Best press trip ever...

It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time again. Yet another beautiful issue of Destination I Do Magazine hits stands today. I know it’s still snowy and glacial across most of the country, but picking up the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Destination I Do is sure to bring some sunshine to your day! We strive to bring equal parts inspiration and information to every issue and we think we hit the nail on the head with our latest edition.

For our Fashion Forward department there are two gorgeous photo shoots each with its own style and pizzazz. If a tropical wedding is your aim or if it’s down-home vintage all the way, look to this issue’s Fashion Forward for ideas on dresses, décor and details. Our Spring Cover is a shot from our Mt. Hood, Oregon Fashion Forward Shoot. Behind the lens was the marvelously talented Phyllis Lane who captured this shot on Lost Lake in Hood River.

So, what else does this issue have to offer? As always, the writers at Destination I Do traveled far and wide to some of the romantic destination wedding and honeymoon locales across the globe. The uber-fab Anti-Bride gives readers the inside scoop on the original “City of Love” – Paris and the emerald isle of Ireland. One writer traveled to Indonesia for his honeymoon and discovered a surfer’s paradise.

Destination I Do Magazine’s Editor in Chief, Jennifer Stein, took a whirlwind trip through Sweden and discovered Scandinavian love nests that are too good to pass up. I, Courtney Cox, took a trip to Hawaii that was an absolute delight and fit for any honeymooner or destination wedding couple. There are many other destinations to discover amongst the colorful, glossy pages.

Often our readers’ favorite department is the Real-Life Weddings and frankly we can’t blame them. The weddings in this issue continue to take it to the next level with personalization and unique style. There are some love stories here that will melt your heart and images that will take your breath away. From a chateau in France to the rolling hills of Columbia – there’s a wedding here that will inspire you in planning your own destination wedding.

This is all just a tiny taste of what you can find in our Spring/Summer 2011 issue. Want to pick one up? You can find Destination I Do at Barnes & Noble, select Borders and other fine book retailers worldwide. Don’t have one of these nearby – no problem! It’s easy to subscribe on our web site and the issue will be delivered to your door in about a week. If you love this issue as much as we do, then share the love and spread the word! As always, thanks for your continued support and love of all things Destination I Do.

Words by Courtney Cox
Cover photo courtesy of Phyllis Lane

 

It all boils down to one moment...

It’s been a few months since I’ve popped up on Anti-Bride – Carolyn’s jet setting ways and the launch of our brand new site meant simple things (like writing!) were pushed to the back of our minds.

But with Christmas looming ahead of us and the anniversary of my first year on the Anti-Bride team of writers, it seemed the perfect time to look back upon what this year has taught me.

We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia, but this week I have found my mind wandering to moments of pumpkin pie, candlelit family dinners and the noise and laughter of gatherings. I have a lot to be thankful for living in Australia, working with Australian Brides, grooms & vendors and seeing a wonderful world develop.

So here’s a little list of why I am thankful for Australian weddings:

- No matter how high the shoes are, we not only adore them, we’re just as happy to slip into thongs (Australian for flip flops) and trudge around for a good photo

- We’re in love with colour and life – Australians take notice of their surroundings. We marry outdoors under beautiful gum trees, we take photos under the golden light, we jump into wheat fields, lean against corrugated iron and carry bouquets of vibrant blooms, We embrace the Australiana around us.

- The Australian culture. No matter how glam a wedding, no matter how many crystals it may hold or beautiful gowns, there will always be time for a beer.

- We don’t mind a bit of heat! There are no white Christmases ‘Down Under’, which means this time of year is not only when we start to peel back the winter layers and embrace icy cold cocktails but it’s also the time when we celebrate the most weddings. In a way it seems fitting to celebrate the festive season and have a wedding in the space of a few months – celebration, is at our core.

- We’re culturally diverse. It’s not uncommon to see a wedding with two radically different cultures meld into a melting pot and come out beautifully. In fact it’s more common than not to see a traditional Jewish ceremony mixed with a Chinese tea ceremony or a traditional Danish wedding cake served next to a pile of lamingtons. Embracing who we are is in our nature and the culture? Well that’s just icing on the cake.

