield Lifestyle, facebook.com/davee.troublefield, Hair Combs & Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories, mariaelenaheadpieces.com, Cuff Bracelets: Haute Bride, hautebride.com, Wedding Dresses & Styling: Lazaro by JLM Couture, jlmcouture.com/lazaro, Ceremony Menswear: Friar Tux, friartux.com, Female Model: Brittny Ward & Male Model: Kodi Baker, kodibaker.com

When combining cultures at your destination wedding, giving a nod to tradition in a modern way is always a win. Ornate, white chairs are placed beneath a traditional mandap for the couple’s ceremony in which they exchange Jaimala garlands of red roses. The ceremony set-up features a floor lounge of embellished rugs, pillows and poufs while the mandap was constructed with modern, rose gold curved beams on a wood platform – all laced with vibrant red garlands.

VENDORS – Photography: Jeremy Chou Photography, jeremychou.com, Producer & Creative Director: Crosby + Jon, crosbyandjon.com, Venue: Grand Velas Riviera Maya, grandvelas.com, Grand Velas Project Director: Ary Iturralde, grandvelas.com, Florals & Rentals: Alquimia Events, alquimiaevents.com, Hair & Makeup: Zoë Elizabeth Ashley-Smith, zoeelizabethmakeup.com, Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah Bridal, carol-hannah. com, Bridal Jewelry: Untamed Petals, untamedpetals. com, Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes, bellabelleshoes. com, Henna Artist: Loto Mehndi, instagram.com/ lotomehndi & Photo Assistant: Lauren Renee Photo, laurenreneedesigns.com

Traditional and Romantic

Although this property is in California, it feels like Italy with the cypress trees and stone stairway. The traditional look of the arch, paired with the airy, monochromatic feel of the floral design lends itself perfectly to the destination.

VENDORS – Photography: Rebecca Theresa Photography, rebeccatheresa.com, Design: Detailed Touch Events, detailedtouchevents.com, Production: Be Inspired PR, beinspiredpr.com, Venue: Klentner Ranch in Carpinteria, California, klentnerranch.com, Floral Design: Coco Rose Design, cocorosedesign.com, Rentals: Theoni Collection, theonicollection. com, Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection, jennyyoo.com, Hairstyling: Teddi Prior for Page Beauty, pagebeauty.com, Makeup: Tanya Bures for Page Beauty, pagebeauty.com & Bridesmaid Models: Kaila Lim, Sandra Vega and Nikki Anne Spahn

Barefoot and Black-Tie

Nothing says “nautical” like driftwood, but what elevates this to elegance are the stunning blooms, which appear to be growing out of it. The one-sided arch is a unique take on tradition.

VENDORS – Photography: Sanaz Photography, sanazphotography.com, Planning & Design: Onyx + Redwood, onyxandredwood.com, Production: Be Inspired PR, beinspiredpr.com, Floral Design: Precious & Blooming, preciousandblooming.com, Wholesale Flowers: FiftyFlowers, fiftyflowers.com & Rentals: Archive Rentals, archiverentals.com

This rainbow inspired, asymmetric arch gives a simple, yet impactful visual to this wedding. On the beaches of Riviera Maya, Mexico, this fun and romantic set-up is a perfect fit for the tropical backdrop of Cancún.

VENDORS – Photography: Bohemia Photography, bohemia-photography.com, Design & Planning: Best Bride, Venue Sourcing & Travel Logistics: Wedaways, wedaways.com, Florist: La Distribuidora CDMX, ladistribuidorafloristas.com, Venue: Grand Velas Riviera Maya, rivieramaya.grandvelas.com, Hair & Makeup: Isaac Marquez & Heryk Corpus, isaacmarquez.mx and Instagram. com/herykcorpus and Headpieces & Tiaras: Dominique Tiaras & Ellee Couture Boutique, instagram.com/dominiquetiaras and elleecoutureboutique.com

Draping Floral

Utilizing your destination’s local fauna is always a brilliant idea. In Hawaii, orchids and anthurium grow in abundance, so not only is the look opulent and stunning, it also evokes a tropical, authentic feel to the destination it’s captured in.

