Design Destinations Magazine Wedding Issue Q2 2023

DESIGN DESTINATIONS

CHOOSING THE PERFECT VENUE From Simple to Amazing ITS ALL IN THE DETAILS From Flowers to Invitations

Los Arcos, Antigua Guatemala

Franz E Buchhalter, Editor-in-Chief & Founder

Maya & Elliott Wedding Antigua Guatemala

Letter From T e Editor

Welcome to our third issue of Design Destinations Magazine Weddings. We are very excited about this issue as we are featuring unique destinations to celebrate a wedding. These beautiful locations are guaranteed to provide a memorable event, whether elegant or casual; each one of the venues is ideal, and their professional teams will guide you in every detail.

In this issue, we are featuring Pimalai Resort & Spa on the beautiful island of Koh in Thailand. Featured is Nana Princess Resort on the historical island of Crete in Greece and AYANA Resort in romantic Bali—each different and sure to meet every couple's expectations.

In March of this year, I had the joy of walking my daughter Maya down the aisle as she married Elliott. I share with all of you their wonderful wedding celebrated in the historic city of Antigua, Guatemala. The ceremony was held in a 16th-century cathedral, and the reception took place across the street. Later the couple and guests were serenaded by a 10-band mariachi on the streets with magical fireworks as a backdrop.

I hope that you enjoy this issue and as always share your comments, as we love to hear from you.

Franz E Buchhalter Editor-In-Chief & Founder

FBuchhalter

“Love recognizes no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination, full of hope.”

Maya Angelou

WHAT’S INSIDE

ANTIGUA GUATEMALA

San Jose el Viejo

Surrounded by centuries-old monasteries, convents, and churches, this colonial town is a magical setting to celebrate your special day. Once the capital city of Guatemala, today, Antigua Guatemala is the country's number one destination for weddings. The beauty of the town, where the spring-like all-year-round weather allows flowers to bloom, is one of the most romantic wedding destinations.

PIMALAI RESORT & SPA

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Pimalai Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort that offers a luscious venue in Thailand that is a perfect place for a lifetime affair —nestled in a tropical forest facing a pristine white sand beach and deeply ensconced in the beautiful Ba Kan Tiang Bay. The resort is set on 100 acres of lush greenery and directly on a 900-meter stretch of unspoiled beach. The only sound you will hear is that of the rolling waves and the birds chirping.

Pimalai Resort & Spa’s accommodations combine Deluxe Rooms, Bayfront Deluxe rooms, Pavilion Suites, Beach Villas, and Hillside Pool Villas, all with a contemporary Thai-style design. The luxurious guest-rooms and villas are dotted along the gradually cascading hills, culminating in the Seven Seas Wine Bar and Restaurant and an infinity swimming pool at the top, giving guests a sweeping panoramic view of the sun setting over the bay and surrounding mountains.

NANA PRINCESS RESORT

Crete, Greece

Brides and grooms are welcome to say 'I do' to one of Crete's most exclusive wedding destinations, celebrating their special day on the shores of the Aegean Sea. From discreet sunset ceremonies to glamorous, stand-out festivities, Nana Princess is proud to host some of Crete's most memorable luxury weddings. The perfect location for small-to-medium gatherings, the resort offers a range of venues and a dedicated and experienced events team ready to provide tailor-made and fully inclusive event solutions.

Nanaprincess.gr

AYANA RESORTS

Bali, Indonesia

AYANA Resorts have long been renowned as one of Bali’s most sophisticated wedding destinations, with many stunning locations to create the perfect venue elevating a romantic setting to a whole new level. Couples can experience complete privacy with 180-degree Indian Ocean views from the villa’s new Ocean Wedding Deck, which has a capacity for up to 180 guests for a splendid sit-down dinner or up to 150 guests for a standing event. Another spectacular setting is SKY, a unique and exciting location for a wedding celebration. This fantastic venue seemingly floats 35 meters above the Indian Ocean with endless views melting into the horizon. SKY is part of a spectacular 7,500 square meter multi-purpose Bali event venue above AYANA’s secluded Kubu Beach. With 180-degree ocean views of the Indian Ocean, impress your guests with the stunning natural beauty of Bale Kencana, AYANA’s traditional reception venue. Shaded by tropical gardens and secreted behind ornate volcanic and limestone walls, Bale Kencana is surrounded by a tranquil pond and natural stone paving. The raised thatch-roofed gazebo provides an open-air venue to celebrate the bridal couple, with theatre-style seating for dinner guests directly in front. Add a touch of Bali magic to your wedding event at Bali Kencana.

