Weddings & honeymoons march april 2016

HOW TO HONEYMOON LONGER FOR LESS! P.58

2016 Tre nd Report P.16

IN VEGAS, HAWAII, MEXICO, FLORIDA, THE CARIBBEAN ...

Get the Most Likes, Tweets, ss Be the First: New Hotels & Resorts

265 LOOKS, FASHION FINDS & MORE!

OFALL

WorldMags.net THE WORLD WE PICKED THE the places in

PERFECT ONE

FOR OUR HONEYMOON

J A M A I C A

•

A N T I G U A

•

S A I N T

L U C I A

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B A H A M A S

*Visit www.sandals.com/disclaimers/destinationweddingsandhoneymoonssanmarchapril2016 or call 1-800-SANDALS for important terms and conditions.

•

WEDDING

& HONEYMOON

WorldMags.net SANDALS® FREE* BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS WEDDING WITH A THREE-NIGHT STAY OR MORE!

*

INVITE FAMILY & FRIENDS AND THE HONEYMOON IS FREE*, TOO!

®

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

O N

T H E

P L A N E T

A five-star Luxury Included® Honeymoon at Sandals Resorts is as close to perfect as you’ll ever find. Fabulous beaches. Exotic islands. Decadently romantic Love Nest SuitesTM. Exciting land and water sports, including unlimited scuba diving for certified divers and golf *. Gourmet Discovery Dining at up to 16 outstanding restaurants. Endless pours of premium spirits and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines, always included, 24/7. Plus beach parties, authentic island entertainment and more.

It’s all included, all unlimited, all the time. The perfect start to the perfect marriage.

G R E N A D A

•

B A R B A D O S

WWW.SANDALS.COM/WEDDINGMOONS 1-877-SANDALS or call your Travel Professional WorldMags.net

@Weddingmoons

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WorldMags.net [YH]LSLY YL]PL^

OUR FAIRYTALE WEDDING .ULVWLQD * 0DU\ODQG

Old San Juan

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WorldMags.net SO MANY REA SONS TO Puerto Rico offers varied destination wedding styles

Few destinations are as accessible or as entertaining for the whole wedding party! Enjoy world-class golf, pampering spas, horseback riding and zip-lining, sightseeing, rum and foodie tours, or just lounging in our beautiful beaches.

– historical, contemporary, beach, country, intimate or sophisticated; combined with a range of romantic venues – centuries old forts, intimate antique churches, majestic mountains, pristine beaches, small inns or five star resorts.

No passport required for U.S. citizens • Daily direct flights from most major U.S. cities • Since Puerto Rico is part of the U.S., legal paperwork is a lot easier than in foreign countries •

All exotic, unique, beautiful … and hassle free!

Old San Juan

St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort, Río Grande

BEGIN YOUR DREAM WEDDING AT

SEEPUERTORICO.COM /Weddings Or call 1-800-866-7827 and let the Puerto Rico Tourism Company's wedding specialists help you get started.

See Puerto Rico

@PRTourismCo

SeePuertoRico

Photos by Saúl Padua

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WHEREVER YOU FIND YOUR SMILE, YOU’LL FIND OURS. THAT’S CAYMANKIND.

A WORLD AWAY. JUST ONE HOUR FROM MIAMI.

www.caymanvows.ky WorldMags.net Photos by Rebecca Davidson and Celebrations

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NOW ARRIVING 16 Five hot wedding trends, LGBTQ-friendly locales, and sweet spots for scuba lovers.

THE PLAN 21 How to Marry: SoCal From rooftops to wineries, Southern California specializes in red-carpet-worthy I do’s.

71

24 A-List Advice

21

Invite, live-streaming and scheduling how-to’s.

26 For the Groom Free stuf: You won’t get it if you don’t ask.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: CHELSEA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY (PHOTOGRAPHED WITH PERMISSION AT THE NEON MUSEUM, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA); VOWTOBECHIC.COM; KATELYN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY; RENTTHERUNWAY.COM; CHRIS+LYNN DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHERS (CHRISPLUSLYNN.COM); LYDIA FAITH AT HERSONGPHOTOGRAPHS.COM; REBECCA ARTHURS

THE LOOK 31 Gone Country Sylvan accents mark a rustic wedding shoot.

34 Gowns for Hire Fashion-forward frocks for rent. Plus, where to score accessories for way less than retail.

FEATURES

40

40 Real Weddings Vows in Hawaii, Costa Rica, BVI and Mexico.

48 Hot 16 for 2016 New and noteworthy ceremony spots.

58 Honeymoon Hopping Three two-week itineraries that make a multicountry ’moon a no-brainer.

THE EVER AFTER 67 Splurge or Save: Australia Spend $$ on an Outback honeymoon — or don’t.

70 Perfect Day in Montego Bay

58

Jamaica diversions beyond beaches and bars.

71 Wild vs. Mild: Las Vegas Double down in the real City That Never Sleeps.

IN EVERY ISSUE Æ 8 Editor’s Letter Æ 15 Pick the Date Æ 74 The Spot, the Shot Follow us on Instagram and Twitter! @DESTWEDDINGMAG Pin us on Pinterest!

PINTEREST.COM/DESTWEDDINGMAG Like us on Facebook!

DESTINATIONWEDDINGMAG.COM/FACEBOOK Add us on Google+!

GOOGLE.COM/+DESTINATIONWEDDINGMAG

48

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editor’sletter WorldMags.net Now Boarding

TEST DRIVE YOUR

WeddingMon PREVIEW YOUR WEDDINGMOON WITH 2 NIGHTS IN PARADISE! ®

Sandals makes it easy for you to test drive your dream destination wedding and ® experience our ive-star Luxury Included resorts irst-hand. Be our guest for 2 nights starting at a rate of $250 per night* and receive up to a $700 credit* when you book your WeddingMoon group of 10 rooms or more at Sandals. Certain restrictions apply.

Few things excite me more than getting on a plane.

Airports are electric with energy, and there’s nothing like the rush of passing through security like a champ and making it to the gate on time. I always splurge on a mocha latte and pack up my tech toys, looking forward to a little me time in my seat. Now, even with a 9-month-old, it thrills me to navigate the whole process with her strapped in the baby carrier — it’s just one more welcome challenge to the travel game.

Experts recommend purchasing flights four to six weeks out for the best deal, so if you’re considering a 2016 destination wedding and honeymoon, you’ve still got plenty of time to book. And we’re here to help — we’ve rounded up new direct routes (“Flight Tracker,” p. 16) and pinpointed this year’s most talked-about wedding locales, where new flights and hotels meet celebrity buzz (“Hot Sixteen for 2016,” p. 48).

As always, we’re here to help you pull of your dream day without blowing your budget.

Find tips on free scouting trips (“Deal Seeker,” p. 26), dress rentals that can save you up to 88 percent (!) (“Gowns for Hire,” p. 34) and need-to-know honeymoon hacks (“Honeymoon Hopping,” p. 58).

Congratulations on your engagement! We guarantee your destination wedding will be an incredible experience. Now sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. ! P.58

ERIKA HUENEKE Editor-in-Chief

1

s

ON OUR COVER Celeste and her longtime love, Matthew, eloped in the desert outside Las Vegas. For more on Vegas escapes, turn to p. 71.

PHOTOGRAPHY CHELSEA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR & MAKEUP MAKEUP IN THE 702 GOWN & HEADPIECE BO & LUCA AIRSTREAM RENTAL SILVER TRAILER

®

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED EVERYTHING ELSE IS INCLUDED

WWW.SANDALS.COM/TESTDRIVE

*Visit www.sandals.com/disclaimers/ destinationweddingsandhoneymoonsmarchapril2016 or call 1-800-SANDALS for important terms and conditions.

SAME-SEX WEDDING GUIDE Download our special digital guide!

Find 18 wedding and honeymoon destinations that recognize marriage equality, plus style ideas, real weddings, new ceremony traditions, tips on finding a welcoming planner and more. Visit destinationweddingmag.com/same-sex.

Sandals Emerald Bay

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CHRISTY MARKS

1-877-SANDALS or call your Travel Professional

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advertiser directory Bridal Registries

1. The Registry at Bloomingdale’s Page 14 bloomingdales.com/Registry Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda 2. British Virgin Islands Tourism Board Page 9 bvitourism.com 3. Cayman Islands Department of Tourism - Page 6 caymanislands.ky 4. Puerto Rico Tourism - Page 4-5 gotopuertorico.com 5. St. Lucia Tourist Board – Page 39 stlucia.org 6. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa - Page 37 wyndhamriomar.com Florida 7. Monroe County Florida Tourist Development Council - Page 29 fla-keys.com 8. Southernmost Hotel Collection Page 30 southernmostresorts.com Louisanna 9. New Orleans Hotel Collection Page 71 neworleanshotelcollection.com Multiple Islands 10. Beaches Resorts by Sandals Pages 12-13 beaches.com 11. Hard Rock All Inclusive Collection Page 30 allinclusivehotelweddings.com 12. Ocean Properties, Hotels and Resorts Page 25 oplhotels.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ART DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR SENIOR DIGITAL EDITOR SENIOR ONLINE PRODUCER COPY EDITOR

ADVERTISING GROUP PUBLISHER ADVERTISING DIRECTOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER UNITED STATES/CARIBBEAN/MEXICO CALIFORNIA, NEVADA CARIBBEAN HAWAII WEDDING VENDORS SALES COORDINATOR VP, DIRECTOR OF BRAND STRATEGIES GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, TRAVEL GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR CONSUMER MARKETING DIRECTOR GROUP MARKETING DIRECTOR CONTENT SOLUTIONS MANAGER SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER, DIVE & TRAVEL GROUP MARKETING MANAGER, DIVE & TRAVEL GROUP PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER GROUP PRODUCTION DIRECTOR SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER PRODUCTION ARTISTS HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR EDITORIAL HEADQUARTERS & ADVERTISING OFFICES

13. Palace Resorts - Page 11 palaceresorts.com 14. Palladium Hotels & Resorts Page 69 palladiumhotelgroup.com 15. Playa Resorts - Page 76 playaresorts.com 16. Sandals Resorts - Pages 2-3 sandals.com Cruise/Yacht Vacations 17. MSC Cruises USA - Page 75 msccruisesusa.com Wedding Planners 18. Ask Me - Page 27 askmeinc.com

CHAIRMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER CHIEF DIGITAL REVENUE OFFICER VP, INTEGRATED SALES VP, CONSUMER MARKETING VP, DIGITAL AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT VP, DIGITAL OPERATIONS VP, PUBLIC RELATIONS GENERAL COUNSEL

Wedding Products 19. Minted - Pages 33, 35 minted.com Wedding Vendors 20.Destination Weddings Travel Group Page 19 destinationweddings.com 21. Wedding Salon - Page 66 weddingsalon.com

Erika Hueneke Vicky Hodges Holly V. Kapherr Kim Kuhn Cami Miller Jeff Williams Carrie Riles

This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.

Laura Walker Paula Iwanski 407-571-4605; paula.iwanski@bonniercorp.com Jackie D’Antonio 407-571-4718; jackie.dantonio@bonniercorp.com Kelly Freygang 407-571-4743; kelly.freygang@bonniercorp.com Sharon Mariner 305-450-0004; sharon@marinermediasolutions.com Julie Kittredge 813-877-6959; julie.kittredge@bonniercorp.com Debbie Anderson 808-739-2200; debbie.anderson@bonniercorp.com Kate D’Amico 407-571-4547; kate.damico@bonniercorp.com Melissa Tone 407-571-4588; melissa.tone@bonniercorp.com Matt Hickman Shawn Bean Jennifer Ceaser David Weaver Leigh Bingham Haley Bischof Lindsay Gigler Oriana Agudelo Holly Pulcher Robyn Sheckler Michelle Doster Alison Klein Julia Arana, Jennifer Remias Sheri Bass 460 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 200, Winter Park, FL 32789 407-628-4802; fax 407-628-7061 NEW YORK: 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016, 212-779-5000

Tomas Franzén Eric Zinczenko David Ritchie Elizabeth Burnham Murphy Sean Holzman John Graney John Reese Jennifer Anderson David Butler Perri Dorset Jeremy Thompson Destination Weddings & Honeymoons (Volume 12, Issue 2; ISSN 1554-3714) is published six times a year by Bonnier Corporation, PO Box 8500, Winter Park, FL 32790; 407-628-4802.

For reprints email reprints@bonniercorp.com.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, PO Box 8500, Winter Park, FL 32790 Standard postage paid at Winter Park, Florida, and additional mailing offices.

Employment opportunities at bonniercorp.com Lithography RR Donnelley | PRINTED IN THE USA © 2016 by Bonnier Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent from Bonnier Corporation. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons is not responsible for the care or return of unsolicited materials.

FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS, renewals, address changes, email preferences, billing and account status, visit destinationweddingmag.com/cs, call 407-571-4646, or write to Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine, PO Box 8500, Winter Park, FL 32790.

Retail single-copy sales: ProCirc Retail Solutions Group, Tony DiBisceglie

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YOUR DAY. PERFECTED BY OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS. With one call, your custom-made dream wedding can become a reality. We’ll help you personalize a wedding collection, choose from seven breathtaking locations in Mexico and Jamaica and get great benefits like resort credits. So you can actually sit back and enjoy being engaged. Imagine that.