- We’re just plain old laid back. We don’t sob into tissues, we don’t scream with joy. We’re a little more restrained with our emotion so that glassy eyed groom? He’s not one to show much emotion but today he really loves that bride walking towards him. The gentle look on the fathers face? She’s always been daddy’s little girl. These moments are fleeting but the subtly of them makes them golden.

Another year has passed and as we look towards 2011, I can only hope that it is filled with the wonderful moments, vendors and joy like this one has been.

About

Polka Dot Bride is Australia’s premier wedding blog and is read by thousands of brides worldwide. Polka Dot Bride is ranked within the top 20 Australian Women Bloggers and #53 out of the Top 100 Australian Bloggers as of June 2009. Polka Dot Bride has a passion to provide information on the latest trends in weddings, and inspirational and creative ideas for the Australian bride.
Ms Polka Dot’s aim is to create a fun, informative, and stylish blog that is engaged with, and inclusive of, its readers. She writes a daily feature on the blog that includes new ideas, real weddings, fabulous finds and the beautiful and the inspirational. Polka Dot Bride readers are stylish and savvy; they want to make their wedding stand out from the crowd. Ms. Polka Dot’s aim is to inspire brides and grooms to create the wedding of their dreams.

Photography: You Can’t Be Serious

 

Eco-Beautiful Weddings Summer 2010

Any of us in the bridal blogosphere knows that Katie Martin and her team from Eco-Beautiful Weddings doesn’t do anything halfway: Gutsy, glorious green and glam is the focus of her recent coup. There’s nothing saccharine sweet or tastefully forgettable about this issue, rather bold, beautiful bridal offerings rendered with a dash of insoucience. Parris Whittingham created an unforgettable industrial chic cover and fashion spread, and bridal  buddies Emily Anderson of Good with Style, Jennifer Stein of Destination I Do joined me in a bridesmaid article that takes on tradition.

Judge this book by its cover. The Summer Issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings will have you at “hello”. The cover image will stop you dead in your tracks. The issue includes EBW’s first sustainable beauty editorial, which features organic makeup powerhouse NVEY ECO and an interview with green beauty expert Paige Padgett.  Couples will fall in love with the Etsy Love Challenge produced by Elations Designs.  Who knew Ruffled Blog’s Amanda Nistor spoke Portuguese? The vintage loving blogger even has a free treat for couples inside the issue! Brides can get inspired by the new EBW Wedding in a Box and the exclusive The Cotton Bride collection. Some of the top bridal editors gave us the dish in our Bridesmaid Guide.  Brides and grooms can travel to Ottawa in the Green City Guide. The Summer Issue is truly filled with sustainable sizzle and style.

 

- Catanna Berger for Jenniferbehr.com

Le Gaga rockin' a Jennifer Behr headwear, Anti-Bride style

I’ve been a fan of Jennifer Behr, former accessories designer for Frederic Fekkai ever since she put her exquisite hair jewelry on the web. I have worn her handiwork to some of our Anti-Bride and Destination I Do events, such as Operation Aisle Style at the W Hotel. I am an unabashed fan girl, watching her steady rise, and have always been a huge advocate of veil alternatives: hair pieces,  jewelry, feathers and hats. Veils can be pretty and quaint, but lack the glam and drama quotient for me.

Jennifer offers a multitude of hair accoutrements in feathers, headbands, combs and tiaras. One particular style setter that can’t be ignored is Lady Gaga. When Jennifer sent me photos of her latest bit of handiwork, the Standing Lace Tiara, festooning The Gaga at the Rainforest Foundation Gala in NYC, I was smitten: it’s glam, with a shot of 40s, theatrical but not too much, modern, timeless and futuristic. It’s kind of Anti-Bride, Bladerunner, and bridal rock star, all rolled up into a stage-worthy, aisle style piece of headgear, what’s not to love?

So before you strap on that veil, let your fingers click their way to a fantasy world of feathers, leathers, and lace and channel the rock star that you are on W-day at Jennifer Behr.

