If you're dreaming of sweet romance, of being surrounded by dazzling white sand beaches and the bluest clearest sea imaginable, then visit the islands of the Bahamas. Choose from the glitz and glamour of Nassau and Grand Bahamas Island, with their sophisticated hotels and casinos, or the rustic escapism of the out islands where life slows down its pace and finding a deserted beach to enjoy alone is easy.

The Islands of the Bahamas are a perfect match for romantics planning the wedding of their dreams in an exotic location. It could be an extravagant event with all the trimmings or a simple ceremony on a deserted beach. Imagine a beautiful horse drawn carriage whisking you away to the wedding ceremony, limousine transfers to and from the hotel, swimming with dolphins or high tea at Government House. For a royal wedding bliss experience, colonial Nassau is the ideal location. Influenced by England and steeped in Bahamian culture, this island is rated among the best international cities in the world. Create your own cocktail this is your wedding and a chance to unleash your fantasies.

Whether you're looking to get married, enjoy an exotic honeymoon or simply seeking a romantic escape, The Bahamas will ensure and unforgettable experience. Whatever dreamy island you pick, you will find a host of leisure activities. That is, if you can drag yourself away from the luxury of your hotel or the idyllic palm lined beaches.

At Bay Gardens Resorts, they have created the quintessential romantic setting for lovers on honeymoon, getting married or celebrating special occasions.

From romantic rendezvous on their exclusive pristine beach featuring dreamy sunsets, to heavenly honeymoon havens, to intimate meals at their four superb restaurants, your stay at their Beach Resort, Hotel and Inn, they promise that this will be one of the most memorable romantic experiences of your life.

The resort and spa sits on one of St. Lucia's scenic beaches and in addition to the magnificent settings at their resort, guests have the additional privilege of an incomparably beautiful 2-mile beach vista allowing access to the aquatic delights which include swimming, snorkeling and water skiing.

 

For our Feb. 26th bridal show, we are offering free and discounted tickets!

Bridal Show:  February 26th, 2012

Location:  Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa

Time:  11am to 4pm

More information:  http://www.carlsbadbridalshow.com 

**Free Tickets:

2.  Donate a formal or prom like dress to Princess Project the day of the show and receive 2 free tickets and enter to win a great prize.  Visit the following link for more information and dress guidelines:  http://www.carlsbadbridalshow.com/Princess-Project.html

**Discounted Tickets:

3.  Visit a local store and pick up special discounted coupons and enter to win a great prize! Click here for the list of stores  http://thewedclub.com/blog/?p=424

There are many questions that need to be answered in order to select the right officiant. What organization are they associated with? What do they offer for a wedding ceremony? How far do they travel? Do they require counseling? And, the seemingly most asked question, how much do they charge? 

First, what organization are they associated with? In California people who perform weddings do not have to register with the State. But, it is important that you know what organization ordained them or recognizes them as having authority to legally officiate a wedding ceremony. They can actually be independent from any organization as long as they still have this authority. 

What do they offer for a wedding ceremony? In other words, do they help you plan the wedding or do they just have a ceremony that they do. Do you get to meet with them? Will they let you get involved in the planning? Can it be religious or non-religious? Do they let you have any say regarding the content of the message? Also, will they do interfaith ceremonies? 

How far will they travel? Although it is not necessary to find a minister in the area you wedding is taking place, it is important to know if you minister charges extra to travel over a certain distance. Sometimes this can mean that the "bargain" minister really wasn't that cheap after all. It is best to select someone with a flat fee so you know exactly what you're paying for. Another question would be if the rehearsal is extra or included in the fee. (More on cost later). 

Do they require counseling? Some officiates will not do a wedding without counseling. Although this is a great idea for anyone getting married, sometimes couples don't want this or are taking care of this themselves. If this is not what a couple wants, then this is not the right officiant for them. 

Now, the most asked question, and usually the first one asked by couples: How much do they charge? In almost every area of the wedding a decision on cost comes down to, not only what each couple can afford, but what do they get for the service they are paying for. In every other category of service for weddings the decision is based on goods offered and the cost of those services. It is basically a business decision. 

