For weddings and every other momentous occasion, choose from over 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space featuring impeccably-designed ballrooms, verdant gardens, soothing lagoons, bayfront lawns and sandy beaches, all designed to set your San Diego wedding or celebration miles away from ordinary. Paradise Point is your destination for all things “I do.” Say your vows in an unforgettable wedding location that embodies the quintessential San Diego wedding experience, like a beach wedding venue, picturesque waterfront terrace or emerald garden dotted with palm trees.
Dena’s input: “Every time I am at this gorgeous venue I feel like I am in Hawaii- such a great San Diego wedding hot spot.”
Dragon Point Villa is a family owned modern luxury villa and boutique event venue. The 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom, modern style villa is situated atop one of the highest elevations of Fallbrook, CA, and is set on 8-acres of dragon fruit groves and vineyards. The property features epic views of San Diego’s North County agricultural and coastal landscapes.
Dena’s input: “A must see newer North County venue, offering VRBO with sleep overs- views are spectacular and a very modern house. Great pricing for a weekend celebration!”
Set amidst tropical palms and the sparkling waters of San Diego Bay, Humphreys Half Moon Inn offers a majestic setting perfect for garden ceremonies and outdoor receptions and beautiful destination weddings! Waterfront ballrooms offer breathtaking views of the yacht marina. Beautifully appointed guest rooms offer accommodations for out-of town wedding guests.
Dena’s input: “Overlooking some of San Diego’s most beautiful yachts, a water wedding experience for sure!
Hosted By & Photography: @heatherandersonphotography
Planning & Design: @alwaysflawlessproductions
Floral: @mustardseedfloral
Rentals: @adorefolklore; @hostesshaven
Stationery: @sea.and.sun.calligraphy
Chef: @chefjillianfae
Venue: @rustyforkranch
Sponsors: @thefindlab @photogsedit @bigdaymade @whitewren
Get more inspiration from this styled shoot on our website.
Invitations: Love Notes Stationery
Venue: Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Photographer: Paul Barnett Photography
Coordinator: Michelle Garibay Events– Tiana Loyd consultant
Florist: Flowers by Kendra
Décor & Rentals: BBJ Linen, TBD San Diego. Z Create Design
Balloon Design: Golden Arrow Events & Design
Beverage Catering: Snake Oil Cocktail Company
Cake/Dessert: Sugar and Scribe
Favors: Sweet Petite Confectionary
Bridal Gown: Here Comes the Bride
Menswear: Friar Tux
Bridal Beauty: Bridal by Haydee
Models: Lauren & Collin
Get more inspiration from this styled shoot on our website.
Florist: Flowers by Kendra
Venue: Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Photographer: Paul Barnett Photography
Coordinator: Michelle Garibay Events– Tiana Loyd consultant
Décor & Rentals: BBJ Linen, TBD San Diego. Z Create Design
Balloon Design: Golden Arrow Events & Design
Beverage Catering: Snake Oil Cocktail Company
Cake/Dessert: Sugar and Scribe
Favors: Sweet Petite Confectionary
Invitations: Love Notes Stationery
Bridal Gown: Here Comes the Bride
Menswear: Friar Tux
Bridal Beauty: Bridal by Haydee
Models: Lauren & Collin
By Minerva Padilla, Avant-Garde Travel
Your wedding day is one of the most significant days of your life… why not make your special day extra memorable … by GETTING MARRIED ON A CRUISE SHIP!
Many cruise lines offer services to help you plan a shipboard or shoreside ceremony, offering a private reception for your guests at a great value and most importantly it is followed by your romantic in location honeymoon
Here are a few of Minerva Padilla at Avant-Garde Travel’s favorite cruise line wedding packages:
PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess “Tie the Knot” packages are available on all ships and most have dedicated wedding chapels. They offer 3 different wedding packages starting at +$2,500.00 that can include from the ceremony to be officiated by the captain, to a wedding offshore at a glacier in Alaska. Pretty Romantic… This line also features state-of-the-art technology that allows you to broadcast the ceremony live, via webcam, to friends and family on land, in case they need an extra reminder to check your honeymoon gift registry online! Talk about bragging rights!
