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Romance in MADRID A PARISIAN Honeymoon Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOT in 2015

In this issue 3 2015 Destination Wedding Fresh ideas for your special day

Trends

Honeymooning in Hawaii Discover honeymoon bliss on the Big Island

Dear Brides and Bridegrooms,

With so much to choose from, planning the perfect destination wedding and a perfectly dreamy honeymoon can be a spectacular challenge. As your Ensemble® DestinationVows specialist, I can help you plan a unique, meaningful, and incredibly romantic escape.

12 I nspire Romance in Paris The City of Light is the ultimate destination for lovers

Agnes & Julio: Amor en Madrid 18 A cosmopolitan couple share the details of their grand wedding in Spain

The Convenience ~ Having only one person plan your destination wedding and travel arrangements for your friends and family is so much simpler. It’s Stress Free ~ Let me handle the stress, allowing you more time to enjoy the moment.

Romancing the Bahamas Find the perfect Bahamian Island for your destination wedding or honeymoon

The Confidence ~ Put your mind at ease knowing your destination wedding plans and requests will be managed in a professional and timely manner. The DV Connection ~ Through my membership in Ensemble Travel® Group, I have great working relationships with hoteliers and on-site wedding coordinators. My Passion ~ I truly care about planning your wedding and will be with you every step of the way. 28

This issue of Ensemble® DestinationVows is loaded with stories of real destination weddings and inspiration for creating the most unforgettable event – with your own signature flair! Whether you’re eloping, celebrating with just a few loved ones, or inviting everyone along for the ride … I’ll make planning your big event a piece of cake. Best Wishes,

Agency name Your Ensemble® DestinationVows Specialist 18 © Ensemble Travel® Group. All rights reserved. 2015 Ensemble Travel® Group. Ensemble® Weddings & Honeymoons, is a proprietary trademark of Ensemble Travel® Group. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without written permission of the publisher. Ensemble® Weddings & Honeymoons is published once a year on behalf of Ensemble Travel® Group member agencies. Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

In this issue 3 2015 Destination Wedding Fresh ideas for your special day

Trends

Honeymooning in Hawaii Discover honeymoon bliss on the Big Island

Dear Brides and Bridegrooms,

12 I nspire Romance in Paris The City of Light is the ultimate destination for lovers

Agnes & Julio: Amor en Madrid 18 A cosmopolitan couple share the details of their grand wedding in Spain

Romancing the Bahamas Find the perfect Bahamian Island for your destination wedding or honeymoon

2015

Destination Wedding Trends by Nancy Hellmrich

George and Amal tied the knot in Venice. Brad and Angelina chose a French chateau. For Kim and Kanye the setting was a Florentine villa. And Matt and Luciana? They renewed their vows on Sugar Beach in St. Lucia. But getting away isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only thing todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oh-so-vogue brides and grooms are doing differently. Individuality is in, big time. From daring dresses and de-constructed up-dos to Vogue-worthy photography, haute lovebirds are breaking with tradition and showing their true colors in exciting new ways. 00

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

2015

Destination Wedding Trends by Nancy Hellmrich

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Extremely Social Engagements Nobody’s waiting for the big day to start the party anymore. Today’s digital savvy couples have their heads in the cloud even before the ring is out of its posh velvet box. From the moment they tweet their engagement, sharing is the name of the game. Facebook updates, wedding websites, Pinterest boards, Twitter feeds, Instagrams, and online registries are now de rigueur. The hottest digital trend of all is a slew of new apps that turn the planning process into a party of its own—with fun, easy ways to solicit opinions, invite guests, share ideas, and organize vendors. Top digital trends for 2015 include: invitations with QR codes, custom hashtags, photo aggregators like WedPics, WeddingParty, and Flock, “indie” websites, digital music services such as Spotify, and more. Our favorites? Visit Gracious Eloise to digitize your handwriting and send elegant thank you notes in a snap. Download the Lover.ly app for one-stop wedding planning and access to really, really real-time trends. Use Cozi to keep everyone’s schedule straight and Ustream to live-stream your ceremony so guests who can’t make the trip can still be there. Smart phone etiquette rules are a must do, too. Pragmatic brides and grooms are asking that ringers be turned off and no photos be taken during the actual ceremony. This policy sounds harsh but who wants to see photos with a bunch of Androids and iPhones blocking the bride as she walks down the aisle?

Charming Bouquets

Daring New Dresses for the Ladies Speaking of surprises, this year’s Bridal Fashion Weeks had a few of their own. Daring without going too far, many of the top designers seemed to be saying “Go for it!” with lots of whimsical designs and daring details. Emerging themes include metallic lace overlays, plunging necklines, sheer illusion backs, and cleverly placed cutouts. Vera Wang offered a lace sheath with “punked” neck ruffles. Several designers showed gowns in blushed pink and blue hues, rather than traditional white or ecru. Our favorite trend – seen in designs by Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, and THEIA – has to be the crop-top gown that bares a bit of midriff. The look is a little tomboy and yet über-feminine ... perfect for dancing till dawn on a hot summer night. If you’ve got an independent streak, don’t miss the Coachella-style “indiebride” gowns with dip-dyed or ombré hemlines. And of course, no discussion of bridal wear is complete without the new Mrs. Clooney’s reception dress. Inelegantly dubbed a “mullet” style by the tabloids, this chic little Giambattista Valli lace number was long in the back and short in the front, highlighting her gorgeous gams.

Let your bridesmaids know how much you care about them with a bouquet charm – a small trinket, often with a saying, that is attached to each bridesmaid’s bouquet. It’s also a pretty touch for the bride’s bouquet. They can be personalized with a quote, the words “I do,” the date, or even a photograph (we love the idea of putting your own parent’s photo in a charm or locket that is tied to the base of the bouquet). They also come in various shapes (heart, horseshoe, etc.).

