DES - Destination Wedding - Spring Summer 2019

Saint Lucia

Plus you and your bride-or groom-to-be can enjoy these extra perks*

• Complimentary upgrade to Elite Plus on your Sunwing Airlines flight

• Complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge (at select airports)

• Up to $100 destination excursion credit per couple

• $500 anniversary travel credit (with a minimum of 10 rooms booked)

*Time limited offer for bookings made directly with Wedding Vacations by Sunwing. Booking conditions apply.

For more details visit weddingvacations.com or connect with an experienced wedding consultant at Wedding Vacations by Sunwing.

Destination WEDDING

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Amy Bielby

ART DIRECTOR

Catherine McKenny

COPY EDITOR

Sonia Straface

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Pat Glionna pat@newcom.ca

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Alicia Lerma

ONLINE & SOCIAL MEDIA

Amy Bielby

ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA

Samantha Nagy

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Shannon Dameron shannon@newcom.ca

SALES MANAGER

Jennifer Gigis jen@newcom.ca

CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER

Jim Glionna

PRESIDENT Joe Glionna

VICE-PRESIDENT, PUBLISHING

Melissa Summerfield

CFO

Peter Fryters

Travelling off-property leads you to adventure.

Travel beauty

Products that invoke wanderlust.

Tickled pink Fuchsia is the perfect tropical accessory.

12 Paradise found

Destination bridal fashion shot in beautiful Saint Lucia.

18 Wild weddings

Ever thought about exchanging vows on a volcano or underwater?

22 Jalisco diaries

South Asian flair in Jalisco, Mexico.

26 Adventure on the side

Plan some fun excursions for you and your guests.

DESTINATIONS

36 Sonoma County Wine country like you’ve never seen it before.

38 Croatia

Romance by the sea.

39 Property pages

Don’t know where to start? Here are some venue suggestions.

46 Hot tips

The views of Santorini.

Destination Wedding magazine and its logotype is a registered trade name of Newcom Media Inc. The publication is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced by any means without permission of the publisher. Destination Wedding is produced and distributed semi-annually. Publication available without charge through selected bridal outlets. Available at more than 8,000 newsstands across the country. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or visual material. 6 Editor’s letter

Must-know info for planning your destination wedding.

Amy Bielby | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

adventure time!

The best part about a destination wedding (besides, you know, marrying the person you love) is that you get to share an adventure with your closest family and friends. Whether your destination is 100 km away or 1,000 km away, sharing the experience with your besties is a guaranteed good time.

If you really want to make the most of the trip, explore your destination. If it’s at a tropical resort, get off the property for an excursion or two. Leaving your hotel or resort (in a safe manner, of course) is the only way to truly experience a destination. Visit the tourist attractions, get off the beaten path to explore hidden gems, eat the food and listen to the music.

For this issue, our team was lucky enough to travel to Saint Lucia for a fashion shoot. And while our resort was truly amazing, we all fell in love with the country when we stepped outside the resort walls. Visiting an old sugar cane mill in the rainforest, sailing past the pitons (which can only be seen together from the water, by the way) swimming with parrotfi sh and driving through the crater of a volcano would not have happened from the comfort of our poolside lounge chairs.

My advice is when you do a destination wedding, don’t forget about the destination part!

Masters of Spectacular Travel Experiences

THE SPECIAL MOMENTS BEGIN AT MELODY MAKER CANCUN

“Crazy in LoverWedding Packages”

Complimentary Wedding Package: A minimum reservation of 5

Superior Deluxe Ocean View rooms for a minimum stay of 3 nights each is required to enjoy this package free of charge.

1 Stella + Ruby Chiffon Flower Earrings, shopbop.com, $60 2 Moschino Narrow Square Sunglasses, shopbop.com, $326 3 Ranjana Khan Plumeria Earrings, ranjanakhan.com, $410 4 Glitter Bangle Bracelet Set, Le Château, $18 5 Floral-Embroidered Mesh Peep-Toe Heels by Betsey Johnson, davidsbridal.com, $90 6 David Yurman Cable Collectibles Ceramic Coated Pinky Ring, davidyurman.com, $495 7 Colette Malouf Mesh Poppy Bobby, colettemalouf.com, $70 8 Dior Color Quake 2 Sunglasses, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew, $500 9 Embroidered Maid of Honor Satin Robe, davidsbridal.com, $50

Paradise found

BEAUTIFUL SAINT LUCIA PROVIDES THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING, WHETHER YOU’RE ON A BEACH, IN THE RAINFOREST OR SAILING ON THE CARIBBEAN SEA PAST THE MAJESTIC PITONS.