REDONDO BEACH

INDIAN WEDDING

The Ceremony, the traditions

Indian weddings are famous for the vibrant colors, the jewelry worn by both the bride and the groom, for lasting several days and for including almost everyone in both family's lists of friends, close and distant family members, and sometimes, just about anyone who would love to join them. Indian weddings are a huge business not only in India but around the world. The elaborate celebrations can cost millions of dollars and usually include several receptions culminating with the principal wedding ceremony. It is not unusual to have 2,000 guests, and the more elaborate ones include highly decorated elephants guiding the wedding party and the groom as he is to meet the bride's family before the ceremony. It is also a tradition that the groom performs a well-coordinated dance routine with his groom's party to the delight of this new bride.

Photo by Amish Thakkar*

Photo by Andy Arjun*

Photo by Pixel Studios*

Photo by Amish Thakkar*

Photo by Anmol Gadatara*

Photo by Zohair Mirza*

Photo by Amish Thakkar *

Photo by Franz Buchhalter

Photo by Franz Buchhalter

Photo by Abhay Patel*

THE HONEYMOON SUITE

Wake Up in a Romantic Setting

There are places in this world that take your breath away, and we have selected a handful of them. Any of these luxurious and romantic hideaways is the perfect setting to begin your wedded bliss as a couple. After the ceremony, the celebration, the bride's bouquet's tossing, and the first dance as a couple. The next chapter of your wedding begins with your honeymoon. The honeymoon provides your first memorable moments as a couple. It sets the stage for how a couple treats each other and prepares the path to your new adventure together. Selecting where to spend your honeymoon is as unique as choosing your wedding venue. So many things to consider and so many choices. Would you prefer a

beach, a retreat in the countryside, a villa in the beautiful Thailand hills, or a treehouse in the tropical beach rainforest? Our selection of unique and extraordinary venues begins in the magical secluded shoreline of Koh Lanta, Thailand, where the ocean meets lush hills. Our o ff erings include a unique setting in Crete, one of the world's most romantic islands. Or Bali, defined as a romantic place. Each of our featured hotels offers a romantic setting surrounded by impressive views, impeccable service, world-class cuisine, and luxurious amenities that ensure your honeymoon will be as memorable as your wedding celebration.

Photo by Womanizer-Toys*

NANA PRINCESS RESORT

Crete, Greece

The Nana Princess resort off 5* experience with a generous selection of 102 immaculately designed suites and villas. Each habitation's contemporary furnishings and layout evoke a sense of stately splendor, meeting the highest aesthetic standards down to the last detail. The spacious suites and villas capture the essence of pure luxury, and the spirit of wellness flows through each habitation, with some boasting private steam rooms, saunas, and gyms.

The honeymoon suite offers majestic views and a romantic setup for the couple looking for a luxurious experience. The Honeymoon suite offers a private pool, a bathroom complemented with an in-suite sauna, and beautiful design furnishing.

PIMALAI RESORT & SPA

Koh Lanta, Thailand

The Hillside Villa One-Bedroom Villa has a total living area of 2,200 square feet, built on hilly land and nestled amongst the trees. Spacious, elegant, and unpretentious in their architectural design, they provide commanding views of Ba Kan Tiang Bay, the Andaman Sea, and the surrounding lush tropical forest. The villa consists of a main bedroom facing the bay, featured in the adjacent large bathroom is a Rainâ Shower™, and a large bathtub behind a window panel overlooking the bay. The bedroom opens onto a spacious sundeck featuring a private 215 square feet infinity-edge swimming pool.

ALMA RESORT

Cam Ranh,Vietnam

Alma Resort is located in Cam Ranh, Vietnam's most beautiful beaches, where more than 300 days of the year o sunshine and warm weather. Alma Resort offers luxurious villas featuring upscale living in large light-filled contemporary, and stylish spaces. Private patios, balconies, oversized sofas, daybeds, and an en-suite bathroom complement the expansive villa. Both oceanfront and ocean-view pavilions o choice of a private pool or jacuzzi. Contemporary design touches feature throughout, creating a space to feel at home: private patios, balconies, daybeds, and outdoor space to enjoy the magni beach steps away.