1.866.440.5618 Weddings.PalaceResorts.com

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®

Some moments are worth remembering. Others are truly unforgettable. At Beaches , you can celebrate an unforgettable wedding day with the people who mean the most to you. And after you say “I do”, you can slip away to the privacy of a decadently romantic suite while your guests enjoy an exciting vacation of their own. And everything’s included at Beaches—every land and water sport imaginable, exhilarating water parks and activities for kids of all ages, and Gourmet Discovery Dining at up to 21 restaurants, 24/7 happy hours with endless pours of premium spirits and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines. Dreams really do come true at Beaches, because when everything is included, anything is possible.

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WorldMags.net Share your LOVE share your LIFE

WEDDING & HONEYMOON BEACHES FREE* BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS WEDDING WITH A THREENIGHT STAY OR MORE! INVITE FAMILY & FRIENDS AND THE HONEYMOON IS FREE*, TOO!

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Resorts

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TURKS & CAICOS • JAMAICA

BEACHES.COM/WEDDINGMOONS • 1-877-BEACHES or call your Travel Professional ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN* A BEACHES HONEYMOON! at www.beaches.com/dreamhoneymoon

MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS IN THE WORLD

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*Visit www.beaches.com/disclaimers/destinationweddingsandhoneymoonsbchmarchapril2016 or call 1-800-BEACHES for important terms and conditions.

@Weddingmoons

WorldMags.net LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN! Registering with us is just the first step on your extraordinary journey together...

This is an amazing time in your life, and we can’t wait to share it with you. When you register with us, you’ll be matched with a specialized Registry Consultant whose one and only mission is to make your Registry experience perfect—and fun. You’ll also get 20%–25% off* an amazing selection in Women’s, Men’s, Fine Jewelry and much, much more.

Register four ways: stop by your nearest Bloomingdale’s, go to bloomingdales.com/registry, download the Big Brown Bag app, or call 1-800-888-2WED.

*Offers expire on your occasion date or 12 months from when you register. Certain designer, brand and leased department exclusions apply. See a Registry Consultant for details. Reg./Orig. prices reflect offering prices. Savings may not be based on actual sales. Intermediate markdowns may have been taken. Savings are off regular prices unless otherwise noted. No adjustments to prior purchases. May not be used in conjunction with any other savings certificate or storewide discount offer.

Customers must present the Little Registry Perks coupon at time of purchase; see Registry Consultant for details. Employees of Bloomingdale’s and its affiliates are excluded.

Not valid at Bloomingdale’s Dubai and Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Stores.

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WEATHER

PAPER Send

FINE PRINT Send proposals, contracts, design boards and sketches to vendors via email to save paper.

VENUE “Selecting a beautiful wedding site that doesn’t need much decor is a great way to be eco-friendly; wedding flowers are typically

00 ,0 11

FAVORS Make a donation in guests’ names to a charity or environmental organization close to your heart.

00 2,0 $1

KEEN ON GREEN

$200

0

BANG for your BUCK

$4,500

EARTH DAY IS APRIL 22. WE’VE FOUND SIX WAYS TO MAKE YOUR EVENT MORE ECO-FRIENDLY.

$5 $15 $25, 5,00 ,50 00 0 0 0

FLORA Use salal or ferns from the forest, as well as seasonal flowers, instead of shipping in stems.

FLIP-FLOPS FOR GUESTS Æ

0 ,50 00 ,0

digital save-thedates and invitations printed on recycled paper.

ty pu ti to ina Planning dest on the

locally grown produce that’s in season. For an entree with the lowest environmental impact, “Chicken is best, followed by pork and sustainably caught fish,” says planner Kelli Corn.

$

FOOD Serve

VALUE

dish .*

no w

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o on ur -w tax b ed refu ur din nd toward yo en g det li ails their c

the event,” says Rayna Wallen of

HERE’S WHAT IT’LL COST TO RAISE A PINT OF GUINNESS AROUND THE WORLD THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY. PHILADELPHIA Æ $4 LAS VEGAS Æ $7.30 DUBLIN Æ $7.50

FRANKFURT Æ $4.80 NEW YORK CITY Æ $7 PARIS Æ $8.75

LOS ANGELES Æ $5.50 SAN FRANCISCO Æ $6.50 MIAMI Æ $9

QUEBEC Æ $5.75 BOSTON Æ $6 NORWAY Æ $11

by CHARYN PFEUFFER

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MARCH/APRIL 2016 15

ar now ri vi ng

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2016

TREND REPORT FIVE IDEAS THAT DOUBLE AS YOUR “SOMETHING NEW.” Make pictures, not war, with the aid of drone photography. In Mexico, Velas Resorts (below) promise a video and aerial images within a month. … Everything is coming up roses (or sandalwood, or vanilla) thanks to the increasing popularity of signature wedding scents. In Charleston, South

Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami (left).

Expect Carnival dancers, drummers, stilt walkers

PLAN YOUR GAYCATION IN A HOT LOCALE THAT RECOGNIZES MARRIAGE EQUALITY. Puerto Rico Æ Many Caribbean islands are popular wedding destinations, but few welcome marriage equality. As part of the United States, Puerto Rico is happily among those that do. Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Puerto Rico hosted a mass wedding of more than 60 same-sex couples in Old San Juan. Stay: The 916-room Caribe Hilton San Juan ofers Caribbean flavor in spades.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Æ Often referred to as the San Francisco of Mexico, PV is

home to a very visible LGBTQ community, attracting thousands of gay visitors annually. In addition to sharing San Fran’s open-mindedness, it has a similar geography, sitting on the Pacific Ocean with mountain vistas. Stay: CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is only minutes from Zona Romantica (Old Town) and Los Muertos Beach.

Oahu Æ The fact that Hawaii tried to become the first U.S. state to welcome marriage equality nearly 10 years before Massachusetts only adds to its appeal.

new welcome bags. In partnership with Gifts for the Good Life, Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas can prepare customized recovery kits for over-celebrators. ... High art meets high tide when couples commission a sand sculpture for

has a sculptor on speed dial who can even create a mini version of the wed-

Flight Tracker

SIMPLIFY TRAVEL BY CHOOSING A LOCALE SERVED BY ONE OF THESE NONSTOPS — NO CONNECTIONS, NO WORRIES.

16 DESTINATIONWEDDINGMAG.COM

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1 ATLANTA (ATL) Æ BONAIRE (BON) Delta and United Airlines (3 hours, 58 minutes) New domestic services to the island also include New York and Houston. Bonus: Bonaire is located south of the hurricane belt. Phew.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: NILKA GISSELL (NILKAGISSELL.COM) (2); ELIZABETH LLOYD PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY CASA MARINA, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT; COURTESY THE RITZ-CARLTON KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI; COURTESY VELAS RESORTS

a bespoke fragrance for the bride; the scent is also translated into a signature cocktail and candle favors. …

La Hora Loca (“crazy hour”), a tradition long practiced in South America to reinvigorate guests between dining and dancing at the reception,

Wed Where to

WorldMags.net Dive Right In

FROM LEFT: JUNE COCHRAN WITH JUNE PHOTOGRAPHY (HIJUNE.COM); CATHY CHURCH; SANDALS RESORTS; COURTESY JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU RESORT

Diving compelled the royal couple to escape in summer 2015 to the island of Mustique, where Kate earned her PADI advanced certification. Here, three ways scuba can bring you closer.

Oahu is Hawaii’s most populated island — and its most LGBTQ-friendly. The heart of the action is Queen’s Surf Beach in Waikiki, within walking distance of famed Hula’s Bar. Above: Jefrey and JC eloped Stay: Hilton Waikiki Beach on Puerto Rico’s Escambrón and its sister property, Hilton Beach. Below from left: Angelenos Jessica and Lacey Hawaiian Village Waikiki wed in Puerto Vallarta.

Beach Resort, have no shortJefrey and JC toasting their age of aloha for same-sex union. Rory and Luke’s ceremony on Oahu. guests. — Troy Petenbrink

1

2

3

THE PROPOSAL

THE WEDDING

THE HONEYMOON

GRAND CAYMAN The underwater Amphitrite statue in front of Sunset House, a 50-room scuba-centric hotel, has blessed nearly a dozen proposals. The landmark simplifies ring hiding (under the tail fluke is popular), and little planning is involved, aside from penciling the big question on an underwater slate.

The shore dive is so easy, says resort manager Keith Sahm, “Seventy-five percent of the time, we find out after the fact — but our ‘yes’ rate is 100 percent.” From $154.

GRENADA For couples wanting to share both their big day and scuba’s big thrills with loved ones, Sandals LaSource Grenada on Pink Gin Beach is a smart pick: Certified divers enjoy two free underwater tours daily. If your guests have never tried scuba, they can swim along reefs, wrecks and an underwater sculpture garden after taking a $90 resort course. The temporary certification is good at any Sandals or Beaches resort for a year. From $340 per person, all-inclusive.

FIJI At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, the 25 thatched bures (huts) are mere steps from the water’s edge, and honeymooners can be delivered by boat to remote beaches for private picnics. The resort’s location, on Savusavu Bay on the island of Vanua Levu, offers quick access to forests of soft corals for divers. For an even more memorable experience, book a night dive for two with the resort’s resident marine biologist.

big-day look with Hynt Beauty’s Stella loose powder eye shadow in Periwinkle Blue and Libre Luxurious lip gloss in Pearly Rose Pink ($18 each; hyntbeauty.com). — Erika Hueneke 2 ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (SNA) Æ PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO (PVR) Alaska Airlines (3 hours, 5 minutes) The airline now flies year-round, three times a week. With 300-plus eateries in PV, rehearsal-dinner options abound.

3 FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (FLL) Æ BARBADOS (BGI) JetBlue Airways (3 hours, 50 minutes) Starting April 28, you can fly direct to the island and follow Simon Cowell’s lead, swimming, Jet Skiing and strolling on the sand.

4 (RDU) Æ

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MARCH/APRIL 2016 17

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VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE Æ Caribbean lobster, conch chowder and Bahamian bread pudding are all perfect fare for a beachy Out Islands reception dinner. Hire an

2

PARTY TIME, EXCELLENT Æ For an adventurous welcome party in the Abacos, barhop by boat from Pete’s Pub (Great Abaco) to Firefly Bar (Elbow Cay) to Grabbers (Great Guana Cay) to Cracker P’s (Lubbers Quarters). The next day, host a rehearsal dinner of macadamia-crusted snapper at Abaco Beach Resort’s Angler’s Restaurant (seats 30 inside), or curried lamb chops at Rock House on Harbour Island (seats 80).

700 islands = unlimited ways to celebrate.

4

BECAUSE WEDDINGMOONS Æ At Abaco Beach Resort (above), marry on the pool deck overlooking white yachts bobbing in the marina, then party like sultans with oversize silk pillows and glowing lanterns. Postwedding, steal away to one of only 10 eco-chic villas at Tiamo Resort on South Andros Island.

18 DESTINATIONWEDDINGMAG.COM

3

EASY COME, EASY GO Æ Loads of direct flights take off to the main Out Islands from across Florida and Georgia with Silver Airways (as well as several others, including Delta and Sky Bahamas). For a luxe private-jet experience, Wildcat Touring began service in 2015 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Marsh Harbour, Abacos.

GUESTS CAN GET BUSY (OR NOT) Æ On a paddle-boarding tour with Abaco Beach Resort, your crew can cavort with sea turtles off Pelican Cay’s deserted-island beach. Exuma Water Tours takes groups to swim with wild pigs and snorkel in James Bond’s Thunderball Grotto. — Vicky Hodges

WorldMags.net More Online! /BAHAMAS

5

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK (2); JENELLE KAPPE; EVE GREENDALE PHOTOGRAPHY (2); JENELLE KAPPE; ABACO BEACH RESORT AND BOAT HARBOUR MARINA

BAHAMAS OUT ISLANDS

Get Married Away with

www.destinationweddings.com/dwhmag2

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Whether you envision saying your vows barefoot on a beach, on board a luxury cruise at sea or within a blooming historic garden, we have your perfect destination. Explore over 1,200 hotels and resorts in 42 countries to make your dream a reality!

Trust the experts who have planned nearly 25,000 weddings and counting‌ WorldMags.net

WorldMags.net YOUR DAY ALL YOUR OWN Walk

down

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aisle

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iconic

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Customize

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wedding experience and infuse your personal style with the picturesque sands of paradise. Mix & match any of 9 spectacular collections by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie, including a COMPLIMENTARY COLLECTION* featuring gorgeous designs at no additional charge.

Once you’ve chosen your look, let us handle the details. Our Wedding Specialists can book rooms and flights, arrange events, and manage all the ins and outs of planning a destination wedding.

Keep the fun in full swing after the wedding with one of 3 signature Honeymoon Packages including the COMPLIMENTARY HONEYMOON PACKAGE, which comes standard. We’ll even set you up with $1,800 LIMITLESS RESORT CREDIT** to spend any way you want: unlimited golf, nearby attractions, or even a couples massage at the legendary Rock Spa® — it’s up to you.

For more information, visit hrhweddings.com or call 855.762.5255.

