Red and White Color Inspiration for a Mexico Winter Wedding

Photo Credit: Eco-Beautiful Weddings

JW Marriott Cancun Resort Announces 2012 Weddings in Cancun Packages

In a recent press release, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa announced its Cancun destination wedding packages for 2012 -- and they sure do look enticing!

According to the press release, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort offers three different Cancun destination wedding packages in 2012, along with elegant additions like flower decorations, ministers and even a Mayan Shaman (for those who truly wish to get into the Cancun spirit).

The Caribbean Pearl Cancun destination wedding package is the first of the 2012 JW Marriott Cancun Weddings. Guests of the wedding arrive at either the gazebo or beach setting at the JW Marriott Cancun resort. The ceremony site features an elegant setup of white chairs and colored bows, selected from the wedding catalog. The Caribbean Pearl package also includes an hour of standard open bar cocktail service, in addition to a beautiful reception area with delicious meals at the JW Marriott Resort. After the ceremony, the bride and groom can enjoy a room upgrade and a romantic turndown service, plus 20% off spa treatments at the Beauty Salon for bride, groom and their guests.

Spanish Bridal Fashion with Mexican Wedding Inspiration

I fell in love with this unique twist on a Mexican wedding theme with soft pastel colors in lieu of the expected bright colors on the Heavenly Blooms blog -- and wanted to share! With gorgeous photographs from Stephanie Williams of This Modern Romance, here is just a taste of this stunning Spanish Bridal Fashion + Mexican Pastel photo shoot for your wedding inspiration...

View more of this beautiful Mexican wedding shoot!

Weddings by VIP Travel Discounts

Weddings by VIP Travel Discounts: How cute are these papel picado invitations? These would be perfect for a destination Mexico wedding and best of all you can make them yourself. For directions check out Oncewed’s blog.

The Friendly World of Probiotics

I wanted to include a few pictures that I found today on Done Brilliantly Wedding Blog of this gorgeous destination wedding in Mexico. The wedding was captured by one of their featured photographers, Nathan Welton of Dreamtime Images. Nathan is not only a wedding photographer, but also an adventure photographer.

A Paradise Cove in Cabo San Lucas: Hotel Capella Pedregal

A Paradise Cove in Cabo San Lucas: Hotel Capella Pedregal: Hotel Capella Pedregal is brand spanking new and absolutely gorgeous. Think five star location, accommodations, food, and service all in one beautiful little package. Capella Pedregal is located just footsteps from the heart of Los Cabos. One could enjoy a walk to Cabo’s famed nightclubs and selection of amazing restaurants, but there’s no need given the fleet of SUV’s waiting to whisk you off to wherever your heart desires. But first you must travel through a mountain. That’s right, a mountain! Capella Pedregal drilled a tunnel so that it may have access to the city on one side and a blissful, private beach on the other.

Service and Accommodation
Capella Pedegral prides itself on its service and it is dedication to giving its guests the best possible experience. This includes lavish accommodations with your own infinity pool and butler. YES, a butler. Your “mayordomo” is there to greet you, unpack your bags, cook you breakfast, and do anything you need. Just to give you an idea, my favorite shoe broke on the way to the hotel (probably because it was a $10 sandal from Santee alley in Downtown LA) and my lovely mayordomo immediately called in the handy man who was able to fix my shoe in a matter of minutes. A couple of days later I fell victim to an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite during a mid-night party in a friends accommodation and not ten minutes later after I made a call, I had a package of Benadril brought in for me from town. The service at Capella Pedregal is absolutely priceless.

Winter Wedding Palette!

For someone that loves the warmth and sunny beaches of Mexico as much as I do, I certainly love the cold months and winter season as well. That's why I always advocate going for a fall or winter wedding theme...even if you're getting married at the beach. Take a look at this gorgeous winter wedding palette from The Perfect Palette, that would look great in the cold OR on the beach!