Lady Gaga at the Rainforest Foundation Gala

Only May 13th, Lady Gaga performed with legendary musicians Elton John, Sting and Bruce Springsteen at the 21st Rainforest Foundation Gala at Carnegie Hall. The Rainforest Foundation helps “support indigenous peoples and traditional populations” of the rainforest as they fight to “conserve their land and defend their rights.”During her performance she dressed all in white and finished off her outfit with the Jennifer Behr Standing Lace Tiara. This piece will be available for purchase through our website, at www.jenniferbehr.com starting this weekend!

Available through http://www.jenniferbehr.com and select boutiques worldwide.”

 

Eat, Stay, Play on Valentines Day at Thompson Lower East Side

This Valentines Day slip into something more comfortable: a sleek and sexy room at the Thompson Hotel, Lower East Side. Once you settle in and peruse the options, you may never need to set foot outside (and isn’t that kind of the point?) -  it has everything your heart and art desires.

The multiplex of options include: a poolside lounge, a see-and-be-seen party hotspot on the 7th floor with a private terrace, Above Allen, and a poolside lounge. Crave a nibble before you hit that box of chocolates? Head to Shang and sample Susur Lee’s global Chinese culinary wizardry.

When you’ve had enough hobnobbing, head back to your sleek, industrial chic, modern room decorated with Ryan McGinness graphics and sweeping views of NYC.

The rest of Valentines Day at the Thompson, is totally up to you…..

Winter Exclusive:

Stay 2 Nights, Get 3rd Night Free
Queen Superior: Total Rate $499
Studio King Suite: Total Rate $599
Complimentary Bottle of Wine on the Shang Terrace

Must be Booked by 1.31.10 for stays until 3.31.10
Does not include taxes

ReservationsLES@thompsonhotels.com or call 212.460.5300

Book Here:

https://www.reservations-page.com/C00157/H01289/be.ashx?pc=JANLES

 

Rent a villa for the price of a hotel room at Casa Murray.

Why rent a room when you can rent a villa? Nosara, Costa Rica has some of the most enticing properties in captivity, with all the amenities of a grand hotel and ten times the space. Couples rent Casa Murray year after year because it’s got everything a major hotel has for less, and lets face it, if there is to be any cannonball action in the deep end of the pool it will be either you or your new spouse (not the intoxicated 20-somethings at the chain hotel you so narrowly avoided). A cool breeze, surround-sound stereo system, luxe furniture throughout the entire house and patio, and  infinity pool overlooking the Pacific are a few of the perks of  renting a private palace of your own. Think twilight cocktails as you swim to the horizon with your honey over strains of Miles Davis. For $250 per night, that’s a value play, considering that many chain luxury hotels are in that price range. A la carte amenities include: couples massage, a private chef, private yoga class, gym membership, canopy tours, rental car, golf cart, quad, or scooter for the 8 minute drive to the main surfing beach.

As romance travel writers, we say, get away from the numbers and indulge in a personal experience with all the luxuries of a chain hotel (and a table set only for two).

Budget Play:
For the budget conscious bride and groom, a more edited offering is also available, including: One week rental of a studio apartment close to the beach in the heart of Guiones, 3- 1 & 1/2 hour yoga classes, 3 one hour massages, and unlimited use of the Nosara Workout Gym all for $695 per week. Contact: www.surfingnosara.com for more information.

About Surfing Nosara

The most viewed surfing Web site in Costa Rica, Surfing Nosara covers all aspects of vacationing and surfing in Nosara, Costa Rica. From high-end vacation rentals to the best real estate consulting services in the area, Surfing Nosara makes a huge effort to make sure that each of their clients gets what they want. Surfing Nosara was established in 2005 as a hobby and a dream. Starting out as a daily surf report by owner and founder, Erik Antonson with a Canon point and shoot, has now turned into a six man team with daily video, professionally photographed surf sessions, and world class real estate agency. They are ready to cover your vacationing and real estate needs from the time you first click on their site until the time you are checking out of one of their luxurious  vacation rental homes. With a CD of their professional photos of your best surf session in hand and memories to last a lifetime, Surfing Nosara will make sure your honeymoon experience will be as individual as you are…..

 

Wait a minute….with a real estate firm? Overseas?? That’s best known for it’s surf reports???”

