Issuu

PLUS!

n Destinatio rt p x e Wedding E Secrets

The

PLANNING Guide CREATE YOUR PERFECT CELEBRATION

Your Wedding On Us T

he wedding of your dreams is here, and it’s on us. Get the best value in the Caribbean at Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts, where your whole wedding is already part of the package. Yes, really. With over 40 years of experience crafting fairytale weddings across the islands, we have everything you need to create a ceremony that’s all you. Just book 7 or more nights in a Club or Butler Suite — we’ll handle the rest. So, what exactly does the best value in the Caribbean entail? From the moment you book, you’re paired with a dedicated wedding planning team. They coordinate every element before you arrive and keep things running smoothly during your stay. That way, you get to spend your time focusing on what really matters: making lasting memories with the people you love most, without a worry on your mind. And those memories only get better when they’re set against the most breathtaking backdrops in the Caribbean — like golden sunsets across Jamaica, the soaring Pitons of Saint Lucia, or crystal clear turquoise waters in Turks and Caicos. Every island has its own unique charm, and it’s up to you to decide where your new chapter begins. Whether it’s a private villa floating above the sea or an oceanview swim-up suite made for romance, each

space is designed for unforgettable moments. There’s also an impressive variety of ceremony venues, including overwater chapels, beachfront aisles, garden gazebos, and traditional chapels. These are all fully customizable, with the Caribbean’s vibrant beauty setting a naturally stunning foundation, so decor can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like. Special touches like a steel drum band, fire dancers lighting up the dance floor, or engraved coconuts for your guests can also add a local layer of authenticity to your celebration. Even the experiences you get on the island are tailored to individual tastes. Choose from globalinspired dining options for every craving, an array of delicious handcrafted cocktails, and unlimited activities around each resort — all included, so you and your guests can simply enjoy living in the moment together. Here, the celebration doesn’t end after the “I do’s.” Once the vows are exchanged and the last dance winds down, you’re already in the best place to kick off the honeymoon of a lifetime — now, just the two of you. Try island-hopping or exploring the nearby Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Each destination offers something new to fall in love with. Want to make sure your chosen island is ‘the one’? We do too. Enjoy a test drive of your wedding with exclusive preview rates starting from $275 per night.

To book your wedding or honeymoon, call 1.877.SANDALS, visit Sandals.com, or call your Travel Advisor.

Sandals.com

1-877-Sandals

or Call Your Travel Advisor

Sandals® and Beaches® are registered trademarks. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. 833/0226

Picture your wedding in the Caribbean. The best part? Maybe it’s the ease of having every detail handled by our expert wedding concierge team. Or maybe… it’s this: when you book 7 or more nights in a Club or Butler Suite, your wedding is on us. Call it our gift to you.

YOUR CARIBBEAN WEDDING ON US

Contents

The Planning Guide

FASHION

6 BEST IN SHOW The latest bridal gown looks from the collections

REAL WEDDINGS

14 EMERALD AISLE A dream destination wedding in Ireland for this Canadian couple; plus how to plan your own Irish escape

ASK THE EXPERT How micro-weddings are the latest destination wedding trend

INSPIRATION

21 THE LIGHTER SIDE Sun-lit tablescapes and the gowns to go with them

24 SAGE & BLUSH Making an urban space a garden in the sky

26 NOSTALGIC MAXIMALISM

When more decor really is more fun

DESTINATION WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

32 PICTURE PERFECT The questions to ask a destination wedding Photographer

36 THE AFTER-PARTY The rise of multi-stop adventures

WWW.TODAYSBRIDE.CA

GUIDE EDITOR Vivian Vassos submissions@todaysbride.ca

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Shannon Dameron shannon@todaysbride.ca

ART DIRECTOR Cami Macca

SALES MANAGER Jennifer Gigis jen@todaysbride.ca

AD DESIGNER Zoe Gigis

With the participation of the Government of Canada

Published by Travelweek Group 425 Atwell Dr Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 5C4 (416) 365-1500

Cover photography: Vanessa Rose Photography; planning, Sunday Love & Co.; gown, Chic Bridals; veil, Blair Nadeau Bridal. (This page) Magna Arnott Photography.