CUNARD
“Royal Ceremony at Sea”
Couples that enjoy British influence, like historic charm and formality (which is what the cruise line in known for) are drawn to this cruise line for their wedding. Cunard’s wedding package starts at $2,800 and includes many perks like; flower arrangements, invitations, a White Star Bellman to escort the bride to the ceremonial room and many more above and beyond extras. Reception packages for lunch (from $20 per person) or dinner (from $35 per person).
DISNEY
Disney Cruise Line’s “Fairy Tale Weddings” packages start at $3,000. The ceremony can be onboard or on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private Bahamian island. With this cruise line there are many little details that must be looked over, like the wedding license and number of guests that can attend the ceremony, but it its perfect for a small wedding, a Disney aficionado couple, or second marriages that involve young kids.
And they both lived happily ever after…
About the venue: Discover a romantic destination wedding in a tropical paradise at Humphreys Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island. Exchange your vows in a romantic garden setting of arching palms, exotic flowers and delicate waterfalls, then celebrate with friends and family while you enjoy award-winning cuisine, breathtaking views of their private marina, awe-inspiring sunsets, and city lights sparkling across the bay.
Get more inspiration from this styled shoot on our website.
Venue: Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Photographer: Paul Barnett Photography
Coordinator: Michelle Garibay Events– Tiana Loyd consultant
Florist: Flowers by Kendra
Décor & Rentals: BBJ Linen, TBD San Diego. Z Create Design
Balloon Design: Golden Arrow Events & Design
Beverage Catering: Snake Oil Cocktail Company
Cake/Dessert: Sugar and Scribe
Favors: Sweet Petite Confectionary
Invitations: Love Notes Stationery
Bridal Gown: Here Comes the Bride
Menswear: Friar Tux
Bridal Beauty: Bridal by Haydee
Models: Lauren & Collin
ABOUT THE VENUE: Discover a romantic destination wedding in a tropical paradise at Humphreys Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island. Exchange your vows in a romantic garden setting of arching palms, exotic flowers and delicate waterfalls, then celebrate with friends and family while you enjoy award-winning cuisine, breathtaking views of their private marina, awe-inspiring sunsets, and city lights sparkling across the bay.
Get more inspiration from this styled shoot on our website.
Venue: Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Photographer: Paul Barnett Photography
Coordinator: Michelle Garibay Events– Tiana Loyd consultant
Florist: Flowers by Kendra
Décor & Rentals: BBJ Linen, TBD San Diego. Z Create Design
Balloon Design: Golden Arrow Events & Design
Beverage Catering: Snake Oil Cocktail Company
Cake/Dessert: Sugar and Scribe
Favors: Sweet Petite Confectionary
Invitations: Love Notes Stationery
Bridal Gown: Here Comes the Bride
Menswear: Friar Tux
Bridal Beaut: Bridal by Haydee
Models: Lauren & Collin
Over the past two years, Barbados has received many awards most recently awarded “Caribbean’s Best Destination” by Expedia and “Best Caribbean Beach” by Conde Nast Traveler’s List. Known for sexy-romance, Barbados offers couples a relaxed island honeymoon, destination wedding or vacation. Here is a list of things we know you won’t want to miss on your next visit.
1.) Mount Gay Rum Tour
Enjoy one or more cocktails with expert shakers at the Mount Gay Rum Barbados distillery, and discover the colorful history of Mount Gay Rum.
2.) Island Safari Tour
Visit the highest cliff on the island where professional guides take tours through the gullies, forests, remote bays and road with coastal views exposing the hidden secrets of Barbados.
3.) The Crystal Room in Harrison’s Cave
With an abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, streams, lakes and waterfalls, leading speleologists consider the Crystal Room Cave to be among the finest showcases of its type in the world. The Caves are located near the geographical center of Barbados.
4.) Sunset cocktails anywhere on the Caribbean Sea-side of the Island
Barbados has many fantastic hotels with glamorous lounges, from which to view a spectacular Caribbean sunset. Try any drink with the favorite spirit of the island Rum.