Photographer | Lise Varrette

Styling | Amber Watkins, Judy Inc. Hair & Makeup | Diana Carreiro, P1M Model | Heather Rennie, Spot 6 Management Photography assistant | Matthew Stearns

Shot at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. Situated on 85 acres, Coconut Bay is located only five minutes from Saint Lucia’s international airport. This awardwinning resort features 250 air-conditioned rooms, nine restaurants, seven bars, five pools, complete fitness centre, tennis and basketball courts, full-service salon and oceanfront spa, and the island’s largest waterpark! It’s the ideal property for a destination wedding or honeymoon. Visit cbayresort.com and stlucia.org.

THIS PAGE

OPPOSITE PAGE

OPPOSITE PAGE:

Dress: Justin Alexander, style #88035

Necklaces: Armed

Shot at: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

THIS PAGE:

Jumpsuit: By Catalfo, “Willow”

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Necklace: Armed

Shot at: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa

WEDDINGS

IF YOU’RE ITCHING TO DITCH THE TRADITIONAL, CHECK OUT EIGHT WILD OPTIONS FOR TYING THE KNOT WITHIN NORTH AMERICA. IT’LL MAKE FOR A WEDDING CELEBRATION

YOU THAT YOUR GUESTS WON’T SOON FORGET.

1

On top of a volcano

Consider exchanging vows in Volcano, Hawaii, for a truly eruptive experience. Head to Volcano National Park to marry on black lava overlooking an active crater, or opt for a lush garden nearby for a picturesque ceremony. (volcanogallery.com)

3

In a yurt

For the ultimate in glamping, consider saying “I do” in a yurt, a circular tent historically used by nomads in Siberia and Mongolia. The Yurt Company, based in Mississauga, Ont., (theyurtcompany.ca) will deliver and set up a ‘long barn’ wedding yurt to fit your guest list (up to 100 people) anywhere in Ontario.

2 Underwater

If diving is your scene, consider an underwater wedding in the Florida Keys. Captain Slate (captainslate.com) has been officiating water nuptials since 1978, and holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest underwater wedding, which included 110 divers.

4

Aboard

a pirate ship

Take your mates on a pirate adventure by renting a vessel from Toronto-based Pirate Life (piratelife.ca). The boat has capacity for 40 guests (with three staff in full pirate gear), and can be rented by the hour. They’ll even do makeup for you and your guests – pirate style.

5

Atop a glacier

If cooler temperatures are your preference, head to Alaska, where you can elope on a glacier in a truly serene setting. Opt for a wedding planner, such as Alaska Destination Weddings (akdestinationweddings.com), to take care of all the details –including fi nding an officiant and two witnesses, which is required by the State of Alaska.

In

6

a helicopter

Take to the skies with a heli-wedding in Canmore, AB. Once you pick your destination – be that a mountain ridge or alpine meadow – you can exchange your vows outdoors and top the day with a romantic picnic or hike. (marthashelihikes.com)

7

On a mountaintop

For the ultimate high-level view, head to Grand Lake, CO, where you can tie the knot in an outdoor wedding amidst the Rocky Mountains. Grand Lake Lodge (grandlakelodge.com), nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park, can accommodate up to 75 guests and features a banquet department that will take care of all the details.

8

On a dude ranch

Besides offering a picture-perfect setting for photos, a dude ranch provides a great spot to spend your honeymoon. At Latigo Ranch in Kremmling, CO, guests are treated to gourmet meals, comfortable cabins and horses –thoughtfully chosen to suit your personality and riding skill – so you can ride off into the sunset together. (latigotrails.com)

www.belivehotels.com

THIS BRIDE BRINGS SOUTH ASIAN FLAIR TO THE BEAUTY OF MEXICO. Shot at Hacienda el Carmen Hotel & Spa in Jalisco, Mexico.

