Blush Bride Magazine

SUMMER 2015

Love

FALL I N

An Exclusive Engagement Story

Wedding

18 on a Budget DIY

DISPLAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 $ 10.99 CANADA

Decorations Brides Speak Out! Real Brides, Real Weddings

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Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

From “Yes!" to “I do!”

While your wedding day will likely be the happiest day of your life, it is also important to cherish the days leading up to “I do.” Experiencing a blissful engagement that allows you and your fiancé to reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future is just as important as planning the wedding of your dreams. The days are longer and the weather warm, we encourage you to get outside with your bride or groom-to-be (go wine tasting, have a picnic, or take a stroll) and just enjoy being engaged.

When it is time to start planning, we’re honored to be by your side with countless ideas and breathtaking inspiration for weddings, honeymoons, and all of life’s special moments in between. This issue features gorgeous brides on their special day and an insider look on what to expect for your special day. Providing couples with valuable wedding planning tips, we also deliver expert advice from some of the industry’s most talented professionals.

We are pleased to present Real Weddings from across the country, with page after page of inspiration from real couples who share a picturesque look into their wedding days as well as their love stories and planning advice.

These Brides and our advertisers have the Blush Bride stamp of approval, and many have even contributed to the spreads that fill this issue.

Nicole Carbery EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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BlushBride CONTENT SPOTLIGHT

Bride’s Speak Out

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A Fairy-Tale Adventure An Exquisite Event

VENUE

The Big Picture

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EDITIOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Carbery EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ken Dyment CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Jes Rimando, Jane Ballesteros, Michelle Carbery CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Juliette Capdevielle, Janine Wong PUBLISHER Julia Deo ADVERTISING MANAGER Nicole Carbery

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ENGAGEMENT

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Fall in Love

DÉCOR 32

DIY Wedding Decorations on a Budget

TRAVEL

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Honeymoon Hot Spots

BELLE MEDIA 6255 W. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 860 Los Angeles, CA 90028 323.373.3360 PRINTED IN THE USA Distributed by Curtis Circulation Company PreMedia Services by DMG Atlanta Blush Bride (ISSN 1552-4647), Issue No. 46, is published quarterly by Belle Media, 6225 W. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 860, Los Angeles, CA 90028-7403. Annual subscriptions cos CAD$ 19.98 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Blush Bride, 6255 W. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 860, Los Angeles, CA 90028-7403.

We wish to thank the wedding professionals who contribute to Blush Bride and share their expertise. The opinions expressed by our contributors are their own and other professionals in their field may express differing views. We reserve the right to refuse advertising. All advertisements are accepted and published on the representation that the advertiser is properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. Letter from the Editor and partial of the Content list was paraphrased from Inside Weddings Summer 2014 Issue. WEDDING FEATURES: Readers interested in having their weddings considered for publication may submit their information at BlushBride.com Due to the volume of submissions, we regret that we are able to respond to all requests. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Those submitting manuscripts, artwork or other materials to Blush Bride for consideration should not send originals unless specifically requested in writing; no responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Annual US subscriptions (4 issues) are available online at a cost of CAD$ 19.98 per year. Canadian subscriptions are available at a cost of CAD$19.98 per year. If the postal authorities alert us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years.

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Spotlight 6 | BLUSHBRIDE

Brides Speak Out Planning your wedding from beginning to end can be an exciting milestone in your life or a very overwhelming one. There are so many questions to ask, people to see, places to call, follow ups to be made all for one day. Choosing the desired venue, hiring a talented Photographer and Videographer, choosing your cake flavors - all keeping within your wedding budget.

These Bride’s share their stories, personal experience and advice.

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A FAIRY-TALE ADVENTURE MARY JES CARLOS & ERNESTO JR. RIMANDO May 3, 2014 Toronto, Ontario | Photography: Visions by David

The greatest love story is your own; tell us how the lucky groom proposed?

Is it safe to expect help from your groom in the planning process?

It was Easter Sunday and after a long 12hr shift; I found a rose and note taped onto my steering wheel (I knew it was from him through his writing). It said to meet him at “our spot” which happens to be the Humber Bay Bridge on Lakeshore. Since we were house shopping within the months prior, I thought he going to tell me the good news about owning our first home together. Instead I found him pacing back and forth in the middle of the bridge. As nervous as he was, he managed to get his love speech out and tears ran down my face. Since it was Easter Sunday, both our families were waiting for us at my house for dinner to celebrate and of course to celebrate a new milestone.

