Destination of the Week: Bali

My friend got married in Bali and is taking a trip back and it got me thinking of what a beautiful place it is. This little island nestled in the Pacific Ocean is the perfect getaway for a destination wedding or honeymoon. Luckily some people speak English, so you wont need a translator the whole time and there are taxis and minibuses to help you travel around. The flight takes around 24 hours from most places in the United States, but it will be worth it when you arrive on the beautiful island. The best times to visit are April and May, September and October. The island has a lot of Asian flavor to it and there are villas and hotels that you can go through to plan your trip. There are many sites where you can book guided tours and many hotels have excursions you can buy! Enjoy the amazing sites and beautiful landscape of Bali.

Pictures From:
The Knot 

Asia Web Direct

Destination of the Week: Australia

I have always loved Australia and wanted to go there for any occasion. I love it for many reasons but some are... the accents, the kangaroos, the coral reef, Koala bears, the accents. But really Australia has so many great things to do and everything you would want to do on a honeymoon or vacation. Since it is a built up country, you can easily find nice hotels or resorts. Wildlife is also not too far away and you can easily travel to different parts in the country either by train, plane or bus. Australia is the same size as the United States so you will have to take a plane if traveling between 2 far flung cities. It is also a LONG flight from the U.S. to Australia so you you don not like flying beware. Some other great things to remember about Australia: the water flushes the other way, there seasons are opposite of the U.S. so January and February are the warmest months, and a good amount of time to see and travel is 10 to 15 days. The "Big Three" to visit are Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock.  Yet, there are many other great places to see within this amazing country that are close to/around the "Big Three." Australia has amazing sites, sounds, foods and wines. No matter what you are in to Australia will be able to meet your fancy E' Mate.  Visit http://www.australia.com for great tourism information.

Pictures from:
www.TheKnot.com
http://www.australia.com

Destination of the Week: Napa Valley

Although Napa Valley is not outside the continental United Sates, it is still a great getaway for your destination wedding or honeymoon. Since it is in wine country there are many inns and hotels scattered around the area. You can find a place that fits what you are looking for: small and intimate or grand and indulgent. You will also save money on travel since it is within the United States and if you live close enough to only have a few hours drive you can still have most people attend your wedding without the problem of a destination wedding. There are great wineries all around the area to have your ceremony or reception at, as well as hotels. I recommend going in the fall or summer when you can really enjoy the colors of Napa Valley! If you are looking to have an outdoor wedding with great views and great colors…Napa Valley might just be the place for you. If you love wine Napa Valley might also be the place for you.

If you are looking to go there on your honeymoon make sure to visit as many wineries as possible! Napa is also a great stop along the way if you wanted to tour all of California for your honeymoon. Sonoma Valley is also located around Napa Valley. Almost 300 wineries are located in the 2 places. So take the time to choose which wineries you would like to visit and also enjoy driving around and seeing the scenery! Also, the most exclusive resort, Auberge du Soleli offers wine based spa treatments. Who could ask for more!

Here is a great list of locations for weddings in Napa Valley: http://napavalley.com/eventplanning/weddings/ceremonies_chapels.html

Photos From:

http://weddings.theknot.com/

http://napavalley.com/visitorsinfo/tour

fayeandgreer.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html

http://www.weddingshoneymoons.com/

http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/

http://static.weddingwire.com/

http://dorothyhatchel.com

Destination of the Week: Fiji

Whether you are looking for your perfect honeymoon spot or a location for your destination wedding, Fiji is the perfect place. Located in the Pacific Ocean near Australia it is a made up of islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Leva are the two largest. The best time to go to Fiji is their dry season from May to October, yet for the best prices consider going from December to April (sucks that they don’t overlap). Fiji is exotic, tranquil and unspoiled. There are many things that you can do while in Fiji, especially if you visit more than one island. From hiking, to beaches, scuba diving and tanning…Fiji has it all. Take in the surroundings and culture of the exotic Fiji Islands! Read fifime.com’s Wedding Guide:

http://www.fijime.com/romanceme/pdf/FVB_Wedding_Home.pdf

Pictures from:

www.TheKnot.com

http://stylefrizz.com/

http://www.weddings-abroad.com/

http://www.bivfiji.com/portfolio/

Destination of the Week: Hawaii

It is a rainy day here in DC... which makes me start thinking about the sun and sand. What a better place than Hawaii for a little sun bathing? Although a great destination, Hawaii is still a U.S. state and you can find some pretty good deals on flights. With 6  islands to choose from, what better than a Hawaiian wedding or honeymoon? The islands are gorgeous with vibrant colors and amazing sounds! If you have always dreamed of a beach wedding... this is the perfect place! I love the sunsets and the amazing forests and parks... and don't forget the waterfalls! What an amazing place to take pictures! I am dreaming right now of it all.