VENDORS – Photography: Schyne Photography, schyne.com, Coordination: Say I Do by Karisa, sayidobykarisa.com, Florals: Su-V Expressions, flowersbysuvexpressions.com & Venue: Hawaii Kai Private Estate

HONEYMOON Hideaways

Honeymoon inSOUTHERN THAILAND

WORDS BY HARMONY WALTON

Spin the globe to seek out the most pristine tropical destination wedding or honeymoon location in the world and you could land on Phuket, Thailand. The island is a top contender for unwinding on the ocean and relaxing in some of the world’s best spas in-between adventures. This jungle-meets-the-water destination has it all for honeymooners and groups who want something truly out of the ordinary in a culture that’s unbelievably warm and welcoming.

Trisara, a resort in Phuket, is a destination unto itself. Just 15 minutes from the airport, it’s perched on a hillside on the northwestern shore, winding all the way down to the water’s edge and beyond. You’ll tiptoe between lily ponds to a variety of dining pavilions and outdoor relaxation areas before entering your villa, which inside-and-out is entirely private (except for the 180-degree ocean view). With a Michelin-star restaurant on property (PRU), a Muay Thai boxing ring and training facility, tennis, watersports, and cooking classes, there’s plenty to do right outside your villa door. The on-property Jara Spa is certainly a highlight for anyone seeking a bit of R&R on the island. Within its walls, you’ll find an offering that includes a Royal Trisara 6 Hand Massage (make that twelve for couples). That’s right, three therapists each working away that last bit of wedding stress. Then your private paradise awaits as you retire to your pool villa complete with infinity pool, outdoor lounge area, and indoor/outdoor showers. The sunsets from your deck are awe-inspiring, complemented by fresh flowers updated daily in outdoor urns. These suites feel like private residences – spaces so large you never have to leave.

When you do venture out in season (December to April), you’ll find a jetty off Trisara’s shore that ushers resort guests onto a variety of vessels for private charters, a day at sea to snorkel and local tours of the coastline. A half-day trip to Phang Nga Bay, home of the famed James Bond Island, is a highlight, as are the Phi Phi Islands for a sunset cruise.

If your adventures are by land, consider paying a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. With over 30-acres of

preserve, the resident rescue elephants are happily retired and available for up close viewing (and feeding) in a resortstyle environment designed for these gentle giants.

Teahouses in town are another local highlight. With so many families serving up their special brew, you could spend days dining on different desserts and sweet treats. One spot not to miss is i46 Old Town. The family-run business boasts a shop in front with local remedies for a variety of ailments and a beautiful teahouse in back, just below their own apartments. The elders will tell tales of their travels and life experiences, while you enjoy home-brewed concoctions and baked confections. A day of textile shopping and tea sipping can only be improved with a stop for gelato at the end of the trek at Malou Tea Atelier. This posh eatery is packed with see-and-beseen locals and travelers alike dining on cold brew tea and ice cream delights almost too pretty to eat.

If you fall in love with Phuket so much so that you want to share it with more than just your mate, consider an exotic destination wedding on the beach or in one of Trisara’s many private residences (that feel more like boutique hotels). Say “I do” over a Plexiglas-clad pool or go barefoot in the sand before dining on authentic Thai dishes with fresh vegetables plucked from their very own sustainable farm. Staying in one of the residences means up to seven bedrooms to entertain guests, full size pools, lush gardens and grounds, and plenty of party spaces surrounding you. The residences even come with a dedicated staff including a cook, to cater to your every need.

Whether you’re ushering your guests around the globe for a destination wedding or seeking total privacy with land and sea fun for your honeymoon, Trisara and the island of Phuket are matches made in heaven for celebrating these special milestones.

Honeymooning in ANTARCTICA

WORDS BY JUDY KOUTSKY

For those looking for a bucket-list worthy honeymoon in a gorgeous locale, it’s hard to beat Antarctica. This once-in-alifetime adventure combines luxury and adventure. Plus, plenty of penguins.

Unless you’re a scientist living in Antarctica, the only way to truly see this destination is via ship. There are no hotels or resorts on the great white continent. So, a luxury cruise is the way to go.

But, know that not all ships are created equal. Ships larger than 500 passengers can’t anchor or dock in Antarctica; meaning passengers can’t get off to do land excursions. And, since that’s the main reason you’re visiting, be sure to pick a ship that has 200 passengers or less (only 100 passengers can go ashore at a time). Smaller ships mean more time exploring this ice-covered wonder. The Scenic Eclipse ship with Scenic Luxury Cruises is a good choice, because it’s considered a luxury yacht. Be sure to book the Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands itinerary. Many travelers see just as much – if not more – wildlife in South Georgia and the Falklands, than just Antarctica alone.