A little help goes a long way especially planning your own wedding day. You are not getting married to yourself after all! It’s nice to have your partner’s input even if it’s as little as choosing your first dance song or attending appointments together. In the end, marriage is all about compromise so why not start during the planning process!

As soon as you were engaged, how did you start the wedding planning process?

I was engaged in March 2013 and had planned to get married in May 2014. I started planning exactly a year from our wedding day and it started with booking a Church for the Ceremony and then finding the perfect venue. The rest of the planning process was a breeze.

Every girl has had ideas and plans on what their Wedding day would look like when they grow up. Were there any limitations, scenarios that you would have done differently etc.?

Planning such a big event comes with the right amount of budget. If I had maybe an extra $30,000 I would definitely invite more people that I knew would have loved to attend. At the same time, I don’t think I could have talked and mingled to 200 plus people - so having the amount of guest that attended was just the right amount and I wouldn’t change a thing.

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Where did you get inspiration for the overall look on your wedding day?

I didn’t have a specific website of favorite Bridal Magazine but I knew that I wanted a hint of purple in my wedding. I didn’t go with the traditional pastel colors for my bridesmaids - I had them wear silver/carbon sweetheart neckline dresses.

My bridal bouquet was made of my favorite flower -purple orchids. I also had them on my center pieces attached on the manzanita tree, which I loved!

Throughout your engagement, bridal shower, and preparing for your wedding day - tell us what is your most memorable moment that will last a lifetime?

The most exciting memory I have throughout all of my engagement process would have to be writing our Thank you speech for the reception. Doing this made me realize how my now husband and I are so fortunate to have such amazing family and friends who support us. Without them, there would be no celebration.

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How would you describe the overall feeling you had during the planning process, any advice for our bridesto-be?

As some people may have remembered, I was the calmest bride-to-be they knew. Take your time planning and try not to stress. If you are given one year to plan the wedding I suggest using the whole year to prepare and make a timeline.

Enjoy every minute of it because the wedding day will be over faster than you think, you will definitely miss it. Use all the resources you have and plan a couple of girls day dedicated to the wedding. It really is more fun.

What types of foods were on the menu on your wedding day?

During cocktail hour, we started off with Hors d’Oeuvres - such as shrimp/chicken skewers, bruschetta, butter chicken spoons, and smoked salmon pate on crostini. The four-course dinner menu included Caprese salad, Penne in tomato sauce and Mushroom risotto. The guest had a choice between Chicken

Glendon Hall, York University

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Paradise Banquet Hall

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supreme, Rib eye steak or Vegetarian dish for the main course.

I had a dessert station filled with assorted cakes, French and Italian pastries as well as Fresh fruits. Also, can’t forget the late night poutine station - it was everyone’s favorite!

What is the most expensive element in your wedding planning that you believe was worth every penny?

Our photographer and videographer (Visions by David) were worth every penny. I believe that pictures and video are what you will have left after the big day to remember by, that will last forever (other than your memory of course). The wedding day will go by in a blink of an eye, having photos to look back

on really takes you back to that special moment. I recommend Visions by David in a heartbeat. Their professionalism and outstanding pictures are simply amazing.

Do you agree in DIY decor/stationary for your wedding events? Why or why not?

DIY all the way! I made my own wedding invitations with the help of Cards and Pockets, and worked with my talented cousin with the overall design. I love how DIY projects turn out, especially because it contains significant personal touches. You’ll be proud of the end result and it can save you tons of money!

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Spotlight 14 | BLUSHBRIDE

An Exquisite Event JANE AURE & JOE BALLESTEROS

July 21, 2012 Niagara Falls, Ontario | Photography: 1459 Studios

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Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria 16 | BLUSHBRIDE

The greatest love story is your own; tell us how the lucky groom proposed?

Is it safe to expect help from your groom in the planning process?

Our family and mutual friends take an annual vacation every summer on a cruise to the Bahamas. Just like any other cruise I did not expect the surprise of my life. Three days into our trip after visiting two islands, we were at sea for the night. It was Formal night on the ship; we had dinner with our family and friends and decided to check out the Karaoke bar. As the night went on, two of our friends got up to sing; mid way through they called up my (at the time) boyfriend. Suddenly there I was in front of friends, family and unfamiliar crowds as he got down on his knee and proposed.

Expect help - No. In an ideal world, I think we all would like to think they would participate more, but in reality they like to take the backseat. Besides, would you really take their suggestion into consideration? I think not!

As soon as you were engaged, how did you start the wedding planning process?