Private luxuries await you with hand picked properties.

Chill-ax! Sounds unusual, booking your honeymoon with a real estate firm in Costa Rica, but bear with me – we know you are reading this because you are an Anti-Bride and Destination I Do Diva: you know how to squeeze a dime and get the most luxe for less romance travel experience in captivity.  So, if it’s luxe accommodations, privacy, a heart breaking view of the sun setting over the ocean, a wave for every surf level, a private chef and masseuse, and spectacular local cuisine that you want, look no futher than Surfing Nosara. Let’s face it, honeymoons are about deep relaxation after the sometimes stressful W-day, and although there is nothing wrong with the big chains and boutiques, there is a certain intrepid traveler that is looking for something a little more sublime and intimate.

Enter Surfing Nosara: Many of the private homes they represent are the sorts of “beach resorts” you would want to own if money were no object. Some are a short walk to the beach, the tiki bar, or the seafood restaurant featuring the catch of the day. You may want a surf lesson, yoga class, or a private couples massage. There is a possibility that you may want to sit by your private pool and read Danielle Steele novels all day. Whatever your desire, one thing is for sure: you won’t be surrounded by anyone else sharing your private honeymoon experience unless you decide to engage. And for a little socializing, there are  plenty of lovely beachside bars that concoct expertly mixed cocktails in the grand island tradition. A few of the top picks….

El Sueno de Mariana – One of the nicest homes in Nosara. This is the bottom floor of a mansion with incredible views, infiniti/lap pool, huge rancho, this is for the distinguishing guest looking for the best of the best. 2 large bedrooms also has a pull out sofa and mats & cots available. Sleeps 4 – 8 and is priced very well for this level of luxury. Direct link and video here

Agua Dulce – The most centrally located luxury rental option in Nosara. Walking distance to restaurants, beach, Yoga Institute. All of the options like beautiful gardens, Satellite TV, high speed internet, washer/dryer, security, private pool with waterfall, new furnishings & new construction. Part of the appeal of these units is there are 4 to choose from: 2 are two bedroom and the other 2 are large 1 bedrooms. Excellent for groups or individuals, rent 1 or all 4. Sleeps 2 to 12. Direct link here

Casa la Playa – This newly constructed home is ideal for those looking for large living area inside as well as outside. Very private, large pool, wrap around outside deck, spacious living area inside and 2 large bedrooms, lots of seating areas, native woods used during construction, people love this home. Direct linkhere

Casa Oleaje – Exclusive, gated community just steps to the beach. Newly constructed, private pool, sleep 8 people in 3 bedrooms, screened in porch, ocean & mountain views from hammock upstairs, ranchito outside with hammock as well. 24 hour security in gated community, private beach access… This neighborhood is where multiple celebrities own property in Nosara. Direct link and video here

The Sun House - Luxurious mansion priced well. Sleeps up to 20 people in 6 bedrooms, large saltwater pool, pool table, internet, satellite TV, patios off of every room, this is an incredible house. Find ithere

About Surfing Nosara

The most viewed surfing Web site in Costa Rica, Surfing Nosara covers all aspects of vacationing and surfing in Nosara, Costa Rica. From high-end vacation rentals to the best real estate consulting services in the area, Surfing Nosara makes a huge effort to make sure that each of their clients gets what they want. Surfing Nosara was established in 2005 as a hobby and a dream. Starting out as a daily surf report by owner and founder, Erik Antonson with a Canon point and shoot, has now turned into a six man team with daily video, professionally photographed surf sessions, and world class real estate agency. They are ready to cover your vacationing and real estate needs from the time you first click on their site until the time you are checking out of one of their luxurious  vacation rental homes. With a CD of their professional photos of your best surf session in hand and memories to last a lifetime, Surfing Nosara will make sure your honeymoon experience will be as individual as you are…..

 

Get barreled, get zen, get your priorities straight in West Oz.

Lonely Planet has chosen Southwest Western Australia as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions for next year in LONELY PLANET’S BEST IN TRAVEL 2010, published this week. Western Australia is home to the only region in Australia to make this year’s list.