Bigger is Better The wedding bouquet has been completely reinvented for 2015, and bigger is suddenly better again. Now, instead of grouping together several singular flowers into an arrangement, one large bloom is created out of all of the individual flower petals of many flowers. The result is stunning - one enormous bud that is displayed against the backdrop of a beautiful dress. Lovely!

below: Wedding gowns by THEIA

Bold Statements for the Men One thing everyone seems to agree on this year is the element of surprise. From canary yellow suede shoes to silk cravats in Pantone’s Radiant Orchid hue—raising eyebrows is all the rage. And creativity is the key. We’re seeing mismatched groomsmen who have one unifying element, like red trousers or bold ties. And vice versa: perfectly matched groomsmen with one personalized detail, such as comic-bookhero cufflinks or patterned socks.

When it comes to suits, five trends stand out. Savvy urban grooms are choosing traditional black tuxedos with a slim fit for their formal black-tie events. The tan, grey, or slate blue tux, worn with a floral tie, is showing up at more casual daytime and outdoor affairs. The romantic English gentleman’s tuxedo, with a cummerbund and white bow tie, is making the rounds at garden party-style weddings. For true outdoorsmen, there’s the rustic wool plaid in softer brown with a splash of orange at the pocket. And, of course, beach weddings demand the cool linen suit with a white shirt, suspenders, and bow tie.

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

left & above: Wedding gowns by Reem Acra

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Charming Bouquets

below: Wedding gowns by THEIA

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

left & above: Wedding gowns by Reem Acra

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Ringbearer Signs “Here comes your girl.” “Don’t worry ladies … I’m still single.” “Too late to run. Here she comes.” “Has anyone seen the rings?” Now imagine any one of these cutesy sayings splashed across a little vintage sign or chalkboard clutched by a cute ringbearer donning a suit. No one really gives the rings to the little guy anyhow (this could inevitably lead to the ultimate wedding catastrophe: misplaced rings!), so instead arm him with something that will make all of the guests smile while he makes his way down the aisle.

Fashion Forward Photography For 2015, couples are saving in other areas so they can splurge on a high-end wedding photographer. Trends include taking formal, staged portraits of the happy couple in exotic or contrasting locations on calmer days before or after the wedding and on-location shoots of the actual proposal, organized by the groom in advance. Some photographers include individual portraits of each attendant, which can be given as a gift after the event. On the actual day of the wedding, a more candid photojournalist style is being embraced, giving the wedding album a vérité feel that beautifully captures the most intimate moments of the day.

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

When it comes to revving up the venue, we’re seeing beautiful decorative runners in the aisle, landscape-style potted greenery to frame the space, and tremendous bunches of flowers to delight the eyes. The more blossoms the better. Bridal bouquets and grooms’ boutonnieres continue to trend toward loose, natural-looking blooms. No surprises there, really. Perhaps the biggest wedding décor trend for 2015 is the move to even more dramatic lighting. Far beyond simple fairy lights strung from the marquee, today we’re seeing artistic light installations worthy of a MOMA exhibition. Shapes and hues are taken into account and the planning usually involves major input from the wedding photographer.

Embracing the Culinary Arts Wedding food is tending toward seasonal, locally sourced fare that is artfully prepared with an eye on quality as opposed to quantity. And small bites tray-passed throughout the evening feature avant-garde hors d’oeuvres that accommodate a range of dietary requirements such as gluten-free, organic, vegetarian, Paleo, and more.

Photographic techniques and filters are being used to dramatic effect without the usual concern for the images looking “dated” in the future. With digital photography, tilt-shift, punching the colors, hipster lomographic filters, vintage glow, and other techniques can all be applied after the fact while preserving the untreated “raw” images for posterity. Wedding videos are getting a makeover, as well. Some couples are going with more artistically edited versions of the familiar wedding show. Others are producing animated GIFs that add energy and stopaction fun to a series of stills. Today’s tech-savvy brides and grooms are generating dramatic, joy-inducing GoPro videos, some with sweeping drone footage that has the feel of a paparazzi helicopter. Photo trends worth skipping? Stay clear of the “morning after” photo fad. This is one sacred moment nobody needs to remember but you. Think of it this way: if you ever decide to run for office or star in an independent film, the tabloids will have less fodder with which to torture you. Another trend to skip is the “trash the dress” session. While a few brides have been successful in creating Pollack-esque masterpieces with splatter paint, true art is hard to pull off ... and you only get one chance to get it right.

Tripping the Lights Fantastic

Photo: Dark Roux Photography, New Orleans, LA

When it’s time for dessert, the latest rage is naked (or “undressed”) cakes that forego the outer layer of frosting and have subtle, natural, fresh fruit décor instead. Decorative icing trends include: waterfalls of sequins, giant sugar flowers, delicate ruffles, gold or silver fondant icing, ombré frosting, and the ever-popular white-on-white. Dreaming of something a bit wilder? Some more seasoned bakers are creating fun chalkboard icing and multi-tiered cakes with downright lovely graffiti designs. Inside, the cakes themselves are getting creative too. Popular flavors range from classic vanilla, white amaretto, German chocolate, and red velvet to pink champagne, grasshopper, and even Hawaiian pink guava. Fillings include red raspberry, lemon crème, Creamsicle®, French apple, chocolate Bavarian crème, Nutella, and even salted caramel.

Cocktail Caravans

Photos for Fashion Forward Photography courtesy of Dark Roux Photography, New Orleans, LA

Forget stationary bars… those are old hat. The new trend in libation indulgence comes on wheels: cocktail caravans. Like an ice cream truck for grown-ups, these full-functioning fullystocked bars will roll on up after the ceremony and serve guests a myriad of concoctions on-the-spot. They can be decked out to match the theme of your wedding and are ideal for fun outdoor affairs. Photo: Dark Roux Photography, New Orleans, LA

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS with GOGO Vacations PUNTA CANA WEDDING

Make your special day everything you’d hoped for and more when you celebrate in true elegance.