*Additional restrictions apply. **A 20% service fee will apply over the final price of all transactions using the Limitless Resort Credit promotion on all services or products available at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. Service fee can only be paid with cash, room charge and credit card. Service fee cannot be paid with the remaining Limitless Resort Credit promotion balance. Other restrictions may apply. Please refer to website for full Terms and Conditions.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JODEE DEBES PHOTOGRAPHY; KATELYN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY; SHELLY ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY (SHELLYANDERSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM); RYAN GARVIN; JODEE DEBES PHOTOGRAPHY; SHANE AND LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY; DESIREE SHUEY PHOTOGRAPHY (DESIREESHUEY.COM); INNER SONG (YOURINNERSONG.COM)

in si de

YOUR BIG DAY SIMPLIFIED

the

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HEELED

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REVEAL P28

OUR GUIDE TO WEDDINGS IN LA, SAN DIEGO & BEYOND

SoCal how to marry in

by CARRIE BELL

MARCH/APRIL 2016 21

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Los Angeles

The Entertainment Capital of the World offers an embarrassment of planning riches to ensure a blockbuster LA (wedding) story.

EIGHT COUNTIES, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. WHETHER YOU’RE DREAMING OF AN EVENT THAT’S FARM-FRESH, HIGH-RISE HAUTE, ECO-CHIC, BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH OR WAREHOUSE-LEVEL HIPSTER — SUNNY, STYLISH AND SPRAWLING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS ONE GOLDEN RULE WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDINGS: ALL ARE WELCOME.

Æ

Æ

ils The Deta

LOCAL

gathering. Massage/nail/facial salon The Lounge Spa throws themed gatherings with optional cocktails and catering in Culver City. A trip to the land of hard bodies isn’t complete without barely surviving a new fitness fad like Hiking Yoga.

PARTY 2016 is the last year couples can wed at the Huron Substation, built in 1906 to house electrical equipment for Yellow Cars (trolleys); grab a photo op in front of its huge barn doors. At Baltaire, event spaces include a catalog-worthy all-season patio.

Big Daddy’s Antiques (below) in Culver City is a retail store by day, an inviting venue by night; the expert staf will walk you through its eclectic vignettes to find the perfect backdrop.

WEATHER

creative with pedicabs, Big Woody Limos or electric bikes (Pedego rental stores

FLOWERS Jillian Ziska of Coastyle Events says succulents are still going strong, but air plants, honeycombs, berries and big bulbs are gaining momentum.

WELCOME BAGS says Margaux Fraise of

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Beach essentials are best — flip-flops, organic sunscreen, Turkish towels, local treats (See’s Candies was founded in LA) and sips from Pressed Juicery.

FROM TOP: SHELLY ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY (SHELLYANDERSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM); ©AMY AND STUART PHOTOGRAPHY; SHUTTERSTOCK (4)

STAY Once a beach club for Roaring ’20s high society, Hotel Casa Del Mar is still a celeb-spotting hot spot.

You can’t help but feel giddy when the Santa Monica Ferris wheel illuminates every terrace photo. Rooms from $495; weddings from $15,000.

If the InterContinental Century City can pull of a presidential stay without incident, trust they’ve got your special day covered. An overhaul of the event spaces, public areas and rooms wrapped up in late 2015. The ceremony garden was even the setting for a Bachelorette group date. Rooms from $449; weddings from $95 per person.

Mr. C hotel in Beverly Hills recently said ciao to the old 12th-floor ballroom and introduced a sleeker, mostly white one with tufted sofas, custom metal Chiavari chairs and views from downtown to the ocean.

Rooms from $325; weddings from $150 per person.

PLAY Outdoor movie screenings abound — Eat|See|Hear also doubles as a concert and a food-truck

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WorldMags.nettheplan More Sweet Spots

With loads of creative, classic or cool celebration sites — and a deep list of reliable pros — these three regions are worth the road trip.

TEMECULA Plan a grape escape to this up-andcoming wine valley less than 90 miles from LA and San Diego.

Dance under the stars at Temecula Creek Inn’s Stone House, combining towering oaks, pendant lamps, grassy knolls and a 180-year-old quarrymen’s bunkhouse.

Napa-rivaling winery Ponte Family Estate is a 300-acre compound of gardens, a barrel room, an after-hours bar (a rarity) and an inn. Load welcome bags with drafts from Old Town Rootbeer Co. and Temecula Lavender Co. soaps.

ORANGE COUNTY Most of the orchards that inspired the area’s name are long gone; now the words OC conjure images of swank seaside cities. Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach is known for uninterrupted wave watching from its event terraces, as well as its housemade initial cookies. Or evoke a vintage-chic feel at The Colony

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San Diego America’s Finest City earns the nickname with its chill vibe, craft beer and 70 miles of coast.

STAY In 2015, Manchester Grand Hyatt revamped its ballrooms and introduced 32 Bayview, the area’s highest outdoor terrace. Rooms from $199; weddings from $10,000.

Set on a 15-acre private peninsula, Loews Coronado Bay Resort coordinates toes-in-thesand ceremonies. Snag romantic shots in the gondolas that float through Coronado Island’s canals. Rooms from $209; weddings from $108 per person.

At La Valencia (above), perched atop an ocean cove in the upscale enclave of La Jolla, tiered balconies and garden terraces make for one heck of a bouquet toss. Rooms from $265; weddings from $135 per person.

Cal-A-Vie wellness retreat hosts events in a 400-year old candlelit chapel and L’Orangerie, a former convent imported from Dijon, France.

All-inclusive three-day stay from $3,350 per person (minimum 26 guests); weddings from $21,500.

PLAY Throw a beach barbecue complete with a volleyball tourney and

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY LA VALENCIA HOTEL; KATELYN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY; INNER SONG (YOURINNERSONG.COM); SUSAN YEE | EN POINTE PHOTOGRAPHY

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longboard lessons from Surf Diva. Zoo/museum-hop in 1,200-acre Balboa Park. Whalewatch on an Aolani Catamaran.

Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Refuel on a taco-and-tequila crawl, including a stop at Don Chido.

PARTY Unique venues include the airy industrial Luce Loft; the Martin Johnson House (a historic La Jolla cottage and deck enveloped by cypress trees); the Bistro & Gardens at Stone Brewing Co.; and the New Children’s Museum (below).

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House, an Anaheim event space of reclaimed wood, filament lighting and vaulted ceilings.

SANTA BARBARA Nicknamed the American Riviera, this posh playground Oprah calls home is framed by mountains on one side and a wide swatch of Pacific blue on the other. Belmond El Encanto’s name is Spanish for charm, and betrothed couples toss a commemorative coin into the wishing well before I do’s by the shady lily pond. Goleta’s The Goodland, A Kimpton Hotel flaunts retro photo props aplenty, including a woodie surf wagon and an Airstream trailer.

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Quick Hits BEST WEDDING MONTHS Æ March, May, October AVG. TEMP Æ 75°F STATE FLOWER Æ California poppy STATE GEM Æ Benitoite STATE COLORS Æ Blue and gold

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ’Maids and ’men at Martin Johnson House. Vows at La Valencia. Driving down the 101. Aisle style at Temecula Creek Inn. Young at heart in the New Children’s Museum. Sitting a spell at Big Daddy’s Antiques.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Sunnies, Santa Monica, sandals, smooches, sweets, Santa Barbara, sprigs and smiles.

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WorldMags.net QUESTION

How do we set a time line for our wedding day?

THE PRO Stacy Mulcare, founder of Ceremonies of St. John, has planned destination weddings in the U.S. Virgin Islands since 1996.

Begin with the time you’d like your ceremony to start, then work backward. I determine when the wedding party will depart for the ceremony and the travel duration. Then I’m able to figure out when the hair and makeup appointments must finish up and still leave enough time for the wedding party to dress. Communication with your planner is key; it’s their job to know the sunset schedule if you plan to marry outside in the evening. In the USVI, we don’t have dusk. The sun sets behind the island of St. Thomas, so we have to account for the loss of light when scheduling postwedding photos. Recently, one of my couples wanted a sunset ceremony and expected to continue the photographs on the beach after sunset.

I explained the lighting on the beach, showed them the area where the ceremony would take place, then reconfigured the time line to work with their vision.”

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The “Adventure” suite by Lovely Paper Things.

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LOAD YOUR INVITATIONS WITH INFO. TIME THE BIG DAY RIGHT. AND KEEP EVERYONE INVOLVED — EVEN THOSE WHO COULDN’T GO THE DISTANCE.

QUESTION

What can we do to help loved ones who aren’t able to travel to our wedding still feel included?

by HOL LY V. KA PHE R R

What enclosures should we include in our invitations for a destination wedding?

QUESTION

THE PRO With 15 years of experience, Antonia Christianson is head planner of Antonia Christianson Events in Virginia Beach and Southern California.

We always tell our clients: The more details they include, the better! Don’t assume your guests will know what you know about your wedding location. Some musts: Include the closest airports, along with their codes, for easier flight bookings (this helps with reserving rental cars and transfers as well). Let your guests know if additional transportation is required from the airport to the venue, if there’s a shuttle, and the cost, if any. A packing list, or a list of activities you’d like your guests to partake in, can be helpful too. You

“

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wouldn’t want guests to miss that waterfall hike because they didn’t pack the right shoes. If you don’t want to include all of this info in your invitation suite, send a special package to guests who RSVP yes. While a wedding website is certainly beneficial in advance, it won’t help guests onsite if your destination is remote and Internet or cell signals are spotty (or nonexistent).

Consider what you’d appreciate if you were traveling, then pass that on to your guests.

When our lead coordinator, Carolyn, married her longtime love in the Caribbean, they sent reminder postcards throughout the months before the event to up the excitement. In one of the enclosures, they sent nautical knots for their guests to tie to their luggage so the suitcases would be easy to spot at baggage claim.”

THE PRO Based in the Cayman Islands, Jo Anne Brown has planned weddings in the Caribbean for 23 years with her company, Celebrations Weddings & Events.

One of the realities of a destination wedding is that not all of your guests might be able to attend, but there are ways to include them. Many venues now have the capability to live-stream the ceremony and parts of the reception to a website so that absent family and friends can log in and see it all as it happens. A friend of one couple I worked with couldn’t make it to the Cayman Islands, but, thanks to modern technology, she was able to give a speech via FaceTime! Another idea: If your wedding has a special hashtag, mail it with a creative ‘wedding-guest kit’ surprise to be opened on your wedding day, and include photo props, favors and champagne.”

“

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEN WOJCIK PHOTOGRAPHY

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SEATING PLANNER ALLSEATED allows users to create floor plans, time lines and color-coded seating charts, all in one place. Collaborate with your planner and other vendors, or DIY. You can even import contacts from your social networks and email accounts, building your guest list in minutes. When you’re done, admire your handiwork in 3-D. free; allseated.com

WEBSITE BUILDER Don’t have time to build your own wedding website? Let the pros do it for you. Simply submit your info, and HITCH will handcraft your optimized site within weeks. Your custom URL can even feature a full-page grid of Insta pics tagged with your wedding hashtag. #onpoint From $400; hitch.digital

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LAUNCH YOUR MISSION TO SCORE BIG WEDDING SAVINGS.

by JAK E E ME N artwork by IKE R AY ESTA RÁ N

Regardless of the scale of your celebration, it’s going to be a major outlay of cash. That’s why it’s your mission — nay, your duty — to search out as many freebies as you can. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of opportunities out there to start pocketing those perks — once you know where to look.

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The Free Scouting Trip Æ Scouting trips are the ultimate freebie, designed to “entice the couple to come try before they buy,” says Jim Augerinos of Perfect Honeymoons & Holidays.

Occasionally a resort will ofer free nights upfront, but more commonly, “They’ll credit the amount spent on the prewedding site visit to the cost of the wedding.”

Cynthia Salcedo of Weddings by Velas Resorts in Mexico says a scouting trip allows couples to personalize each aspect of their celebration by meeting with vendors, sampling menus and going beyond Photoshopped pictures to “learn 1

more about what the resort can actually pull of.” Velas Resorts ofers two comped nights upfront if you sign the contract in advance, allowing couples who already made their decision to enjoy a planning getaway; otherwise, they credit 50 percent back for those who book after.

Similarly, at Paradisus properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, the Love At First Site package ofers a full credit for a three-night scouting trip when you book a wedding package.

2 The Upgrade Æ You’ve booked your wedding, but don’t stop angling for more. “You’re dropping a ton of cash,” says Augerinos. “The resort knows that, so they have to treat you well.” That means upgrades and other potential perks, such as spa certificates, dining credits, free rooms (depending on the size of your block), welcome amenities and so on.

Salcedo says there are huge benefits for big parties at Velas Resorts: “Couples

booking 30 double suites for two nights will enjoy an elaborate and completely free wedding.” That’s a free wedding — if you can guarantee 30 rooms booked for two nights. Velas Resorts also ofers deals on weekday weddings, including upgrades and a free suite for every eight paid suites.

3 The Return Trip Æ You scouted, you upgraded, you said I do. Now you want to go back. Good thing many properties provide incentives. “Typically, the resort will give a certificate to use toward a return trip to celebrate the anniversary,” says Augerinos. For example, Saint Lucia’s Jade Mountain ofers a $500 anniversary certificate as part of its Total Romance honeymoon package. Resort chains such as Hyatt provide even more flexibility: “You’ll get a couple of free nights to use at any of the company’s resorts,” says Augerinos, “and you’ll earn reward points for everything you spend.” You gotta spend money to make money, amirite?

DRINKING BUDDIES

The city where you grew up together.

The college town where you did tandem keg stands. The destination of your epic bachelor party. Your wedding locale. Toast to it — and say thank you to your best buds — with Maps Barware etched glasses from theUncommonGreen. Choose from 100-plus cities around the world, including Paris, Miami, New Orleans, Honolulu, Vegas and even Machu Picchu. From $12.50; theuncommongreen.com — NB 26 DESTINATIONWEDDINGMAG.COM

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WEDDING THREE WAYS The Yucatán

Infuse your fiesta with Maya culture and Spanish-colonial history at a Luxury Collection Mexican hacienda.