The Scenic Eclipse houses a maximum of 200 travelers in Antarctica and takes ocean cruising to a whole new level. Think over-the-top luxury, unique one-of-a-kind experiences and the latest in safety. The full-inclusion cruise package means that the only extra expenses are the helicopter, submarine excursions and spa services. All flights, transfers, tips, shore excursions, in-suite mini-bar, butler service, spa access, and all on board dining and premium branded beverages are included in the price. This new ship (it was built in 2019) has 114 suites and 192 crew for the 200 passengers in Antarctica. That translates into a lot of personalized service. Each suite has a private veranda or terrace. If you want the ultimate in space and luxury, book the 2,637 square foot Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite, which has separate sleep and lounge areas, plus butler service.

Must-See Shore Excursions

While a nice ship is important during your Antarctica sojourn (you could be on it for 18 days or more), the shore excursions offered by that ship are equally important. Scenic’s all-inclusive shore excursions range from whale watching on Zodiacs and kayaking around icebergs to snowshoeing up mountains to see penguin colonies. But for the ultimate Antarctica experience, be sure to book the helicopter and submarine tours. One of the few ships in this destination to offer helicopter rides, the Eclipse has a state-of-the-art Airbus H130, which is one of the quietest helicopters in the skies. The six travelers onboard will get views of this ice-covered continent that few others ever experience. The ship’s submarine is called the Scenic Neptune and takes six guests at a time. Descending approximately 1,000 feet, it’s an amazing way to see fast-moving seals and penguins. Both excursions are well worth the splurge.

Up Close & Personal Wildlife

For most people, penguins are a big reason (if not the very top reason) to come to Antarctica and these friendly creatures do not disappoint. There are around five million penguins on the continent ranging in size and features. Don’t be surprised if you’re able to come to within feet of these beautiful creatures. In addition to penguins, you’ll have the opportunity to see plenty of whales (including orca, humpback, fin and blue whales) along with seals (including leopard and elephant seals).

Fabulous wildlife viewing, luxurious accommodations aboard the ship, and amazing memories all make Antarctica a truly bucket-list honeymoon.

Intimate

PARIS

WORDS BY SUSAN MOYNIHAN

There’s no better way to enjoy Paris like a honeymoon insider than by checking into one of the city’s recently opened boutique hotels, set in the most intriguing areas of the city.

J.K. Place Paris

This Italian hotel company earned a cult following with their chic outposts in Florence, Rome and Capri, and after a five-year search, they chose Paris for their first international debut. Set in a former European consulate on quiet Rue de Lille, just two blocks from Musée d’Orsay, the 29-room hotel was worth the wait. Their bespoke Italian design (think handmade king beds and sumptuous fabrics) combines perfectly with French eclecticism for a one-of-a-kind space that is a delight to the senses, where every corner has something to draw the eye. Think Chinoiserie wallpaper next to cushy upholstered chairs, en suite marble fireplaces flanked by stately wooden cabinetry, and reclaimed mid-century furnishings and objets d’art sourced from Parisian flea markets. As a writer, I especially love the intriguing collection of art and fashion books, stacked on tables and bookshelves all throughout the property, making it feel much more personal and reflective of the brand’s chic clientele. The underground level hides a Sisley spa and a heated indoor lap pool – a rarity in Paris, let alone at a property as small as this. Dining comes from the first international branch of Miami’s Casa Tua, which features cozy Northern Italian dishes like risotto pomodoro, homemade burrata and tuna tartare dolloped with caviar. No wonder it’s already been named on the “It List” by Travel & Leisure.

Hôtel Grand Powers Hôtel Grand Powers J.K. Place Paris J.K. Place Paris

Photography courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) J.K. Place Paris (1st & 2nd), Hôtel Grand Powers (3rd & 4th)

Hôtel Grand Powers

Paris’s 8th arrondissement is home to iconic grand-dame hotels like Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Four Seasons Hotel Georges V, which makes the boutique Grand Powers feel even more special – like a hidden gem in one of the most elegant parts of the city. Set in a landmark Haussmann building, the century-old hotel underwent an eighteen-month, multimillion dollar renovation before reopening in 2019. The Art Decomeets-modern vibe is both timeless and romantic. Oversized rooms feature original crown molding and marble fireplaces, headboards in glossy lacquer or romantic velvet, and curved divans placed by oversized windows, creating an apartment-like vibe that you don’t want to leave. Second and fifth floor rooms have balconies, including some with Eiffel Tower views. The jewel-size pink lobby bar makes excellent cocktails, and Café 52 restaurant puts a creative twist on café food – I’m still craving the roasted beet and pomegranate hummus. The intimate sub-floor Thala Spa offers a hammam, Jacuzzi and Dermalogica treatments…a nice treat after a day of exploring. The combination of style and discreteness has made it a go-to for musician and fashion types who want to stay under the radar in the heart of the Golden Triangle, just steps from Avenues Montaigne and Champs-Élysées.