CO PRODUCER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Arora Events, aroraevents.com

CO PRODUCER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Garima Singh Studios, garimasingh.com

EVENT PLANNER: Arora Events | PHOTOGRAPHY: Garima Singh Studios

DÉCOR, FLORAL, FURNITURE, LINENS & CHARGERS: Bari Concept | STATIONERY: Love, Paper & Ink

BEAUTY: Aida Romero & Andrea Guzman, Mood Beauty Studio | SANGEET COUTURE: Chandan Fashion WEDDING COUTURE: The New Delhi Company | RECEPTION COUTURE: Amara Couture

JEWELRY: Jaya & Co. | VENUE: Hacienda El Carmen | MODEL: Paola De Anda, Capital Model Management

the

Why shouldn’t your honeymoon be as spectacular as your wedding day? At Sandals® it can be, because the honeymoon begins the moment you say “I do”. Sandals offers the world’s only 5-Star Luxury Included® Honeymoon where the best of everything is included: every land and water sport*, 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 16 restaurants, per resort, premium spirits served at every bar, always on the house, and the best parties and entertainment. And when it comes to honeymoon suites, Sandals luxurious Love Nest Butler Suites® range from exotic Over-theWater Bungalows and Villas to SkyPool Suites with terrace plunge pools, some offering luxuries like terrace Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two, spa-style bathrooms with marble tubs floating on a bed of river rocks, and Sandals renowned butler service. It’s the perfect start to your perfect life together, only at Sandals.

worthygroupexcursions yourguestswillal a

ON THE SIDE

SURE, YOUR LOVED ONES ARE COMING FOR THE MAIN EVENT, BUT DESTINATION WEDDINGS OFTEN INCLUDE PLENTY OF DOWNTIME. WHILE ENJOYING THIS SPECIAL TIME WITH YOUR GUESTS, WHY NOT PUT TOGETHER AN ITINERARY WITH OPTIONS EVERYONE CAN ENJOY?

Here are some tips and ideas for scheduling personalized, memorable activities for family and friends.

GIVE GUESTS AS MUCH NOTICE AS POSSIBLE AND BE CLEAR ABOUT COSTS.

DON’T JAM-PACK THE DAYS

Your guests will definitely want to relax during the trip, so make all scheduled excursions optional. You can’t force people to have fun. Share your itinerary online so everyone knows when each activity starts and ends, how they’re getting there and what to wear or bring.

Excursions are a great way to experience a new culture, explore the landscape, try something different and cross an item off your bucket list. Here are five fantastic activities to try.

If you’re tacking on an excursion before or after the wedding, your guests will need to take extra days off work, and if you’re not covering the cost, they may also need to set aside some money. Plan on telling them about activities at least several months in advance. Want it to be a surprise? Make sure you hint at any extra clothing they’ll need to pack. 1

Think about ages and abilities, and keep pre-wedding activities simple. Want everyone to mountain bike or scuba-dive? Save those kinds of options for after the ceremony, so that nobody gets injured before the wedding.

EXPLORE INCREDIBLE CAVES

This low-key activity works for all family members, but may not be suited for guests with claustrophobia. Some famous caves include Harrison’s Cave in Barbados, Crystal Cave in Bermuda and Fontein Cave in Aruba.

ZIPLINING THROUGH THE TREETOPS

Soaring over the canopy line in St. Lucia’s TreeTop Adventure Park is sure to please the thrillseekers in your group, requiring moderate activity level. As long as your guests are 1.2 m tall and under 113 kg, this four-hour excursion at the island’s first and longest zipline will delight.

WALK ON THE OCEAN FLOOR AND FEED TROPICAL FISH

Requiring no snorkeling or diving skills, Hartley’s Helmet Dive is an undersea walk for guests aged five and up. Wearing a large helmet invented by the owner’s father in 1947, participants interact with fish while walking on the ocean floor 3 m below the surface. Dives take place near a coral reef 3 km from Bermuda’s western shore.

TAKE AN OCEAN TOUR ON THE ATLANTIS SUBMARINE

During this award-winning, two-hour submarine tour in Barbados, your gang will be able to see not just exotic fish and coral, but a genuine shipwreck – at depths of 45 m. Guests must be at least 0.9 m tall, not more than four months pregnant and able to descend a ladder into the vessel, which has big windows all around – so no need to feel claustrophobic – and can hold 48 people. Submarine tours are also available in Cozumel, Maui, Aruba and Grand Cayman.

MINI-GOLF BY THE SEA

Perfect for children five and up along with adults, ocean-side mini-golf is an ideal activity. A few to check out: Fun Golf in Bermuda – where you can golf day or night on holes replicating famous golf courses around the world, Verandah Resort & Spa in Antigua and Taino Mini-Golf & Café in Puerto Rico.

Callie Matthew

Wearing a Willowby gown, this bride exchanged vows with her groom at an intimate wedding of 13 guests at Villa Samadhana in Bali, Indonesia.

UNIQUE ASPECTS: Callie says, “We really wanted to have a casual, dinner party setting for our wedding and fell in love with our table style and settings. The hanging greenery and Edison bulbs made the atmosphere cozy and intimate just as I had imagined it being.”