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At this sanctuary of meticulously restored 17thcentury homes, 15 ochre-painted guest rooms with vaulted, raftered ceilings surround a maze-like pool built into the colonial ruins. Gather up to 150 guests for frozen tamarind margaritas on the sunset roof terrace overlooking the UNESCO Cultural Heritage city of Campeche, once the largest Maya city.

Say I do under the courtyard’s stone archways, enveloped by twisting banyan tree roots. Then feast on local dishes like guanabana mousse and lime soup with fried tortillas. But only the brave should dare try the best habanero sauce known to man.

Rooms from $250; weddings from $70 per person.

Imagine a modern five-star resort juxtaposed inside a 16th-century, 500-acre plantation ruin ... in the middle of the tropical rainforest. Walk down a candlelit aisle in the vestiges of an ancient chapel draped in moss and vines. Then invite guests to cocktails around the pool, set among the remnants of stone pillars and factory walls, with the area’s famous woven hammocks suspended inches above the water. Guests can stay in the 12 original colonial villas, but save Room 11 — with its massive platform daybed and sexy soaking tub in a private garden — for you and your amor. Rooms from $290; weddings from $90 per person.

Take over one of Mexico’s most opulent residences, built in the 1600s by descendents of Spanish conquistadors. The 28 guest rooms, with coral walls, iron beds and hand-painted tile floors, shine against the fascinating backdrop of a once-bustling sisal factory. Its tall chimneys, imposing machine room, stables and little railways with wooden carts pulled by burros will transport you back in time.

Hold a Catholic ceremony in its consecrated chapel, followed by a banquet of cochinita pibil (marinated pork baked underground) in the massive garden surrounding the central pool. Rooms from $270; weddings from $90 per person. — Vicky Hodges

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At First Sight

At least half of couples are tossing the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding, says Jason Martin of Concept Photography.

Why? “Having a first look allows the couple the chance to react, talk and embrace in private, and it also gives the photographer and videographer the opportunity to capture the moment from all angles.”

There are also practical advantages.

“With destination weddings, most ceremonies are scheduled close to sunset, and there’s very little time for natural-light pictures after the ceremony,” says Martin.

“Having a first look gives you plenty of time for pictures beforehand.”

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If you’re still on the fence, think of the memory you’ll make. Martin says his favorite reactions are laughter, tears and the inability to stop looking at and touching the other person. “It’s usually pretty awesome!”

Convinced? Here’s how to pull it of.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING Æ “If all of the group pictures are going to be taken after the ceremony during the cocktail hour, we usually schedule the first look for about an hour before the ceremony.”

IN THE PHOTOGRAPHER WE TRUST Æ “We choose the location based on the best available light and the ability to isolate the couple. Long docks make for lovely pictures, as well as anywhere with pops of

color, like bougainvillea or painted walls.

Tree-branch-canopied streets always work beautifully. The trick is to know what light is the most flattering and to be flexible.”

REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE Æ “A ‘first touch’ is a great alternative for a couple who wants to share a moment before the ceremony but still wants to save seeing each other for the aisle. They usually hold hands and speak to each other on either side of a door or corner of a wall. Toni and Troy (shown) did a playful first touch around the reception tent, then did a first look.

They had incredible natural chemistry, so once we set them up, they did the rest, and it was magic.” — Erika Hueneke

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CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY (CPTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) (4)

GRAB A TISSUE AND EMBRACE THE TREND OF A FIRST LOOK. FRAMERS GUARANTEED.

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GONE COUNTRY Rustic weddings have graduated from trend to style. Spark your imagination with these sylvan details, masterminded by Bliss Events. story by H O LLY V. KA PHER R photography by VERONICA VAROS PHOTOGRAPHY venue SAVAGE RIV ER LODGE, MARYLA N D

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MODEL STYLING: ERIN SZYMANSKI (BRIDE) AND JULIA WEISKOPF (GROOM); HAIR AND MAKEUP: HANNAH CONARD BEAUTY; RINGS: FROST FINERY

ol ro #d CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1. Calligraphy and copper, like this Parris Chic Boutique pillow and a chair from Found + Made Co., are on point. 2. Emily wore a low-maintenance sheath from Glitter & Grit Boutique and jewelry from ModEvil and Studebaker Metals. Vance slayed in threads from Jack & Jules. 3. bVintage by Bliss Events provided the gold-and-garden tableware and coordinated the occasion, while Parris Chic Boutique designed a menu card in delicate script. 4. Mt. Lebanon Floral and Silk & Willow collaborated to craft the wildflower bouquet. 5. Simple stationery matched the menus. 6. The brushedcopper double-tiered cake came from Bella Christies and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique. 7. Vance wore a moss and thistle boutonniere from Mt. Lebanon Floral. 8. What’s a country wedding without a bride in boots? These came from Seychelles ($150, seychellesfootwear.com). CENTER: 9. Emily and Vance brought their puppy, Margot, along to make it a family afair.

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A DESIG N M A RKE TPL ACE

K E L L I H A L L , Atlanta, GA

A member of Minted’s community of independent artists.

The Minted Envelope: US patent pending. © 2015 Minted LLC

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From custom colors to one-of-a-kind illustrations and monograms, Minted’s design specialists are here to bring your vision to life.

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THESE FOUR WEBSITES FLAUNT RENTALS THAT WILL HAVE YOU DRIPPING IN SPARKLES FROM HEAD TO HANDBAG. BONUS: MANY WILL SHIP RIGHT TO YOUR DESTINATION, SO YOU CAN REST EASY — AND SAVE SUITCASE SPACE.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP FROM LEFT: 1. Ava comb in Champagne Gold, rent for $35 (retail for $160), happilyeverborrowed.com 2. Lulu Frost “Zelda” headband, rent for $79 (retail for $225), renttherunway.com 3. RTR Bridal Accessories “Kiss the Bride” belt, rent for $60 (retail for $200), renttherunway.com 4. Shaye diamond cluster earrings, 1.15 cttw, rent for $160 (retail for $5,875), adorn.com 5. Countess 760 silk flower with beaded lace and crystal trim, rent for $65 (retail for $225), adorn.com 6. Christian Louboutin “Sweet Charity” small spiked bag, rent for $175 per month (retail for $2,000), bagborroworsteal.com 7. Constance necklace, rent for $114, happilyeverborrowed.com 8. Ella Carter “Jonah” earrings, rent for $5 (retail for $55), renttherunway.com 9. Chadwick diamond cuff bracelet, 2.99 cttw and 18 kt gold, rent for $260 (retail for $26,250), adorn.com

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NAILED IT!

We asked top spa directors for finger tips that’ll ensure your nails hold up from boarding pass to last dance.

by IV ETTE MANNERS

picks editor’s

FINGER PAINTS OUR FAVORITE RING-WORTHY HUES THAT SUIT BACKDROPS FROM BEACH TO BARN.

This vibrant red-orange is oh-soappropriate for tropical I do’s.

Essie Nail Polish in Happy Wife Happy Life ($8.50, essie.com)

A soft, feminine neutral fits a countryside soiree.

OPI Nail Lacquer in Be There in a Prosecco ($9.50, ulta.com)

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TIMING IS EVERYTHING “Get your mani-pedi at least a day before you walk down the aisle.

Polish doesn’t fully harden for 24 hours, so you’ll avoid nicks and smudges.” — Brandon Claypool, The RitzCarlton, St. Thomas

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STAYING POWER “Paddle boarding, beach tennis and snorkeling on your itinerary? Gel or shellac is the way to go. It’ll last longer, stay shinier and won’t chip.” — José Ramon, Esperanza, an Auberge Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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YOU DO YOU “If bucking tradition is kind of your thing, choose a pop of color such as a vibrant red, bright fuchsia or baby blue, which is both bridal and unique.”

— Shana Ominsky, Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah

Echo the ocean in a sparkly turquoise that totes works as your something blue.

ORLY Nail Lacquer in Bailamos ($8.50, orlybeauty.com)

Go glitzy, not gaudy, with a metallic shade that’ll glimmer in city lights.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Game of Chromes ($10, ulta.com)

“Pack a nail file, cuticle oil and a topcoat to preserve that signature shine, and purchase a bottle of your shade for emergency touch-ups or to have your nails done once you arrive.”

— LEAH STROHECKER, L’AUBERGE DEL MAR, DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: HERLOVELYHEART.COM; KIM KUHN (4); SHUTTERSTOCK

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SHOW OFF YOUR SPARKLE “Complement your rings with a blush or soft beige shade, or opt for a modern French mani in light pink instead of white for a currentbut-natural nail.”

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Saint Lucia is the simply beautiful island made for romance. Home to the magical Piton mountains, palm–fringed beaches and champagne sunsets, you will also find a unique range of world-class accommodation. Treat yourself to this sensational destination today.

Visit www.stlucia.org/DWH to find out more.

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WorldMags.net HAWAII

BEACH

Boho

MIMI AND MICKEY HEAD TO HAWAII’S NORTH SHORE FOR THEIR SERENE LOVEFEST.

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photography by REBECCA ARTHURS

Mickey and I are from Denmark, but we met and fell in love on Oahu while I was studying and Mickey was working there. We couldn’t imagine having our wedding anywhere but in Hawaii. We searched for a secluded venue that showcased Hawaii’s raw beauty while also fitting our budget. The Ke Iki Beach Bungalows were perfect for our 20-person wedding — far from the crowds but full of that infectious Hawaiian energy.

Since we live so far away, finding a fantastic planner was key.

Aloha Bridal Connections was so organized; they had great vendor recommendations and did everything possible to make sure our December 3, 2014, event went smoothly.

Two days before the wedding, we hosted a booze cruise with Na Hoku II Catamaran Cruises in Waikiki so everyone could get to know each other. We also joined guests on a hike to Diamond Head and a visit to Manoa Falls.

I walked down the aisle to ukulele music, played by Jason Midro from Ono Kine Entertainment, and Kelvin Ho, a traditional Hawaiian spiritual guide, oiciated. Our cocktail hour and reception were held above the beach on the front lawn. Annie Gerstenberger, the wife of Ke Iki’s property manager, prepared an AsianHawaiian-fusion bufet with gyoza and Hawaiian-style barbecue.

The next day, Stage Restaurant hosted a postwedding dinner. The best part was celebrating with everyone around us in such a beautiful place.” — Mimi Tran Kromann-Jensen, as told to Allyson Reedy

“ 3 1. ATTIRE Mimi wore two gowns, one for photos and one for the ceremony and reception, both from Stone Cold Fox. 2. LOCALE “Hawaii’s North Shore provided our ideal wedding backdrop,” says Mimi.

3. STATIONERY Urbanic Paper designed and printed the invitations. 4. FAVORS Succulents wrapped in burlap doubled as favors and escort cards. 5. FLOWERS Passion Roots created Mimi’s protea bouquet and flower crown. 6. DECOR Provided by Watanabe Floral, protea echoed the bride’s blooms.

7. TRADITION The couple drank coconut water, a customary wedding blessing, during the ceremony. 8. LEIS The pair donned leis made of pikake (the flower of romance) and maile, which symbolizes growing together.

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Sun

MARIA AND STEVEN CREATE THE DIY WEDDING OF THEIR DREAMS ON TORTOLA.

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photography by LINDSAY VANN P H OTOGRAP H Y

The sun was starting to set, and the speakers were playing ‘She’s Royal’ by Tarrus Riley as I walked down a grassy aisle to an ocean-view bluf, where Steven stood waiting for me.

It was March 21, 2015, and 56 of our closest family members and friends formed a half-circle around us, smiling widely as we said our own vows. Our friend, Tyler Harris, oiciated.

The setting was Stanley’s Welcome Villas and Carrie’s Island Comfort Inn, where we stayed; afterward, we walked to De Wedding Beach Bar & Restaurant for the reception. Christina Tatum Designs (one of my bridesmaids) decorated the space with wildflowers, painted starfish and multicolored glasses from home.

Our story started four years prior when I moved to Jacksonville Beach, Florida, for law school and met Steven, a member of the Navy, through a co-worker. He popped the question by waking me up at 5 a.m. for sunrise. We love to travel and had been to Tortola several times, so we knew it was our spot. Our guests arrived Wednesday, and we hosted a full-day catamaran/snorkeling trip for everyone with Mystique Charters. All the men wore Hawaiian shirts to a rehearsal dinner of ribs and chicken at Quito’s Gazebo.

Our reception at De’s turned into a dance party and continued with barhopping until 4 a.m. The next day, we drank mimosas and sat on the beach. It was such a wonderful weekend — like being in college again with all of your best friends, except it was five years after we’d graduated.” — Maria Coutu, as told to Katie Morell

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6 1. ATTIRE Maria and Steven, in a Katie May dress and duds by Hurley, stole a kiss next to Callwood Rum Distillery. 2. WEDDING PARTY A photo op at Cane Garden Bay. “I gave bridesmaids free rein to buy their own dresses, but they needed to be short, white, lacy and freeflowing,” says Maria. 3. FLOWERS Friend Alana Wilson made the bouquets; a small tin tied to Maria’s held her father’s ashes. 4. CAKE Flamingos from Etsy shop lovenesting adorned the authentic black rum cake, made by local baker Wendy Lewis. 5. INVITES Stationery was

by Paper Stories. 6. CEREMONY The couple stood on the blanket they used for a picnic after Steven proposed. 7. DECOR A DIY gold-painted pineapple centerpiece. 8. FIRST LOOK A private pre-ceremony moment.