I started preparing for my wedding by purchasing a wedding planner book, some bridal magazines to help me gain some ideas and also attending wedding conventions helped. But through this process both my husband and I felt that the place we marry should be a place we would always remember. It was unanimous; the most travelled place we like to getaway and enjoy each other’s company is at Niagara Falls.

Every girl has had ideas and plans on what their Wedding day would look like when they grow up. Were there any limitations, scenarios that you would have done differently etc.?

As a little girl, I wanted to marry on a boat. Growing up I realized that dream was not quite realistic because I wanted all my family and friends to join in our celebration. I am pleased with the outcome of our wedding day and celebration; it was closer to home and our favorite getaway destination.

Where did you get inspiration for the overall look on your wedding day?

I spent a lot of time looking through Bridal Magazines; I wanted a theme that showcased my perfect dress. My bridal gown had a 1920’s feel with feathers and a bit of bling to accent the dress in all the right places. I modernized the feather feel by having my bridesmaids and groomsmen in a bright apple red attire.

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Excitement – joy – love – nervousness and so much more, you feel everything all at once and for most people it can be quite overwhelming

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but to me, it was the best feeling in the world !

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Throughout your engagement, bridal shower, and preparing for your wedding day - tell us what is your most memorable moment that will last a lifetime?

How would you describe the overall feeling you had during the planning process, any advice for our bridesto-be?

Now looking back at our adventure together, I would have to say it was taking this journey with my husband, there could never be just one specific memory that will last a lifetime, the whole experience will last a lifetime to my husband and I, and our family and friends that witness and celebrated our day.

Bride-to-Be’s, you will feel everything from excitement – joy – love – nervousness and so much more, you feel everything all at once and for most people it can be quite overwhelming but to me, it was the best feeling in the world!

Good Luck with the planning process!

What types of foods were on the menu on your wedding day?

Our venue was at the Hilton Hotel; it was very elegant and flowed perfectly with our theme. We had a three-course meal, which started off with a lobster bisque, mango salad, stuffed chicken with vegetables and potato’s for our main, and sorbet for dessert. The food was amazing and the service was fantastic.

What is the most expensive element in your wedding planning that you believe was worth every penny?

No matter where you try to cut costs or spend a little more to ensure you get the best, the overall experience, is always and

foremost the most important feature of a wedding. At the end of the planning process and finally at the end of your wedding day, you will want to do it all over again! – Even if it cost you an arm and a leg to put the event together.

Do you agree in DIY decor/stationary for your wedding events? Why or why not?

Completely agree with DIY décor and stationary, it is cost effective and can look just as beautiful as store bought decorations and stationary. Also, you can ensure everything is done to your liking with that personalized touch versus a generic option you see so often.

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Venue

the BIG

PICTURE

Today’s brides have so many choices in venues, which offer creative and unique ways to celebrate their special day. Years back, you typically got married in a church, then had your reception either at a local banquet facility or at a country club. Not many choices and it was kind of visually boring!

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Traditional Venues

Traditional venues are quite common, your church hall or a banquet hall - they all have the elegance and chic feel.

There is a range of banquet halls to choose from. Some halls provide decor designers as an extra package.

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Restaurant – Hotel (Ballroom)

From a small intimate restaurant to a larger ballroom, you an have variety of options on your menu. Décor options are limited as the restaurant may already have it’s distinctive look, that’s the beauty of it!

Cambium Farms Photography | Juliette Capdevielle

Barn

This type of venue is gaining in popularity. The rustic, shabby vibe is a look a lot of brides are leaning towards. This would be a great way to showcase your creativity.

Park – Garden – Vineyard

There are so many breathtaking parks available. It seems that just about every park has jumped onto the wedding band wagon. Outdoor weddings require less décor as there is a lot of natural scenery.

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Private Home

If you are so lucky to have a family or friend that has a spectacular piece of property, this can create a romantic whimsical environment. DIY dĂŠcor can be incorporated to help further shave costs and create a unique look on your wedding day or hiring a decorator to create an intimate evening.

Country Clubs - Tents

Many country clubs have been available for weddings and have really updated their overall look in the recent years. This is a great option for having best of both worlds – indoors and outdoors.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Photography | Janine Wong

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Punta Cana Photography | Adventure Photos

Destination – Beach

Gorgeous views everywhere you look!

Destination or Beach weddings are unforgettable.

Also, you are guaranteed picture perfect photos!

You can see that there are so many choices today and that it could be a little overwhelming.

Narrowing your choices down by style, location and cost will help make the decision easier.

Be sure to ask lots of questions and be prepared to visit a site or location a couple of times before you make your final decision.

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Engagement

FALL I N

Love

After 10 Years, he proposed.