18 ALMOST PARADISE

Clockwise from top left: Alexandra Del Bell Photography • Deer Creek Photography • Jumo Photo • Stephanie Masonr • Alexandra Del Bell Photography • Jules Bower

FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTESTS, TRENDS, IDEAS, BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS AND MORE.

@todaysbridemagcanada

@todaysbridemag

TO DAYSBRIDE.CA • 16

@todaysbridemag

The Planning Guide | FA S H I O N

SAREH NOURI

Best In Show Bridal designers take a greater interest in the female form, baring shoulders and accentuating hips this season. Paired with a spectacular mash-up of materials – lace layered over lamé, matte satin folded into shiny silk, brocade dotted with pearls, or all of the above – it guarantees a showstopping entrance. 6 | Today's Bride

MIRA ZWILLINGER

Lace V / V E R O N I C A D I S A N TO

PA LO M A B L A N C A

“The collection balances clean lines with soft femininity, structure with movement and simplicity with statement, allowing brides to express diﬀerent sides of themselves, whether they want to feel romantic and playful or daring and statement-making on their big day.”

Veronica di Santo

JUSTIN ALEXANDER S I G N AT U R E

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The Planning Guide | FA S H I O N

I N E S D I S A N TO

Lighter Shades ofPale SAREH NOURI

ESE AZENABOR

NARDOS

8 | Today's Bride

ESE AZENABOR VERDIN

“The 'Rise' collection embodies the journey of becoming, honouring the bride who steps into her moment with conﬁdence, grace and purpose. Each gown is designed to elevate her spirit, reﬂecting beauty that is both timeless and fearless.”

Esé Azénabor

Drama

K AT H E R I N E TA S H

OUMA

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The Planning Guide | FA S H I O N Y U L I I A LO B AC H OVA COUTURE

Hips & Peplums

“The L’Art de la Dentelle collection reveals a refined interplay of fluid silhouettes, precise construction and intricate hand-finished detailing. Transparency, layering and sculptural lines are used with intention, creating pieces that feel both modern and timeless.”

Yuliia Lobachova Designer for both Ricca Sposa Couture and her namesake couture collection

V E R O N I C A D I S A N TO

RICCA SPOSA COUTURE

10 | Today's Bride

I N E S D I S A N TO

OUMA

MIRA ZWILLINGER

Right Angles RICCA SPOSA COUTURE

“Chiaroscuro explores the beauty of contrast – sculptural silhouettes emerge through luminous fabrics like liquid charmeuse, lustrous satin and modern brocade, each shaped by contrast and craftsmanship. Romantic lace is paired with architectural seaming, while pearls and diamante accents catch the light with intention.”

Justin Warshaw Creative Director, Justin Alexander Signature

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NEW MOONLIGHT COLLECTION

Neutral tones, soft volumes, matt ﬁnish

The Planning Guide | R E A L W E D D I N G S

CL AIRE & MARK

Emerald Aisle

A destination wedding in Ireland was a meaningful occasion celebrating family and heritage

14 | Today's Bride

“Mark and I met by chance in an Irish pub on St. Patrick’s Day in western Canada,” says Claire, of their first moment. “We were both working there for a short while. It really was an instant connection.” Claire was still in school so she returned to her studies and Mark continued traveling Canada and visiting Claire when he could. “I took jobs that allowed me to travel and Mark would always come visit,” she added. “After graduation we moved to Australia for a couple of years where we worked to fund our travel. Before heading back to Canada we travelled through south east Asia. Our story is filled with love and a shared passion for adventure.”