HARDEST PART TO PLAN: Planning everything sight unseen. Flying to Bali to confirm décor choices wasn’t really an option.

DESTINATION WEDDING ADVICE: Hire a wedding planner that connects with you and your vision, and put your trust in them completely. The bride had weekly Skype conversations with her planner, Kevin at Silver Lace Weddings. “He made himself available whenever I needed to chat or text and we had a very transparent relationship in terms of what we wanted to achieve for our wedding day,” says Callie.

BEST PART OF THE DAY:

The couple opted out of the trendy “first look” and chose to see each other at the altar. Callie says, “Walking down the aisle and finally getting to see each other was so special and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.”

Cindy John

This princess wed her prince at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida – with a little fairy tale magic.

THAT DRESS: The bride wore a gorgeous Pnina Tornai ballgown (from Kleinfeld, Hudson’s Bay in Toronto).

“Transporting my huge ballgown to Disney World was a little stressful. It barely fit through the X-ray machine,” says Cindy. The look was completed with Prada shoes.

HARDEST PART TO PLAN: “ The toughest part was planning from so far away, but we were confident that everything would run smoothly,” says Cindy. “Being a perfectionist, I would say finding the right makeup artist was especially challenging, even though I did book a trial the day before.”

REUNITED: The newlyweds feel fate played a big role in their day. “We believe we are soulmates and destined to be together, as we were brought back together again after 32 years of being apart. We are truly blessed to have this beautiful love.”

Danielle Patrick

A destination wedding doesn’t have to happen outside of Canada. More than 100 guests attended Danielle and Patrick’s nuptials at Bodega Ridge, Galiano Island, BC.

DUTCH TOUCH:

As a professional volleyball player, Dani has travelled the world. She met Patrick in Holland, and naturally, they wanted to integrate some Dutch aspects into the wedding. Stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies) were given as favours, and there were shot glasses painted in traditional Dutch blauw design. The chef served Dutch bitterballen during the cocktail hour (which is a deepfried ball of meat dipped in mustard or mayonnaise) and the cake was made of cheese with Dutch Gouda as the base.

THREE DAYS OF FUN:

Dani says, “We caught the ferry over to Galiano with our closest friends and family on Thursday afternoon. On Friday we organized the Canada/Holland Games for all of our guests and then Saturday was the wedding!”

LOCAL LOVE:

Vendors from the area included planning by Angie Allen Weddings & Events, décor by Galiano Florals, Party Mood and Trend Decor, stationery by Kyla Richey, and wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses by Lillian Wild. Hair was done by Nicole Jersey and makeup by Emily Kostiuk.

Amanda Simone

Guests travelled from Toronto, San Francisco, Miami, Spain, Venezuela and France to watch this couple exchange vows at Santorini Gem, in Santorini, Greece.

SAY CHEESE: One of the biggest benefits of a destination wedding is the pre-wedding (or post-wedding) opportunity for amazing photography. Amanda and Simone were able to get some romantic shots around Santorini before the big day.

HARDEST PART TO PLAN: For many couples, planning a wedding without being in the same city as the event can create some stress. Amanda agreed. “The toughest part about having a destination wedding is not being able to see every detail before incorporating it into your wedding.”

DESTINATION WEDDING ADVICE: Amanda says, “I would say having a planner is key; it definitely reduces some of the stressful aspects of planning and decision-making. Keep calm and always know that, in the end, everything will be perfect.”

ONE ISN’T ENOUGH:

The trend for two dresses continues! Amanda wore a Rosa Clara gown for the ceremony and photos, and changed into a Maggie Sottero dress for the reception. The bridesmaids wore dresses by City Triangles.

SONO

Craving a wine country wedding that’s out of the ordinary?

GATHER YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND HEAD TO SONOMA COUNTY FOR A WEDDING WEEKEND UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU’VE EVER SEEN.

Get the party started as soon as your guests leave the airport with group transportation. Break up travel time with a pit stop for lunch in Tiburon. With picturesque views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it will be hard to convince your crew to head back on the bus to continue their journey to accommodations in Santa Rosa. Landmarks along the way include the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island and Golden Gate National Park.

THE WELCOME

Yes, one of the best things about a destination wedding is the location, but second to this is the amazing feeling of having all of your favourite people in the world in the same place at the same time for more than a single night. A welcome reception is a great way to not only set the tone of your weekend, but to connect with all of your guests because trust us – you will barely have time to say hi to everyone when it comes to day-of.