5.) Catamaran Cruise on the Caribbean
Picture yourself relaxing on the deck on a luxurious catamaran while gliding over the sparkling crystal-clear Caribbean, past beautiful palm-fringed beaches. The Catamaran is anchored for lunch where visitors can enjoy a sumptuous meal prepared some of the Caribbean’s top chefs. After lunch, enjoy snorkeling in the light blue waters.
6.) Surfing the Soup Bowl at Bathsheba
The Soup Bowl in Bathsheba on the North East Atlantic coast as having some of the best surfing in the Caribbean. The Soup Bowl comes alive when the swells arrive from the North or North East, and break over a shallow reef, producing the perfect barrel or “tube” that surfers relish so much.
7.) Golf at any of the five top international courses
For those who want to play golf while visiting the Island, Barbados has some of the region’s most luxurious and breathtaking courses and has received unprecedented attention from golf aficionados.
8.) The Spa at Sandy Lane
The Spa is housed within a splendid Romanesque building of 42,000 square feet fronted by a spectacular waterfall cascading into a large, freeform swimming pool. World-class facilities include nine VIP treatment suites with luxurious treatments offered.
9.) Scuba Diving in Barbados
The fringes and reefs found off Barbados’ coast blossom with sponge, coral & plant life. The barrier reefs, located approximately one mile off-shore, contain large coral heads that form the habitat for thousands of beautiful fish and larger marine creatures like Turtles and Seahorses. Man-made Shipwrecks have created fascinating habitats for marine life and can also be found off the shores of Barbados.
10.) Relax and taken in the Sun and Sand at Crane Beach
There is nothing better than getting a large fluffy beach towel from your suite, in the pristine Crane Hotel. Crane Beach has been named as one of the “10 best beaches in the World” by the television show, “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”.
11.) Fall in love again at The Cliff Restaurant
The Cliff is neatly perched above the lapping waves of the Caribbean Sea and is lit by fiery lanterns that burn brightly high above the tables. The Cliff opened in 1996 and is consistently top ranked in the Barbados Zagat Guide. Its exquisite multi-tiered setting complements Chef Paul Owen’s menu, strongly influenced by the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
12.) Romantic walks on the Beach
Barbados has many wonderful long beaches, just made for long romantic walks either during the day or in the cooler hours of the early evening, underneath millions of glistening stars set to a chorus of tree frogs.
For more ideas, visit www.visitbarbados.org.
Planning a Destination Wedding in Hawaiian Paradise
By: Kristen Castillo
There’s something about the Hawaiian Islands that’s intriguing. Maybe it’s the sunsets, the friendly people or the laid back vibe. Anyway you look at it, Hawaii has a lot to offer tourists and locals. That’s why a destination wedding on Maui is so appealing to so many couples.
Say Aloha to a Maui Wedding
Carrie Chan and Brian Sinnott who live in San Diego’s Little Italy tied the knot at a private estate on Makena, Maui, Hawaii on Earth Day April 22, 2008. They knew the Hawaiian island was the right place for their destination wedding.
“We chose to get married in Maui because it was the most beautiful, romantic place imaginable and absolutely perfect for a beach wedding,” explains Chan. “Both of us wanted to get married on the beach and could not have picked a better place.”
It didn’t take much to sell the couple on Maui’s charm. The bride loves the beaches and the groom loves the food. “There are so many different types of food to eat in Hawaii,” says Chan. “The fresh produce, especially tomatoes, pineapple, and mango are like no where else. The fish in Hawaii is phenomenal. He loves the Kona Kampachi and the ono.”
Following the wedding, the couple enjoyed a Hawaiian honeymoon too spending time on Maui, Lanai and the Big Island. “We loved that there were so many activities from snorkeling, to kayaking or just laying out on the beach,” says Chan. “It was relaxing and we truly had a fantastic honeymoon.”
Marvelous Maui
Maui is 48 miles long and 26 miles across, making it the second largest Hawaiian island (the Big Island is the largest). It has beaches, tropical rainforests, cliffs and more geological diversity.
“Like the other Hawaiian islands, Maui is a microcosm of the world’s climates and terrains,” says Sandi Yara of the Maui Visitors Bureau. “Less than 25 percent of Maui’s 729 square miles is inhabited, and because much of the terrain is rugged and remote, it remains pristine.”
