Wedding Honeymoon& Wedding LocationsAnne’s Hawaiian Honeymoon Adventure (and tips on how to make your own honeymoon great)!
Last week, my husband (by the way, yes, I still end up grinning like an idiot when I get to say the word husband) and I got back from the adventure of our honeymoon and started settling into the early mornings and grocery lists of real life. It’s actually fun, in a different sort of way, because we’re learning what real life means with each other in a completely different way from what it meant while we were dating. And that’s an adventure all by itself. However, real life is not exactly what I’m here to talk about today. Next week, maybe. But today, I’m all about the honeymoon.
anne waterfall resize
Ahh, the honeymoon. The sand, the sun, the drink with the little umbrella…and the crash course in traveling and living together. For a lot of couples, it’s a completely unprecedented experience. For others, it’s new in different ways. I’m going to go ahead and say that for most of us, this particular trip is unique in some shape or form. And so, after spending a little bit of time reflecting on my own honeymoon (and how I wish I could take one every year for the rest of my life…if not every month), here are my personal, very humble, recommendations.
1. Go somewhere special. This was advice given to me from a family friend after I told her that our original plan was to hop in the car and road trip our newly married selves down the Pacific coast, camping along the way. She pointed out that it might be fun to go somewhere that we’d want to go back to on a 25th or 50th anniversary, a place where we would feel spoiled simply by being there. She then pointed out that I’m the queen of road trips (the complete Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen collections, a tank of gas and a box of Oreos, and I’m there) and that going on one for our honeymoon might not exactly be far enough outside our norm. Upon further reflection, thank goodness we decided she was right.
2. Go somewhere with options. Yes, sitting on the beach all day is nice. But if you’re anything like Shayne and I, you can only handle it for about four hours. Which is why we ended up loving Maui. We went hiking (the waterfall in the photo? We got to hike through a bamboo forest to get to it. I don’t know about you, but that bamboo forest was a first in our book. And. So. Gosh. Darn. Cool.), we went snorkeling, we learned how to surf and we kayaked until my arms felt like they were going to fall off. And then, once we’d worn ourselves out, we went back to the beach and sat all day. It was perfect.
3. Go somewhere easy. Unless you are a much better planner and stress manager than I am, you will most likely not be able to handle the pressure of coordinating a trip to, say, Europe and plan your wedding simultaneously. I could never have done it. The transportation once you get there, all the cathedrals and museums and history that you know you’d need to see once you’d arrived, not to mention convincing Shayne to actually, finally get a passport…it would have been too much for us. That said, Europe is in our future. Just sometime when I won’t have to also be thinking about bridesmaids shoes. Because the Vatican and those shoes cannot both fit on the same spreadsheet and my knowledge of Excel is far too limited.
4. Realize that you may fight. I’m only saying this because no one warned me. And it’s not like we had any huge, heartbreaking fights. It was more like, after a small, silly, disagreement and miscommunication, I found myself looking at Shayne with a pair of red, puffy eyes and asking “why are we fighting?” He, of course, had the right response, which was to give me a big hug and tell me that everyone fights on their honeymoon and that it was all okay and we would work it out. I hope that you don’t fight on your honeymoon and that it is all pink and bubbly and happy. But if you do, you are not the only one. Cross my heart.
By the way, congratulations to everyone who made it all the way through that post. Because it was longer than the history textbook you had to read in 10th grade. Happy planning and even happier honeymooning!
France Photo Gallery: Wedding and Honeymoon Attractions
Photo Gallery: France
France photos of wedding and honeymoon attractions including Paris, the Loire Valley, French Riviera, France castles and more.