Each island has different amenities and locations to offer your wedding! It is important to take into consideration what island you want to stay on and what wedding location is accessible. Look at all the different islands to find the perfect place. Don't just opt for a wedding at a hotel because that is where you are staying or seems convenient. You are going to HAWAII for heavens sake do it BIG! Visit http://www.gohawaii.com/ the Official travel site. Enjot the amazing pictures below!

http://www.kauaitropicalweddings.com/

http://sanderl.com/

http://oahuwedding.com/

http://www.hawaiipictures.com/

http://www.beautifulhawaiiweddings.com/

http://www.arainbowinparadise.com/

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/hawaii/lanai/weddings

http://www.lanaieventphotography.com/

www.mauiphotography.net/

http://www.promisesmaui.com/

http://www.whiteorchidwedding.com/

www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/weddings

theknot.com

http://postcardsandpretties.blogspot.com/2010/01/destination-hawaii-colors-mint-green.html

Destination of the Week: Paris, France



photo property of Studio Cabrelli





Known as the city of lights, Paris, France is one of the most romantic cities in the world. I personally have never been to Paris, let alone Europe, but I have always wanted to go. I love the old buildings and the culture of Paris that it makes a great place for a wedding or a honeymoon. Paris is picture perfect and has so many great places to get married or stay. The first one that comes to my mind is the Eiffel Tower, a picturesque metal statue standing over the city. Just think about having your wedding photos with that as the background. For art and history buffs there is a ton to do in Paris with Notre-Dame and the Louvre, plus many other museums to visit! PLUS there is amazing food in Paris from the pasta and pizza to the gelato you cannot go wrong. Like most locations there are great companies in Paris and many hotels/venues may offer the help of a planner. It is smart, like always, to research and talk to people who work over in Paris. Also, check on information about actually getting married in France and make sure you fill out any forms that are necessary.

If the city is not your seen there are great chateau's littered across the countryside of France. This is great for a romantic and more down to earth reception.  I also love France in general for a honeymoon as well. There are so many great places to visit and you are so close to many other countries and locations to visit. I recommend planning out where and what you want to go see and taking the train around, which is the main means of transportation.

I LOVE that there is also the Seine River in Paris and you can take boat cruises for your reception where you get the see the whole view of Paris while riding around. If you don't know I do enjoy a boat cruise! I love this idea because you get to show all your guests this great romantic city all at one time.

http://thumbnail-of-life.blogspot.com/2009/06/paris-trip.html

Like all destination weddings, you may have to cut down the invite list and think long and hard about how much you want to spend. If you want to save money... probably not the best idea, but great for a honeymoon since there are many things to do and see. Paris is the city of lights and romance, what a great place for a wedding or honeymoon to romance the love of your life. I also just love looking at all the amazing pictures of Paris and dreaming about my future trip there!

This is a great site for reading up about having a wedding in Paris and what needs to be done... http://www.parislogue.com/weddings

Here are just some more amazing pictures I found... Enjoy!

http://gallery.actsofvolition.com/photo/39914?honeymoon/travel



http://www.erichegwer.com/travel/black-and-white-photos-in-paris



http://www.erichegwer.com/travel/black-and-white-photos-in-paris



Destination of the Week: Italian Islands

The Italian Islands are an amazing extension of Italy and allow you to have that tropical island feel while still having the rustic Italy feel. There are 6 different islands: the 2 major islands are Sicily and Sardinia, and the minor islands are Ischia, Capri, Procida, Elba, Tremiti and Aeolian islands.

Italian Island weddings have many options from castles to hotels. There is so much history surrounding the country that it is easy to make anything work from old school to modern. Amazing old buildings and gorgeous views who would not want to take a trip to the Italian Islands?

It is affordable to find venues and vendors in the area as well and use them instead of trying to fly people over from the US. If you know anything about Italian food, most caterers will have full flavored, amazing pastas and desserts.

You are still able to travel throughout the main country of Italy and throughout Europe if wanted. Make your honeymoon in the surrounding areas and countries to save money on more airline tickets.

Make sure you check the requirements necessary to get a US wedding certificate in a foreign land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to these sites for the pictures:

http://www.italiandestinationweddings.com/italian_island_wedding_locations.html http://www.romeoandjuliet-weddings.com/tina-jared-ischia-wedding.0.html

http://www.christianmichael.co.uk/entry.php?entry_id=54