American Style Love
by Katie McElveen
56 destination weddings & honeymoons
SHANE & JEN FELLOWS/AQUA PHOTOS
Think Europe or the islands have a lock on delivering a culture-drenched backdrop for your destination wedding? Think again! Here are 10 stateside gems ideal for destination do’s, along with tips for letting each one’s spirit shine into your celebration.
Christina Chen and Brian Kaminski grabbed a photo op on an iconic San Fran trolley.
Charlotte couple Elizabeth Knight and Charles Holmes chose New Orleans’ stately St. Louis Cathedral for their vows.
CUNNINGHAM PHOTO ARTISTS; OPPOSITE, FROM ABOVE: PANORAMIC IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES; KATJA HEINEMANN/GETTY IMAGES
o New Orleans, Louisiana
Why it’s special Life in New Orleans centers on cuisine, music and community;
add in gorgeous architecture and an exuberant party atmosphere, and you have all the ingredients for a très joyeux celebration. Some nightclubs are open 24/7, so don’t be surprised if your after-party runs into breakfast! How to embrace it To give your guests a taste of NOLA without worrying about wedding-day spills, hold a casual rehearsal dinner with messy faves like barbecue shrimp, po’ boys and freshly shucked oysters. Accompany the feast with a zydeco band, and dance the night away. Planner Cathy Callaghan suggests holding your reception in a historic courtyard, where you’ll find lovely gardens and fountains tucked behind elegant brick walls. Only-in-NOLA touch Get the party started with a second-line parade, letting a live brass band lead the procession of you and your guests from the ceremony to the reception site. Create custom handkerchiefs and parasols to let them wave in style, and if some locals join in, just go with it! Guests not up to the walk can make the trip in horse-drawn carriages. Inside tip The popularity of Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and New Year’s Eve translates into higher rates, limousine-clogged roads and overbooked musicians and caterers, so plan accordingly. Hotels on lively Bourbon Street come with charm but also street noise; if quiet matters, look to the French Quarter’s side streets or try another part of town, like the elegant Garden District.
Scottsdale, Arizona m
Why it’s special Scottsdale’s rugged terrain — moody
sandscapes, massive rock formations and cayennehued Camelback Mountain — draws outdoor enthusiasts; add swanky resorts, championship golf, a vibrant art scene and bold Southwestern culture, and this easily accessible Sonoran Desert oasis is hard to beat. How to embrace it Make hand-rolled tamales and homemade tortillas part of a Southwestern-themed rehearsal dinner, and cap it with a tequila tasting and line-dance lessons. For your I do’s, choose an outdoor setting that showcases the locale, such as the 145-acre Desert Botanical Garden, where hidden spotlights illuminate stately saguaro cactuses after nightfall. Only-in-Scottsdale touch Capture the desert’s exotic beauty in your reception decor. At Cactus Flower Events, planner Corrina Chavez-Gomez adds desert succulents to bridal bouquets and reception tables. Inside tip The desert sun can be a scorcher, so schedule your outdoor wedding later in the day. An awning, hand-held fans and bottled water will keep guests cool.
o Bar Harbor, Maine
Laid-back nature lovers flock to Maine for its cool summers, rocky coastline, quaint towns and easy access to mountains, lakes and beaches. And did we mention lobster? How to embrace it Go whale watching, or hike through the forested hills of Acadia National Park, where a climb to the top of Cadillac Mountain offers a stunning view of Bar Harbor. Maine’s quintessential clapboard inns really do have long stretches of emerald-green lawn that reach to the ocean — perfect for an alfresco reception. A crowd-pleasing favor: bags of freshly baked Maine-blueberry muffins. Only-in-Bar Harbor touch No one can pull off a lobster bake like a Mainer. Since the one-pot combo of corn, steamers, potatoes and lobster tastes best outside, have your bake catered at picturesque Frenchman’s Bay or on your own sandy cove. Pair it with blueberry ale from Bar Harbor brewery Atlantic Brewing Co. Inside tip “Some families have been vacationing during the same two summer weeks for generations,” says planner Krista Carter. “So if you’re looking to buy out a classic Maine beachfront inn, opt for September.” You may even get a dash of fall color in the deal. Why it’s special
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New Yorkers Sandy Davis and Bill Chisholm said I do on Key West’s Fort Zachary Taylor Beach.