Why Ireland for Your Wedding? “Mark is from Ireland and I am a first generation Canadian from Ireland, and we wanted to celebrate with our families. The natural beauty of Drumhierny [in County Leitrim] is what drew us in, the quality of amenities and caring staff made us choose this as our venue. The open, natural spaces allowed us to celebrate with our families in a beautiful and relaxed fashion. It’s like nothing existed outside Drumhierny that day. Tanya and her team made sure the day ran seamlessly; not once did I have to worry about anything.”

Photography: Rob Coakley Venue: Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

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The Planning Guide | R E A L W E D D I N G S

Planning a Destination Wedding in Ireland

or international couples, including Canadian couples, getting legally married in the Republic of Ireland is very possible, but it does require advance planning, says Alison Moffatt, marketing & sales manager at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, where Claire and Mark tied the knot. According to Moffatt, couples must give a minimum of three months’ notice to the Civil Registration Service in Ireland and complete the official marriage notification process. The ceremony must also be conducted by a registered solemniser in order to be legally recognised. 16 | Today's Bride

“At Drumhierny, we support destination couples by guiding them through what they need to consider, sharing the correct official information and connecting them with trusted local wedding professionals, including registered solemnisers, celebrants, photographers, florists, caterers, musicians and transport providers,” says Moffatt. While the couple must complete the legal marriage paperwork directly themselves, the wedding team helps make the wider planning experience feel much easier and more personal. For Canadian couples specifically, the main logistics to consider are travel dates, guest accommodation, transport from airports, legal paperwork timelines, supplier coordination and whether they want a one-day wedding or a full destination wedding experience over two or three days. “We are located in Leitrim Village, in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, approximately 8km from Carrick-on-Shannon train station, around 78km from Ireland West Airport Knock and approximately 158km from Dublin Airport.” One of the biggest advantages of a destination wedding at Drumhierny is that couples are not just booking a venue; they are taking over a private woodland estate – with six luxury self-catering lodges that sleep approximately 100 guests in total – which sits on 100 acres of native Irish woodland and offers a very immersive setting for couples who want something different from a traditional hotel wedding. “The estate includes our signature woodland ceremony space, the remastered Barn for wedding receptions, the Cedaroo glass-fronted woodland space for drinks receptions or indoor ceremonies, our outdoor bar area and the Wellbeing Sanctuary for pre- or post-wedding experiences. It works especially well for couples who want to create a full weekend around their wedding, with welcome drinks, a relaxed wedding day and optional next-day activities such as brunch, yoga, spa experiences or woodland walks. “This allows close family and friends to stay on site and gives the wedding a private house-party feel,” says Moffatt. For the wedding itself, the Barn can accommodate larger celebrations, with capacity generally sitting around 180–200 guests, depending on the final layout and style of the day. “The main advantage for international couples is that everything feels contained, relaxed and memorable. Guests can stay together, walk between the lodges, ceremony space, reception areas and wellbeing facilities and experience a very authentic part of rural Ireland without losing the comfort and finish expected from a premium wedding venue.” drumhiernyhideaway.ie todaysbride.ca | 17

The Planning Guide | A S K T H E E X P E R T

ALMOST PARADISE �

THINKING ABOUT A DESTINATION WEDDING? THE MORE INTIMATE, MICRO-WEDDING IS THE PERFECT BEACH GETAWAY AFFAIR

“When it comes to lux ury, I believe two things,” says Marsh a Ann Donaldson, Corporat e Director of Weddings and Romance , Sandals Resorts International. “One, a more intimate wedding party size is becoming a more popu lar standard, 20 guests, for example. Because what I'm seeing is that they really want to choose their close frie nds and family. And two, as a res ult, instead of diluting it and havin g more, they're going for quality time, quality connections and quali ty experiences.”