On-site activities like photobooths and yard games entertain guests of all ages. And you can keep the night casual with passed apps, a signature cocktail tasting station (virgin and alcoholic) and tubs of ice-cold beer. Leave the cocktail craft ing to experts like the staff at Alley 6 Craft Distillery so you have more time to mingle.

Sonoma County is home to a number of locales that will make your wine country-loving heart happy while still being 100 percent unique. Sit down to dinner in a cave (yes, a cave!) at Petroni Vineyards, a property exclusive to Distinct Locations and able to accommodate up to 200 guests.

Or, why not get hitched in a jungle? OK, so it isn’t an actual jungle, but the lush greenery of one of Off the Beaten Path’s Signature Experience locations is sure to leave your heart happy and guests amazed.

THE CUISINE AND COCKTAILS

Farm-to-table is the name of the game in Sonoma County with many restaurants, caterers and wedding planners looking to local businesses like beef producers Beffa Springs Ranch or organic cheesemakers Cowgirl Creamery to provide fresh grub for your guests. With over 425 wineries in the County, it would be crazy not to take advantage of the region’s bounty. Ranging from rustic to regal there’s a grape-based beverage for every palate. Craving a rich, full-bodied red? Try the food-friendly 2015 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel from K Squared Cellars. If a crisp white is more your taste, treat guests to 2013 Weeks Vineyard Chardonnay from Moshin Vineyards.

When all is said and done, and guests are ready to head back home, take a day for you and your new spouse to finally relax and enjoy one another. Detox mind, body and soul while finding inner peace with a Cedar Enzyme bath or private couples’ massage at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.

Or, if exploring a new town is more your scene, check out the one-of-a-kind shops of Healdsburg or Point Reyes Station.

BY ROSALIND STEFANAC

Uncover CROATIA

A JEWEL OF THE ADRIATIC SEA

MORE AND MORE tourists may be flocking to Dubrovnik lately thanks the stunning scenery displayed in the popular Game of Thrones TV series filmed there. But this perfectly preserved medieval city is just one of the many treasures to uncover in Croatia.

Located in Europe on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has just over 4.5 million residents and shares its borders with Slovenia, Hungary and Italy among others. For a small country, its scenery is diverse: from snow-capped mountains and lush forests to turquois waters that draw sailing enthusiasts from all continents.

Croatia has eight national parks, filled with waterfalls and numerous trails for hiking, biking and mountain climbing. But its coastline, with its crystal-clear blue sea, is what it is best known for. Extending 5,835 kms from Dubrovnik to Istria, Croatia houses 1,244 islands in total for you and your wedding guests to explore. There is even one shaped like a heart! Korčula (birthplace of Marco Polo), Hvar, Brač and Mali Lošinj are some of the most beautiful to put your wedding planning radar.

Once you’re there, choose from a variety of beaches and water activities – or take it easy with a guided boat tour where you and guests can enjoy a culinary feast prepared with seafood caught the same day. Beyond fish, Croatia is known for its award-winning olive oil, cheese, prosciutto and wine.

GETTING THERE:

From Toronto, a direct flight to Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb is about nine hours.

PLACES TO HOST YOUR WEDDING:

On a private deck overlooking the Adriatic Sea at Alhambra Hotel, Mali Lošinj. losinj-hotels.com

At the majestic UNESCO site of the Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik. sibenik-tourism.hr

In a stunning villa in Istria. villa-polesini.com

All along the coast, historic towns like Šibenik, Zadar and Opatija offer a lovely backdrop – and venues – for a wedding your guests won’t soon forget. The recently renovated Life Palace Heritage Hotel in Šibenik, for example, features state-of the-art amenities in a 15th-century stone building situated in the midst of a 1,000-year-old town.

If you don’t speak the language, best to

work through a wedding planner like Adriatic Croatia (adriaticweddings-croatia.com) that can suggest appropriate venues in a desired location and handle all the booking details. Many venues will accommodate specific requests for foreigners so don’t be afraid to ask. Just keep in mind that popular places are booked at least a year in advance so be sure to plan early.

Within the grounds of Plitvice Lakes National Park. np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

On the ultra romantic island of Hvar. visit-croatia.co.uk

PROPERTY PAGES

WHEN PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOCATION. SO WHERE SHOULD YOU GO? HERE ARE JUST A FEW IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOUR DECISION.