france paris wedding honeymoon attractions - eiffel tower
france wedding honeymoon attractions - castle
france paris wedding honeymoon attractions - arc de triomphe
france wedding honeymoon attractions - french riviera
france wedding honeymoon attractions - loire valley
france paris wedding honeymoon attractions - notre dame
france paris wedding honeymoon attractions
Win gorgeous custom wedding or honeymoon sandals
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Inspiration Boards: Open Happiness
Inspiration Boards: Open Happiness
Inspiration Boards: Open Happiness
Inspiration Boards: Open Happiness
Inspiration Boards: Open Happiness
images via: Drink Coca Cola (simply bloom photography), Red Bicycle (flickr), Hay Bale Ceremony (thoughtfully simple), Toss Petals In Paper Bags Wedding Programs (elizabeth anne designs), Cup Cakes (simply bloom photography), Cocktail Hors d’oeures (style me pretty), white bouquet (the knot), Reception (luna and chloe)
Pick A veteran wedding photographer
In picking and determining for the proper photographers it’s also essential to check if they’re well match with a work flow. A veteran wedding photographer would have a list with the need to do tasks according on the flow of work so they’re able to concentrate a lot more on creativity and aesthetic enhancements giving customers a lot more than what they anticipate.
Pick A veteran wedding photographer
Proper and systematic workflow need to include:
o Documentation of preparation phase from dressing for the ceremony of the couple.
o Pictures with the bride, bride with the mother and father, grandparents, siblings and her retinue.
o Photographs with the groom, garter being put on groom, with mother and father, grandparents, siblings as well as with the best man.
o Parents of groom and bride seated together during the ceremony and likewise approaching the altar including the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, flower girls, ring bearer, father giving away the daughter to her groom, exchanging of vows which is extremely significant down to ring ceremony as well as the most anticipated kiss the bride moment.
o Recessional documentation should never be missed right after the usual photo shoots following the ceremony.
o There are also several styles to the reception depending on the wedding theme and your photographer should know about these styles and develop a plan and workflow suitable for the occasion.From guest receiving to the cake cutting ceremony, the toast, the very first dance of couple down to the bouquet and garter throwing need to be taken until the bride and groom gets into the bridal car off to their honeymoon.
A creative method by your wedding photographer makes all these unique moments worthy to cherish for a lifetime.
Source:Wedding Dresses Australia: Australia Local Wedding Dresses Online Shop For All 2012 New Brides.
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Destination Wedding Locations – Great Locations for a Destination Wedding
Destination weddings have become hugely popular these days not just with couples looking for somewhere intimate and romantic to get married but also for those couples who want a big wedding on a foreign shore. So if going abroad is your idea of heaven then check out these destination wedding locations:
Destination Wedding Locations
Soak up the sun in Mexico which remains as one of the most popular destination wedding locations. From stunning resorts such as Cancun to hitting the historical trails Mexico has something to offer every couple and every taste.
If you would prefer a more exotic location then consider Thailand, Mauritius, Fiji and Costa Rica all provide romantic locations for destination weddings and the option to move on to other nearby islands for your honeymoon.
European cities provide romantic centers for a destination wedding with Italy, Austria, France and Ireland providing locations ranging from romantic castles and chateaus to historic ballrooms and vineyards. You can choose to marry in splendor and opulence or surrounded by rustic charm.
Safari style weddings have become a popular choice and African resorts in South Africa and Kenya in particular offer fabulous destination wedding packages for couples looking for a once in a lifetime trip. Imagine saying your vows on the African plains as the sun goes down.
The Caribbean has long been the front runner when it comes to destination weddings and as locations go it still remains a popular choice. You have many islands to choose from and of course the option to move to another island for your honeymoon after the wedding. The popularity of these islands though can mean you could find yourselves queuing with other couples on your wedding date, especially during popular wedding months.
If you fancy a winter wedding style complete with snow and ice then look to the Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada which includes a spectacular ice chapel complete with cathedral style ceilings and after exchanging your vows you can retire to the ice bar for your reception!
Choose the Great Wall of China for a stunning location for your destination wedding. You can get married alongside the wall amongst a collection of architect designed villas with the wall providing a stunning backdrop.
Las Vegas is popular for those who want a wedding with a difference, so if you fancy being married by Elvis or beneath the city lights then Las Vegas can offer a package to suit. After your wedding ceremony you can part the night away in one of the many casinos and who knows maybe you will strike it rich!
Wedding, Honeymoon and Anniversary Packages – Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Dreams Wedding in Paradise Package
Wedding Honeymoon
Selling Price $799 USD
This package is complimentary when booking a Honeymoon Suite category or higher for a minimum of 7 nights or if 5 rooms are reserved for a minimum of 3 nights in any room category, this package also applies for renewal of vows ceremony.