18 | Today's Bride

YOU TALK ABOUT MICROWEDDINGS, BUT SANDALS CAN ALSO ACCOMMODATE LARGER WEDDINGS? Oh, without question. So, from a destination, wedding standpoint, we have wedding party sizes that go up to as many as 150 persons. But when it comes to what are some of the more popular sizes, especially today, and folks choosing to travel at this time, they're really, really centring on what would be considered, even within the band of microwedding.

one-hour cocktail party. They're getting their two-tiered wedding cake. There would be the florals that are included – from a bouquet and boutonniere standpoint. What's important to note is the administrative side of it, we do all of that: the processing of marriage licenses, the respective officiants, and all of the documentation, until it becomes an actual certificate. We have what's called a wedding administration and government fee, island by island, and that is honoured with every booking.

WHAT AMOUNT OF GUESTS IS A TYPICAL MICRO-WEDDING? IS IT 50 PEOPLE? No, not necessarily. I think 20 is a really nice, popular, sweet spot that's not uncommon in today’s world, and especially when it stays as intimately sized as that, what they want to be able to do is capture as many experiences that they can.

DOES THAT HELP FOSTER INCLUSIVENESS IN THE CELEBRATION? It’s intimate enough for the couple to say, oh, we want to have an adventure experience together or a beach party and live music. So, it really feels like that mini group. They're having that together, so it's not too big.

AND WHEN IT COMES TO BUDGET? With fewer people, you may have more money to spend, let's say. And for most of the guests who are travelling for a destination wedding, they are paying for themselves. And so what couples are truly focussing on and what's of extreme value to them is to be able to also have a solid upgraded honeymoon room category. So they're spending more, let’s say, on their photography and videography. And also on their honeymoon.

AND MUCH OF THE WEDDING DETAILS ARE ALL-INCLUSIVE? For certain categories of bookings, yes. The couple themselves would have to book seven nights or longer in a Club or like category, and guests typically book for a minimum of three nights. They would have their prewedding planner. Their resort wedding planner. The oﬃciant. They're having their

important to the couple? Oftentimes the date is a very significant sentimental date. So the first thing to do is pick the date that you know you want, and if there's significance to time, pick the time that supports that date. Determine the availability. Know the destination you want, know the date and the time. What becomes important now is that based on the number of persons you invite, you want to be able to send out a save the date in advance as a courtesy to the guests. So that they can plan their lives and their budget accordingly. So that's why the 12 month marker is what we suggest. Those who are planning wedding party sizes that are 50 and over, you'll typically find them planning that 14 to 16 months. So that's not uncommon.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE SANDALS RESORT, WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDINGS?

ARE YOU ALSO SEEING REPEAT GUESTS? If you mean renewing your vows, which is another phenomenal niche that we must always talk about, you can still have the length and breadth of how you want it to look, how you want it to feel. A lot of couples today, they're excited about renewing their vows because some of them did a legal wedding back home, but none of their friends and family are aware of it. So they have done their legal work. Yes, away from everyone else. Family is completely unaware, but it still becomes a renewal vote for us because they're wanting us to treat it as this ﬁrst time wedding experience and the friends and family are witnessing the ‘I do.’

Each resort has its own DNA. I would speak to them as personalities. If someone is looking for a little bit more adventure and having the diversity of diﬀerent excursions I would say, from a Jamaica standpoint, currently, Sandals Dunns River would check the box, especially if they have a larger wedding party. Also, St. Vincent as the newest gem in the crown. For somebody who is looking for an overwater chapel, overwater bungalows, and looking for a destination that is so untouched, for beauty and adventure that also oﬀers phenomenal food and a variety of excursions, both land and water based. So it would be a great mix and it's a very romantic resort.

sandals.com/weddings

SO, IF I DECIDED I WANTED TO HAVE A WEDDING AT SANDALS, HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BE TALKING TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT? YOU TALKED ABOUT ELOPEMENT, BUT LET'S SAY I WANT TO HAVE 50 PEOPLE. One of the things that we often encourage, and it's going to vary by the couple getting married but, typically speaking, it's a good marker to consider 12 months in advance. What becomes important is what is most