Majestic

When you decide on your destination

wedding, you want to know you’re getting the very best Punta Cana has to offer, and you’ll find it at Majestic Elegance Punta Cana. A four-star resort, Majestic will never miss an opportunity to make you feel special, whether you’re lounging in the adults-only area or enjoying one of the eight on-site restaurants. When you choose to have your wedding here, you can enjoy a complimentary massage at the spa just to make sure you’re at your best for the big day.

HONEYMOON IN MEXICO

The party’s over – now it’s time to celebrate. Spend your honeymoon in paradise.

When the reception ends, the best

part is just beginning. You know you’re jetting off to a truly magical experience when you spend your honeymoon at Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is more than just a place to vacation; it’s where you and your new spouse can escape from the real world to a land of pampering and indulgence. The perfect blend of secluded luxury and modern comfort, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla is the perfect backdrop to the beginning of your new life together.

Paradisus

For more information, please contact your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist.

Honeymooning

Hawaii is one of the most soughtafter destinations because it’s a perfect paradise – the average temperature is 75 Fahrenheit year-round, the island hospitality is practically palpable, and with eight “main” islands, the blue seas and stretches of pristine beaches are endless. And, given it also offers the ultimate in romance (um, have you seen the incredible sunsets there?), Hawaii is the perfect place for newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon – romance is everywhere you turn!

HAWAII

by Amanda Snow

The Big Island is Big on Romance Hawaii has a little something for everyone, whether you’re in search of some wild, memorable adventures (like swimming with manta rays or going on a helicopter tour over active volcanoes and majestic waterfalls, surfing, snorkeling, zip-lining, and more) or a little bit of R&R after the wedding day hooplah (there’s one of hundreds of lounge chairs awaiting you on the beach … don’t forget your mai tai). Hold hands under clear blue skies and leave your footprints in the sand – the first day of the rest of your life should begin in an idyllic paradise like Hawaii. Although many of the resorts are all-encompassing, meaning you’ll find everything you need to comfortably stay put at your hotel for the duration of your trip, Hawaii warrants a bit of exploring (or lots, if that’s what you like to do). There are countless numbers of day trips that you and your new spouse can book ahead of your honeymoon to truly experience the stunning landscape and history of this destination. Volcano tours are popular at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the few places on the planet where visitors can get up close and personal with an active volcano. Also popular are the plantation tours, historic tours (of places like Pearl Harbor), rainforest tours (where waterfalls and bamboo forests abound), and island-wide treks. You’ll also want to take advantage of the many lookouts there are in the area, providing breathtaking panoramic views … you’ll swear you can see to the ends of the earth. Hawaii is known for luxury as well, boasting a wide range of spas and fine dining options. The picturesque surroundings are always favorable to relaxation, so beachfront massages and beauty treatments from local flora can provide the perfect dose of respite. On the culinary front, Hawaii is renowned for its unique, locally-grown products, meaning its fare is all its own. Take a food and wine tour with your partner and see everything this foodie haven has to offer. Several cruise lines also offer treks that allow visitors to get a comprehensive overview of Hawaii. You can explore not one but many of the islands of Hawaii during one vacation. Hawaii is a little piece of heaven on earth, and it is the perfect place for newlyweds to spend their honeymoon. Playing in surf and sand, dining under the stars, experience everything that Hawaii has to offer, from the luxurious accommodations and gourmet food, to the local culture and exceptional scenery. Find big romance on the big island.

To book your Hawaiian destinaiton wedding or honeymoon, contact your Ensemble® DestinationVows Specialist today. 10

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Honeymooning

HAWAII

by Amanda Snow

To book your Hawaiian destinaiton wedding or honeymoon, contact your Ensemble® DestinationVows Specialist today. 10

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Inspire Romance in Paris by Jennifer Cox

Intimate cafés, sensuous cuisine, timeless architecture, priceless works of art, chic boutiques, luxury hotels and fine lingerie; the “City of Light” has all the ingredients for an unforgettable rendezvous for two. No other city in the world is quite like Paris. Its seductive, intimate backdrop a character in numerous love stories — both on and off screen.

aris is magical all year round. Nothing inspires the magic of romance like a stay in one of Paris’ historic palace hotels that know how to roll out the red carpet and make you feel like a princess. Marble bathrooms, fine linens, antique furnishings, Michelin-star restaurants, luxury spas and impeccable views of Paris’ spectacular skyline, all invoke romance. Paris is a haven for chocolate lovers, and there is no better place to indulge then at the renowned Salon de Thé and Pâtissier Angelina. Start your day with a cup of their famous chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) while strolling through the picturesque Jardin du Tuileries. This beautiful garden was once the private site of many royal residences. On a warm day, do as Parisians do, and unfurl a blanket to enjoy a picnic in the park. Immortalize your love on a padlock or take a romantic selfie on the Pont des Arts, the famous “love-locking” bridge, then make your way towards the

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

striking Musée d’Orsay on Paris’ Left Bank in Saint-Germain-Des-Prés. The museum is located in a former Beaux-Arts railway station and houses the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world. If you prefer older works, on

the Right Bank you will find the massive centuries-old palace known as the Musée du Louvre. The building itself, with its famous glass pyramid is worth seeing, especially at night when you can sit back with a bottle of wine and marvel at the amber lit view. Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Inspire Romance in Paris by Jennifer Cox