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PURA VIDA

Party

JENNIFER AND MIKE TRADE MIAMI’S BUSTLE FOR A LAID-BACK CELEBRATION BY THE BEACH.

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photography by TOH GOUTTENOIRE

Mike and I met while working at the same hotel on South Beach; a few months later, we fell completely in love during a weekend trip to Costa Rica. After he proposed, we knew we wanted to share our special place with loved ones.

I tirelessly searched online for a planner who matched my ‘boho beach’ style and found Aimee Monihan of Tropical Occasions. She helped us pick Pangas Beach Club, a casual restaurant in Las Mareas development in Tamarindo, on the country’s Pacific coast. Aimee and I worked together on everything from food to flowers to fireworks for a year leading up to the wedding.

Guests arrived in Costa Rica on Sunday morning. We all stayed in Las Mareas’ six onsite villas and spent time lounging on the beach, horseback riding, zip-lining and exploring Tamarindo before a rehearsal barbecue on Monday at the Black Stallion ranch.

On Tuesday, April 14, 2015, we wed during a quick, lighthearted sunset ceremony on the beach.

The highlight of our reception was dinner. My heart was set on a long table by the ocean and a bonfire, and we had just that — with fresh, locally sourced mahimahi, coconut curry chicken, wild-rice yucca puree and so much more. Afterward, we danced and partied.

We have great beaches in Miami, but we never would have been able to create the relaxed, bohemian vibe we experienced in Costa Rica. It’s such a magical place; we could see ourselves living there someday.” — Jennifer Bond Irizarry, as told to Amy Cassell

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1. BIG FINISH A 15-minute fireworks display capped of the evening. 2. GOWN The bride, in a custom dress by I By Ana Martinez, posed with her 45 guests. 3. DETAIL Local carpenters Los Primos Designs made the wooden surfboard guest book. 4. TABLE The bride hand-dyed linens to match the place cards from Etsy shop FabulousFancyPants; vintage glass compote dishes held floral centerpieces designed

by Tropical Occasions. 5. CAKE The couple’s “something blue,” made by Victoria Zoch, was red velvet on the inside. 6. STATIONERY Passport-style invitations from Serendipity Beyond Design. 7. SIGN Tropical Occasions commissioned the hand-painted wooden menu.

8. GROOMSMEN The boys looked dapper in Brooks Brothers attire.

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SERENITY

Now

GEORGIANS TAYLEA AND ROBIN FIND PEACE AND QUIET IN THE MAYA TOWN OF TULUM.

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photography by MONI & ADRI P H OTOGRAP H Y

Robin and I met in 2005 at Newton Medical Center in Covington, Georgia, where he was an anesthesiologist and I was a surgical technician. We were engaged in early April 2015 and married less than two months later on May 23 in laid-back Tulum, Mexico, our favorite retreat from our high-stress jobs.

We found our planners, Regina Crosby-Atkins and Krista Jon of Crosby + Jon Design, online. They recommended the boutique hotel Casa Violeta for our ceremony and the chic Sanara Tulum wellness retreat for a crazy-healthy organic reception dinner. We rented a 16-bedroom beachfront villa in Akumal through airbnb .com, where we stayed with our 30 guests. Party Planet Productions provided transportation for the 30-minute drive to Tulum.

Guests toured Maya ruins, snorkeled and relaxed before Friday’s rehearsal dinner at Tacolum, a taco truck in a VW bus with flowing margaritas and lots of open-air seating. Then on Saturday at sunset, they gathered on Casa Violeta’s beach for a traditional Maya ceremony performed in English, Spanish and Mayan. The shaman blew into a large shell, and we tossed flowers into the ocean as an ofering to Mother Earth.

After cocktail hour, the group enjoyed a four-course lobster or shrimp dinner and a little splurge — esponjoso de chocolate cake — at Sanara Tulum. We danced to the Gypsy Jazz Quartet. What could have been one of the most stressful days of my life turned out fun and stress-free.” — Taylea Fowler, as told to Susana Youngsteadt

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1. ATTIRE Guests applauded the newlyweds, in a Badgley Mischka gown and a J.Crew suit.

2. SPECIAL GUEST 6-year-old Emery, Robin’s daughter and Taylea’s stepdaughter, was the flower girl and ring bearer. 3. SIGN Casa Violeta ofered wedding wishes during cocktail hour in its beach bar. 4. FLOWERS Vanessa Jaimes Floral Design created succulent planters and baby bouquets in vintage goblets.

5. CELEBRANT Shaman Monserrat Beltran and her daughter performed the ceremony.

6. TABLES Archive Rentals supplied runners, brass candlesticks and rose-and-blue drinkware.

7. DRINKS Colorful mojito garnishes at Santara Tulum’s signature cocktail bar.

8. CEREMONY Tufted chairs and benches came from Archive Rentals.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ANNA KIM PHOTOGRAPHY; JASON + ANNA PHOTOGRAPHY; LAURA GRIER OF BEAUTIFUL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY; EDEN ROC AT CAP CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY (CPTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM); LAURA GRIER OF BEAUTIFUL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY; ©MATTHIAS PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY SAINT LUCIA TOURIST BOARD; COURTESY THE RESORT AT PEDREGAL

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hot sixteen for

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Mai tais get guests into the aloha spirit in Hawaii. Fair maidens near Tuscany, Italy. A family-style table in Napa, California. Sunglasses are a fitting favor for a Mexican fiesta. Locking lips in Jamaica. Chickee huts at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort. Pool loungers at Thompson Playa del Carmen in Mexico. Cute chair signs by Marianna Idirin in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Pincushion protea brighten Hawaiian Island I do’s. A private pool at Eden Roc at Cap Cana. A flip-floptional event in Florida.

Newlyweds and nibbles in Napa (2). A canopy tour in Saint Lucia.

Get a drink and a tan at the Resort at Pedregal’s pool bar.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JILLIAN MITCHELL; LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY; HYATT REGENCY ARUBA RESORT SPA & CASINO, ARUBA; MANUEL PADILLA; LAURA GRIER OF BEAUTIFUL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY; MELANIE SHELTON FOR JENNY SMITH & CO

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1 6 What do you get when you mix celebrity buzz, hotel debuts, resort renos and new flight routes? Just the hottest destinations that are making headlines and attracting the next generation of to-be-weds. From Aruba to Italy, here’s your road map to what wedding locales are trending this year. Get ready to drool.

by K R I S T I N E HANSEN

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UNITED STATES 2

Fort Lauderdale generated media attention in 2015 when it celebrated marriage equality by hosting the country’s largest mass same-sex wedding. And JetBlue’s new routes from Baltimore and Philadelphia, launched in November 2015, make the area even more accessible. Big-city grandeur meets a casual beachfront vibe at the 290-room, 24-story Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, opening summer 2016 — swap I do’s on the oceanfront terrace, and spend your wedding night in a yacht-inspired guest room with a marble soaking tub, all designed

by Michael Graves.

HOT Or party with up to 350 besties on the 11th-floor License to Chill pool deck of the 349-room Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, which entered the scene in nearby Hollywood in September 2015. Premiering mid-2016, the 487-room B Ocean Resort will have five venues (yes, the beach is one).

rebranding it to Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer and introducing Harvest Table; a revamp of the 78 rooms is slotted for 2016. Get married in the Wedding Garden at The Carneros Inn (spruced up spring 2016 to the tune of a cool $1 mil), and greet guests with awardwinning local pinot in the Hilltop Dining Room, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.

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FLORIDA KEYS

The birthplace of the Rum Runner naturally specializes in laid-back luxury, including Key Largo’s Playa Largo Resort & Spa, premiering spring 2016. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the resort FOR encourages marrying couples to plant a coral reef as a memento.

Or anchor your love by the historic lighthouse at Marathon’s Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, launched December 2014. That same month, 96-room The Marker Waterfront Resort opened of Key West’s Duval Street; serve some Key West pink shrimp at your reception. Another new Key West property — the Saint Hotel, which debuted March 2015 in Old Town — lures guests with its 36 bright blue-and-white rooms. Renovations also breathed new life into two Islamorada resorts in 2015: The 63-room Pelican Cove, with three beach sites for I do’s; and Amara Cay Resort, where Sparrows Tiki Deck (seats 20) channels the tropics.

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NAPA, CALIFORNIA

Blend it like David Beckham — the sexy former footballer owns a vineyard in this tony wine region — and exchange vineyard vows.

Celebrity chef Charlie Palmer took over St. Helena’s Harvest Inn in 2014,

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY SKY WAIKIKI; LYNDSAY UNDSETH PHOTOGRAPHY; ALLEN LEE

The Obamas have spent Christmas on Oahu for the last eight years — and if it’s good enough for the first family, then it’s good enough for us. Hold a beachfront ceremony at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, built in 1927 and used as a film location in season 6 of Mad Men. The famed Pink Palace introduced the reimagined, 17-story Mailani Tower in spring 2015; receive concierge-level service, gratis mai tais and a nightly spread of snacks.

Also in 2015, two new rooftop experiences landed in Waikiki: Sky Waikiki is a 7,000-squarefoot nightclub and lounge with a fire pit; and Tommy Bahama Restaurant Bar & Store flaunts a sand patio area, vintage surfboards and a 55-foot-wide living wall of native tropical plants. On the “sunset coast,” the 358-room Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is on track to open in June 2016.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

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FROM TOP: PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAMION HAMILTON, DESIGN BY SASHA SOUZA; ACROMATICO PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY CONRAD FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH RESORT

Just hitched in the Florida Keys. CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort’s elliptical pool. Dining among the vines at Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer in St. Helena, California. Sealed with a kiss at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club in Marathon, Florida. Sky Waikiki lounge, on Oahu, soars 19 stories above the ocean. Pretty in purple at Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: HEIDI GELDHAUSER FOR OUR LABOR OF LOVE; AMANDA CREAN (AMANDACREAN.COM); EDEN ROC AT CAP CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; SUN GOLD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAMIAN & PAULA WILLIAMS (SUNGOLDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM); FOREVER PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO; COMO HOTELS AND RESORTS

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THE CARIBBEAN 5

ST. KITTS

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JAMAICA

The birthplace of the all-inclusive is still a leader in the field: Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts will bring its signature Zen to Montego Bay in December 2016. Book your wedding one year in advance, and a cocktail party for up to 50 is included at no cost. Other all-inclusives that launched in 2015: the 700-plus-room Moon FOR Palace Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios (ofering six themed wedding collections) and the 287-room Melia Braco Village, with two wedding gazebos. In December 2015, Couples Resorts’ founders introduced six new villas, designed with families in mind, at Idle Awhile on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach.

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St. Where? Flying under the radar (for now), St. Kitts, pop. 45K, sits just east of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island’s first-ever five-star resort, the 125-room Park Hyatt St. Kitts, debuts in 2016 on Banana Bay. Share your first newlywed kiss overlooking The Narrows, a strait dividing St. Kitts and its neighboring island, Nevis. Or go of the grid at the 400-acre Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill, opened December 2014.

The “farm” in the name is for real: The property grows fruit that’s delivered to each villa, guesthouse and farmhouse daily. Host a HOT reception feast for 20 in a field.

2015, extends to the ballroom and Adirondack chairs on the beach. Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa’s 2015 revamp introduced a new pool deck and updated villas on 20 tropical waterfront acres in Guanica.

CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY (CPTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)

PUERTO RICO

Celebs from Johnny Depp to JLo have sought R & R on the Isle of Enchantment, and development is booming. Book a ceremony at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan’s new beach club, premiered in May 2015, and private golf carts will whisk guests to your I do’s. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa added new family-friendly suites (sleeping six people each) in early 2016, and a director of romance has joined the staf. The 319-room Condado Vanderbilt, whose extensive reno wrapped year-end 2014, flaunts Puerto Rico’s first (and only) hammam; use the Bon Voyage brunch as a proper send-of. Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort’s fresh look, unveiled in

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Caribbean’s most-visited island is capitalizing on its popularity. After a $40 million face-lift in summer 2015, the artsy Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino is sleeker than ever for small weddings; the hotel’s transformation is part of Renaissance Hotels’ new global Wanderlust design initiative.

New digs arrived in Cap Cana in 2015 as well: AlSol Tiara Cap

Cana treats guests to a swim-up bar and lessons in Spanish and cooking. Eden Roc at Cap Cana is undergoing a multimillion-dollar reno in 2016, including 52 new beachfront suites, a new infinity pool, a new restaurant and a spa expansion. Aman Resorts revealed Amanera along the North Coast in November 2015 — gaze at the ocean from your posh casita above a 60-foot clif. Coming to Punta Cana in 2016, the 500-suite Excellence El Carmen will cater to foodies with 12 restaurants and 16 watering holes. Plus, getting to Punta Cana is easier than ever, thanks to three new American Airlines routes (from Dallas, Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina).

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SAINT LUCIA

Saint Lucia is so romantic that The Bachelor has filmed here twice.

Just as 2015 came to a close, The BodyHoliday added ITAL, an eight-seat organic experience in a garden, plus new treatments to the spa menu and fresh turquoise-and-driftwood guest-room decor. Twenty minutes away, Malabar Beach Club, a new locavore eatery at the 100-room Rendezvous, debuted in 2015. Other upgrades: a new swim-up bar, a refreshed main pool and renovated suites.