Selecting an officiant is more of a personal, emotional, even a spiritual decision. It is typical for a couple using their own clergy to simply give them a tip of some modest amount. There are some who think this system of payment will also apply to an officiant they 'hire' to do their wedding. This is not how it works. If you use your clergy, you may already donate to the church from which they receive a salary. in this case, a tip is more appropriate. When you asked someone to officiate your wedding who works independently, he is basically earning a salary on his own. It is not appropriate to pay him in the same way. On the surface it may appear that every wedding officiate does the same thing no matter what they charge. There can be a very big differences! 

An experienced, qualified edding officiant in San Diego can charge anywhere from $250 to over $600. The good ones charge more because they usually have more experience, do more to make your ceremony special, spend more time with you and do a better job in their presentation during the ceremony. The better officiants will meet with you and get you involved with the planning. They will be available if you need them and will help you in any way they can. Like any other service for your wedding day, the better wedding officiants are not the cheapest ones. Keep in mind that no matter what you pay for an officiant, they will always be the cheapest item you will pay for. 

The most important thing to remember is that your wedding officiant is the first person your guests will see on your wedding day. Whatever you plans, however much you spend, if the officiant doesn't represent you well in your wedding ceremony, they will be the focus of conversation the rest of the day, (not to mention be in most of your pictures of the ceremony). The right officiant will start your day right and help you to have the wedding you dreamed about. 

Marriage is a time honored tradition one that will last forever. Your wedding venue should be as timeless as the institution itself. The most discerning couples will fall in love with Keswick Hall, an Orient Express Hotel, along with all it offers, from the elegant and stylish surroundings, the warm and friendly yet professional service, the pre and post wedding activity and event options, and luxurious accommodations to simply the most stunning ceremony and wedding venues in Virginia perfect for your once in a lifetime event.

The award winning estate has 600 acres of expansive property, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A grand Italianate villa among gently rolling hills and splendid foliage with an impeccable golf course provides an impressive backdrop suggests an event that is secluded yet dramatic. You and your guests will enjoy the convenience and advantage of finding both the elegantly appointed guestrooms and private dining space within the same location. A destination that is suitable for all seasons, the 48 guestrooms at Keswick Hall are beautifully decorated with comfort and relaxation in mind, boasting distinguishing features that include stylish American and European furniture, armoires, personal collectable, overstuffed ottomans, antique club chairs, and restful beds plumped with comforters and feather pillows.

Thinking of going to Barbados for your honeymoon? Below are 10 reasons why Barbados is an unforgettable honeymoon paradise.

1) Crane Beach is the ultimate picture perfect beach. Its rugged cliffs, sparkling waters and pink hued sands are the ideal spot for a champagne picnic for two.
2) Foul Bay combines dramatic crashing Atlantic waves with a deserted beach. Add a picnic blanket, a splash of rum Punch and your love one and you have the recipe for a perfect romantic afternoon.
3) Bottom Bay enjoy the cool breeze moving trough the coconut palms, recline and enjoy a good book or take a stroll and explore bottom bay's overhanging cliff and cave.
4) Flower Forest lush garden forest is rife with vivid flowers and blooms from all over the world
5) Akin to a castle escape to nature, and enjoy the welcoming shade of the trees as you take in the dramatic scenery
6) Sandy Lane Spa is the ultimate in relaxation and self indulgence fronted by a spectacular waterfall, cascading into its own free form swimming pool
7) Cliff Restaurant terraced into a Cliffside coves embrace with flamed torches extending the sunsets lingering glow
8) Welchman Hall gully enjoy a walk through this shady tropical paradise couple with rustling bamboo and infamous green monkeys
9) Graeme Hall this natural oasis is a haven for wildlife love birds will be rewarded with walk through aviaries and red and white mangroves
10) Bathsheba Picnic unique rock formations from an ancient coral reef make for a protected cove with the backdrops of rolling hills and gullies.