Via The Perfect Palette 

A REAL Mexican Wedding

As most of you know, Mexican culture is incredibly rich and deeply rooted. Today I wanted to share an inspiration board with some historical significance -- what a traditional Mexican wedding really looks like. While you may not be going this route yourselves, it's traditions and vibrant colors provide great inspiration for any couple planning a south of the border wedding!

Reception Music: Getting Started - TheKnot.com

Reception Music: Getting Started - TheKnot.com: If it’s done right, music will energize your celebration, heighten romance, and inspire guests to get down on the dance floor. "If music be the food of love, play on...." So said Shakespeare, and we echo his sentiment wholeheartedly. Here are eight notes to keep in mind.

Finding Your Muse

The best way to find the perfect band or DJ for your reception? Firsthand knowledge. Have you been to a wedding where the band kept the guests grooving all night long? Were you all smiles until the very last dance? Get the band's name and contact info. Alternatively, poll your recently married friends: Did they love their wedding band or DJ? Have they been to an event with great music? Word of mouth is still the best way to get the best musicians.

I've always loved putting together different color ideas, and looking at inspiration boards for combinations that I find...well, inspiring. One of my favorites is to use fall wedding ideas and rich dark colors for a destination wedding theme. Most people immediately think of bright and airy colors when planning for a beach wedding, but that doesn't have to be the case! Take a look at this gorgeous wedding inspiration board with red, peach and brown.

Picture from: Delightfully Engaged

Turquoise, Bronze & Ivory Mexico Inspiration Collage

Photo Credit: La Fleur Weddings

Honeymoon Travel: Mexico the Americas: Cozumel Honeymoons, Mexico from The Knot

Honeymoon Travel: Mexico the Americas: Cozumel Honeymoons, Mexico from The Knot: Unlike its bustling neighbor Cancun, Cozumel is relatively quiet -- only 3% of this 189-square-mile island has been developed. Located 12 miles off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and fringed by beautiful reefs, "the land of the swallows" offers clear turquoise waters and wide, white-sand beaches.

Before You Go: Need-to-know info
Entry requirements: Passport
Language: Spanish
Currency: Peso
Flight time: 6 hours from NYC, 7 hours from LA, 6 hours from Chicago, 2 1/2 hours from Dallas
Getting around: Taxi, rental car

When To Go: Cozumel at its best
Best weather: November to April. Rainy season runs from May through October; hurricane season swirls from September to October.
Best prices: May to mid-December; exact dates vary from hotel to hotel so be sure to do adequate research! Try to book as early as possible to ensure the lowest prices.


What To Do
Go diving: With more than 30 charted reefs and a variety of dive tours -- including deep, drift, shore, wall, night, and theme dives that focus on ecology, archaeology, wrecks, and photography -- Cozumel is one of Mexico's premier diving destination. In fact, Columbia Shallows is one of the most electrifying shallow dives in the Caribbean. As an added bonus, peak diving season (June to August) coincides with off-peak hotel season.

Ideas for a Lilac (Destination) Wedding!

Wedbits just added a great post with tips and ideas for a lilac wedding theme, and I loved it! The fresh summery colors are PERFECT for a breezy beach wedding, so I wanted to share.

As the article pointed out, lilac is a pretty and practical wedding day color theme; it makes the transition from day to night very well, and is a great color option for bridesmaids if you’re marrying in the afternoon but want things to move onto the evening. This is even more true for a beach wedding -- imagine that gorgeous lilac color against the white sands and purpling Mexico sunset. Perfection!

The End Of The Vintage Wedding Trend

Huffington Post contributor Harmony Walton tells us that the vintage wedding trend is on its way out, and she couldn't be more thrilled. Personally, I actually like this trend (if done correctly and tastefully), but it's never a good idea to channel too much of your weddings style toward something that is trendy and could ever be viewed as kitschy. Take a look at what Harmony had to say!