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Paris’ culinary scene is one of the most enviable in the world. Enjoy a meal of steak frites at the ever popular Le Relais de L’Entrecôte. This 80 year old traditional Parisian restaurant only serves steak and an endless supply of golden frites coupled with their secret sauce and a selection of delicious desserts. It is the perfect Parisian meal. Paris’ quaint streets are lined with chic boutiques and art nouveau cafés filled with wicker-chairs and the chatter of patrons enjoying the French Art of Living. Take a stroll through the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district to see the luxury boutiques or visit the grandiose Avenue des Champs-Élysées for shopping. Afterwards, sit back and people watch while savoring light and colorful macarons at Ladurée. Guarding this grand boulevard is the impressive Arc de Triomphe commissioned by Emperor Napoléon in 1806. A visit to the top of this monument will provide you with unobstructed views of Paris that will leave you breathless. At nearby Porte Maillot, dine on oysters and wine at L’Auberge Dab. This elegant brasserie serves traditional French food and fresh full-flavored shellfish in a warm and intimate setting; it’s the perfect ending to a perfect day. The picturesque neighborhood of Montmartre is home to the majestic Sacré-Coeur Basilica. The vista from its parvis is postcard perfect. Listen to musicians play, picnic on the hillside park, or stroll its narrow, winding streets hand in hand. Home to some of the world’s most famous artists, it is sure to inspire romance. If you’re up for an

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

authentic Parisian treat, catch a cabaret show at the famed Moulin Rouge. Countless couples have declared their love at the impressive Eiffel Tower. Take your darling to new heights by sharing a toast high above at the Champagne Bar. In the evening, this Paris landmark lights up and twinkles in the night sky. Though some may consider it a little cliché, its effect is still magical.

Enjoy a romantic evening bateaumouche ride on the Seine River. Glide past Paris’ timeless cityscape and the dominating Notre-Dame Cathedral as you sneak kisses under the bridges. For a more luxurious experience, book the Yachts of Paris and delight in a romantic gourmet dinner for two as the City of Light sparkles around you.

Paris is a feast for the senses with endless possibilities and a magical place to share with a loved one.

Paris is a feast for the senses with endless possibilities and a magical place to share with a loved one. Its timeless beauty will remain etched in your heart, and will have you longing to return and relive those exceptional moments.

To book your Parisian destination wedding or honeymoon, contact your Ensemble® DestinationVows Specialist today. Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Paris is a feast for the senses with endless possibilities and a magical place to share with a loved one.

To book your Parisian destination wedding or honeymoon, contact your Ensemble® DestinationVows Specialist today. Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

TiE ThE KnoT

with Princess Cruises®

Few moments can compare to the anticipation and exhilaration when bride and groom say “I do.” And when the magic unfolds with a dramatic ocean backdrop or an exotic beach half a world away, Princess makes it all the more memorable.

Call your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist today!

“Best Cruise Line for Romance” - 2014 Woman’s Choice Awards

Tie the knot aboard a Cunard Queen and experience a truly memorable Wedding Ceremony at Sea. With a host of itineraries to select, from legendary Transatlantic Crossings to sailings throughout Europe and the Americas, your perfect honeymoon can be tailor-made just for you.

2015 Cunard Wedding Package includes: • Elegant Wedding Ceremony Venue • Ceremony conducted by the Captain

• Commemorative wedding certificate • Bottle of Veuve Clicquot® Champagne

• Fresh floral arrangements* • A Bridal bouquet

• Wedding invitations and thank you cards • Dedicated on board Wedding Coordinator

• Traditional wedding music** • Wedding cake

• Pressing Service for Bridal outfits • Priority check-in and much more

To learn more contact your Ensemble® DestinationVows Specialist! * Alternative flower arrangements and cakes are available on request at an additional cost. ** Wedding music is pre-recorded and played within the ceremonial room. Guests may bring their own chosen music if preferred. Live music provided by our on board pianist, harpist, string quartet is also available on request at an additional cost. Please also note that any music or verses chosen for the ceremony must not contain any religious content. ©2014 Cunard Line. Ships of Bermudan registry.

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

TiE ThE KnoT

with Princess Cruises®

Call your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist today!

“Best Cruise Line for Romance” - 2014 Woman’s Choice Awards

2015 Cunard Wedding Package includes: • Elegant Wedding Ceremony Venue • Ceremony conducted by the Captain

• Commemorative wedding certificate • Bottle of Veuve Clicquot® Champagne

• Fresh floral arrangements* • A Bridal bouquet

• Wedding invitations and thank you cards • Dedicated on board Wedding Coordinator

• Traditional wedding music** • Wedding cake

• Pressing Service for Bridal outfits • Priority check-in and much more

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Agnes & Julio: Amor en Madrid

HOW

They Met

As a bilingual girl growing up in California, who often spent time in Hungary with her extended family, Agnes developed a love for travel and learning about different cultures, so it’s no surprise that she earned her graduate degree in international law and later moved to Madrid – knowing no one there – to perfect a third language skill and further her career. With time Agnes felt at home in Madrid, and one destined night, Agnes and Julio, a Madrid native, were waiting for their respective friends at the packed bar of Maricastaña, a restaurant in the Malasaña barrio of the city. They struck up a conversation to pass the time, and the rest is history.

THE

by Alice Whitney Stroh

On October 4, 2014, about 170 friends and family members – from as far as Hawaii to Hungary – came together in Madrid, Spain to celebrate the marriage of Agnes and Julio. Filled with love, language, art, architecture, and of course, delicious tapas, it was an international affair to remember. 18

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Maricastaña

Proposal

In October of 2013, Agnes gave Julio a trip to the Italian island of Sardinia as a present, fittingly, during a long weekend when Spain celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. They spent the second day of their three-day trip zipping along the crescent coast of Cala Gonone in their tiny rental car, stopping on the empty pebbled beaches to have picnics and admire the cerulean blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and eventually made their way to Orosei for the night. That evening, while enjoying an amazing Cannonau (a red wine local to Sardinia) in their hotel room, Julio put an Italian playlist on, and Agnes

became so overwhelmed with happiness that she began to cry. Julio knew this was the perfect moment to propose, so he asked Agnes, “¿Agi, quieres casarte conmigo?” She wiped away tears and said “si” in a matter-of-fact way, because she misunderstood and thought his question was referring to a general desire to marry at some point in the future. Agnes saw the look of disappointment on Julio’s face, and he asked her again. Agnes smiled and said “si”, then Julio put his hands around her face and said “Agi, I’m asking you to marry me,” as “Senza Fine” played in the background, and she started crying again because she finally understood what Julio was really asking her.