Love is always in the air in Martinique! This seductive little corner of France nestled in the heart of the Caribbean combines the legendary romance of Paris with the sultry allure of the tropics to create the ultimate honeymoon paradise. From its extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural traditions and world renowned gastronomy, to its chic boutique, swanky hotels and warm hospitality, Martinique more than meets the needs of discerning honeymooners alike. It is little wonder, that one of the world’s greatest love story that of Napoleon and Josephine has roots in Martinique.

Honeymooners and visitors to Martinique can enjoy a sailing excursion to Josephine’s bathtub, a sparkling green tidal pool nestled between two islets of Martinique’s east coast. The royal romance experience can also be taken to the next level with a visit to one of the two islets bordering Josephine’s bathtub, ilet oscar. The islet is home to a sultry five-bedroom, 19th century plantation house available for rent alone, and its entirety or on a per room basis. What could be more romantic than your own private island?

The British Colonial Hilton is the oldest and most established hotel in the Bahamas. Built on the site of the original Fort Nassau, the hotel has hosted many of Nassau's finest weddings. From its elegant lobby and spectacular staircase, to its grand ballrooms and beautiful gardens, the British Colonial Hilton is the perfect venue for you event. Beginning with expertise of its professional catering sales team, to its creative executive chef and his culinary team through to the hospitable banquet team, you and your guests will be taken care of every step of the way.

The British Colonial Hilton offers three distinct and comprehensive wedding packages that were designed to simplify menu planning and budgeting for you. They include the wedding essentials that will leave you and your guests with a lasting and memorable impression. Their catering professionals are at your disposal to create a tailor made package according to your individual tastes and specific requirements.

Make a list

Jot down the items you really need—before you hit the store. It's easy to get dazzled by tempting store displays. Use our handy checklist to be sure you don’t forget anything essential.

Determine your style
How would you define your style? Are you a traditionalist or more of a bohemian, hippie gal? Do you surround yourself with romantic, frilly décor or is your home filled with simple, clean shapes and monochromatic colors? Knowing your personal style helps you determine where to register and what items to include in your registry.

Easy access
Choose a mix of national and local retailers to better accommodate your guests.

The fine print
Check the store's shipping and return policies, and make sure they apply to your registry—and suit your needs.

Manage your registry
As items get snapped up, add more so that all of your guests will have a selection to choose from when they go to purchase your gift.

Size up your space
If you know you'll have to store items, be realistic about how much space you have in your house or apartment.

Consider your options
These days the sky’s the limit when it comes to registering. You can go traditional and register for china, flatware and other household essentials or you can opt for a registry that reflects you and your partner's style. Some choices:

Register for a cause
The I Do Foundation partners with stores like Target to donate a portion of its sales to your favorite charity (idofoundation.org).

Go natural
Gaiam.com sells organic-cotton sheets and woven-seagrass coffee tables, while greenfeet.com is a great resource for recycled-glass dinnerware and soapstone pizza pans.

Plan a dream vacation
Ask guests to contribute to your honeymoon fund by registering through Distinctive Honeymoons (distinctivehoneymoons.com) or Honeymoon Wishes (honeymoonwishes.com).

Get a sports high
Adventurous types can register at rei.com for a large assortment of camping and sports gear including bikes, snowboards and canoes.

Stock up
It's never too early to start planning for your financial retirement. Couples ready to start the ball rolling sign up at registerstock.com.

Drink and be merry
For Oenophiles and those looking to do a lot of post-wedding entertaining, register at store.morrellwine.com for a large assortment of wine and wine accessories. Everything you need to keep the party going!

Continental Airline Vacations and Select Escapes present some of the most romantic destinations and a selection of the finest and most pampering hotel and resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas and Hawaii. You'll enjoy the lowest available airfare on continental airlines when you purchase your flight and hotel stay for your destination wedding or honeymoon from continental airline vacations. Plus take advantage of their unique payment option, allowing you to put down a deposit on your event and pay the balance closer to your departure. You can also enjoy incredible offers for you, your friends and family. Your honeymoon or destination wedding promises to be the epitome of a dream comes true.