BEST IN TRAVEL 2010 is Lonely Planet’s fifth annual collection of the best places to go and the best things to do around the world for the year ahead.

As one of the Top 10 Regions to visit in 2010, Southwest Western Australia “offers variety in spades,” Lonely Planet’s book says. “Well-heeled Perth weekenders make the three-hour trek from the big city to the gourmet paradise of Margaret River; families hit the Busselton beaches; walkers make for the tracks and trails that join Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.”

“While word is out about the southwest,” the book says, “distance still dissuades many Aussie east-coasters – take the opportunity to make it here before they do.”  However, Lonely Planet does acknowledge that “old-timers mutter darkly about ongoing development. Many locals have been priced out of the housing market and fear for a sustainable future for the region.”

Other regions to make Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2010 list are Alsace, Bali, Fernando de Noronha, Goa, Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, Lake Baikal, Oaxaca, Southern Africa and The Lake District.

Travelers can experience the best of Southwest Western Australia with the following packages, valid from November 2, 2009 through February 28, 2010:

Bayview Geographe Resort
3 Night Packages at 50% off from $110 per night, per couple.
Exciting beach resort and gateway to Western Australia’s Margaret River Wine Region.
T: (08) 97554166
reservations@bayviewresort.com.au

Forte Cape View Apartments
Hot deal: 2 bedroom, 2 nights from $165 per night.
Located in Western Australia’s Margaret River wine region on the shores of Geographe Bay.
T: (08) 9755 4388
bookings@capeviewapartments.com.au

The Beach House at Bayside
Stay awhile: Stay 5 Nights, Pay 4 from $238 per night, per couple featuring gourmet breakfast & afternoon tea.
Award winning, 5 star, hosted accommodation by the sea.
T: (08) 9844 8844
stay@thebeachouseatbayside.com.au

Karri Valley Resort
Kids Stay Play and Eat Free, from $201 per night, per couple.
On the edge of the lake in the heart of the forest 22 km’s from Pemberton.
T: (08) 9776 2020
info@karrivalleyresort.com.au

Quest Margaret River
A complimentary bottle of premium Margaret River Wine, from $210 per night, per couple.
Luxury studio and apartment style accommodation in the heart of Margaret River
T: (08) 97572033
relax@questmargaretriver.com.au

Seashells Resort Yallingup
Stay 5 nights – only pay for 4! from $208 per night, per couple.
Located in Margaret River wine region and set in beautiful gardens.
T: (08) 9750 1500
yallingup@seashells.com.au

Drawing on the knowledge and passion of Lonely Planet’s staff, authors, and community, BEST IN TRAVEL 2010 showcases a year’s worth of inspiration to take travelers out of the ordinary and into some unforgettable experiences. Other highlights include:

• The Top 10 Countries to visit in 2010: El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the USA.

• 2010’s Top 10 Cities: Abu Dhabi, Charleston, Cork, Cuenca, Istanbul, Kyoto, Lecce, Sarajevo, Singapore, and Vancouver.

• “Top Travel Lists” of the best experiences for the year ahead, from wildlife-watching in South Africa to catching a space flight launched from the Mojave Desert.  Interested in rubbing shoulders with thousands of locals running a marathon?  Explore the options in the “Magical Marathons” list.  Or it might be something more pragmatic – such as an eye operation in India, which features on the “Medical Adventures” list.

• 2010 Travel Planner, with over 30 adventures mapped out month-by-month – from January’s Lowcountry Oyster Festival in Charleston, USA to New Year’s Eve in Paramaribo, Suriname.