EXOTIC COCONUT BAY BEACH RESORT & SPA

IN STUNNING SAINT LUCIA

Your wedding is uniquely you and never cookie cutter at Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, a 2018 British Weddings Award winner. Host a bonfire beach party or elegant rehearsal dinner under the stars, sip cocktails at a Gazebo garden party, see the majestic Pitons by catamaran and walk down the palm-fringed aisle at Eternity Beach. The resort’s personal planner makes weddings stress free, every special touch is your dream come true. Your guests will enjoy a fun-filled getaway while you enjoy a luxurious adults-only couples experience, pampered in accommodations including concierge rooms and suites with sweeping ocean views. Premium All-Inclusive amenities include 9 restaurants offering à la carte and buffet dining at indoor, outdoor and stunning oceanside locations, top-shelf spirits at 7 bars, 5 pools (2 adults only), a 1-mile beach, in-room Wi-Fi, oceanfront spa, the island’s largest waterpark, activities, nightly entertainment, airport transfers and more. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa has a package for your intimate or grand celebration, and budget, with every inclusion. Call 877-252-0304 or visit cbayresort.com/weddings

BIG DAY PREVIEW: SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT AT HYATT ZILARA™ & HYATT ZIVA™ ROSE HALL

You can’t beat the value, beauty and ease of a destination wedding at a Hyatt all-inclusive resort. However, you may be concerned about planning and envisioning your big day from afar. Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica have eased those concerns with Big Day Preview. Big Day Preview allows you and a guest to experience two days of all-inclusive luxury at adults-only Hyatt Zilara or all-ages Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. During your stay you’ll explore all your options from wedding venues (think elegant ballrooms, rooftop terraces and beachfront gazebos) to cakes. Your personal onsite wedding planner will answer questions and guide you through a resort tour and special food tastings. While you’re visiting, you’re free to enjoy the resorts’ all-inclusive amenities, just like your guests will on the big day.

The two-night stay for two costs only $500 and upon booking your date you’ll receive a $500 credit toward your wedding. It’s like getting your Big Day Preview for free!

Book your Big Day Preview now by calling 877.849.5432 or visit resortsbyhyatt.com

A FREE* TROPICAL WEDDING SHARED WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE.

WHERE WEDDING DREAMS ARE FULFILLED

You’ve always dreamed about your special day. Now, Beaches® can make it come true beyond your wildest imagination. Celebrate your love with a Free* Tropical Wedding when you stay three nights or longer. Exchange your vows on a pristine beach or beneath a romantic gazebo amidst a lush garden, with the picturesque Caribbean serving as your backdrop. You can even customize your wedding by enhancing your seating with slipcovers and magnificent adornments, placemats, chargers, votives, candelabras, and centerpieces to create a unique and dazzling table—to reflect your unique style. The complimentary wedding planner and resort wedding event team will assist you with all the details, ensuring your big day is nothing short of spectacular. It’s all included and you may invite as many guests as you wish. At Beaches, your love story comes to life with memories that last a lifetime.

For more information contact: beaches.com/weddings 1-877-BEACHES or call your Travel Professional. *Visit beaches.com/disclaimers/dwmspring2019bch or call 1-800-Beaches for important terms and conditions.

WEDDING PACKAGES BY RIU

EXPERIENCE NATURAL BEAUTY

For couples wishing to celebrate a romantic wedding without worrying about added expenses, the FREE WEDDING PACKAGE from RIU is the perfect fit.

Available at select RIU hotels throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, this package features a bridal bouquet, groom´s boutonniere, special decoration in the couple´s room, a surprise spa gift and the services of a RIU Wedding Specialist.

For the ceremony location, RIU provides setup, décor and a playlist. The couple and up to eight guests will also enjoy wedding cake, sparkling wine for the initial toast and a semiprivate dinner in a specialty restaurant.

Available when booking any room category, the package requires no minimum number of rooms or room nights. Want to customize the big day? Optional add-ons are available. A minister or judge is available upon request, as are blood tests. Certain required fees may apply.

The chain also offers INDULGENCE, their latest and most innovative package, along with their CAPRICE, ROYAL and CLASSIC packages.

For more information, please contact a RIU Wedding Specialist at www.weddingsbyriu.com or weddings@riu.com

MELODY MAKER CANCUN

SETS THE STAGE FOR UNFORGETTABLE WEDDINGS

Oceanfront accommodations, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art gym, themed restaurants and a breathtaking rooftop are only some of our outstanding features.

Located on oceanfront property and within walking distance to major shopping centres, Melody Maker Cancun offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupté Lagoon and the best Day Club in Cancun “Delirio”. This exclusive resort features world class musical acts at the best beach club in the area, pairing the lifestyle and excitement of a beachfront hotel with the amenities of a luxury resort, welcoming you to this Miami-meets-Vegas vibe.