Harmony Walton: The End Of The Vintage Wedding Trend: Sprawling fields of high grass, hillsides off in the distance, and ... a gorgeous bride and groom perched on a vintage velvet burgundy chaise. Oh, the memories of the vintage wedding and its somewhat silly staged photographs. The not-so timeless vintage theme is one that often incorporates elements such as 50's era luggage used as décor, mismatched chairs reminiscent of a casual backyard event, and floral vessels made from all types of throwback food canisters.

Thankfully, the vintage wedding trend that took the nation by storm (in no small part due to the relentless plugging by us bridal bloggers), is finally starting to see the shade of its own sunset. And not a moment too soon -- I say let the trend end!

Read more on the demise of the vintage wedding trend.

Turquoise Dream: Destination Wedding in Mexico

I just came across some absolutely stunning destination wedding pictures from Bridal Musings. Turquoise has always been one of my favorite colors, and I think it's absolutely stunning for a destination wedding -- the contrast against the white sand, the way it melds in with the color of the sky and ocean -- I just love it. Check out these pictures from Bridal Musing's feature on this stunning wedding on the Gulf of Mexico!

Photos from: Bridal Musings

Aeromexico Airlines Expands New Flight Routes says MexicoToday

In planning a destination wedding, flights are a major consideration and priority. The cost and availability of flights and the can be a major factor when your wedding guests are making their plans and deciding if they can make the trip for the wedding.

MexicoToday has just reported some good news for those traveling to Mexico! Aeromexico Airlines, Mexico’s leading airline company, has expanded new flight routes within Mexico and between Mexico and the United States. This is anticipated to increase their capacity by 12 to 13 percent in 2012. Read more from MexicoToday!

Create a Handkerchief Ring Pillow

Now here's an idea that I love -- creating a unique and delicate ring pillow cover with the handkerchief of your choice! This is especially great for brides that have old handkerchiefs passed down from relatives. The delicate lace and intricate stitching that came on many women's handkerchiefs would make a gorgeous adornment for a ring pillow!

Photo Credit: Postcards and Pretties

Escape to Tulum, Mexico with Ana y Jose | Destination Wedding Ideas

Escape to Tulum, Mexico with Ana y Jose | Destination Wedding Ideas: Soft white sands, turquoise waters, and the warm Mexican sun. It must be the Riviera Maya. And for an unforgettable destination wedding in Tulum, it just doesn’t get any more spectacular than The Ana y Jose Hotel and Spa.

Just check out these incredible photos of the hotel and the wedding reception area. Who wouldn’t want to get married in this incredible location? Hmmm.

'via Blog this'

More Dia De Los Muertos Inspiration!

Gorgeous wedding inspiration from Green Wedding Shoes!! You've got to love this bold and
whimsical wedding, especially so close to Dia de lose Muertos!

Top Coolest Styles in Invitations | Para ti Novia

Top Coolest Styles in Invitations | Para ti Novia: You don’t need to read every blog out there to start to understand the latest new trends in Weddings. But, how do you know you have picked the right trend for you? And, how do you know where to begin? We have scoured all the latest trends to give you the best of the best in invitations and as well as classic wedding invitations for your Wedding!

1. DIY
From colorful oranges, yellows and fuschias, to simple sweet pastels, D-I-Y is way beyond a trend. It is a total lifestyle. We feature a lot of these Do-It Yourself Bodas especially from Monterrey Mexico. We love the chic casual feel of DIY invites so if you are definitely a bohemian Latina this is the style for you.

2. Glamorous / 1920s Retro
We are totally obsessed [and that may be an understatement] with the amazing and beautiful vibe of actual retro 1920s weddings. From beautiful short veils and gorgeous 1920s dresses to the adorable hats and gloves, we have fallen in love with a few of these weddings. So if you are a big fan of retro but even more a fan of the sillouettes of this time period, you will love this Wedding Invitations, just click here. They personify the chic casual elegance of this period.