About Western Australia
Western Australia, the largest state in Australia located in the western half of the country, is divided into five distinct regions: Australia’s North West, Australia’s Coral Coast, The Golden Outback, Experience Perth, and Australia’s South West. Unspoiled, unpretentious, and full of adventure, the travel experiences in Western Australia are as diverse and spectacular as the landscape itself. The North West region is a vast wilderness area home to spectacular natural attractions including the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park, the world-famous white sands and turquoise water at Broome’s Cable Beach, and the million acre El Questro Wilderness Park. Travelers to the Coral Coast can dive with the world’s largest fish – the whale shark, snorkel with manta rays, and see wild dolphins at play. Western Australia’s Golden Outback, the Gold Rush country of the 1890’s, offers the ideal blend of history and heritage. Travelers can explore mines and museums, pan for gold, or visit one of Kalgoorlie’s historic pubs. In spring, travelers to The Golden Outback can see brilliantly colored wildflowers in full bloom. Western Australia’s capital city, Perth, and the surrounding region is a microcosm of the whole state boasting vineyards, fantastic restaurants, a lively and original music and arts scene, and stylish accommodation. Perth is also home to Kings Park, the world’s largest inner city park. Featuring beautiful beaches, tall tree forests, and award winning wineries, the South West is also home to the Margaret River region, which produces almost 20% of Australia’s premium wine. With over 220 wine producers in the region, travelers can explore more than 100 cellar doors which are open to the public.  For more information on Western Australia, please visit
www.westernaustralia.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
WAGSTAFF WORLDWIDE AT 323.871.1151

 

Headed to West Oz for a dizzying press trip that includes caving, surfing, wineries, hot chefs, micro breweries, swimming with dolphins and meeting lots of new friends. Virgin Australia, The Government of Australia, The Western Australian Tourist Board and Wagstaff World Wide LA office have worked tirelessly to make this trip spectacular and adventurous, just what our Destination I Do brides are looking for. We will be travelling with a few other journalists and it will certainly be a trip that any honeymoon couple, adventure couple or destination wedding couple would love. Australia: beautiful, wild, remote, mysterious and ready for you. Look for this block buster feature early 2010 in Destination I Do Magazine. Getting ready for that 22 hour flight, but with Virgin Australia business class, I’m hoping that with a good book and a nice glass of Oz Shiraz, I’ll have a nice little nap and wake up in Brisbane. I won’t be  posting every single day, but I’ll try while on the fly. Thank you for checking in with us from time to time and look forward to bringing you all the glory of Oz.

Big shout out to my best new Aussie girlfriend, Miss Polka Dot at www.polkadotbride.com, who is lining me up with all the alterna-bridal lovelies in Perth. She’s the Numero Uno Wedding Blogger in Oz, and a wealth of info for anyone heading in that direction. See you soon mates!

 

Enjoy luxe Fall pampering at the St. Julian

While doing research for an upcoming story on great places to have a destination wedding in the United States, I was introduced to one of my favorite towns and as a result one of the town’s best hotels. The St. Julien Hotel & Spa was not only a decadent rustic chic escape nestled in the bustling town of Boulder, Colorado, but it has also been given recognition by the readers of Conde Nast’s Traveler.

For the second consecutive year, St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, CO, has been named one of the Top 100 United States Hotels in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2009 and remains the only hotel in Colorado to receive this prestigious honor. St Julien Hotel & Spa jumps over 20 spots from their 2008 ranking and now shares the title with Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica and Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio, which tied for #51 in this year’s poll.

In celebration of this prestigious accolade, St Julien Hotel & Spa invites travelers to experience the new “Time Well Spent” package, available November 1 through December 31, 2009. Guests receive a special $199 per night rate for stays Sunday through Thursday with a $50 activity credit per night per room. The $50 activity credit can be used throughout the hotel including dining at Jill’s Restaurant, treatments at the Spa at St Julien, and more.

The Spa at St Julien

For a relaxing escape, guests can use their “Time Well Spent” activity credit to indulge in the Yam and Pumpkin Freshener—the Spa at St Julien’s fall seasonal spa treatment ($50). Available through December 2009, St Julien’s 25-minute Facial Freshener treatment is enhanced with a boost of yam and pumpkin enzyme peel for an instant skin-illuminating boost. The Spa at St Julien also offers a new “Happy Hour Beauty Bar” on Thursday nights for ladies and Tuesday nights for gentlemen. Available for $50 per person, guests can enjoy a selection of drinks and snacks from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St Julien’s newly renovated salon and receive a choice of two mini treatments. Ladies can choose from mini hand or toe polish change; a “night out” up-do such as a fun ponytail or messy bun; or a mini makeover including eyes and lips. Men can chose from a menu of grooming options including: haircut or mustache and beard trim; chair massage; or mini MAN-icure.