Flying to this lush, volcanic isle from Chicago is a breeze on United’s new nonstop route, introduced in December 2015.

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ARUBA Twilight actress Nikki Reed and

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Taking the plunge in Aruba. OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Smooching in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Tropical blooms in Jamaica. Eden Roc at Cap Cana’s sleek pool. Cassie and Brandon celebrated in Jamaica. High-rise hotels line Aruba’s sugar-sand Palm Beach. A porch swing at Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos, calls for an afternoon siesta.

hubby Ian Somerhalder of The Vampire Diaries sunk their teeth into Aruba on Valentine’s Day 2015. What’s new: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino celebrated its 25th anniversary by redecorating all 357 rooms in 2015. Palm Beach newcomer Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino arrived summer 2015 with 24,000 square feet of outdoor event space; commence your torch-lit reception with seafood chowder. Host the rehearsal dinner at BLT Steak, serving up prime cuts at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba since August 2015. Flight alert: As of 2015, Southwest services Aruba.

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TURKS AND CAICOS

With Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello posting up at Parrot Cay by COMO resort for their 2015 honeymoon, TCI is more tantalizing than ever. Send your guests on JetBlue’s new daily direct service from Fort Lauderdale, launched in November 2015.

The Residences, a new collection of five-bedroom beach villas, joined Grace Bay Resorts in July 2015; tie the knot under the glow of tiki torches.

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ITALY

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Since George and Amal’s media-blitz Venice bash in 2014, Italy’s romantic heat has grown into a five-alarm fire. Marry at the 137-room Sheraton Lake Como, not far from Casa Clooney; open since March 2015, the hotel hosts welcome drinks HOT by the sun-splashed pool. Spring 2015 welcomed the 266-room JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa on the private island of Isola delle Rose. Nearby, San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice will premiere in March 2016; on its 17-acre grounds are gardens and a 12th-century church.

Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa’s $16 million 2015 reno updated its 180 rooms, lobby and restaurants; event spaces include a ballroom, terraces, piazzas and gardens.

Debuting December 2016, a 120-room, five-star hotel at Toscana Resort Castelfalfi will be tucked into an 800-year-old medieval village.

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FACIBENI FOTOGRAFIA (FACIBENI.COM) (2)

A Tuscan vineyard frames Norwegian newlyweds Cathrine and Nils. RIGHT: A gondolier steers Sharon and Lester, from Singapore, through Venice’s famous canals.

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COSTA RICA

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LOS CABOS, MEXICO

After Hurricane Odile slammed Los Cabos in 2014, area resorts paused for a refresh and emerged sexier than ever. That includes the new Champagne Terrace at The Resort at Pedregal,

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CANCUN AND RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

More than 100 new hotels have surfaced in the Riviera Maya in the last 15 years, and the trend isn’t slowing down.

At the all-inclusive Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, opened early 2015, wedding packages include FOR late checkout and breakfast in bed, plus fun reception add-ons like late-night grilled cheese sandwiches. The Pyramid at Grand Oasis — a hotel-within-a-hotel concept unveiled in April 2015 — grants access to Cancun’s largest pool, a spa and a cigar bar.

Two resorts also launched in

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This pura vida jungle country boasted 99 percent renewable energy in 2015. Two new properties premiered at the close of 2015: In the surf town of Nosara, the 17-suite Olas Verdes is primed for a buyout. And on Papagayo Bay, the 202 suites at adults-only Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica are mere steps from volcanic sand. In Guanacaste, the town of Las Catalinas unveiled a Beach Club in December 2015; two HOT hotels and a chapel will be added by the end of 2016.

77-room Cachet Beach hotel (soon to be Cachet Corazon) on Medano Beach is already lining up rooftop nuptials.

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BELIZE

Caribbean Sea meets jungle in this tiny English-speaking nation.

The largest development ever to hit Ambergris Caye, the 60-acre Mahogany Bay Village will introduce a hotel (195 cottages and suites), a beach club, a spa, retail and dining in 2016. In 2015, Las Terrazas Resort & Residences began hosting sandbar receptions — lounge furniture included. Premiering 2016 on the Placencia peninsula, Itz’ana Resort & Residences will entertain private groups in the Rum Room, captained by a rummelier.

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Good vibes at Costa Rica’s Las Catalinas Beach Club. Trashing the dress in Los Cabos, Mexico. A fire pit sets the mood at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Local color in Cabo. Bronze lanterns trim tables at a Riviera Maya reception.

Melissa and Lane wed at The Resort at Pedregal in Los Cabos. Ceremonies front the Sea of Cortez at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel.

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FROM TOP: DANIEL JIREH (DANIELJIREH.COM); CHRIS+LYNN DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHERS (CHRISPLUSLYNN.COM); COURTESY LAS CATALINAS BEACH CLUB, COSTA RICA

CENTRAL AMERICA

on the rooftop, on a private beach or in the boho Beach House); and the 314-room Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort (stay for the honeymoon package, with a candlelit dinner). In November 2015, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, a 434-suite all-inclusive, premiered in the fishing village of Akumal. And at Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ adults-only El Dorado Seaside Suites, revealed December 2015, each of the 192 rooms has its own pool or swim-up access.

FROM TOP: COURTESY SECRETS AKUMAL RIVIERA MAYA; JILLIAN MITCHELL; ELIZABETH MEDINA PHOTOGRAPHY; LACY DAGERATH PHOTOGRAPHY (MORETHANANIMAGE.COM)

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ANASTASIOS FILOPOULOS PHOTOGRAPHY (ANASTASIOSFILOPOULOS.COM)

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Why honeymoon in just one spot when you could visit multiple cities — or better yet, countries? A third of DWH readers spend more than a week on their postwedding escape, allowing enough time for a multilocale ’moon. Follow one of these two-week itineraries for extra passport stamps — and plenty of stories to share.

LYDIA FAITH AT HERSONGPHOTOGRAPHS.COM

story by CARRIE BELL, AMANDA JONES & JAKE EMEN

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GREECE &TURKEY

Easily connect a foray through these two culture capitals with a weeklong cruise. Imagine cities and seascapes, hip boutiques and historic hotels, food carts and four-stars, and sites both sacred and secular.

DAY 1-2

ATHENS, GREECE First, the bad news: Given the long flight

DAY 3-6

MYKONOS, SANTORINI & RHODES, GREECE

Set sail from Piraeus aboard Windstar’s Greek Isles and Turkish Delights cruise. With 212 guests max, everything is easier, from boarding and disembarking to scoring a chaise for wine-down time. Spend the morning on an excursion to Delos, an island archeological site and alleged birthplace of Apollo, before returning to Mykonos to wander narrow alleys hand in hand while browsing shops hawking strappy sandals and Byzantine-inspired baubles. Don’t depart without sharing a few scoops of homemade Gelarte ice cream.

athens

buildings, is usually overrun by cruise crowds. If you want alone time, skip Fira and buy a package that includes tender to isolated Oia and a bus ticket back, once you’re done scoping the winding paths for the perfect Facebook cover shot. For a more active day, hike the strenuous three-hour caldera-rim route, or trek to blacksand Kamari Beach with a bottle of ouzo, a couple of glasses and no inhibitions. Rent bikes onboard to pedal around the UNESCOprotected walled city of Rhodes, with a castle, quiet cafes and plenty of cats. Gorge on spicy cheese dip and grilled octopus at Ta Petaladika, then work it of riding along the boardwalk to see the columns that reportedly mark where the Colossus once stood.

mykonos

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: LYDIA FAITH AT HERSONGPHOTOGRAPHS.COM; GRACE HOTELS; ANASTASIOS FILOPOULOS PHOTOGRAPHY (ANASTASIOSFILOPOULOS.COM); EVA LIN PHOTOGRAPHY; LYDIA FAITH AT HERSONGPHOTOGRAPHS.COM

from the States, a vacation day (or two) will likely be squandered in travel. The good news, though, is that after you’ve landed in Greece’s capital, you can make a beeline for St. George Lycabettus Hotel. If you arrive in the evening, take a quick dip in the rooftop pool or sip a nightcap in the bar, both of which ofer panoramas still dominated by fifth-century-B.C. landmarks like the Acropolis. Book a southwestern-facing room to see the hilltop citadel lit up at night. Rise for a breakfast of Greek favorites like spearmint omelets, cheese pie or sesame bread; best of all, it’s included in your stay. Shed the carbo-load guilt — the preferred way to see the area is on foot (and you’re already married anyhow). March up the slopes of the Acropolis, headlined by the Parthenon, and reward yourselves with frozen lemonade. Pop by its namesake museum to peep Aphrodite’s “treasure box,” which newlyweds of yore believed could guarantee a fruitful union.

Cool down with gazpacho and air-con at Hotel Grande Bretagne’s Winter Garden, an elegant, old-school lobby lounge with high tea and a pianist. Finish by ogling gilded churches and browsing HONEYMOON HOPPING STEP 1 Æ SELECT YOUR SPOTS “The shops in pedestrian-only Plaka, or continue your blast to the past especially between countries, so factor in extra time for airport tion: Stay at least three nights in each location to avoid feeling at The Benaki Museum and Museum of Cycladic Art.

The blue roofs of Santorini, Greece, are an unmistakable sight. CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM RIGHT: Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar (2).

Sailboats bob in the bay of Skopea Limani, Turkey. Hillside views of Santorini. Have another slice of baklava. Snaps outside Grecian ruins.

Seeing the Parthenon in Athens. A junior suite facing the sea at Santorini’s Grace Hotel. Table for two aboard Windstar. PREVIOUS SPREAD: Holding hands in Santorini and taking in the ancient city at the Acropolis (2).

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great thing about honeymoon hopping is that each place you visit can cater to a different interest. Travel durations can vary greatly, arrivals and going through customs. When choosing your destinations, stick to a climate to streamline packing. My recommendalike you’ve spent your whole honeymoon packing, traveling and unpacking.” — Linda Mitchell, creator of Luxury Destination Travel DAY 7-8

DAY 9-12

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: EVA LIN PHOTOGRAPHY; ANASTASIOS FILOPOULOS PHOTOGRAPHY (ANASTASIOSFILOPOULOS.COM) (2); SHUTTERSTOCK; ROGER PAPERNO

BODRUM & KUSADASI, TURKEY

Charter a gulet (traditional wooden sailboat) for a day of feasting, sun-dappled naps, wind-whipped hair and diving into the Aegean from the boat’s plank. After that escapade, amble around the underwater archaeology exhibits at Bodrum Castle, and gaze at each other at locals-approved Musto. Kusadasi is the starting point for pilgrimages to the Virgin Mary’s house and what remains of Ephesus. Sea Song, a tour company run by an American expat, ends excursions with a farm-fresh lunch at boho-chic Gullu Konaklari, local wine tasting and souvenir shopping in the mountainside village of Sirince.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

After a day meandering through the narrow Dardanelles strait, you’ll arrive in Istanbul, mystical in the morning light. An expertly guided private tour with Sea Song hits the highlights: the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the immense Hagia Sophia. It includes lunch in the palace garden and free time to try Turkish cofee and haggle at Grand Bazaar. Snuggle up at Jumeirah Pera Palace Hotel, which opened in 1892 (and was restored in 2010) to serve well-to-do Orient Express passengers.

Request a room with a balcony to watch the historic neighborhood slowly illuminate and hear the haunting final call to prayer. — CB

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JON WHITTLE

An overwater bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort is a honeymoon must. OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: Mount Otemanu’s peak soars over Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Pack light for a private lagoon picnic. Bungee jump from the world’s first commercial line at Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand. Take a snorkel selfie. Every beach on Samoa is a shoo-in for maximum likes.

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WorldMags.net TAHITI, NEW ZEALAND &SAMOA From day one, you’ll cuddle up in overwater bungalows, gaze at gorgeous tropical backdrops, snorkel in crystal waters and come back with a tan that will turn your co-workers green. Purchase an Air New Zealand South Pacific Airpass that lets you bob seamlessly and affordably between dozens of island and mainland locations.

DAY 1-2

check in to Matakauri, an 11-room lodge perched on the edge of the lake overlooking the, well, remarkable, Remarkables Mountains, which provided some After the 8.5-hour flight from LA to Papeete, a 45-minute hop to Bora Bora will feel like a blink. of the locations for the Lord of the Rings films.

Now, decompress among some of the most iconic (Good thing you’ve already got your One Ring.) honeymoon scenery on the planet. Check in to an Queenstown is the world’s “adrenaline capital,” so overwater bungalow at Four Seasons Resort Bora if it’s your thing, this is the place to bungee jump of 300-foot-tall bridges, go canyoning down river .