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Agnes & Julio: Amor en Madrid

HOW

They Met

THE

by Alice Whitney Stroh

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Maricastaña

Proposal

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

THE

Ceremony

Julio is one of five children in a family with dozens of cousins, so they decided to have their wedding in Madrid, where the least number of guests would have to travel great distances.

Church interior photos: Antonio de la Rosa Gil for White Fotografía; All other photos: Mar Cejas Guerrero for Mira Fotografía

Over the years Agnes has visited many European churches with her family, and she’s developed preferences for certain architectural styles. Gothic churches are her favorite, so it was easy to choose the impressive San

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Jeronimo el Real as the location for their wedding ceremony, as Madrid is a relatively new city and doesn’t have too many buildings surviving from the Gothic period. Being in the city center of Madrid, right across from the Museo Prado, San Jeronimo was also an ideal location as it was easy for their guests to get to. The beautiful ceremony consisted of a full wedding mass, and trilingual programs were provided so that all guests could follow along with

the ceremony, which was in a mix of Spanish, English, and a little Hungarian. The bride wore an elegant lace dress and cathedral veil, and the sunshine-yellow flowers in her bouquet and flower girls’ dresses accented the happiness of the day. “One of my favorite moments,” says Agnes, “was walking into the church with my mother toward the altar, and seeing Julio's smile framed by the smiles of my friends and family on either side of the aisle.”

Photo: Antonio de la Rosa Gil for White Fotografía

Even though Agnes has friends

and family all over the world, it didn’t stop them from coming to Madrid to celebrate: from Hawaii to New Jersey, and Denmark to Hungary, guests were happy to travel great distances to share this special day with the happy couple.

Gothic churches are Agnes’ favorite, so it was easy to choose the impressive San Jeronimo el Real as the location for their wedding ceremony. Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

THE

Ceremony

Julio is one of five children in a family with dozens of cousins, so they decided to have their wedding in Madrid, where the least number of guests would have to travel great distances.

Church interior photos: Antonio de la Rosa Gil for White Fotografía; All other photos: Mar Cejas Guerrero for Mira Fotografía

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Photo: Antonio de la Rosa Gil for White Fotografía

Even though Agnes has friends

Gothic churches are Agnes’ favorite, so it was easy to choose the impressive San Jeronimo el Real as the location for their wedding ceremony. Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

THE

Reception

THE

The Spanish government gives 15 days to newlyweds, so Agnes and Julio decided to take advantage of this and spend part of their honeymoon giving back to others. After doing some research they decided to volunteer at Daya Nivasa, a home “for the abandoned and differently abled children and elderly” founded by Mother Theresa in 1985, located just outside of Kandy, Sri Lanka.

As if the church wasn’t aweinspiring enough, wedding guests were then invited to a reception at nearby Casino de Madrid, a behemoth of an architectural gem that was constructed in 1910 as a gathering place for the Spanish social elite. Cocktails and appetizers were served in the patio de honor, which was followed by an incredible feast in the equally impressive royal hall. The lunch featured a “XXIst century” Spanish omelette, gilt-head bream, and young lamb terrine with juniper and cru apple sause – each paired with a different wine. The entire menu was designed by Head Chef Paco Roncero (two Michelin stars), who trained under Ferrán Adriá at El Bulli.

After the feasting, guests were escorted downstairs to the Casino’s nightclub to dance the night away. Agnes and Julio began their first dance as

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Agnes and Julio stayed with a host family about 50 minutes away from Daya Nivasa, getting to the center via two buses, and slept in one of their two bedrooms. The parents and two children slept together in one bed in another room, and they

Photos: Mar Cejas Guerrero for Mira Fotografía

The highlight, however, was the wedding cake – ”The Best Chocolate Cake in the World” – which boasted layers of crunchy meringue, separated by chocolate mousse and covered in a rich chocolate glaze. Julio and Agnes had devoured this Portuguese bolo do chocolate together on one of their first dates at a now-closed restaurant. They called the restaurant and as luck would have it, they were still able to provide the cake for their wedding.

Honeymoon

husband and wife with a slow waltz to “The Blue Danube,” and about 30 seconds later broke into Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher” to invite everyone to the dance floor and get the party started. While their guests were tearing up the dance floor, the bride and groom snuck away to take a few photos in the restaurant where they first met.

shared everything they had with Agnes and Julio, and made them feel very welcome despite the language barrier. They enjoyed singing with the women of Daya Nivasa, learning Makaton sign with the residents, and watching them rehearse a play. “It was an emotionally difficult experience,” says Agnes, “as we felt great compassion for the people who had been abandoned by their families and then adopted by the Sisters of Charity, but knew that the contact we had with them in such a short time is just a drop in the bucket. The children and infants, especially, need care and attention, and we weren't sure if we, as just two people in a revolving door of

volunteers, made as much of a positive difference in their lives as we wanted to.” The couple spent their first week in Sri Lanka volunteering, and then took some much-deserved time for themselves. Agnes and Julio went all over the southern and western coast of Sri Lanka, visiting Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Colombo. They spent their days walking along the beach holding hands, eating fresh fish just feet away from where the waves stopped, walking around the Galle Fort to find the perfect place to see the sun set, getting from village to village via tuk tuk, and enjoying the sounds of downpours from the comfort of their dry room.

They spent their days walking along the beach holding hands, eating fresh fish just feet away from where the waves stopped, walking around the Galle Fort to find the perfect place to see the sun set ...

… but a Spanish wedding doesn’t end there! After the DJ played the last song, buses were waiting outside to bring guests (who had the stamina to keep celebrating) to the after party at Fortuny, a hip restaurant with a romantic terrace setting that features a full bar under trees with twinkling lights. It was the perfect way to cap off a wonderful day.