3. 1950s Retro
Whether you are a true 1950s glam girl already (think Gwen Stefani), or just looking to plan a 1950 Palm Springs themed wedding, these invites will definitely have your guests swooning over your creativity!

Dia de Los Muertos Wedding Inspiration

In honor of Dia de los Muertos, which was celebrated across Mexico and various parts of the world yesterday, I wanted to include some inspiration for a wedding centered around this holiday. This trend is becoming more and more common, especially seasonally, and there are infinite ways to draw inspiration from Dia de los Muertos. Check out the inspiration board below for starters!

Photo Credit: Jet Fete Blog 

A Touch of Wedding Whimsy - Pinwheels!

As mentioned again and again, I'm a big fan of small touches that make a wedding unique, that add a touch of whimsy, and provide a little fun (perhaps serve as a prop?) for a wedding. Of course, this specifically applies to destination weddings for me, but the same goes for all sorts. I love drawing inspiration from stateside weddings and adding a fiesta twist to make them ideal for a wedding south of the border. The second that I came across this couples wedding photos on The Wedding Chicks, incorporating pinwheels as a fun decoration, I knew that I wanted to include the idea. This would be a perfect touch for a casual beach wedding. Pinwheels are fun, inexpensive, and would look great sticking out from the sand and whirling in the beach air. Furthermore, there are all sorts of ways to customize your pinwheels for a Mexican ceremony. Mexico colored or themed pinwheels would look great with your fiesta wedding on the beach, not to mention you can give them to your guests as a fun souvenir!

Fall Wedding Inspiration

Halloween is over, and with a chill in the air, it feels as though fall has finally arrived. Fall is hands down my favorite season, so I personally could not be more thrilled. And whether you're planning your nuptials stateside or below the border, there's no reason not to celebrate your fall wedding with deep autumn colors and food and decorations that are fit for the fall months. The Wedding Chicks seem to be on a roll. When hunting down fall wedding inspiration, I absolutely fell in love with their gorgeous ideas for a glamorous fall wedding. Cider? Caramel? Decorative gourds? Yes please! And might I add that I love me a decorative gourd display. Furthermore, the adorable "Fall in Love" wall display would make for a perfect backdrop for photos. Who needs a photo booth when you have this?!

Photo Credit: The Wedding Chicks

Destination Wedding Spotlight - Baja California

Baja California, known for its pristine beauty and multitude of activities, Baja has become one of the most desirable travel destinations throughout Mexico. When considering locations for a wedding south of the border, Baja certainly tops the list. I've featured this location on the blog in the past, and today I wanted to highlight this video which offers all that Baja has to offer. Not only is it a wonderful location for a beach wedding, but it is sure to keep your guests entertained from the moment they arrive until they leave.

Great Wedding Cake Trends to Consider

For some brides, the wedding cake is one of the key components to making your wedding day exactly what you'd always imagined. I will certainly be one of those brides. So I loved these suggestions that I found from The Knot on wedding cake trends that really stood out. Here are a few of my favorites!

1. Buttercream-frosted Cake: Keep it simple. As The Knot says, there's nothing more irresistible than buttercream frosting piped on thick -- so true!

2. A Chocolate Wedding Cake: Doesn't it seem like traditional wedding cakes are always iced with white or cream frosting, and that chocolate iced cakes are reserved for the groom's cake? This does NOT have to be the case!

3. A Cake Modeled After the Gown or Veil: Here's a trend that I haven't seen before...and love! In the picture attached, the fondant-iced cake had lace designs and silver and pearl accents.

Lantern Release - Beach Wedding Inspiration

I love the idea of releasing these floating lanterns after a romantic beach wedding -- who doesn't love a fun activity like this to break up the reception? Check out these and other great pictures from destinationinspirations.com!