Aside from its natural beauty, visitors enjoy world-class golf and spa treatments. “The pace of life perfect on Maui ,” says Yara, “Slower than Oahu, but faster than Kauai and the Big Island…the overall feel of the island ranges from casual and laid-back to upscale and dreamy.”
The Maui Bridal Experience
Diane Paralusz and Richard Montgomery of Manhattan Beach married in an intimate morning ceremony on October 24, 2008 at Maui’s Makena Cove, a place the bride calls “stunning.”
“I’ve been to Maui several times,” she says. “Each time I visit I fall in love with it all over again, especially South Maui. The relaxing vibe of Maui entices me to keep coming back. The beaches are stunning with the contrast of turquoise water against the black lava rock and white sand.” Paralusz and Montgomery also honeymooned on Maui to spend time with their families and explore the island on their own.
“Maui has so much to offer because it’s so diverse,” says Paralusz who says she loves the smell of fresh flowers on Maui and the laid back way of life. “You can go to the beach, snorkel, drive the road to Hana, hike, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the vineyards, shop in Lahaina and Wailea.”
Accommodations
There are many choices of resorts and hotels on Maui including The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, which means “Heavenly White.” The hotel, located along Polo Beach on 22 acres of tropical landscape, is the only all-suite hotel in Hawaii, offering 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two and three bedroom villas.
Each year, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui hosts between 75 and 100 weddings where the guest list ranges from 20 to 100 people, says Wendy Harvey, the hotel’s director of public relations.
Generally wedding ceremonies start about two hours before sunset for ideal photo opportunities. There are three ceremony sites to consider including the most popular choice Pacific Terrace, “described as a balcony overlooking the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean and gentle breezes for that awe-inspiring ‘wow’ that is not matched anywhere else,” says Harvey.
Island traditions can easily be incorporated into a destination wedding ceremony. The groom can arrive at the ceremony via canoe, with a conch shell blower announcing his arrival on shore. A Tahitian drummer and Tiki Torch maiden then escort the groom up to Pacific Terrace.
Another tradition to consider is a Hawaiian lei exchange between the bride and groom. “The officiant explains the significance of the lei and what it represents,” says Harvey. “For those that may have lost loved ones which have importance in their life, we also discuss a lei toss into the Pacific Ocean when the bride and groom venture onto the beach for their beach and sunset photos.”
A ceremony at The Fairmont Kea Lani also includes a female hula dancer and Hawaiian musician who perform for the bride and groom following the exchange of rings. “The bride and groom can create their wedding to be traditionally elegant, contemporary or with Hawaiian flare,” says Harvey noting how each wedding is “tailored specifically” to the bride and groom.
Activities
Maui is full of adventure and activity like hiking, whale watching and horseback riding. There are 80 beaches on the island where you can relax and check out the various sand colors of red, black, gold and pure white.
The island is also big on culture. “Maui has more than 40 galleries carrying both the best of well known local artists, and internationally acclaimed masters such as Dali, Erte and Gorman,” says the Maui Visitors Bureau’s Yara. “On Friday evenings in Lahaina, art becomes a party. Browsers are encouraged to wander from gallery to gallery. Complimentary food and wine are served. There are art tours that visit the homes of local artists.”
Rent a car and sightsee all over the island. Not only will you enjoy natural beauty, you can check out old plantation towns, museums, and the geysers of Hobbitland. Stop by a flower farm along the Haleakala and Kula Highways and breathe in the smell of fragrant island blooms. Don’t miss the drive on the Hana Highway, the road with 54 bridges in 56 miles!
“Maui’s roads wind along lava shores, through old plantation towns, past miles of beaches and up through towering forests to the top of a volcano,” says Yara. They are well maintained and well marked, making driving a pleasure.” Shop the Lahaina marketplace for scrimshaw, the art developed by the whale men; as well as traditional Hawaiian arts including wood carvings, shells, feather work, and kappa, which is decorated fabric made from tree bark.
“Look for bowls and objects carved in beautiful native woods such as koa, milo and ohia; baskets and hats woven of lauhala; hand painted resort fashions, jewelry; art; and anything with a gecko on it,” says Yara. “The gecko is the latest craze and the chirpy little lizard can be found on everything from t-shirts to 14 karat rings.”