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

THE

Reception

THE

After the feasting, guests were escorted downstairs to the Casino’s nightclub to dance the night away. Agnes and Julio began their first dance as

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Photos: Mar Cejas Guerrero for Mira Fotografía

Honeymoon

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Agnes & Julio’s

MADRID MUSEUMS

GENERAL TIPS Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Agnes’ tip: ThyssenBornemisza is arranged in chronological order: if you go to the top floor you will find the oldest paintings, and if you start on the first floor you’ll begin with Pop Art or more contemporary movements.

Museo Nacional del Prado

Museo Sorolla Museo Nacional del Prado

Must see: Goya’s “The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid” aka “The executions,” Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights” and Velázquez’s “Las Meninas.”

DINING Savory Spanish

• For croquetas: Casa Manolo, Calle Jovellanos 7, 28014 • For tortilla: El Borbollón, Calle de Recoletos 7, 28001 • For setas: (a dive, but the food is absolutely delicious) El Cisne Azul, Calle de Gravina, 19, 28004

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Museo ThyssenBornemisza

Must see: Rembrandt’s “Self-portrait wearing a Hat and Two Chains” and Edward Hopper’s “Hotel Room.”

If you’d like to immerse yourself in pastoral impressionism, visit Museo Sorolla. Located in a residential neighborhood in Madrid, Agnes says “it’s the city’s equivalent

to the intimacy created by the Isabella Stuart Gardener in Boston,” and the only artist whose work it features is the Spanish contemporary of Agnes’ favorite U.S. painter, John Singer Sargent. Sorolla is a Valencian artist who moved to the house in Madrid which is now the museum, and the visit is therefore a pleasant and interesting experience: you get to see publicly known works of art in the private home of a great artist.

•P eople get up late. Chains like Zara, Pull&Bear, Mango, McDonald’s etc. will not open before 10 a.m., and neither will museums. • Spain is famous for many things, but not for its breakfasts. If you’re able to locate some at all, it will likely be in a pub and consist of either toast with chopped tomatoes & olive oil, or churros—but not the kind you’re thinking of. In Spain, they are long sticks of fried dough (without cinnamon) that Spaniards dip into bitter

hot chocolate; it’s more in the family of fried dough than a donut-esque stick. • I f you choose to enjoy some coffee while here, a cortado is a typical Spanish order. Twice as big as an espresso (30 ml) but slightly smaller than a lungo (90 ml), the cortado (60 ml) is something you will be offered with either leche templada (warm milk) or leche caliente (hot milk). •L unch generally starts between 1 and 2 p.m. •D inner generally starts between 9 and 10 p.m.

• For bacalao: Casa revuelta, Calle de Latoneros 3, 28005 • For cocido madrileño: Restaurante Lhardy, Carrera de San Jerónimo 8, 28014 •F or paella: Restaurante Samm, Calle de Carlos Caamaño 3, 28016 •F or tapas: Mercado San Anton, Calle Augusto Figueroa 24, 28004 and Mercado San Miguel, Plaza San Miguel 1, 28005

• For txakoli & pintxos: Taberna Txakolina, Calle Cava Baja 42, 28005 • For fast snack sandwiches: Rodilla if you don’t eat jamón or Viandas de Salamanca if you eat jamón

Savory Fusion

Coffee

• Maricastaña (where Agnes and Julio first met!), Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo 12, 28004

•T oma Café, Calle de la Palma 49, 28004

• Saporem, Calle Ventura de la Vega 5, 28014 • La Musa, Calle de Manuela Malasaña 18, 28004

•B icicleta, Plaza de San Ildefonso 9, 28004

• Círculo de Bellas Artes: Calle de Alcalá 42, 28014 For Mojitos: •C afé Delic: Costanilla de San Andrés 14, 28005

W H E R E TO S TAY ME MADRID REINA VICTORIA Madrid, Spain

Grand Hotel Reina Victoria—in the heart of the Spanish capital and just steps from the Museo del Prado and Puerta del Sol —has been reborn: ME Madrid offers an experience beyond mere accommodation. Constantly changing, endlessly fascinating, the hotel’s vibe is orchestrated by the Aura Manager to make full use of its dramatic public spaces, among them ME Restaurant & Lounge and The Roof Bar & Terrace (the place for fabulous tapas). ME Madrid has been designed to raise eyebrows, blur boundaries, tempt and tease – and ultimately to transform. More than a place to stay, it is a place to be ... ENSEMBLE® EXCLUSIVES: • Access to Business & Fitness Center

Cocktails

• Free in-room Wi-Fi

For Views: •T op floor of Hotel Óscar: Plaza de Vázquez de Mella 12, 28004

• Upgraded room at time of check-in when available • Early check-in when available • Late check-out when available Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Agnes & Julio’s

MADRID MUSEUMS

GENERAL TIPS Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Museo Nacional del Prado

Museo Sorolla Museo Nacional del Prado

Must see: Goya’s “The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid” aka “The executions,” Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights” and Velázquez’s “Las Meninas.”

DINING Savory Spanish

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Museo ThyssenBornemisza

Must see: Rembrandt’s “Self-portrait wearing a Hat and Two Chains” and Edward Hopper’s “Hotel Room.”