With utterly unique indoor and outdoor venues and an unparalleled location, Melody Maker Cancun sets the stage for unforgettable weddings.

A COMPLIMENTARY* WEDDING PACAKGE is available when booking a minimum of 5 Superior Deluxe Ocean View rooms, each for a minimum of 3 nights. Couples who do not meet the minimum room/stay requirements can enjoy the “CRAZY IN LOVE” package at an additional cost of $999 (USD), taxes included. Other wedding packages available:

• THE POWER OF LOVE

• BÉSAME MUCHO

• I WANT IT ALL

• STAY WITH ME (Vow Renewal)

• POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME (Honeymoon)

melodymakercancun.com Weddings.manager@Melodymakerhotels.com

TEST DRIVE YOUR WEDDINGMOON ® WITH

UP TO 3 NIGHTS IN PARADISE

AT SANDALS® RESORTS

A once-in-a-lifetime love calls for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding at Sandals Resorts—followed by the perfect honeymoon. Sandals creates the best destination weddings, from the simplest to the most extravagant, and offers newlyweds the world’s only Luxury Included® Honeymoon. Experience our decadently romantic Love Nest Butler Suites®, endless land and water sports, the best beaches, 5-Star Global GourmetTM dining at up to 16 extraordinary restaurants per resort, and limitless pours of premium spirits. Best of all, it’s all included, even the tip, taxes, and transfers*. Sandals even makes it easy for you to test drive your dream destination wedding and experience our 5-Star Luxury Included® Resorts first-hand. Be our guest for up to 3 nights starting at $250 per night* per couple and receive up to a $1050 credit* when you book your wedding group of 5 rooms or more.

Inclusions For Couples:

• Luxurious accommodations

• Meet and greet with resort wedding team

• Meet with wedding photography team

• Sparkling wine and cake tasting

• Wedding linen sampling from Sandals color palette

• Resort preview (inclusive of nearby Sandals or Beaches® Resort if applicable)

• Savour the world with 5-Star Global GourmetTM dining at up to 16 restaurants

• Unlimited premium spirits and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines

• Access to land and water sports

• Access to the luxury award-winning Red Lane® Spa

• Nightly entertainment

• Romantic dinner for two at a resort specialty restaurant with white-glove service and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine

• Complimentary 5x7 photograph

• Tips, taxes & Sandals transfers* included

For more information: sandals.com/weddings 1-877-SANDALS or call your Travel Professional *Visit www.sandals.com/disclaimers/dwmspring2019 for important terms and conditions.

SERENITY AT COCONUT BAY

IN STUNNING SAINT LUCIA

For your ultimate adults-only honeymoon choose Serenity at Coconut Bay, a 2018 USA Today 10Best award winner for Best Caribbean Resort where every plunge pool suite is a lovers’ haven. You’ll be pampered by intuitive butler service and an unlimited all-inclusive luxury experience, unrivaled in Saint Lucia, the World’s Most Romantic Destination. Butlers arrange breakfast in bed, moonlight dinners and cocktails on your private pool deck. Treat each other to a decadent in-suite couple’s massage, a cozy nap in your hammock for two and a soothing aromatherapy soak in your oversized bath. The Serenity Pool, one of USA Today’s “2018 Best Pools in the Caribbean,” entices you to venture out of your extravagant suite with pampered lounging and private cabanas. Plan a dreamy beach picnic or an intimate beach cabanas date. Butlers see to every wish. Indulge your cravings with 24-hour room service, and farm-to-table gourmet dining at the Greathouse Restaurant. Make your honeymoon fantasy a reality at Serenity, conveniently located close to Saint Lucia’s world-famous attractions.

Call 877-252-0304 or visit serenityatcoconutbay.com for more information.

SIMPLE STUNNING WEDDINGS

AT GRAND PALLADIUM HOTELS & RESORTS AND TRS HOTELS

Palladium Hotel Group’s luxury resorts offer everything needed for a romantic, all-inclusive destination wedding. With locations in Riviera Maya, Costa Mujeres, and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico; Cap Cana and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Montego Bay, Jamaica; Palladium Hotel Group’s family-friendly Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and adults-only TRS Hotels provide the perfect backdrop for any wedding. When it comes to style, customizable wedding packages designed by celebrity wedding planner Karen Bussen are available. These packages are designed to highlight the unique features and setting of the hotels with the ability to upgrade and customize every detail. With the help of a personal Palladium wedding planner, couples can effortlessly piece together the design of the dream. These wedding planners will also work closely with every couple to piece together the celebration they have always dreamed of. Whether a couple wants to celebrate in style with family and friends or have an intimate, private ceremony for two, Palladium Hotel Group promises every couple originality, excellence and perfection.