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The Planning Guide |

Your wedding should be a work of art.

ago.ca/host-your-event • 416 979 6634 events@ago.ca AGO_events

20 | Today's Bride

The Planning Guide | I N S P I R AT I O N

the

lighter side

his sun-lit styled shoot was inspired by the feeling of golden hour warmth meeting soft romance, a celebration of light, texture and gentle colour stories woven together with intentional design, says creative director and planner Lisa Khan of Lisa K Events about this styled shoot. “The vision I had was to showcase how thoughtful layering of colour, florals, fashion and tablescape styling

can create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and emotionally inviting.” Her concept was to highlight the beauty of transition, from soft morning glow to radiant afternoon light, from delicate pastels to richer, grounded tones, all while maintaining a timeless, refined aesthetic that modern couples can feel connected to.

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The Planning Guide | I N S P I R AT I O N

THE DECOR

Sunshiney Yellow & Fresh Greens

The idea was to showcase two thoughtfully curated tablescapes and to demonstrate how colour can shift mood while still feeling harmonious and luxurious. One was bathed in sunshine-toned yellows, layered with soft blush blooms, glowing candles and refined place settings that felt like captured light on a spring morning. The second embraced fresh, calming

22 | Today's Bride

greens, drawing inspiration from nature with organic florals, airy glassware, and a serene, garden-inspired atmosphere. Together, these elements told a story of warmth, renewal, and effortless elegance, a visual expression of how intentional design, fashion and colour can come together to create a wedding experience that feels both modern and timeless.

THE BRIDAL LOOKS

Three Times a Lady The story featured three gowns from Elizabeth & Beau, each with its own personality and mood: Tahlena by Casablanca Bridal embodied a flattering halter neckline tied with 3D taffeta flowers that trickled down the bride model’s back; the Wisteria gown by Madi Lane Bridal paired with a cathedral-length veil adorned with blush pink, buttery yellow and

light green lace along its bottom hem, brought an airy, feminine elegance; and Eilish by Enzoani introduced a sleek, couture-inspired sophistication. Together, these looks allowed us to showcase the versatility of bridal fashion. Our bride models’ hair and makeup looks evolved with an elegant updo and a soft half-up, half-down style.

Creative Director & Planner: Lisa K Events Photography: Magna Arnott Photography photographed at Sunday Sunday Studio Floral Designer: The Urban Blooms Dresses and Veils: Elisabeth and Beau Makeup and Hair Artist: Angela Xuereb Hair Accessories, Earrings & Bracelets: Sugarcane & Co. Invitation Suites & Menu Cards: Pearl Invitations Linens, Napkins, Flatware, Glassware, Chargers, Plates, Candle Holders & Candles: Nayos Model: Jessica Delgado

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The Planning Guide | I N S P I R AT I O N

sage blush

24 | Today's Bride

hotographer Emma Haidar, the lensperson behind these editorial shoot images, says the inspiration was born from a simple idea: what if a garden could live inside one of Montréal’s most iconic luxury hotels? Shot at the Four Seasons Montréal, the shoot leans into an abundant, romantic aesthetic with cascading arrangements of garden roses and peonies in soft blush and ivory, sage green linens, tapered candles and copper cutlery that catches the light just right.