o San Diego, California
Why it’s special Fab weather all year round matched
with any mixture of cool sophistication and boho-chic style make SoCal weddings a breeze. How to embrace it Show off the city’s variety of attractions with some targeted group outings. Sporty types can get their adrenaline pumping with surfing lessons followed by fish tacos, margaritas and cold cerveza in one of San Diego’s laid-back beach towns like La Jolla or Encinitas. Or if your crowd craves art, head to Balboa Park, where you’ll find 15 museums and numerous performance centers spread over 1,200 urban acres. Only-in-San Diego touch The San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the country. Set up a private VIP tour for you and your guests, or better yet, say your vows onsite under a grove of shady trees, with rhinos, giraffes and gazelles roaming in the background. Inside tip San Diego has plenty of beaches but, due to restrictions, not many where you can marry easily, says wedding planner Rachel Peniche. For toes-in-the-sand do’s, she suggests the private beach at the historic Hotel del Coronado, on Coronado Island. Or try a sand-free oceanfront alternative like the fabulous deck or Pacificfacing lawn at the Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum, part of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
Key West, Florida m
Why it’s special Key West’s vibrant sunsets
o Las Vegas, Nevada
Why it’s special Today’s Las Vegas takes campy fun
FROM TOP: LAUREN ZEID/ESTOCK PHOTO; HENDRIK HOLLER/ALAMY; OPPOSITE: ALISON CONKLIN photography
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and sexy glamour to new levels, while celebrity chefs attract foodies from all over the world. Bonus: The desert climate almost guarantees a sunny wedding day. How to embrace it “Give in to your inner drama queen,” says DWH A-List Planner Tracey Kumer-Moore. One idea: Hold your reception at a sexy nightclub like Blush, at Encore. (Special catering licenses allow clubs to function as restaurants during the day, so you don’t have to exclude your under-21 set.) Afterward, take a lap through the casino in your gown and bask in the attention. Only-in-Vegas touch Poolside cabanas come equipped with flat-screen TVs, A/C and butlers; rent one for a day in the sun with your bridal party, and you’ll feel like celebs, especially if you greet your ’maids with personalized flip-flops and tees. And go ahead — spring for that Strip-view room; you won’t want to miss a minute of the neon. Inside tip It’s easy for even large groups to get lost in the crowd at some of the Strip’s oversize resorts, so request room blocks in the same section of the hotel and consider booking a party suite where everyone can meet up and hang out together.
and turquoise water are legendary; the tiny isle’s wacky party atmosphere and sultry Cuban soul add a free-spirited tone that ups the energy at any celebration. How to embrace it Start the day with traditional café con leche or a bucci — Key West-ese for a single shot of sugared Cuban coffee — before brunching on conch fritters, Key West pink shrimp and Key-lime pie. Wedding planner Julie Shreck can transform Duval Street bar crawls into scavenger hunts; or rent a slew of conch cruisers (aka bikes) and pedal past Hemingway’s former home. Only-in-Key West touch Save Mallory Square’s nightly sunset carnival for the welcome party. For all of the scenery but none of the crowd, hold your sunset ceremony at the end of the pier at Ocean Key Resort or on the semiprivate offshore island at Sunset Key Guest Cottages, a Westin Resort. Inside tip Be mindful of peak hurricane season (mid-August through early October). With it comes lower rates but the small potential for snags in your plans, so consider purchasing trip insurance. Also, beaches here aren’t as expansive as those in other parts of Florida. september/october 2011 61
Stephanie Joukoff and James Qualk, from Nashville, stole a kiss on the streets of San Fran.
Blair Jones and Tyler Derritt held their nuptials at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa.