Pledge your love to each other with beautiful Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii or Las Vegas as your backdrop.  It's not only wonderfully romantic it's easy and memorable create a celebration you'll never forget by having your family and special friends around you in a beautiful destination.

Beachfront resorts located in Mexico and the Caribbean offer some of the most scenic locations and pampering amenities, making them truly some of the best places to get married or celebrate!

 

A traditional celebration or an emotional renewal of vows, the long awaited honeymoon their personalized exclusive programs for each event in their Caribbean  resorts come with special offers for couples reserving one of their programs (Platinum Suite or Laguna Villa Suite) for eight days.

The Princess packs where they perfectly combine the glamour of the ceremony with personalized care, paying attention to every little detail to enable the couple and their guests to enjoy the emotion and charm of the moment. Private parties on the shore with beautifully decorated gazebos, a Caribbean atmosphere in selected spaces, gala dinners, and live music. This is the perfect place for the most longed for party.

Luxury suites in stunning paradisiacal environments the wedding reception, the guest list, guest accommodation, exquisite food together with excellent decoration provide a subtle and delicate ambience for the perfect princess wedding.

Pot #1 - Your parents or loved ones are or are helping you foot the bill for the wedding, and therefore, believe they have a say or authority over most, or even all, of the decisions you make for your wedding.
Whew, this is a tough one, so I will deal with it first. If the guidance you are being given is tolerable, and you can live with some of the things they would like to see that day, then your ability to compromise is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of grace and strength. However, if guidance is verging into dictatorship, you must say something, but doing so in a loving, mature way will likely garner the best response: “Mom, please know that John and I are so grateful for the fact that you and Dad are helping us make this wedding possible, but it is really important to us that we celebrate the beginning of our marriage in a way that reflects who we are and what we love. Making this choice fulfills that for us better than that choice. Thank you for understanding that.” In the situation where that is not enough, and your loved ones instead choose to continue to push the fact that it’s their money, so it’s their way, then you may have to make the difficult decision to kindly decline their financial assistance. You may have to scale back, significantly even, so that you can fit your budget, but that is okay. If doing it your way is important enough to you, you will be able to also figure out how to do it your way with the resources you have.
Sincerely, Rev. Anne Styx, Chicagoland's "The Rev For Whatev”
www.revforwhatev.com

The One & Only Cape Town resort is adding a luxurious new 76-ft motor yacht and a sophisticated new Ballroom to its expansive venue list for weddings and engagements. The new Ballroom boasts a classic ivory color palette and the addition of six handmade crystal chandeliers to the décor. It’s a space designed for the most elegant of weddings. It measures 2,314 square feet, as well as having 648 square feet of outdoor space with breath-taking views of Table Mountain. It’s able to accommodate 50 to 140 guests and can also be divided in two for more intimate affairs.

In addition to the new Ballroom, couples can be married on the Sherilyn, a luxury motor yacht, which is available for sunset wedding photographs, intimate wedding ceremonies and proposals. It can accommodate up to 20 passengers and comes equipped with a qualified team able to facilitate elaborate floral décor or a menu of gourmet canapés and champagne. Those who take part in the Ballroom Package are provided exclusive access to the yacht for post-ceremony drinks. The yacht is also an ideal venue for a bachelorette or bachelor party and a post-wedding brunch.

The basic wedding package, the One &Only Intimate Wedding, includes a maximum of six guests.  In order to book this package, guests must stay a minimum of two nights and the package is added to the regular accommodation rates. Accommodation is subject to availability. The High Season is from October 1 to December 20 and bookings must be fully pre-paid 21 days prior to arrival.

On the wedding day, the bride and groom may want to consider seeing each other a few hours before the ceremony in a “first meeting.” Because this allows for more time and more pictures, couples are more relaxed and they are free to enjoy more time with their guests without worrying about time constraints.

This lack of time constraints also allows for more artistic wedding shots because couples are now free to explore the beautiful settings that their locations have to offer and they are not restricted to the immediate area around the ceremony site.