The stationery suite echoes the botanicals throughout, delicate and detailed. The bridal look is dreamy and considered with intricate lace, a flowing cathedral veil, and a quiet elegance that feels timeless. The shoot ends on the hotel rooftop, where the Montréal skyline and the iconic Leonard Cohen mural ground everything in a sense of place. It’s lush, it’s romantic, and every detail was chosen with love. Photography: Emma Haidar Planning & Design: Simplement nous Dress & Accessories: Revelle Bridal Florals & Design: Blossom Bar

Rentals: La vie est une fête & ABP Stationery: Simplement nous Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Montreal Hair and MakeUp: Beauty Trend

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The Planning Guide | I N S P I R AT I O N

nostalgic maximalism

26 | Today's Bride

his shoot came together through a collaboration between some of Toronto's most established creatives and a handful of exciting up-and-coming vendors,” says Kelley Morgan, the founder of Sunday Love & Co., a Toronto-based wedding planning and design company, about this editorial. Her mantra: designing beautiful, curated gatherings that encourage meaningful connection. “After a decade in corporate marketing and project management, I took the leap to build a business rooted in intentional design and relaxed elegance, where every detail is thoughtfully composed to reflect a couple's unique story.

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The Planning Guide | I N S P I R AT I O N

The concept for the shoot is Nostalgic Maximalism: an unexpected modernization of the bold textures and rich colours of 1960s and 1970s glam, brought into the present day. More is more: indulgent, playful and unmistakably alive. “It's a celebration of the iconic Gen X aesthetic, recontextualized through a contemporary lens,” says Morgan.

Planning & Design: Sunday Love & Co. Photography: Vanessa Rose Photography Florals: Mossy Floral Design Hair & Makeup: Mercedes Lee Beauty Cake: Ms. Sweet Tooth Bakery Bridal Dress: Chic Bridals Veil & Accessories: Blair Nadeau Bridal Draping: Singh Bros Event Rentals Tablescape: Velare Event Rentals Vintage Phone: The Keepsake Line Venue: MY HOUSE in the Junction

28 | Today's Bride

Your Destination Wedding at home... • Luxury boutique hotel located in Port Credit, Mississauga’s village on the lake • Elegant and picturesque Port Credit Ballroom with a walkout terrace • The Breakwater Venue & Patio is the perfect setting for your intimate wedding

www.watersideinn.ca Also a great venue for Bridal Showers ~ Engagement Parties ~ Rehearsal Dinners ~ Anniversaries

Contact Marlene Barcelos 905-891-7192 or email mbarcelos@watersideinn.ca to learn more about our flexible packages

todaysbride.ca | 29

The Planning Guide | D E S T I N AT I O N W E D D I N G S

PICTURE PERFECT WHEN YOU’RE INTERVIEWING POTENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO WILL NEED TO TRAVEL FOR YOUR CELEBRATION, A FEW THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS CAN MAKE EVERYTHING FEEL FAR MORE SEAMLESS FROM THE START

The top 5 questions to ask before booking a destination wedding photographer

1. HAVE YOU PHOTOGRAPHED IN THIS LOCATION BEFORE – OR RESEARCHED WHAT IT’S LIKE TO SHOOT THERE? Even if they haven’t worked at your exact venue, an experienced destination wedding photographer should speak confidently about the overall environment – how timelines tend to flow there, how wind or humidity might affect styling, how local regulations or permits work and how the culture of the region shapes the energy of the day. It’s about understanding the rhythm of the place, not just where the sun sets.

32 | Today's Bride

Where your

FOREVER

Denise Georgiou-Newell Luxury Travel Designer Destination Weddings Luxury Honeymoons Greece Specialists

Proud Member of Virtuoso® Exclusive Virtuoso Privileges • Complimentary Breakfast • Hotel Upgrades* • Resort Credits • VIP Amenities

todaysbride.ca | 33

The Planning Guide | D E S T I N AT I O N W E D D I N G S

5. DO YOU BOOK YOUR OWN TRAVEL? Many experienced photographers prefer to handle their own ﬂights and accommodations so they can choose reliable routes, plan smart layovers and maintain full control over their gear and schedule. It’s not about luxury – it’s about minimizing risk and ensuring they arrive rested, prepared and ready to focus entirely on your celebration.