This complimentary package includes:
- Service of justice of peace or minister
- Wedding Organization and personalization of our Wedding coordinator
- Preferential location of the room in the category reserved
- Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit
- Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)
- Bride’s Bouquet
- Boutonniere for the groom
- Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 10 guests
- Special turn down service at night
- 15% discount on all Spa treatments (product purchases not included)
- Honeymoon Package
- Late check-out for Bride and Groom (based on availability)
- Free Anniversary Nights*
A $100.00 deposit is required to hold and confirm the wedding date. This deposit will be applied to the total cost of the package. If the couple receives this package complimentary, the deposit will be applied towards any upgrades that the couple adds on. If the couple does not purchase any additional amenities for the wedding itself, this credit may be applied to charges upon check out (phone charges, spa treatments, logo shop purchases, etc.). If for any reason this credit is not used in full, the remaining balance will be refunded at check-out.
Restrictions/exclusions: Subject to Availability & Double Occupancy Only. Prices subject to change without notice.
Note: Subject to availability and double occupancy only. Prices subject to change without notice. This package cannot be combined with the Dreams Eternity Honeymoon Package and the free wedding package cannot be deducted when purchasing other packages.
Dreams of Love Wedding Package
Selling Price $2,060 USD
This package includes:
- Services of justice of peace or minister
- Wedding Organization and personalization of our Wedding Coordinator
- Preparation and ironing of the Wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit
- Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)
- Personal Dressing Assistant
- Use of the beach front or chapel located in a romantic setting
- Bride’s Bouquet
- boutonnieres & 2 Corsages for witnesses
- Special Silver Wedding Dinner party (for 20 guests staying at the hotel)
- 1 Natural Floral Centerpiece for Bride & Groom dinner table
- Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 20 guests
- One hour Silver cocktail party with Hors D`Oeuvres (for 20 guests staying at the hotel)
- Special turn down service
- Bride’s hairstyling for ceremony
- Make-up application for bride
- 15% discount on all Spa Treatments (Products not included)
- 36 Full color photos and wedding album
- Honeymoon Package
- Waterford Yours Truly Champagne Flute Pair
- Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability)
- Free Anniversary Nights*
Restrictions/exclusions: Subject to availability and double occupancy only. Prices subject to change without notice.
Deposit and payment terms to be determined by the contract that you enter with the wedding coordinator at the resort upon booking your wedding.
Dreams Ultimate Wedding Package
Selling Price $2,760 USD
This package includes:
- Services of justice of peace or minister
- Wedding Organization and personalization of our Wedding Coordinator
- Preparation and ironing of the Wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit
- Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability)
- Personal Dressing Assistant
- Use of the beach front or chapel located in a romantic setting
- Bride’s Bouquet
- boutonnieres & 2 Corsages for parents or witnesses
- Special Gold Wedding Dinner party (for 20 guests staying at the hotel)
- 1 Natural Floral Centerpiece for Bride & Groom dinner table
- 1 Natural floral center piece for ceremonial table
- Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 20 guests
- One hour Gold cocktail party with Hors D`Oeuvres (for 20 guests staying at the hotel)
- Special turn down service
- Bride’s hairstyling for ceremony
- Make-up application for bride
- 15% discount on all Spa Treatments(Products not included)
- 50 Full color photos and wedding with album
- Honeymoon Package
- Waterford Yours Truly Champagne Flute Pair
- Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability)
- Beach front wedding set up decor chairs with white covers, ceremonial table and carpet walkway
- Live Mexican music trio (1 set)
- Video of the ceremony (30 min DVD edited)
- 1 Spa treatment to choose from : 1 Swedish massage for two or 1 European facial for two or 1 Salt Glow Body Scrub for two
- Free Anniversary Nights*
Restrictions/exclusions: Subject to availability & double occupancy only. Prices subject to change without notice.
Deposit and payment terms to be determined by the contract that you enter with the wedding coordinator at the resort upon booking your wedding.
The most romantic wedding & honeymoon destinations: Italy, Maldives, Bali…
People want their honeymoon to be the perfect holiday and there are many options available to make sure your honeymoon location is perfect for you.
honeymoon destinations
Whether you want to combine your wedding and honeymoon destination or you are looking for the ultimate paradisiacal honeymoon holiday, the world is your oyster.