Soak together in your own plunge pool, but Bora gorges, heli-bike or fling your bodforce yourselves to leave to hike up Mount Otemanu, take a private sunset HONEYMOON HOPPING ies through class 4 white water on boogie boards. For the slightly less boat cruise, or surrender to a Deep STEP 2 Æ SAVE SOME adventurous, the Dart River Jet Boat Sea Purification at the hotel’s holistic SCRATCH “Offseasons have changed for many spa. Boat to the town of Vaitape to is a high-speed ride up the lovely destinations because pick up an exquisite local black-pearl Dart Valley (also of LOTR fame). more people are travelsouvenir at Nycos Pearl Shop. Since Splurge on a helicopter tour for two ing now than ever. To you’ll be on the island for a few days, and fly over beaches, glaciers and get the most value for ordering a custom setting isn’t out of alpine lakes, then picnic on a remote your money, be flexible the question for a stunning one-of-amountaintop. Get your wine flush with your dates, plan kind memento. on at local vineyards that flaunt ahead and take advanaward-winning vintages and stuntage of travel specials DAY 3-4 via websites and through ning geography. Grab a double-wide your travel professional. chaise at Gibbston Valley Winery Roam way out of Wi-Fi Also, go easy on the tours and order the local cheese plate, or and activities. Only book nosh a farm-to-fork lunch outside at range with an easy 10-minute flight in advance things that to Raiatea, followed by a 30-minute Amisfield Winery on Lake Hayes. might sell out. For examboat ride to the private-island resort ple, if you’re going to the DAY 10-15 of Vahine. Just three overwater Hawaiian Islands, luaus bungalows and four beach bungalows Fly four hours from are extremely popular, are well-spaced around a natural Auckland to Apia and rent a car for and many often sell out. lagoon. Don’t feel bad about putting the drive to Coconuts Beach Club You’ll save lots of time up that do-not-disturb sign and on the south side of Upolu, the main researching if you work just leaving it there the whole time. with your travel agent or island. The barefoot-casual resort Snorkel and laze the days away, all has six overwater fales (Samoan honeymoon planner to the while eating the freshest fish for bungalows), as well as several identify the must-do’s and reserve those right you’ll ever taste. Poisson cru — raw beachside ones. Huge jungle away.” — LM tuna marinated in coconut milk and leaves surround the Sua Trench lime — is the must-try dish here. swimming hole, the Togitogiga Waterfall and the lava-rock coastline; at most sites, DAY 5-9 you’ll be alone, so ditch the sarong and go for a private clothing-optional dip. Drop down the hill into It’s six Apia to pick up a carved bowl for salad (or pasta hours from Papeete to Auckland, then another two — no judgment) at the crafts market. Ask the hotel to Queenstown. If you’re going during the U.S. sumto pack a picnic, then drive to Vavau Beach (pay $5 mer, it’s winter in New Zealand, so pack a few woolies. From the tiny airport, rent a car for the to the village for entry), where every view from the 15-minute drive north around Lake Wakatipu, and lagoon vies to be your iPhone wallpaper. — AJ

BORA BORA, THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI

FROM TOP: TREY RATCLIFF (STUCKINCUSTOMS.COM); JON WHITTLE; SHUTTERSTOCK; JON WHITTLE (2)

VAHINE, THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI

SAMOA

QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

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e r u t n e adv CHILE&PERU

If you’re looking for a honeymoon heady with adrenaline, head south of the equator. This trek to two vibrant countries with widely varying landscapes (desert, beach, jungle, mountains) offers jaw-dropping sights and Bear Grylls-level thrills along the way.

DAY 1-2

SANTIAGO, CHILE Fly overnight from Miami to Santiago and check in to The Aubrey. This 15-room boutique overlooks the Cerro San Cristóbal, Santiago’s largest park and purveyor of the city’s

finest views. Pull yourselves from between the sheets and join

Upscape Travel’s full-day winery tour to Casablanca, where you’ll

also hop in a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding vineyards and valleys. Or consider a trek to the Andes Mountains with ChileMontaña; a private guide will curate a mountain-climbing expedition that matches your experience level.

DAY 3-4

LIMA, PERU

Cruise around Santiago on a morning bike tour with La Bicicleta Verde, checking out local markets, the Plaza de Armas and the Chilean National Zoo. Then head to Peru. Thanks to a two-hour time diference, a mid-afternoon flight from Santiago still gets you into Lima plenty early. Stay at the glitzy Belmond

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: JAMES MOES (2); MARK KNIGHT; GREG DE VILLIERS FOR MALABAR RESTAURANT & BAR; NATHAN MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

The terraced steps of the ruins at Machu Picchu.

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Fabric at the market in Lima, Peru. This 16th-century convent is now JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. Mountain majesties in Chile. A baby alpaca grazes near Cusco. The Andes rise behind Machu Picchu’s ancient site. Sharing a moment among Cusco’s tiled roofs and ornate doors (2). Huacachina’s desert gets chilly — Hotel Paracas Libertador’s fire pit keeps guests cozy. Fine dining at Malabar in Lima. Bird’s-eye vistas over Santiago, Chile.

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HONEYMOON HOPPING STEP 3 Æ CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSELF “Verify your passports as soon as you start planning. Renew ASAP if you need to.

Many countries require that your passport be valid at least six months before expiration to enter. If you’re changing your name and going on your honeymoon right after your wedding, make sure your reservations are in your maiden name.” — LM

Huacachina sand dunes to test your sandboarding skills. Even more

exhilarating is the dune-buggy ride in and out of the desert, zipping up and over those massive peaks with twists and turns that put most roller coasters to shame. Clink glasses over a desert sunset at the Huacachina oasis, a fertile settlement in the middle of the dunes. The next day, take an aerial tour of the massive, mysterious Nazca Lines geoglyphs with Alas Peruanas. Consider adding an excursion to Islas Ballestas, where speedboats whisk visitors around the nature reserve to spy sea lions, Humboldt penguins and flocks of cormorants. Overnight at Hotel Libertador Paracas.

DAY 8-9

CUSCO, PERU

Return to Lima for the quick one-hour flight to Cusco. Your home base: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, a transformed 16th-century convent. Stroll arm in arm through the romantic, uplit Plaza de Armas — but take your time. Cusco’s elevation of 11,000 feet quickly takes its toll. (Pro-tip: Ask the locals for coca leaves to chew. They’ll help with any discomfort caused by the altitude.) Sample the impressive pisco selection at Museo del Pisco, and nibble charcuterie made from alpaca and guinea pig (when in Cusco, right?). In the morning, explore the cathedral and the Qorikancha Inca temple.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK; JW MARRIOTT EL CONVENTO CUSCO; KYLE HALE PHOTOGRAPHY; JAMES MOES (2); SHUTTERSTOCK

DAY 10-13

Miraflores Park, surrounded by nightlife. Top-class dining awaits at Malabar, or opt for Astrid & Gastón, consistently named one of

the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. You can also tour the country’s culinary scene at Restaurant Huaca Pucllana, amid pre-Inca ruins.

Later, take a couples surf lesson (the city is perched on a clif with tons of breaks below); book in advance at Pukana Surf School.

DAY 5-7

SOUTHERN PERU

Hop a southbound bus for the four-hour drive to Ica, epicenter of Peru’s pisco country. As of February 2016, you can stay at Pisco Porton’s distillery, Hacienda La Caravedo, which also happens to house private villas and a sexy pool. Trot

MACHU PICCHU, PERU Catch the morning’s first PeruRail three-hour train ride to Machu Picchu. Hike through one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and put the camera away to properly appreciate the majesty after snapping one sacred selfie.

Check in to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel right at the citadel, rising at dawn for a huge perk: a private sunrise at this Inca sanctuary before the throngs of tourists arrive. Venture to the surrounding Sacred Valley and the less-touristy sites in Ollantaytambo, then back to Machu Picchu to try the Huayna Picchu trail, a three-hour side circuit beyond the main route. Hop the train back to Cusco for a final evening, swapping tales with other couples at an expat bar. Tomorrow, you’ll return to Lima both enriched and exhausted, en route to a red-eye home. — JE

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SKIPPING STONE PHOTOGRAPHY, SYDNEY

A kiss in front of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge is a not-to-be-missed photo op.

AUSTRALIA: SPLURGE OR SAVE If your goal is to get as far away as possible, you’re not alone. More than 12 percent of DWH readers are planning to escape Down Under, and a romantic trip across the globe doesn’t need to cost a mint. Here’s how.

by MATTH EW MILLER

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WorldMags.net Poolside Pampering

WHITSUNDAYS Call your butler for midnight champagne at One&Only Hayman Island. Chat with the concierge to schedule an aerial tour of Heart Reef by heli, and touch down on the pure sands of Whitehaven Beach for a private gourmet picnic. From $875.

Wine Down

Ge tC rea tiv e

OR S AVE

at nearby Leeuwin Estate.

Bottled on the spot, your vino will age well to toast on your first — or 50th —

Themed around

Take a Hike VICTORIA A guided walk through the Great Ocean Road region and a rest at Twelve Apostles Lodge are musts.

Chef-made lunches fuel the fun.

Terrain varies from easy strolls to challenging treks, with scenic rewards and local lore at every turn. Four days from $1,450 per person.

Bright Lig hts

Reef Rules

GREAT BARRIER REEF A coral cay at SYDNEY Seascape to the southern tip of the GBR, Lady Elliot skyline, snap selfies with the Sydney Harbour Island Eco Resort grants instant access Bridge, Opera House and to this natural wonder. Wade straight twinkling lights from the into the midst of dolphins, manta ferries that cross the water rays, sea turtles, vibrant coral day and night. Retreat to a sexy and hundreds of species of fish. retro-lounge room at the QT Sydney hotel. From $230.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BON APPETIT/ALAMY; AARON FOSTER/GETTY IMAGES; BARBARA KRAFT FOR ONE&ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND; TOM COCKREM/GETTY IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK; COURTESY LADY ELLIOT ISLAND ECO RESORT; SHUTTERSTOCK; SKIPPING STONE PHOTOGRAPHY, SYDNEY; COURTESY QT HOTELS & RESORTS; COURTESY TWELVE APOSTLES LODGE WALK; CHRIS ALLSOP PHOTOGRAPHY; SHUTTERSTOCK; OZIMAGES/ALAMY

wine country, Australia’s Napa

Creative Loafin g

Go Al lO ut

A vineyard-view Cape Lodge soothes

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· VIP Check in Experience for the Bride & Groom. · Professional Wedding Coordinator on Site. · Choice of your wedding sceneries. · Bride’s bouquet (White or Fucsia Dendrobium). · Matching Groom’s Boutonniere. · Signing table decorated with a floating white blossom. · 2 Tiffany chairs. · Sparkling toast following the ceremony. · Dinner reservation at one of our Fabulous Restaurants (Non-private Restaurant will be subject to availability).

· Turn down service and Simple Stunning Sexy Kit for Bride & Groom. · Departure Lounge Club Mobay for Bride & Groom. *Based upon availability and applies only to Weddings by Palladium “basic package” and from Karen Bussen Simple Stunning Weddings collection “Love Birds” package. For travel during March 1, 2016 through April 30, 2016 at Palladium Hotels and Resorts in Jamaica. Includes service for up to 6 people (Inc. Tax & Service charge). Children under age of 12 are free of charge. Any Legal or symbolic ceremony will have an extra cost. Prices and services may be subject to change without prior notice. Guests of the wedding party who are not staying at the resort must purchase an Event Pass. Cannot be combined with other offers. For more details please contact our weddings coordinators from Jamaica at +876-633-8900 or weddings.jamaica@palladiumhotelgroup.com.

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WorldMags.net 4 p.m. TIME OUT

8 a.m. ALL YOU CAN EAT Drag yourselves away from your swim-up suite at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, an adults-only (yay!) all-inclusive resort, and toddle to the breakfast buffet next door at Hyatt Ziva, where you can try Jamaican specialties like ackee and saltfish. Or just get an omelet. Either way.

Back at Hyatt Zilara, walk down to the beach and veer to the left, away from the action. There, the Zen Spa’s beach Jacuzzi room is base camp for relaxation.

Jamaica’s high humidity turns this room into a steamy hydrotherapy circuit, with tiled loungers and an oversize Jacuzzi.

11 a.m.

5 p.m. ALL ABOARD

GET HIGH Surprised to see so many mountains on this beach-lover’s island? The Blue Mountains are vast, and Jamaica Zipline Adventure Tours boasts the longest zip-line in the Caribbean, with five cables from 250 to 1,600 feet long.

Smooth jazz, smoother booze and plenty of seclusion headline a two-hour sunset sail on the Dreamer Catamaran, which departs on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toast each other with bubbly or rum punch at the open bar as you cruise the bay, serenaded by saxophone.

MONTEGO BAY Jamaica, DWH readers’ no. 1 honeymoon spot, offers something irie for every hour.

You’re not in Paris, but you’ll feel like it at the Petit PariZ restaurant at Hyatt Zilara’s dining and nightlife village.

The standout specialty: an old-school martini cart manned by a white-gloved server who mixes up concoctions from the menu of 11 signature cocktails. Pair your pick with coq au vin.

9 P.M. DANCE FEVER Cross the promenade to Union JackZ, the hotel’s British pub, for gin and tonics aplenty and dancing to ’80s and ’90s faves spun by a live DJ. Need a breather?

Challenge your boo to a game of pool, checkers or darts in one of the backrooms.

by H O L LY V. KA PHER R

12 p.m.

HOT STUFF The jerk chicken at Scotchie’s is legendary, but the sausages are the untold stars of the spicy show. Jerk-seasoned meats have quite a kick on their own, but dowsed in the proprietary Scotch bonnet sauce, they require more than a few Red Stripes to quell the heat.

12 a.m.

SOAK WITH YOUR SWEET Ask your butler to draw a midnight bath for two. Then order dessert (another one!) and have it sent up to share.

2 p.m.

CRUISIN’ TOGETHER This ain’t no white water; picture rustic handmade bamboo rafts gliding down a calm river. Float along a 3-mile stretch of the Martha Brae with guides who point out landmarks and native plants along the way. If it’s clear, hop out for a swim halfway through.

FROM TOP: Swim up to the IslandZ bar at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall. Take a walk on the Hyatt’s mile-long shore. More than 14 pools outline the hotel’s deck. A rafting trip for two on the Martha Brae is Jamaica’s answer to Venetian gondolas.