For more information, contact your travel professional, visit PalladiumWeddings.com or call 1-888-237-1226.

BE LIVE CARIBBEAN HOTELS

CREATE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & CUBA

One of our most emblematic resorts, the Be Live Collection Punta Cana, is located in a privileged beach in the Dominican Republic. This summer, its “Adults Club” has been expanded, renewed and turned into a new hotel that will operate inside of this complex under the name of Be Live Collection Punta Cana Adults Only. Its 294 rooms, most of them Master Suites, offer all the amenities and luxury services that will make our customers feel like true VIP members.

Clients can enjoy a private beach area only for adults with Balinese beds, a VIP pool, butler and room service 24hrs, a VIP Lounge and many special amenities in the room that will make them enjoy a true 5-star experience. This new hotel will also have an exclusive restaurant Marketplace style.

To top things off, guests staying at the Be Live Collection Punta Cana Adults Only can enjoy all restaurants, bars and other facilities as the spa and gym of the rest of the resort Be Live Collection Punta Cana.

The perfect spot for your big day in this exclusive ambience! Contact details: weddings.manager@belivehotels.com

WEDDING VACATIONS BY SUNWING

CANADA’S DESTINATION WEDDING EXPERTS

Wedding Vacations by Sunwing can help you create the perfect destination wedding or vow renewal. Our destination wedding planning experts offer years of experience, which combined with our partnerships with top-rated resorts means we can offer exclusive perks for your guests when you book your wedding as a group.

Book your wedding group directly with Wedding Vacations by Sunwing and receive our Platinum Planning Services FREE – a value of $999! This package offers the crème de la crème in personalized service. You can look forward to your big day in destination being customized to your tastes from start to finish, stress-free.

Plus, you and your groom or bride to-be can enjoy these extra perks*:

• Complimentary upgrade to Elite Plus on your Sunwing Airlines flight

• Complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge (at select airports)

• Up to $100 destination excursion credit per couple

• $500 anniversary travel credit (with a minimum of 10 rooms booked)

*Time limited offer for bookings made directly with Wedding Vacations by Sunwing. Booking conditions and travel windows apply.

For more details visit weddingvacations.com or connect with an experienced wedding consultant at Wedding Vacations by Sunwing – your source of inspiration for destination weddings.

HERE ARE A FEW RANDOM PIECES OF ADVICE TO HELP YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING GO SMOOTHLY.

tipsHOT

MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT IS UP TO DATE (DOESN’T EXPIRE IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS). CHECK WITH YOUR BRIDAL PARTY AND GUESTS, TOO.

Get travel insurance. You can never be too careful.

Find a good travel agent who can keep you organized and walk you through every step.

Do not risk your travel plans with a cheaper, unknown website that guarantees lower prices.

Hire a wedding planner or make contact with the wedding planning team at your destination venue. Knowing someone has your back will alleviate some stress.

Book hair and makeup trials at your venue for the day after your arrival.

Choose your ceremony location wisely. It’s great if you’ve

always imagined getting married on the beach, but maybe you’ll discover that the beach isn’t private enough, once you see your venue. Most resorts have several on-site locations to choose from – including indoor options as back-up.

Go local with favours. Dragging favours with you takes up valuable luggage space. Try rum, wooden trinkets, Panama hats or local jewellery.

Stay hydrated. This is just a good, general life lesson. Drink plenty of water on your flight as well as in hot climates. You’ll feel better and your skin will thank you, too.

Wear sunscreen! The lobster look is totally out.

ALWAYS PACK ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE – DRESS, TUX, SHOES AND RINGS. THESE THINGS CAN’T BE EASILY REPLACED. BE SURE YOUR WEDDING PARTY FOLLOWS YOUR LEAD.

Have fun and be safe!

Try to score deals from travel agents, hotel concierges and restaurants by playing the “I’m-getting-married card”. Be considerate of your guests. It’s their trip, too. Don’t overschedule them with unnecessary events or too many excursions.

WRITE YOUR VOWS AND TOASTS AHEAD OF TRAVEL. YOU MIGHT THINK YOU’LL HAVE TIME TO WRITE THEM ON A BEACH, MARGARITA IN HAND, BUT YOU PROBABLY WON’T

The big day is coming

An elegant chapel, a terrace by the sea, lush green gardens. Wherever your journey brings you, Palladium Hotel Group has the destination you’ve always dreamed of. Happily ever afters begin here.