Rehearsal Dinner Fiesta Inspiration

I loved this inspiration board fro The Sweetest Occasion for a great rehearsal dinner fiesta! Flags and paper lanterns hanging from palm trees, dining al fresco with your feet in the sand and the sounds of the ocean and acoustic guitar in the background…this looks like the perfect way to kick off a laid back beach wedding weekend!

Planning the Perfect Beach Wedding: The Reception!

Over the past two days We've gone over tips for dressing appropriately at your beach wedding, and how to make the most of your ceremony. To wrap up, I wanted to include the final segment from Destination Wedding Magazine: The Reception!

Anchor decor. Wind can topple tall floral arrangements, blow out candles and send other table elements flying. “Stay away from glass vases, which can easily break in the sand,” warns Bussen. If tall centerpieces are your dream, Helmstetter recommends having the florist secure them to the table with heavy objects. “She can always cover these mechanics by lining the vases with ti leaves, palms or other natural elements.” For lighting, “use hurricane-style lanterns or LED candles, which are flameless and longlasting,” says Bussen. When wind-proofing place cards and favors, a little creativity can go a long way. “Tie sea horses to each place card,” Helmstetter suggests, “and weigh your menus and napkins down with maracas or coconut shells.”

Rent a powder room. If marrying on a public beach, find out if there are bathrooms. If not, Natalie John of Dreamy Weddings & Tours suggests, “Hire an upscale portable lavatory for a few hours, especially if there will be lots of drinking during the reception.”

Keep warm. To help you and your guests fight a wind chill, Bussen advises, “Arrange a basket of comfy, color-coordinated pashminas to warm ladies’ shoulders.”

Planning the Perfect Beach Wedding: The Ceremony!

Yesterday, I featured tips from Destination Wedding Magazine on how to dress accordingly for the perfect beach wedding. Today I wanted to include some great guidelines for ways to make the most of your destination wedding: At the Ceremony!

Photo Credit: Tim Otto Photography

Stay natural. A gorgeous ocean backdrop doesn’t need to be too dressed up. Instead, highlight the natural beauty of the setting. “A beach wedding can be about shells and starfish, but it can also take inspiration from the harmonious color palette of sand, dune grasses, stones and water,” says Karen Bussen of Simple Stunning in New York. “Decor should be simple; avoid going over the top with fussy flowers.”

Add color. To make your setup really pop, Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events suggests, “Choose colors that contrast the sand and the surf rather than blend in, like corals, greens and other vibrant tones.”

Go local. Celebrity-wedding planner Colin Cowie recommends hiring local vendors as much as possible. “Otherwise you might find your favors or chair covers stuck in customs.” Tracey Kumer-Moore of Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge adds, “When it comes to food, look for caterers who are conscientious of local markets and respectful of the beach environment.”

Studio 563 Destination Wedding Pictures

Today I stumbled across some destination photos that I just fell in love with. Studio 563 did a superb job capturing the joy of this couple, and just what a fun time they all had south of the border! 

Studio 563 made an understatement saying that great destination wedding takes a ton of preparation. "The pre-wedding events can be just as amazing with some amazing memories made," says the site -- and I couldn't agree more! Mandy Millen with Every Little Detail Weddings & Events put on this wedding's events, and these events certainly looked like a blast. Follow the link below to check out the Welcome Reception, Tequila Tasting and Rehearsal Dinner.

Check out the pictures at Studio 563! 

Planning the Perfect Beach Wedding: Dress Accordingly!

Many people choose to go the beach wedding route to lower stress, and ensure that their wedding is about exactly what it should be -- having the time of their life with their future spouse, and closest friends and family. That said, there are certain unique things to keep in mind when planning for a destination wedding. Destination Wedding Magazine provides a great list of tips and suggestions for planning the perfect destination wedding. Over the next few days, I'll be going over different components of planning such an event. To start: Dress Accordingly

Skip the big dress. Let’s face it: A ballgown belongs in, well, a ballroom. “You may be able to get down the aisle in a full dress and long train,” notes Paulette Davis of Bahamas Wedding Planner, “but walking on the beach and taking photos won’t be easy. If a large dress is a must, make sure it can bustle easily.”