A number of countries and resorts offer wedding and honeymoon packages so you can say “I do” barefoot on a beach or even half way up a mountain.
Some people prefer to sit on a white-sand beach for their honeymoons while others are looking for more adventurous activity holidays for a honeymoon with a difference.
Whatever your wedding and honeymoon dream, travelling abroad to tie the knot can offer much better value for money than a more traditional wedding at home.
Italy, the Maldives and Bali are perennial favourite honeymoon destinations. If celebrities can do it why can’t you?
The most romantic weddings in Italy
Italy honeymoon
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ wedding in Italy hit the headlines a few years ago thanks to its all-star guest list, intriguing secrecy and, most importantly of all, the charming romance of Bracciano, the Italian town hosting all the drama.
Italy is one of the most romantic holiday destinations in the world and although most people are unlikely to have Hollywood stars flocking to their wedding, getting married in Italy may be much easier than you think, with coordinators Weddings in Italy available to sort out all the details.
Of course there are plenty of potential honeymoon holiday options in Italy. Whether you want to be pampered in a spa overlooking the Tuscan countryside or stay in a castle, you won’t have to go far to find your perfect honeymoon holiday.
Our pick of the top five Italian wedding destinations are Venice, Positano, Rome, Florence and Lake Garda.
Palazzo Cavalli is a 16th-century Venetian palace furnished with 18th-century paintings, furniture and ceramics and is ideal for a magical, grand wedding. The palace has views over the Grand Canal and Venice’s landmark Rialto Bridge as well as the added bonus of being in one of the world’s most romantic cities.
Positano on Italy’s Amalfi coast has been charming visitors with its spectacular scenery since the 1950s. An inspirational place for writers and artists, the town makes a wonderful venue for a wedding to remember in Italy.
The Positano town hall offers an authentic Mediterranean setting for your ceremony, and also has a lovely terrace to enjoy a drink and take in the sea views. Stay in the five-star Poseidon hotel, which has its own fitness and beauty centre, ideal for preparing for the big day.
The ‘Sala Rossa’ on the Capitoline Hill, the smallest of Rome’s seven famous hills, is a great place to soak up the magic and drama of Rome. The Sala Rossa (meaning red hall), is located on Piazza del Campidoglio, which was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, and makes a perfect setting for wedding photos.
The 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is one of the most lavishly decorated places to be married in Italy. Located close to the Ponte Vecchio, couples can stay at the four-star Degli Orafi, which offers panoramic views of the city from its fifth-floor bar.
If you find the romance and charm of a medieval castle hard to beat, Castello Malcesine, surrounded by Italian gardens and perched on a hilltop overlooking Lake Garda, is the perfect Italian wedding destination. Stay in the four-star hotel Sirmione overlooking the lake, with a waterside terrace restaurant and thermal treatments available.
Budget sunshine weddings in Rhodes
rhodes honeymoon
Britons keen on avoiding the unreliable British weather by getting married abroad can take advantage of comprehensive wedding packages on the Greek island of Rhodes.
The Unique Weddings in Rhodes website has been launched to give couples a wide range of wedding possibilities on the island, from traditional locations to more unusual options such as exchanging vows on a boat or holding your wedding at one of Rhodes’ visitor attractions.
Through the website holidaymakers can have many of the arrangements for the big day taken care of, from catering and flowers to all the legal requirements and necessary documents, with extras such as hen or stag parties, honeymoons and pre-ceremony beauty treatments also available.
At the moment Unique Weddings in Rhodes is offering credit crunch beating weddings for only £700!
Rhodes has 300 days of sunshine a year, a number of five-star places to stay as well as many locations ideal for weddings.
Luxury honeymoon in Thailand
thailand honeymoon
In Thailand Sarojin has created a six night luxurious honeymoon experience, designed to provide a level of personalised service and hospitality that makes the honeymoon just as special as the wedding day.
The experience begins with a luxury private car transfer from Phuket airport, with refreshments and cold towels on hand during the 55 minutes journey to the 56 room resort.