If you’d like to immerse yourself in pastoral impressionism, visit Museo Sorolla. Located in a residential neighborhood in Madrid, Agnes says “it’s the city’s equivalent

• For txakoli & pintxos: Taberna Txakolina, Calle Cava Baja 42, 28005 • For fast snack sandwiches: Rodilla if you don’t eat jamón or Viandas de Salamanca if you eat jamón

Savory Fusion

Coffee

• Maricastaña (where Agnes and Julio first met!), Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo 12, 28004

•T oma Café, Calle de la Palma 49, 28004

• Saporem, Calle Ventura de la Vega 5, 28014 • La Musa, Calle de Manuela Malasaña 18, 28004

•B icicleta, Plaza de San Ildefonso 9, 28004

• Círculo de Bellas Artes: Calle de Alcalá 42, 28014 For Mojitos: •C afé Delic: Costanilla de San Andrés 14, 28005

W H E R E TO S TAY ME MADRID REINA VICTORIA Madrid, Spain

Cocktails

• Free in-room Wi-Fi

For Views: •T op floor of Hotel Óscar: Plaza de Vázquez de Mella 12, 28004

• Upgraded room at time of check-in when available • Early check-in when available • Late check-out when available Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

INVITE

A GORGEOUS VIEW TO YOUR WEDDING.

• • • •

83 years of travel experience Choice of over 50 tours Guaranteed departures & prices Group rates available

*SAVE $100 per person on the land portion of any

2015 escorted coach tour of 9 days or longer when you book and pay a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person by May 31, 2015. SAVE $75 per person on the land portion of any 2015 escorted coach tour of 8 days or less. EXPERIENCE

NORTHERN SUPREME

Escorted Tour Featuring Ashford Castle Hotel stay, fine dining experiences, Giant’s Causeway and more

Departs every other Wednesday, April to October 8 days, Now $2823 – $3095 INDULGE

SOUTHERN SUPREME

Escorted Tour Experience prize-winning Dromoland and Ashford Castle Hotels, Cliffs of Moher, and Ring of Kerry tour

Destination weddings with Delta Vacations Romance. Start your lives together surrounded by beautiful scenery. With a destination wedding package from Delta Vacations, you can focus on the important things — making memories surrounded by your nearest and dearest on your big day. When you book a flight and hotel vacation to select destinations, you can book a complimentary wedding package or upgrade to a more elaborate wedding package. There’s also sweet savings for you and your guests. This special offer allows your family and friends to save up to $225 per booking when they attend. And when they use the offer, you get money back, up to the total cost of your own reservation. Where can you get married? You can choose to have your wedding in many romantic destinations, including: • Mexico: Cancún, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos • The Caribbean: Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, Saint Lucia and Turks & Caicos • United States: Hawai‘i and Las Vegas

For more information, please contact your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist.

Departs every other Friday, April to October 8 days, Now $3083 – $3721 NEW FOR 2015!

GRAND TOUR OF BRITAIN & IRELAND Escorted Tour Extensive in-depth tour of Ireland & Britain

Departs every other Friday, May to October 24 days, Now $5419 – $5926 All CIE Tours travel programs are protected by the company’s $550+ Advantage, a no-fee benefit guaranteeing that travelers are never charged for special features considered optional extras with other tour companies. For more information, contact your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist

Photos: Top – Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry; Bottom – Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

INVITE

A GORGEOUS VIEW TO YOUR WEDDING.

• • • •

83 years of travel experience Choice of over 50 tours Guaranteed departures & prices Group rates available

*SAVE $100 per person on the land portion of any

NORTHERN SUPREME

Escorted Tour Featuring Ashford Castle Hotel stay, fine dining experiences, Giant’s Causeway and more

Departs every other Wednesday, April to October 8 days, Now $2823 – $3095 INDULGE

SOUTHERN SUPREME

Escorted Tour Experience prize-winning Dromoland and Ashford Castle Hotels, Cliffs of Moher, and Ring of Kerry tour

For more information, please contact your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist.

Departs every other Friday, April to October 8 days, Now $3083 – $3721 NEW FOR 2015!

GRAND TOUR OF BRITAIN & IRELAND Escorted Tour Extensive in-depth tour of Ireland & Britain

Photos: Top – Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry; Bottom – Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

NASSAU, the capital of the Bahamas, is the largest and most populated city in the Bahamas. The hub of the downtown area is Bay Street, where you can stroll the duty-free and haggle for unique souvenirs and hand-made crafts at the world-famous straw market. Visit the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and Old Town to see the pink parliament building. But for romantics, it’s all about the miles of beautiful beaches with white sand as soft as fine sugar, the sunshine and getting pampered at the many luxurious beachfront resorts. Casino and nightclubs, snorkeling and diving adventures, delicious culinary experiences and the island culture are all part of the Nassau romantic experience.

Calm, crystal clear waters, refreshing sea breezes, beautiful soft-sand beaches and top that off with a mesmerizing atmosphere of love in the air – that’s the islands of the Bahamas.

Romancing the Bahamas

It’s a country of 700 incredible islands, and no matter where you are, you can feel the warmth and hospitality of the Bahamian people. For couples, it is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world and the perfect location for a destination wedding or honeymoon. In fact, when asked about his “spaceship eye-views,” astronaut Chris Hadfield said “The most beautiful to me are The Bahamas, the vast glowing reefs of every shade of blue that exists”. The Bahamas have a diversity that not many other Caribbean islands have, meaning, because the country is made up of over 700 islands, no matter what you are looking for in your destination wedding or honeymoon – the busy, fast-paced action of Nassau or something more laid-back like the secluded vibe of the Out Islands. We recommend a mix of both, a few days in Nassau and then off to the tranquility in Freeport, Abaco, Eleuthera or Exuma.

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

by Liz Scull

FREEPORT is located on Grand

THE ABACOS is a 120-mile

Bahama Island, the 4th largest of the 700 islands and has a much more laid-back and slower pace than that of Nassau, but a little faster pace than the Out Islands. It has undergone a redevelopment and now offers everything you could ask for in a sun destination: pristine beaches, all kinds of watersports, duty-free shopping and gambling. The major attraction is the Port Lucaya area that has evolved into an area with beachfront resorts, restaurants, casinos and the Lucayan National Park. Couples can enjoy snorkeling adventures, romantic strolls on the beach and shop at the International Bazaar for treasures from all over the world.

group of islands and cays that has a charming and unique panoramic beauty creating serenity and tranquility ideal for honeymoon couples and intimate destination weddings. Great Abaco Island and Little Abaco serve as the ‘mainland’ with Marsh Harbour as the lively downtown area with shops and restaurants. Treasure Cay boasts miles of pristine beaches including one of the 10 top beaches in the world. The old English settlements of Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay are home to beautifully preserved colonial architecture with a touch of Bahamian pastels. And Guana Cay is famous for Sunday barbecues atop the island’s tall sand dune, which overlooks a magnificent 7-mile–long beach.