I can say, he is definitely worth the wait!

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My fiancé and I met in 2002 through my best friend, at a party in the fall. We didn’t converse much but exchanged a couple of glances. At the time, it seemed very innocent. We were friends for a little over a year until our friendship grew into something more.

We were both quite young and didn’t know where this relationship would lead us. Our relationship grew through our high school and university years and it taught us a great deal of life lessons. Our friends and family intertwined and it all felt surreal.

September 16, 2003 - We went to Nathan Philips Square near City Hall in Toronto, Ontario. As we sat and talked about life and future goals - he asked me where I saw myself in the future; I didn’t exactly understand the point of his question until he asked me to be his girlfriend.

We travelled overseas sharing incredible memories, and have experienced many ups and downs just like any other couple would - but pushed through them because we both knew our relationship was worth it. My fiancé has played a significant role in my life as well as

Scarborough Bluffs Park Photography | AGI Studios

in my families and has contributed to the factors that make me the woman I am today.

On June 15, 2013 - he took me back to the place where he asked me to be his girlfriend, after ten years he finally proposed. Surrounded by our closest mutual friends, I was exceedingly overwhelmed with happiness.

As ecstatic as I was, I wanted to get a head’s start planning our wedding. Reading through Bridal Magazines and gaining ideas for our big day I realized all the glitz and glamour could be quite pricey! This is when both my fiancé and I decided to DIY for all the fine details in our planning process.

Luckily for us, my sister is a graphic designer and helped play a major part in all the fine tuning with our wedding invitations, save the date cards, wedding shower signs and photo booth backdrop. This truly helped us save our budget for our venue and has taken a lot of stress off our plate because it was done exactly according our vision. If there is anywhere you can save, take advantage!

Going through this process, I couldn’t be more grateful for the people in our lives that have contributed to our relationship, mentally, financially, physically and emotionally.

MICHELLE CARBERY & JOMAR BALLESTEROS DATING SINCE: SEPT 16, 2003 | ENGAGED SINCE: JUN 15, 2013 TYING THE KNOT: SEPT 12, 2015

Eleven years is a very long time, and I still fall in love with him everyday. I can’t wait to marry him on September 12, 2015 and have the rest of our lives building new memories together.

I can say, he is definitely worth the wait!

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DĂŠcor

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DIY Wedding HubPages.com DIY Wedding Decorations on a Budget

Decorations on a Budget

With the average cost of a wedding ringing in at over $27,000 - getting married on a limited budget can be extremely stressful. With the rise in prices of services, you need to be able to improvise and get creative for things like DIY wedding flowers and centerpieces. You can organize an entire wedding, without overspending or breaking the bank - here’s some ideas to show you how!

1

Novel Guestbook

Ask guests to take their own pictures and send to you after the wedding or maybe it would be fun to ask two good friends to be your unofficial photographers. Depending on your camera, if you look online you can get deals for film to keep your costs right down.

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Baby's Breath Ceremony Decor

Look for some pails or buckets at the dollar store and just spray paint them silver or you could paint them in your wedding theme color. Adding flowers the colors of your seats will set a beautiful scene. Place them the end of seat rows to really make a statement.

3

Burlap Candle Holders

What could be prettier than burlap and coral?

Plain candles look divine dressed up with burlap, and have the ribbon in the color of your wedding. You could alternate the candles with vases or bottles wrapped in twine for an even stronger effect.

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4

Wedding Signs

Welcome your guests with a DIY wedding sign.

Try repurposing an old headboard or even a pallet.

It will also be a great piece to hang up in your home after the wedding!

5

Newspaper Favor Bag

A homemade doilies gift bag made out of news paper is perfect for the vintage wedding. Fill it with whatever you like for example carmel popcorn or candy. Why not have a bar of snacks with thank you bags and let the guest put together their own treats to take home.

6

Flower Monogram

A monogrammed floral arrangement is beautiful on a church door, ceremony or at the reception. It’s a cheap and easy way to utilize plastic flowers from the dollar store, in your own wedding colors,and the cardboard letters can be purchased at your local craft store.

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Paper Bag Vase

A simple paper bag tied with string and flowers inside looks clean and elegant as your wedding centerpiece or on each individual table.

8

Mason Jar Floral Decorations

Upcycling mason jars and filling them with flowers as chair decorations looks really dainty and pretty. If you want to go a step further, you could stain the jars in the colors that you wish.

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9

Floral Glass Ball

Hanging filled, clear baubles looks a little bit whimsical, and are an ideal alternative to the usual floral center pieces. You can purchase them from craft stores and fill them with whatever suits your theme, for example little shells for a beach wedding.