Upon arrival, guests are escorted to one of beautifully decorated guest residences, where a chilled complimentary bottle of sparkling wine awaits, together with flowers and a basket laden with Thailand’s exotic fruits.
Also included in the package, and to be arranged at your convenience, is a private Candlelit Jungle Waterfall Dinner Experience just for two, as well as two 90 minute Royal Oriental Spa treatments at the Sarojin’s award winning Pathways Spa, and daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine.
The Sarojin’s unique style of hospitality is further enhanced by its very own Imagineer, an ultimate personal concierge whose expertise and imagination helps turn guests’ wishes into reality. Jowell Philemond-Montout is The Sarojin’s Imagineer and his in-depth knowledge of the hidden treasures of the surrounding five national parks, combined with the amenities of The Sarojin, allow him full reign to create unique guest experiences.
A deluxe holiday experience, it is a wonderfully indulgent romantic retreat and priced from approximately £1,560 per couple, and the Luxurious Honeymoon Experience includes the extras that make such an occasion truly memorable.
Wedding bliss in Mauritius
The volcanic island of Mauritius is a popular destination for those seeking out luxury wedding and honeymoon holidays thanks to its warm climate, beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery, together with a rich culture infused with Portuguese, Chinese and Indian elements.
Getting married in Mauritius is straightforward and couples are able to get married the day after the posting of their marriage banns, although they must obtain a certificate from the prime minister’s office stating that they are not residents or citizens of Mauritius in advance and this must reach the registrar of births, deaths and marriages ten days before the wedding.
There are so many potential wedding venues in Mauritius, ranging from hotels and plantations to private island bookings and even onboard a boat.
Highlights of a honeymoon in Mauritius include superb local cuisine, relaxing spas such as those at the Hilton and the Oberoi, and some excellent facilities and courses for golf enthusiasts.
Popular beaches on Mauritius include Grand Baie, Pereybere, Belle Mare, Blue Bay and Le Morne & Tamarin, although less populated beaches are also scattered around the island for couples wanting as much time alone as possible on their Mauritius honeymoon holiday.
If you’re looking to sightsee as well as relax on the beach on a Mauritius honeymoon, the island is home to some spectacular natural beauty spots, most notably the Black River Gorges in the south-west.
Watersports fans can also go diving in the seas around the island to take a look at the coral beds and wide array of sealife residing there, as well as the several shipwrecks located off the north coast.
Popular beaches on Mauritius include Grand Baie, Pereybere, Belle Mare, Blue Bay and Le Morne & Tamarin, although less populated beaches are also scattered around the island for couples wanting as much time alone as possible on their Mauritius honeymoon holiday.If you’re looking to sightsee as well as relax on the beach on a Mauritius honeymoon, the island is home to some spectacular natural beauty spots, most notably the Black River Gorges in the south-west.Watersports fans can also go diving in the seas around the island to take a look at the coral beds and wide array of sealife residing there, as well as the several shipwrecks located off the north coast.
5 Lush Garden Wedding Venues
From botanical to Japanese, garden wedding venues are budget-friendly and can be transformed into whimsical, romantic, enchanted spots for your most special day. Check out five of my favorite garden wedding venues below, then post a comment to share your favorite outdoor garden location!
outdoor enchanted garden wedding venue new york brooklyn botanic garden
1. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY: The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens are breathtaking, especially for a Spring wedding when the trees, plants and flowers are in full bloom.
2. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, Long Beach, CA: this incredibly beautiful outdoor California venue can hold up to 200 guests. And the best part? You can book your ceremony and reception for under $5,000!
3. The Ivy Room at Tree Studios, Chicago, IL: Lush ivy covers the outside of The Ivy Room, giving it a romantic European vibe. Once inside, drool-worthy chandeliers will wow your wedding guests!
4. Boojum Tree Hidden Garden, Phoenix, AZ: if you love the southwest/Mexico vibe, this garden venue in Arizona is for you! With hidden gardens both inside and outdoors, you could create a true fairytale wedding, southwest style!
5. Hudson Gardens, Littleton, CO: your guests can get lost for hours strolling through this lovely Colorado wedding venue. Around every corner there is a new lush garden, so fierce wedding photos are a sure thing!
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