EXUMA is truly a lover’s retreat and a wonderful escape from reality. It’s one of those few places you will find that is still untouched in its natural environment. Sapphire blue waters everywhere, footprint free beaches and super ultra-inclusive resorts make this tropical paradise one of the Bahamas’s absolute gems. Here, nature outnumbers humans, the coastline is flawless and homes play host of some of the world’s most famous stars. For those looking for a day trip – try the highspeed powerboat adventure or swimming with the pigs. Exuma is the ultimate escape to paradise.

ELEUTHERA is the fourth most populated island in the Bahamas, with approximately 11,000 residents who make their livelihood fishing and farming the rolling acres of pineapple plantations. It oozes a casual sophistication, welldeveloped resorts, rocky bluffs and massive coral reefs that create magnificent backdrops of all photo opportunities. Harbour Island, the previous capital of the Bahamas boasts lush tropical greenery and magical pink sand beaches. Couples can search for secluded coves on the miles of coastline by day and return to their luxurious resort for romantic dinners prepared by top-notch chefs.

To book your Bahamian destination wedding or honeymoon, contact your Ensemble® DestinationVows Specialist today. Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Calm, crystal clear waters, refreshing sea breezes, beautiful soft-sand beaches and top that off with a mesmerizing atmosphere of love in the air – that’s the islands of the Bahamas.

Romancing the Bahamas

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

by Liz Scull

FREEPORT is located on Grand

THE ABACOS is a 120-mile

To book your Bahamian destination wedding or honeymoon, contact your Ensemble® DestinationVows Specialist today. Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

Exchange Your Vows in

Paradise with a Complimentary* Gift of Love Wedding Package!

Gift of Love WeddinG PackaGe incLusions: the assistance of an on-site wedding coordinator to handle all details Room upgrade for the wedding couple (based on availability) unpacking service and preparation of wedding coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding day attire symbolic ceremony Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) for the wedding couple Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast for up to 25 guests nightly romantic turndown service for the wedding couple complimentary anniversary nights^ Booking Dates: now - 12/23/16 Travel Dates: 12/25/14 - 12/23/16 *Package is complimentary when bookings eight rooms or more for a minimum of 3 nights each

For more information, please contact your EnsembleÂŽ Destination Vows specialist.

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Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. ^One free room when staying a minimum of 4 nights over the first anniversary date. The complimentary wedding package cannot be deducted when purchasing other packages or combined with The Art of Romance Honeymoon package. All taxes and gratuities are included. Price and package are subject to change without notice. Restrictions/ exclusions may apply. All weddings, regardless of size, must be booked a minimum of 30 days in advance of the wedding date. Subject to availability and double occupancy only. This package also applies for a vow renewal ceremony. Surcharges apply for minister and legal services and will be confirmed by the wedding coordinator. If room requirements are not met, items from the package can be purchased at a la carte pricing provided by the resort. Restrictions apply when combining the complimentary wedding package with the Groups, Gatherings, and Getaways promotion. Once wedding is confirmed it cannot be canceled within 6 months of the date of the wedding without a fee. For weddings booked within 6 months of the wedding date the wedding cannot be canceled without a $100 penalty. Information is accurate at time of printing and is subject to change. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this ad. Travel Impressions materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Travel Impressions. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, NEVADA #2004-0029, Washington UBI #602 425 801. TG195-14_SH_11.7.14.

Exchange Your Vows in

Paradise with a Complimentary* Gift of Love Wedding Package!

For more information, please contact your EnsembleÂŽ Destination Vows specialist.

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015

I N D U LG E in All-Inclusive Luxury at

NAMALE RESORT

Spend a single moment here in Namale's lush 525 acres and you will be convinced that the words “paradise found” were first spoken with our secluded beaches and authentic luxury in mind. Here at Fiji's #1 all-inclusive resort and spa, you can disappear into total relaxation inside your gorgeously appointed villa or bure, unwind at our awardwinning spa, or share a blissful private dinner wherever you desire. Or satisfy your taste for adventure with a horseback ride to a hidden waterfall, a trek through the virgin rainforest, snorkeling with dolphins or a breathtaking scuba trip into the Koro Sea. Our world-class staff is committed to making your authentically Fijian vacation experience the most memorable you've ever had. Here, your every request is met, every want anticipated, and every expectation exceeded.

A moment you’ll never forget. If you’re planning a special event, we have the perfect setting picked out for you. The lull of the sea, the beauty of a magical shore, the wide-open sky overhead – there is no better place for life’s important moments than on a Celebrity cruise. For any special occasion, our award-winning culinary team offers numerous options, including private receptions in specialty restaurants, personalized menus, private buffets, cocktail receptions, and unforgettable desserts and wedding cakes. Celebrity Cruises offers numerous packages, including Commitment Ceremony and Vow Renewal packages that allow you to customize design your special day. You can get married on board or in a destination on your cruise itinerary all with the help of our wedding planners. Whether you are saying, “I do,” embarking on your honeymoon, or celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or reunion, Celebrity Cruises will help you create incredible memories.

For more information, please contact your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist. 00

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Alaska • Asia • Australia/New Zealand • Bermuda • Caribbean • Europe • Galapagos • South America For more information, contact your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist. ©2014 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 14041460 • 11/2014

I N D U LG E in All-Inclusive Luxury at

NAMALE RESORT

For more information, please contact your Ensemble® Destination Vows specialist. 00

Ensemble DestinationVows 2015