2. HOW EARLY WILL YOU ARRIVE AT THE DESTINATION?

3. IS IT HELPFUL FOR YOU TO STAY AT THE SAME PROPERTY AS US?

Arriving well in advance isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a strategic one. Most seasoned photographers plan to arrive at least 1 to 2 days before the wedding so they can adjust to the time zone, walk the venue grounds, assess the light at key moments of the day and build rapport with your wedding planner and vendor team. That extra window creates breathing room, and breathing room means fewer risks, smoother timelines and a photographer who feels fully present instead of jet-lagged.

This might seem like a small detail but it can shape the flow of the entire weekend. In some cases, having your destination wedding photographer onsite makes early-morning coverage smoother and late-night send-offs effortless. There’s no commuting, no navigating unfamiliar roads in the dark, no rushing between locations. That said, off-site accommodation can work beautifully too, especially if privacy is a priority or the wedding venue has limited space. The right choice depends on logistics, timeline and comfort levels – and a seasoned professional will help you weigh those factors thoughtfully so everyone feels relaxed from start to finish.

4. WHAT HAPPENS IF TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS OCCUR? While no one plans for delays or cancellations, seasoned photographers plan around them. Ask how your destination wedding photographer prepares for unexpected hiccups – whether that means building in early arrival days, having trusted associate shooters on standby or carrying duplicate gear in separate bags.

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The Planning GuideD |E S T I N AT I O N W E D D I N G S & H O N E Y M O O N S

The

After Party

Honeymoons and the rise of multi-stop adventures 36 | Today's Bride

Couples are craving more layered itineraries, swapping the single destination getaway for multi-stop adventures. Why not get married in Mexico and then honeymoon in Jamaica? Because there’s no rule that a honeymoon has to unfold in just one place, right?

Instead of unpacking once, couples are stitching together city thrills, beach retreats and cultural deep dives into one unforgettable trip, proving that honeymoons can be whatever you want. It’s a honeymoon that feels less like a pause and more like a celebration in motion. The itinerary becomes the love story

When couples look ahead to honeymooning, the itinerary isn’t just logistics – it’s part of the romance. Honeymoon trends reveal that planning isn’t just about picking a single destination anymore, but about how places can come together like chapters of a story. A few days soaking up Parisian elegance might flow into the lavender fields of Provence, or the buzz of Mexico City could melt into the Riviera Maya’s tranquil beaches. Each stop builds on the last, shifting the mood just enough to keep things exciting while reflecting the transition into married life. Travel becomes more than movement – it becomes narrative, one that feels personal, layered and unforgettable.

Why choose one vibe when you can have three? If the itinerary is becoming the story, then the settings are the characters – and variety is what makes them shine. That’s why honeymooners are leaning toward trips that refuse to stay in one lane. A week by the ocean is beautiful, but when it’s paired with the energy of a cosmopolitan city and the drama of a wild landscape, the whole experience feels richer. Picture safari evenings

in Kenya flowing into wine-soaked afternoons in Cape Town, with the finale playing out on a Seychelles beach. Or taking top chef-driven cooking classes in Madrid, hiking a few kilometres of the Camino and then chilling out in Ibiza. It’s contrast, balance and indulgence all in one and it proves couples don’t have to compromise when it comes to their first big adventure together.

Conscious choices on the road Sustainability isn’t just shaping weddings – it’s also shaping honeymoons. Honeymoon trends in 2026 point to couples weaving eco-conscious choices into their multi-stop plans. That might mean booking closer-tohome destinations like Mexico or the Caribbean, or trains over short flights in Europe, choosing boutique stays that give back to local communities or supporting guides who offer authentic cultural experiences rather than cookiecutter tours. It’s travel that feels indulgent and responsible at the same time, leaving couples with memories they love and footprints they’re proud of.