San Francisco, California k Why it’s special Gorgeous views of bays and bridg-
es, distinctive neighborhoods and world-renowned food make this hilly city a traveler favorite. The coastal climate means sunshine is never guaranteed, but watching the fog cascade in can be downright romantic. How to embrace it Fill welcome bags with local wines, cheeses, nuts, chocolate and, of course, sourdough bread for a taste of the city by the bay. Kelsey Sheofsky of Alison Events suggests holding your rehearsal dinner at a local restaurant where food-andwine pairings will further showcase the region’s bounty. Saturday-morning breakfast at the Ferry Building’s massive farmer’s market is the city’s newest tradition; top it off with Irish coffee at the Buena Vista cafe. Only-in-San Francisco touch Marry at Cavallo Point or Eagles Point, with the Golden Gate Bridge and San Fran’s skyline as your backdrop. Since both venues are located in nearby Marin outside the fog zone, you’ll have a better chance of sunshine (there’s also parking). Rent cable-car trolleys to provide whimsical transportation from your ceremony to the reception. Inside tip Summers can be cold, and winters rainy, so shoot for September or October if you’re looking to hold any events outside — and be sure to have an indoor option just in case.
Vail, Colorado m Why it’s special Yes, the skiing is di-
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Outer Banks, North Carolina m
Why it’s special Boasting miles and miles of weathered, wind-swept coastline hemmed
by massive sand dunes and scattered with lighthouses, this coastal region has been luring families for generations. Wild horses still roam the beaches at the north end, which has become a popular site for weddings. How to embrace it Hotels are sparse in the undeveloped areas, so rent a big beach house or two — many have upwards of eight bedrooms, a pool, a gourmet kitchen and a massive reception-worthy deck. If you want the most privacy, planner Heather Clark suggests heading north to small towns like Duck, where only residents and renters can park near the beach. Only-in-the Outer Banks touch Hit the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The 100-foottall sand dunes — the tallest on the East Coast — are perfect for sandboarding, kite flying and launching hang gliders. Inside tip Consider a midweek wedding, especially during the spring and summer seasons. The one road that accesses the Outer Banks can get super-congested on the weekends.
from top: Allee Photography; Stephen Alvarez/getty Images; OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: Choco Studio photography; Bob Krist/eStock Photo
vine, as is the sight of snowcapped mountains in the winter. But summer is prime wedding season, when your gang can go white-water rafting on the Eagle or Colorado rivers, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking through wildflowerfilled valleys. A family-friendly vibe and a plethora of sophisticated food-forward restaurants round out the offerings. How to embrace it Active group outings — from slopeside hiking and mountain biking accessed via the Eagle Bahn gondola to a family-friendly horseback ride — are a must here. Refuel with a cowboy-style rehearsal dinner at a local ranch — think giant steaks, jeans and cowboy boots. Finish with s’mores around the fire. Only-in-Vail touch Perched atop Vail Mountain and overlooking the Mount of the Holy Cross, the Vail Wedding Deck is a natural choice for alpineloving couples. Note: The stunning highaltitude site is accessible only via gondola. Inside tip Even with improved air service to Vail, snowfall as late as June can disrupt travel easily, so give yourself some buffer days.
o Charleston, South Carolina
Why it’s special Formal gardens and majestic an-
tebellum mansions rub elbows with edgy art galleries, jewel-box shops and chef-driven cafes along Charleston’s cobblestone streets; just out of town, you’ll find sweeping tidal marshes, white-sand beaches and romantic plantations perfect for photo backdrops. How to embrace it For a Southern-inflected welcome gift, load locally woven sweet-grass baskets with crunchy benne-seed wafers, Charleston Tea Plantation’s brisk brew, salty boiled peanuts and a few bottles of lager from Palmetto Brewing Co. Only-in-Charleston touch DWH A-List Planner Tara Guerard suggests tying the knot under a mossdraped live oak at a historic plantation. Afterward, do like the locals and serve oysters and shrimp pulled from nearby creeks, tiny biscuits filled with slivers of country ham, and miniature crab cakes on elegant silver trays. Inside tip Insects are a fact of life in the South, especially in the summer. To keep mosquitoes and no-see-ums from crashing your fete, burn citronella torches and distribute insect repellent to your guests. ■
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