Cour des Vosges

Tucked in the Marais district, Place des Vosges is Paris’s oldest planned square and considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. The 17th-century buildings lining it feature vaulted arcade-style walkways housing an eclectic array of shops selling everything from modern art and jewelry to specialty tea by Dammann Frères. There’s no better way to enjoy the area than by checking into Cour des Vosges, a recently opened 12-room hotel from Parisian hotel company EVOK.

The entranceway is discretely tucked behind a stone archway; if you didn’t know it was there, you would walk right by it, and that’s exactly the point. There is no lobby, just a small secretary desk for a brief check-in before you head up the marble staircase to the guest rooms. Befitting a historic building, each room is unique in shape and style. Room décor is both modern and timeless; details such as stainless-steel headboards contrast beautifully with original features like terra

Cour des Vosges

cotta floors and centuries-old painted ceilings, while king beds topped with cushy duvets and standalone soaking tubs give modern luxury. I couldn’t keep my eyes from the many windows that overlook the square, providing a unique glimpse of the historic square’s beauty. (Cour des Vosges is the only hotel on the square, so is the only place you can get this view without being in a private home.) Downstairs on the basement level is a spa-style Roman bath, bookable by guests for private use. The on-site tea room provides breakfast, lunch and dinner and award-winning pastries from master patissier Yann Brys. The end result is a hotel experience that is intimate, timeless and totally Parisian.

Hôtel Esprit Saint Germain

Okay, this one isn’t new; the beloved 28-room hotel opened in 2004, but recent renovation makes it feel new again and keeps its reputation as the place to stay in artsy SaintGermain-des-Prés. The hotel is set in an 18th-century private townhome, newly refreshed with custom fabric walls, patterned rugs and overstuffed furnishings done in soothing grey and white hues. The result is a calming and eclectic oasis in the heart of the city, in a neighborhood favored by artists and writers including Sartre, Hemingway and Picasso. I especially love the top floor Prestige Room or the larger Penthouse Suite, both accented with whitewashed timber beams and each with a private terrace overlooking SaintSulpice, Paris’s second-largest church.

As beautiful as the environs are, it’s the service that makes Esprit Saint Germain so special. Two cozy living rooms, each with its own honor bar (just write down what you sip and they’ll charge it to your room), invite you to relax any time of day or night. Early evening is a great time to mingle with other guests as the staff offers cocktails by the fire (try the signature St. Germain Spritz), before heading out to nearby restaurants or jazz clubs recommended by the hotel’s owner. Even the gym is a delight; tucked on the sixth floor overlooking Parisian rooftops, it has an elliptical machine, two-person sauna and is booked in one-hour periods per guest, so you can work out in private. Though it only has 28 rooms, the hotel has won every award in the book, including “Top 10 Paris Hotels” from Travel + Leisure and “Top Luxury Boutique Hotel Worldwide” by Luxury Travel Advisor.

10 TIPS TO KEEP CALM AND MARRY ON

WORDS BY JENNIFER STEIN

Couples far and wide are finding it hard to keep their stress levels and anxiety at bay. It’s no wonder with what’s going on in this world right now. So how do you “keep calm and marry on?”

These ten tips are meant to help you not only plan your wedding with a little less stress, but also ways to combat the anxious thoughts and feelings as they arise. I’m a stress case by nature, so many of these are tried and true tips from a fellow ball of anxiety.

1

HIRE A PLANNER

If elementary school teachers and wedding planners haven’t proven their worth by now, I’m not sure when they will. Wedding planners are saints sent from heaven above (well, good ones are anyway). Some of the reasons you may want to hire one (even if you’re convinced you can do it all on your own):

• They are responsible for working with ALL your vendors and coordinating with them – ensuring they can be there if anything changes. • Destination weddings often include multiple events and therefore, multiple vendors. Depending on their scope of work – your planner will handle everything these additional events require. • They can handle any and every disaster imaginable so you don’t have to. • You will end up feeling like a guest at your own wedding. • They know event guidelines in different destinations to help ensure guests are safe and all precautions are thought through.