Think light. “Dresses with lace trim can be difficult because they pick up debris from the beach,” says Kate Bentley of Happily Ever After Wedding Planning & Design in Key West, Florida. “Instead, choose a lightweight fabric like chiffon or charmeuse so your gown flows in the ocean breeze.”

Nix the veil. “When marrying outside, think twice about a long veil,” cautions Stacy Mulcare of Ceremonies of St. John. “If it’s windy, it will be a nightmare for you and the photographer.” Instead, accessorize your ’do with fresh flowers or a fascinator.

Consider a Gastro-truck Catering Option for your Wedding

Para ti Novia made a great discover in Juan Miron’s incredible Gastro-truck MIHO GASTROTRUCK.

What's so great about Catering Trucks?
First of all, they can go anywhere! So whether you are in the desert, or on a beach, these catering trucks can pull up right beside your guests. As Para ti Novia said, these trucks are all over the Food Network. In fact, Los Angeles, CA recently was home to one of the first lunch truck competitions!

Starters:
These are some of Para ti Novia's suggestions for hand-passed starters that make amazing late night starters for your guests as you take your party into the breakfast hour. Think of this as sort of fun messy finger foods!

• Barbacoa tacos
• Black bean tostadas

The Meal:

• Grass-fed Harrissa Burgers
• Pull Pork Belly Sandwick

Sides:

• Belgian Fries

3-D Save-the-Dates - Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates - Destination Weddings - MarthaStewartWeddings.com

Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates - MarthaStewartWeddings.com: Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates are a great chance to be creative and have fun with planning your destination wedding. Here are some great ideas for fun save-the-dates for your Mexico wedding!

3-D Save-the-Dates
Sure, you could hire a plane to trail an aerial banner broadcasting your wedding date, and invite your friends and family over to watch it fly by. But posting these 3-D announcements is far more practical (and just as creative). Plus, your invitees will love opening the tiny envelope to reveal your happy news. While the airplane motif is apt for a destination wedding, these cards are also suited for local celebrations. The Details: Bird & Banner save-the-dates. Postage from Champion Stamp Co.


Postcard Save-the-Dates
For a destination event, this is one of the first steps in the process. After all, your guests have a trip to book! Inform them of your plans about six months before the big day. Choose a card that captures the spirit of your location and also provides plenty of space for important travel information. One of these colorful retro-inspired announcements is just the ticket. Lab Partners for Hello!Lucky save-the-date cards.

Check out more details on this and other interesting ideas for destination wedding save-the-dates from Martha Stewart Weddings].

'via Blog this'

Eco-Friendly Wedding in Mexico

Eco-tourism is becoming increasingly popular in recent years, and many couples are choosing to participate in this by having an eco-friendly wedding. If you have this goal in mind, and are planning for your destination wedding in Mexico, consider Taninah -- which means "first home" in Mayan. It is a stunning gated jungle retreat that spans 10 acres across the Riviera Maya. Read more about Taninah and eco-tourism for your destination wedding at MexicoToday!

Mexico Wedding | Des and Cary

Love these stunning photos from this couples destination wedding. Des and Cary exchanged vows south of the border, with photography by Lise & Eirik. Here are some pictures of their wedding in Mexico for inspiration!

Photo Credit: December Photography

First Mexican Hotel in Querétaro Welcomes Guests (Via Mexico Today)

Looking for a unique and stunning location for your destination wedding? You'll love this suggestion! DoubleTree is announcing its first Mexican hotel in Querétaro, Mexico. It is located near the Querétaro Convention Center and the La Corregidora football stadium. Each room has 42 inch flat screen TVs with international channels, safes, work desks, tea, and coffee. The hotel has many amenities, including a pool, a fitness center, in room dining, valet services, laundry services, concierge services, and travel desk services. Read the full story from Mexico Today!