Why planning help matters It’s true: stringing together flights, hotels and transfers can get overwhelming fast. That’s why many couples lean on travel agents or planners who specialize in multidestination trips. These pros know the best routes, the smartest stopovers and the hotels that pair well together. A skilled travel planner can also unlock perks couples might not find on their own, like boutique hotels that only accept a handful of reservations or hidden routes that make transfers smoother. That insider knowledge turns a complicated puzzle into a seamless experience, freeing couples to focus on romance instead of logistics.

Balancing energy and ease Couples are changing how they travel, allowing them to set their own rhythm. One destination might be all about discovery – markets, museums or late-night rooftop cocktails – while the next stop builds in time to breathe. Instead of needing a vacation from the honeymoon, couples return home feeling refreshed, recharged and overflowing with stories. It’s proof that adventure and ease can co-exist when the trip is built with balance in mind.

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Love Meets Luxury at Couples-Only

SERENITY at Coconut Bay

This unlimited all-inclusive resort crafts personalized experiences for couples seeking intimacy and indulgence. Experience unparalleled privacy and relaxed luxury on your Serenity at Coconut Bay honeymoon in Saint Lucia. This unlimited allinclusive resort crafts personalized experiences for couples seeking intimacy and indulgence. 36 expansive Plunge Pool Butler Suites are the heart of Serenity where you’ll relax and reconnect. These indoor-meets-outdoor havens, ranging from 1,200 to 1,900 square feet, feature oversized soaking tubs, glass-enclosed rain showers, and four-poster mahogany king beds overlooking private plunge pools and hammocks-for-two. Our expert butlers are invisible magicians providing superlative service from private in-suite check-in to check-out. Whether it’s a rejuvenating in-suite couple's massage, cocktail service on your private deck, or an aromatherapy bath for two, every wish is fulfilled.

The Serenity Pool and mile-long beach will entice you out of your luxury suite. Unwind together in intimate poolside or beachfront cabanas with plush loungers and daybeds, while butlers serve craft cocktails, picnic lunches, and private dinners under the stars. Culinary experiences at Serenity ignite romance. Savor breakfast in bed, candlelit dinners on your private pool deck, and satisfy your cravings with discreet 24-hour gourmet room service. The Pool Bar offers casual fare, while fine dining at The Greathouse Restaurant highlights Caribbean-inspired cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients. Serenity's location makes exploring Saint Lucia's wonders effortless. Imagine playing in mud baths at the world's only drive-in volcano, swimming under romantic waterfalls, or marveling at the UNESCO World Heritage Pitons.

ASK ABOUT THE GRAND ROMANCE PACKAGE! Your unlimited all-inclusive luxury honeymoon at Serenity includes private transfers from Hewanorra International Airport, private in-suite check-in, nightly turndown service, unlimited reservation-free dining, wine, premium spirits, and more. Book directly with the resort for 7 nights or longer and receive the Grand Romance Package, an exclusive $1200 value. This package includes indulgent luxuries such as an in-suite couple’s massage, a Champagne & Jazz Catamaran Cruise, and more, ensuring your romantic escape is truly unforgettable. Celebrate your love in unparalleled style and sophistication. For Assistance With Planning a Dream Honeymoon, Call 877-252-0304 or Visit SERENITYATCOCONUTBAY.COM

S TA R T YO U R F O R E V E R I N

HONEYMOON IN SAINT LUCIA’S TOP-RATED LUXURY ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT Nested in the world’s leading romance destination, SERENITY at Coconut Bay® is an exclusive and exotic hideaway of thirty-six of the most romantic Plunge Pool Suites ever designed, where couples are provided with personalized butler services and every imaginable indulgence. Each luxury suite features over 1,900 square feet of private indoor and outdoor living areas, plunge pool with waterfall, gourmet cuisine, craft cocktails, 24-hour room service and personalized top-shelf bar.

Saint Lucia’s #1 Traveler-Rated Resort on TripAdvisor. To Start Planning Your Luxury Honeymoon, Call Your Travel Advisor or 877-252-0304 • Visit SERENITYATCOCONUTBAY.COM