2CALL YOUR VENUE

If, for some reason, you don’t hire a wedding planner, the first call you should make is to your venue. Find someone who will be your point of contact, and then find out who might be his or her second in line. A lot can change at hotels and venues, so it’s helpful to have more than one person on-site to communicate with. If your guest list shrinks or grows, if you have questions on protocols on social distancing or God forbid, you need to change your date – this is the first call you should make.

3UNPLUG

Get off your computer, away from Pinterest and disengage from social media. Regularly. This is going to help your anxiety and if adopted long term, can be a lifelong solution to battling uncertainty and that mental hamster wheel. Get into nature, take a hike, a walk, a bike ride, do some yoga, read a novel, meditate, listen to music or maybe even take a bath – whatever it is that gives you joy and helps your overactive mind to take a moment and calm down. This much needed break is good for everyone and falls under my routine of selfcare.

4HAVE FUN PINNING

I know I just said, get away from Pinterest, but I really meant, just take a break from it. When you’ve completed your selfcare mentioned above, Pinterest is going to be a great way to have fun and get creative. Getting your imagination flowing and feeling like you’re crushing that to-do list can work wonders for stress. Pinning your bouquet ideas or table scape inspiration will help get you excited for your big day. But once you’ve landed on a design and handed it off to your vendors – don’t go second guessing yourself. Second guessing anything (especially your gown) is a slippery slope and will only add to your stress level. Chances are, your first instinct was the right one anyway.

5WRITE IT DOWN

When things are swimming around your mind and your to-do list is one of them, a good method to handle this is to keep a note pad with you at all times. Next to your bed, in your purse, on your desk and even your car can help get those thoughts and questions out of your mind and into a safe place. This allows you to come back to it when you have the time to work on it and feel confident you’re not forgetting anything. If you’re not a paper person – starting a “note” on your iPhone is a good way of keeping your racing mind accounted for in one central place.

6WORK IT OUT

Find a good workout regimen. I know this seems like an obvious one for some and an annoying reminder for others, but I promise – it really helps. I can see a distinct change in my moods and energy levels when I fall off the workout wagon. Really tune into the kind of workouts you like and you’ll be more successful at it. I used to love running until I injured myself and now the thought of donning running shoes makes me want to cringe. Instead I find barre, yoga, weight lifting and high intensity training to be a good mix for me. Keep trying new things so you don’t get bored or in a rut. By finding a solid fitness plan, you’ll not only reduce stress, but also your waistline…and both of those will make you feel your best.

7START A FACEBOOK GROUP

Most of you should already have your wedding website set up – and that’s going to be crucial in helping update your guests in a more formal way outside of your invitations. One way to stay in touch and communicate with your loved ones on a regular and informal basis is a private Facebook group. Most people (young and old) are on Facebook and this option allows guests to communicate with one another as well as with you in a very casual setting. I’ve seen helpful information shared in this manner as well as an abundance of support heaped onto the couple. And let’s be honest, you probably need that right about now. It also allows guests to share in the excitement for your wedding away. Lastly, it’s free and could be a really beneficial tool in your communication arsenal.

DECIDE TO GO WITH THE FLOW

Life is full of ups and downs. If this year hasn’t proven that, I don’t know what will. One thing that will help your wedding come together in a stress-free manner is if you go with the flow. There will be problems that arise as you plan, and if you try to control every last detail, you’ll likely drive yourself (and your fiancé) a little crazy in the process. If you decide ahead of time to roll with these challenges instead of fighting them, your trip down the aisle will be a lot easier on everyone, especially you.

PROCESS THE EMOTIONS

Many couples are being thrown some serious curveballs as they plan. With that comes disappointment, anger and frustration. Deciding to go with the flow as mentioned above, doesn’t mean that you can’t have feelings about what’s happening around your wedding plans. The healthiest way to handle this is to acknowledge your emotions, don’t stuff them. If there are tears or anger - that’s okay and completely understandable. However, don’t hold it in or it will fester. Experience the emotion when it comes, recognize it, experience it and then let it go to move forward.

LEAN IN TO YOUR PARTNER

This is your chance to work together for a common cause – your wedding! Take time together to work through some of the challenges you’re facing. Remember your soon-to-be spouse is on your side and your common goal is to have a wonderful wedding that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Work together to make that happen and communicate often. At the end of the day, remember what’s behind that wedding – the two of you vowing to spend your lives together. That’s what really matters… what doesn’t matter in the scheme of life: if the caterer has your choice of salmon preparation or if peonies will still be in season.