When you get hungry from all the activity, you have about 200 restaurant choices to consider including Japanese, Italian, Chinese and Mexican cuisine. “Even with all the numerous activities, Maui does not feel crowded,” says Harvey. “Maui is known for its laid back attitude with an abundance of Aloha spirit. It is a place that you will want to return time and time again.”
Getting There
In recent months, many airlines have cut service to Hawaii. The Maui Visitors Bureau recommends doing online research before you book your flight. Yara suggests checking out different travel packages and consulting with travel agents who specialize in Hawaiian travel.
“Major airlines like American and Delta continue to have direct flights to Maui and others like United and Continental fly direct to Honolulu and a short 20 minute inter-island flight gets them to Maui,” she says noting that the new Hawaii SuperFerry is a great option for travel between Maui and Oahu.
Planning Tips from Maui Brides
If you’re planning a Maui wedding or honeymoon, take newlyweds’ Chan and Sinott’s advice: “You have to relax and be flexible,” says Chan. “We planned our wedding from 3,000 miles away and everything turned out perfectly! But we were prepared to have some things not go our way, especially the weather. When you aren’t physically there to work with vendors or the wedding coordinator, it makes planning a little more challenging.”
Recent bride Paralusz shares this practical planning insight: “Go and book your plane tickets far in advance! Explore all of the different parts of the island to capture essence of Maui. Each part has so much to offer. You will not be disappointed.”
Maui brides rave about the island and the experience. If you’re considering a destination wedding, don’t forget this tropical retreat.
Maui Planning Resources
www.visitmaui.com
www.gohawaii.com/maui
www.fairmont.com/kealani
www.mauiculture.net
The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui’s “Ho’omale” (To marry) Wedding Package
• Personal Wedding Planner
• Choice of a Wedding Location
• White Garden Folding Chairs
• Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal
• Non-Denominational Officiant
• Arrangement of Marriage License Appointment
• Hawaiian Wedding Certificate
• Solo Musician for your Ceremony
• Pair of Personalized Etched Champagne Flutes
• Medium Hand-Tied Bridal Bouquet or Traditional Hawaiian Wedding Lei
• Groom’s Boutonniere or Traditional Hawaiian Wedding Lei
• Two-Tiered Wedding Cake (6”/10”) with Fresh Flowers
• Rose Petal Aisle or Circle of Love
• Hair and Make-up for the Bride at Juvenal & Co. Hair Salon
• 2 Hours Photography Package from our list of preferred photographers to include (24) 4×5 or 4×6 prints and (1) 8×10 portrait with photo album
• Two Nights Accommodations in a luxurious Deluxe Ocean View one-bedroom suite
• Romantic Suite amenity
Price: $6,800.00, plus tax
The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui’s “Hau’oli” (Happiness) Wedding Package
• Personal Wedding Planner
• Choice of a Wedding Location
• Natural Bamboo Chivari Chairs for up to 50 guests
• Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal
• Non-Denominational Officiant
• Arrangement of Marriage License Appointment
• Hawaiian Wedding Certificate
• Musical Trio for your ceremony
• Pair of Personalized Etched Champagne Flutes
• Medium Hand-Tied Bridal Bouquet or Traditional Hawaiian Wedding Lei
• Groom’s Boutonniere or Traditional Hawaiian Wedding Lei
• 8”, 10”, 12” Three-Tiered Wedding Cake with Fresh Flowers
• Rose Petal Aisle or Circle of Love
• Small Hand-Tied Maid of Honor Bouquet or Traditional Hawaiian Lei
• Best Man’s Boutonniere or Traditional Hawaiian Lei
• Hair and Makeup for the Bride and a Guest at Juvenal & Co. Hair Salon
• Two 80-Minute Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage
• 3 Hours Photography Package from our list of preferred photographers to include (36) 4×5 or 4×6 prints and (2) 8×10 portrait with photo album
• 3 Hours Videography Package from our list of preferred videographers to include (1) edited DVD with music
• Three Nights Accommodations in a luxurious Deluxe Ocean View one bedroom suite
• Romantic Suite amenity
Price: $13,200.00, plus tax