AYANA SEGARA

Bali, Indonesia

AYANA Segara suites combine rich, natural materials with sophisticated decor inspired by Balinese culture. Handcrafted furnishings by local artisans, smooth lines, warm lighting, and rustic wooden details channel a contemporary yet distinctly charming Balinese design. These features make up this beautifully designed offering. Lounge on a cushioned daybed on the private terrace, offering stunning views of the bay, or unwind in the deep-soaking bathtub in the elegant bathroom. enjoyed access to di ff erent dining options and can be reserved a romantic viewing of the magni fi cent Balinese sunsets while enjoying a delicate cocktail in the famous Rock Bar.

AYANA BALI

Bali, Indonesia

Each suite offers over 1,100 Sq Ft of living space and stunning views of the Indian Ocean from the living room and master bedroom. The suite features a double private balcony. The living room is appointed with an oversized L-shape. The luxurious suite features a comfortable living room and a beautifully appointed master bedroom decorated with classic Balinese touches, including a four-poster bed draped with artisan textiles and hand-painted artwork. Guests at AYANA Bali can enjoy access to world-class restaurants throughout the complex, plus Rock Bar, to watch the amazing sunsets before a romantic dinner.

AYANA VILLAS Bali,

Indonesia

AYANA Villas Bali is located on the Clifftop or by the Ocean. Both offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The villas are designed with comfort, luxury, and elegance in mind. Each of the 78 spacious residences provides a welcoming sanctuary in search of a romantic experience, world-class cuisine, and total relaxation embraced with the world-known Indonesian-friendly service. Dedicated 24/7 Butlers are available to ensure that each of the Villa's guests enjoys a memorable vacation. The Villas at the resort feature a one, two, and three-bedroom Villa. Guests at AYANA Villas have exclusive access to a special section in the Rock Bar to enjoy cocktails while watching the beautiful sunsets to end a romantic day.

RIMBA BY AYANA

Bali, Indonesia

RIMBA was inspired by nature and promises to ignite the imagination. Featuring intriguing art installations, stylish interiors, and views overlooking forested surroundings. Contemporary and serene, the interior decor comprises an edgy design that is balanced with modern furnishings. In addition to breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the inspiring set brings the best of Mother Nature, balancing an edgy and sustainable design with natural materials and sophisticated textiles.

Guests staying at Rimba by AYANA enjoy multiple dining options and access to the serene spa and the Rock Bar.

AYANA MIDPLAZA JAKARTA

Jakarta, Indonesia

Located in the heart of Jakarta's Central Business District, defining the luxury lifestyle hotel experience.

Midplaza Jakarta offers 366 luxurious rooms and suites that blend classic elegance with contemporary furnishing. Each accommodation provides all the modern conveniences for a business stay or holiday before going to other parts of Indonesia. The AYANA Suite o ff ers over 1800 sq feet of space, including a separate lavish living room, a kitchen, a dining room, and an elegantly designed master bedroom. The AYANA Suite is the hotel's most sophisticated accommodation and includes access to the Executive Lounge. Guests staying at AYANA MidPlaza Jakarta will enjoy magni fi cent shopping in the nearby shopping areas—and World-class dining in the several dining options.

AYANA KOMODO Komodo, Indonesia

AYANA Komodo Resort's luxurious accommodations were inspired by Flores Island's rich cultural heritage and rustic beauty. The 205 guest rooms and suites offer exquisite ocean vistas, stylish open spaces, and modern-day comforts. The Full Ocean View Suites offer an average of 860 sq ft of luxurious space—amazing views of Waecicu Beach. The suite o a spacious living area and sophisticated decor. At AYANA Komodo, guests can enjoy various activities to experience this fantastic resort. Experience a spa treatment, encounter the beauty of the ocean in the comfort of a glass bottom boat, or relax on the beach while listening to the sounds of the waves.

ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT

Doha, Qatar

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is a sanctuary dedicated to the power of nature, harnessing its beauty, strengths, and resources to revive the human body, mind, and spirit, bringing back natural energy to where it belongs. Indulge in the extensive offering of signature amenities and recreational activities amid an environment created to help you relax and rejuvenate. The Qataf Suite offers an authentic experience. With a total area of more than 7,450 sq. ft. of space, the suite features a unique design with an expansive terrace stunningly set overlooking the beach and a private pool. Disconnect with a steam bath, sauna, swimming pool, plunge pool, and a private garden to enjoy a romantic evening.

INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE Singapore

InterContinental Singapore is a Luxury Landmark set in the heart of Bugis and Bras Basah's historic precinct Heritage of the arts and cultural districts and positioned in proximity to established historical enclaves, including Arab Street, Kampong Glam, and Little India.

Reminiscent of shophouse living, the rooms, and suites located in the Heritage Wing of the hotel preserve the style of shophouses from the 1920s as an integral feature of the hotel's design.

InterContinental® Singapore presents a world of gourmet delights, including contemporary Cantonese cuisine at Michelin Recommend Man Fu Yuan; Italian gastronomic concept restaurant, LUCE by Davide Giacomelli; or an All-day dining experience at The

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Wedding details are anything and everything about a wedding that provide some *look* to a wedding. This "look" could also be considered a general style or theme. The fantastic thing about wedding details is that many are common to a wedding- centerpieces, bouquets, table numbers, etc. The details set the tone of the wedding and bring out the couple's personality. Everything begins with the "save the Date"; this is the first time that guests learn the tone of the wedding. If the save the date is traditional, the guests will understand that this may be a formal affair; if it is more casual, the marriage most likely will be less formal. The first question that needs to be answered is, "How the couple envisions their wedding date" This will help the wedding planners to understand how to plan the event. This also should be the guiding point for the rest of the planning - the actual invitations, the venue, the dress, flowers, the bride and groom party look, and food everything should be connected and with the same tone.

Before the initial "save the date" is sent out, couples should evaluate the following:

Budget - this will determine the entire event. Something that needs to be set from day one, and we anticipate an increase as the date gets closer.

Tone - Formal, casual, mesh formal.

Color palette - this will influence the look and feel of the event—Pastel colors vs vivid ones. Soft hues are more romantic than vivid colors, reflecting a more energetic and wild look.

The Cake - If the wedding has a soft look, perhaps a more traditional design will work best. But the cake should be less traditional if the look is more colorful. Photographer - choosing the right photographer to match how you want your wedding to be remembered. The images that will be captured will tell the story.

Wedding details should be a reflection of the couple's personality.

Photo by Lanty*

Photo by Lanty*

Photo by Celine Druguet*

Photo by Lanty*

Photo by Beth McDonald*

Photo by Jordan Arnold*

AND THEN THERE IS THE CAKE

Photo by Victor Monthay*

FROM SIMPLE TO ELABORATE

The cake takes center stage in most weddings. Selecting the right one will be based entirely on the couple's personality. However, the cake's design is connected to the tone of the wedding. No matter the traditions that have brought us these delectable wedding cakes, a wedding cake must be at the reception today. The wedding cake has been a part of the ceremony since the ancient Greeks and Romans. The groom broke bread over the bride's head as part of the wedding. This was to symbolize her submission, the end of her purity, and to represent good luck and fertility. During the Middle Ages, a new take on wedding cake began. Apart from bringing more happiness to the celebration, a cake can symbolize success and milestones; let's face it, it is a fun and delicious tradition. Over the last century, the cakes evolved from traditional white icing cakes to colorful, over-the-top confections from professional bakeries and pastry chefs. Social media also influence couples today in the selection of their wedding cake. Social media allows seeing hundreds of designs, and indeed there is one that meets

their criteria or gives them ideas on what to choose. So no longer the traditional white cake; now, the trend is less conventional and more connected to the couple's personality. But delicious, no less.

Photo by Temi BV*

Photo by Tom The Photographer*

Photo by Deva Williamson *

Photo by Junior Reis *

Photo by Michael Fousert*

Photo by Christina Victoria Craft *

ON OUR NEXT SPECIAL ISSUE THE HONEYMOON

Out October 2023

Some places are magnificent to spend the first days of your marital bliss. In our next Special Issue of Design Destinations Magazine, they provide all the amenities to make your honeymoon memorable, from the honeymoon suite to dining options, spas, and romantic experiences.

Photo: Cayton Heath on Unsplash

Photo: Jonathan Borba *