Irie essentials: Red Stripe and jerk chicken.

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7 p.m. SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

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CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM RIGHT: SHUTTERSTOCK (2); M. TIMOTHY O'KEEFE/ALAMY; PLAYA RESORTS (3)

A perfectDAY IN ...

WorldMags.net WILDvs.MILD CHELSEA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHED WITH PERMISSION AT THE NEON MUSEUM, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

THERE’S MORE TO THIS TOURIST MECCA THAN SLOTS AND SHOWS; TAKE A GAMBLE ON THESE ONLY-IN-VEGAS ACTIVITIES. by ALLYSON REEDY

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WYNN LAS VEGAS Get in to Vegas’ newest hot spot before the buzz even starts.

Opening April 2016, Intrigue at Wynn sports a private nightclub-withina-nightclub where posting to social media is prohibited to make sure what goes on there, stays there.

2

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MANDALAY BAY Vegas might be desert, but certified divers can still get their thrills at Mandalay Bay’s Dive with Sharks program.

Plunge into a 1.3 million gallon tank for a guided swim with more than 30 sand tiger, sandbar and reef sharks.

WILD FREMONT STREET Fly past the bright lights of historic downtown Las Vegas on the SlotZilla Zip Line, a 12-story slot machine (the biggest in the world) that launches riders from two lines through the Fremont Street Experience at up to 40 mph.

MILD OFF-STRIP Head to the Neon Boneyard, north of the Strip, for a honeymoon photo shoot (above). More than 150 signs litter two acres, so it’s a shoo-in for some sweet shots. If you just want to see the signs, the adjoining museum is open 24/7.

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COSMOPOLITAN The can’t-miss dinner-and-show right now is Rose.

Rabbit. Lie. at the Cosmopolitan. At this modern supper club, guests are treated to continually evolving entertainment flights and dishes like duck-confit pasta and creamy bone marrow.

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PLATINUM HOTEL Two words: spa day.

Just a block off-Strip, the WELL Spa at the Platinum Hotel offers a sexy treatment where you can make each other’s bodies the canvases and paint with detoxifying mud. Afterward, unwind with side-byside massages.

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PHOTO: CEREMONIES OF ST. JOHN/BLUE GLASS PHOTOGRAPHY

VENDOR LISTINGS ARUBA

FLORIDA

FARO BLANCO RESTAURANT Faro Blanco

CAROLINE VH HAIR & MAKEUP

Restaurant’s unique location right on the edge of Hudishibana Hill in Aruba overlooking the Caribbean Sea provides the perfect atmosphere to say your “I Do’s”.

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A bride’s hair and makeup can make or break your entire day. Let our true professionals show you how flawless you will look on your wedding day.

Central Florida’s onsite hair and makeup services for local and destination brides and bridal parties. Specializing in HD makeup, airbrush, up-dos, and classic hairstyles. CAROLINEVH.COM

BAHAMAS CHIC BAHAMAS WEDDINGS Exotic and

uniquely you. We’ll carefully craft an exclusive, bespoke wedding experience for you and your guests while ensuring that your special day is unforgettable.

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BALI BALI FOR TWO Your one stop solution

ow that you’re rocking the ring, it’s time to assemble your personal team of wedding pros.

First things first: Hire a planner. No matter how organized or detailed you are, a wedding planner will pay for herself — from the money she’ll save you by knowing the best vendors to the stress she’ll alleviate from day one. Destination planners know the terrain, speak the language and can navigate your locale’s culture.

Choosing the right photographer is also key: Once your big day is over, your photos will be the most valued keepsakes to remind you of your experience in paradise.

Here are vendors seasoned in planning from afar — find the right one so you can get hitched without a hitch.

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VENDOR TIP

“

Photo packages – The preferred resort vendor may not be your best value. Consider bringing in your own photographer to get several days of photos instead of the standard 3-4 hours

”

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For more vendor information, visit destinationweddingmag.com/weddingvendors. To advertise, contact Kate D’Amico at Kate.Damico@bonniercorp.com

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for all wedding matters in Bali.

Wedding planning, photography, videography, make-up and hair, honeymoon, tours, flowers, and decoration. Make your wedding a dream come true with Bali for Two! BALIFORTWO.COM

USVI AND BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS CEREMONIES OF ST. JOHN When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. On St. John, we know that a dream is a wish your heart makes. Let us be your dream catcher.

USVIWEDDING.COM ISLAND STYLE WEDDINGS The sugar

white sand, tranquil breezes, and turquoise waters of St. John are calling you. We want to design the perfect Caribbean celebration that reflects your style and personality. Let us help make your vision a reality.

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CALIFORNIA BIANCA WEDDINGS & EVENTS Bianca

Weddings & Events offers wedding planning, coordination, and production under one roof. We specialize in destination weddings and posh events.

BIANCAWEDDINGSAND EVENTS.COM

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CENTRAL AMERICA SPARKS FINE EVENT PLANNING Sparks Fine Event Planning is a full service international destination wedding planning company located in Guatemala.

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COSTA RICA COSTA RICAN RENTALS Costa Rican

Rentals offers the perfect place to host your destination wedding and subsequent honeymoon complete with chef, bartender, and housekeeping. And it’s a surprisingly affordable alternative to traditional weddings. COSTARICANRENTALS.COM

ITALY WHITE EMOTION A leading wedding planner for weddings all over Italy.

Alessia Santa and her team create unforgettable, luxurious occasions that are a perfect representation of your love for one another with the best locations, caterers, and suppliers to serve couples with different needs, habits, cultures, and traditions.

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EUROPE, MEXICO, US, AND SOUTHEAST ASIA KYLA GOLD WEDDINGS A boutique-style planning and design company that specializes in destination wedding weekends. Based in San Francisco, we create tailored events for couples seeking styled weddings and personalized service for both near and far. KYLAGOLD.COM

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IS STRESS-FREE AND YOU CAN GET HITCHED WITHOUT A HITCH.

Directory US & CARIBBEAN

MEXICO & CARIBBEAN

PUERTO RICO

TROPICAL WEDDINGS, LLC Puerto Rico’s

ALL BLISS PHOTOGRAPHY We put

AUDIOCANCUN Music is an important

CHEZELLE DEZINES A full service wedding planning firm that specializes in destination weddings which includes wedding stationary, room block accommodations, floral and event design, and website design with 12 years of experience.

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EXQUISITE VACATIONS Allow Exquisite

heart and soul into your destination wedding images to give you something artistic, authentic, and beautiful.

ALLBLISSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM CAMILLE FONTANEZ PHOTO Based

in Puerto Rico, Camille provides beautiful contemporary imagery for your Caribbean destination wedding.

CAMILLEFONTZ.COM KISS THE PLANNER We specialize in creative wedding design and planning. Providing the highest level of service for destination weddings throughout the US and Caribbean. The professional wedding coordinators take pride in producing seamlessly executed events of the utmost quality while providing absolute peace of mind. KISSTHEPLANNER.COM VOWS WEDDINGS AND EVENTS If you

can dream it, we will make it a reality. VOWSWEDDINGS.COM

JAMAICA HELEN G EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN At

Helen G Events, we aim to create the ultimate experience for our clients. We provide all the necessary essentials required to create a memorable destination wedding in Jamaica. HELENGEVENTS.COM ZEDOJ EVENTS & WEDDINGS You

have found the perfect wedding destination, now complete it with your dream wedding planner.

ZEDOJEVENTS.COM

EASTERN CARIBBEAN NATALIA LIRIANO, WEDDING AND SPECIAL EVENT PLANNER We plan,

design, and coordinate inspired weddings through a meticulous yet stress free process.

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element, and AudioCancun provides the professional services with the best DJ services in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. DJ’s, sound systems, lighting, LED dance floors, cold fireworks, animation props, and more.

EMAIL: INFO@AUDIOCANCUN.COM DEAN SANDERSON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY My goal is for every

wedding I shoot to be as unique as the couple getting married. My style is to be observant and capture natural imagery as it happens with light guidance that allows your personality to shine through.

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ELEGANZZA BRIDALS & MORE Whether

it’s an intimate, high-end, or non-traditional wedding, we will work each event with a personal touch and your unique vision. From concept to finish, we plan, design, and coordinate weddings that are stress free. ELEGANZZABRIDALPR.COM

VENDOR TIP

“

When planning your wedding, infuse your personality into every aspect from invites to décor to the ceremony.

”

-BIANCA PORRINO, BIANCA WEDDINGS

STYLISH CARIBBEAN & MEXICO WEDDINGS

BY WEDDINGS ROMANTIQUE Premiere

destination wedding services company specializing in stylish uniquely customized Caribbean and Mexico, traditional and multi-cultural glamorous weddings.

WEDDINGSROMANTIQUE.COM MVP HAIR AND MAKE-UP Timeless beauty with a modern edge.

CANCUNHAIRANDMAKEUP.COM TIME FOR TRAVEL LTD FREE professional

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TIMEFORTRAVELLTD.COM RWANDA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY We are Rwanda Studio, professional wedding photographers established in Mexico with a background that extends from fine arts to documentary, and which is infused with a passion for imagery that inspires. RWANDASTUDIO.COM

KRIZIA DIAZ EVENT PLANNER & DESIGN

Elegance and attention to detail is what sets our events apart.

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KRIZIADIAZ.COM OCASIONES EVENT SERVICES Welcome to the award winning destination wedding specialists of Puerto Rico!

Let experienced professionals handle your event, as we have over 10 years of experience at your service. “A decade of dreams come true”. OCASIONES.US MARIA A LUGO DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNER Whether your wedding is

simple or sophisticated, elegant or outrageous I will personally help you make all vendor selections within your budget and turn your visions into reality. MARIALUGOPR.COM

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premier destination wedding planner.

The only thing our couples worry about is saying “I Do”.

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TRAVEL SPECIALIST Vacations to handle the details while you dream about the possibilities. Call Andrea at 1-888-868-3761.

EXQUISITEVACATION.COM VACATIONS IN PARADISE All Inclusive destination weddings, honeymoon travel planning specialist for Mexico, Caribbean, and other destinations.

DESTINATIONWEDDINGSIN PARADISE.COM VACATIONS WITH FLAIR Specializing in stress-free destination wedding and honeymoon planning. You’ll receive custom tailored suggestions and advice, ensuring that your wedding is as unique and special as you are. Don’t leave your memories to chance!

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WORLDWIDE REBECCA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

RebeccaMarie loves nothing more than to capture the beauty of your wedding day by telling your love story through photographs. RebeccaMarie has been featured in popular national magazines and media and is a certified member of Professional Photographers of America.

REBECCAMARIEPHOTOGRAPHY.NET MANGO MUSE EVENTS Destination

wedding planning gurus making planning fun and easy while creating unforgettable experiences for you and your loved ones.

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worked with over 20,000 couples and 500,000 guests to plan dream weddings around the world.

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NANUKU ISLAND, FIJI WHEN OCTOBER 26, 2015, 8:20 A.M.

LOCATION, LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION COURTESY OF NANUKU AUBERGE RESORT (NANUKU.AUBERGERESORTS.COM)

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WorldMags.net WHERE

OVER BOARD A DWH editor hovers above neon coral on a trash-thedress honeymoon shoot.

“Holly and Clif were up for anything. Not many couples would get up at 5 a.m. for a 45-minute boat ride and then be talked into stand-up paddle boarding in the shark-infested waters of Beqa lagoon. At first, Holly was hesitant to stand up on the board because she wasn’t sure if her dress would be too heavy soaking wet. But with a little coaxing from Gitte, who had climbed on top of the speedboat to get the shot, she did it. Combined with the hues of blue reflected by the sunrise, it was a spectacular moment.”

story & photography by ROPATE & GITTE KAMA | KAMACATCH ME.COM

74 DESTINATIONWEDDINGMAG.COM

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SOME AISLES ARE JUST MORE MEMORABLE TO WALK DOWN.

A DAY AS SPECIAL AS THIS, We know how important your special day is and we are here to ensure you have a truly memorable experience whether onboard the gorgeous venues on the MSC Divina, or at a stunning beachside destination. Family and friends are welcome to cruise with you or join you on board just for the ceremony and reception.

LET MSC CRUISES PLAN YOUR DREAM WEDDING! From traditional ceremonies to Indian weddings, LGBT weddings and more.

844.301.5038 | msccruises.com WorldMags.net

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Big Day Preview TWO-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO FOR ONLY $500.

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ENTER TO WIN A 4-DAY/3-NIGHT VACATION TO ANY HYATT ZILARA OR HYATT ZIVA RESORT AT PLAYARESORTS.COM/BRIDES

CONTACT YOUR PREFERRED TRAVEL AGENT OR WEDDING CENTER | 800.466.1289 CANCUN | LOS CABOS | MONTEGO BAY | PUERTO VALLARTA

Big Day Preview applies to adults only. Credit is valid for minimum $2,500 wedding program. Limit one Big Day Preview credit per wedding. Best room availability suite category restrictions may apply. Applies to new bookings only. Oceanview room categories for both free wedding packages required. For Just the Two of You package is complimentary with purchase of a minimum of 6-night stay and requires purchase of upper category. Intimate Elegance package is complimentary with a minimum of 15 room nights in upper category, or purchased for $999. Holidays or other blackout dates may apply. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our website for full details. The Hyatt Ziva™ and Hyatt Zilara™ trademarks and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt International Corporation. ©2016 Hyatt International Corporation. All rights reserved. PLA04971215

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