10

Delicate Chair Decor

Tulle is just the perfect way to accessorize your wedding.

It’s cheap to buy and you can have a lot of fun with it.

Try making it into bows and tying it around flowers and fairy lights for a fanciful look.

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Colorful Centerpiece

Using tall glasses or vases , twist a fresh or fake flower inside with water. The more colors you have, the better. Pop mini tea lights around this look to finish it off.

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Cookie Wedding Favors

A perfect pairing is tea and handmade cookies. Use pretty gift wrap and seal with a sticker bearing the couple’s initials. You could even pop them into cups from the dollar store, decorated with sharpie markers.

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Rustic Head Table Sign

Banners are really simple to make and there’s a multitude of possibilities here from scraps of paper to swatches of fabric.

You could place the banner on the dessert table or even at the head table, depending on what look you want.

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14

Over-sized Paper Flower

Instead of a cluster of smaller paper flowers, why not go with one or two statement flowers? These over-sized paper flowers are great as photo props and add a fantastical quality to your day Use materials you likely already have on hand: scrapbook paper, cardboard circles, scissors and double-sided tape.

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Bride & Groom Wedding Chairs

Go simple and rustic with ribbon and wooden signs for the bride and groom's chair backs. You could paint the wood in a shade that matches your bridesmaids dresses.

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Bird Feeder Candle Lights

Hanging decorations allows you to add levels of interest.

This plays well for photographs and for lighting. Use fake tea lights instead to minimize risk of fire. You can use whatever bits of plant you like inside, from moss to faux grass.

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Confetti Cones

Confetti cones are a great idea for giving guests on your big day. Use book pages or kraft paper to make flower cones for the send off. If you are putting flowers inside, get some floral water tubes to keep the flowers fresh.

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Neon Bright Tablescape

Add a pop of color with some scrapbook paper in bright colors wrapped around vases and matching ribbons. You could even use fancy wallpaper if you so choose.

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Travel

Honeymoon

HOT SPOTS

Imagine that you have just spent months planning your wedding: you’ve dealt with your crazy bridesmaids, the parents, both the “in laws” & “outlaws”, you slaved over the table seating, worried about timelines and obsessed that every detail went perfectly.

Now imagine where you want to kick back, relax, play and create wonderful honeymoon memories with your new husband.

Whether your honeymoon is five days, a week, or more, this time together will be much needed. Honeymooners have lots of places to choose from, so whether you’re planning on going to an exotic & adventurous location, a relaxing beach vacation, a nonstop safari, a romantic ski trip or even a cruise to various islands, your trip should be based on your joint personality.

SOURCE | www.easyweddings.com > newly-wedding-perks www. honeymoons.com > top-10-most-popular-destinations

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www.mexicoresortsforless.com

Mexico

In Mexico you’ll find beautiful natural settings, top-notch tourist services and exquisite cuisine.

We love the romance and culture of this exotic location so much we know you will not want to leave.

For honeymooners who are looking for a warm tropical getaway, consider these three unique destinations: Nueva Vallarta, Huatulco and the Mayan Riviera.These places boast beautiful beaches surrounded by lush vegetation, great outdoor activities and a tourism infrastructure capable of pleasing the most demanding newlyweds.

Italy When you are looking for a honeymoon full of old world charm and romance, a trip to Italy guarantees you will get lost on cobblestone streets, in old classic churches and bistros out of paintings and fall in love all over again. No matter the part of Italy you chose to explore you will no doubt find yourself taking moonlight walks, enjoying scrumptious meals, experiencing wonderful museums & art, great wine, fabulous culture and feel as if you’re feeling as passionate about each other as you are about life. www.colliers.com

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Fiji Imagine stepping into a lush Eden. A mystical place surrounded by iridescent waters. Then enter a lavish honeymoon bungalow complete with its own private beach and stunning views of the exotic terrain.

This is what is possible in Fiji. On your arrival to Fiji’s 322 islands, you, too, will be convinced that your have landed in Paradise. www.peoniestopalmtrees.com

Greece If you are seeking lots of history, hot sun, warm seas & diverse landscapes then Greece will be your best choice. This country has an enormous amount of fun, culture and great sites to offer honeymooners making the dazzling Greek Islands some of the most desirable destinations for honeymooners worldwide. Among the many islands of Greece there is Mykonos and Santorini that offer and are known for their spectacular views and unique character. This is why they make a great first choice for most of the couples or newcomers traveling to Greece.

www.mythical-greece.com

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